Top 10 must do tours in Venice: gondola rides and islands to explore

  • 6 min read

Venice is not just a city, it is a spell suspended between water and sky. Every bridge, every calle, and every canal tells an ancient story. First-time visitors are enchanted by the reflection of the gondolas, the golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica, and the sunsets painting the lagoon.

And yet, to truly capture its essence, you need to experience the 10 must do tours in Venice: carefully selected activities that take you beyond the most famous façades, unveiling hidden secrets and authentic traditions.

1. St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace tour: guided visit among mosaics and secrets

St. Mark’s Square has been the salon of Europe for centuries. The Basilica, with its golden mosaics, and the Doge’s Palace, with its frescoed halls, preserve the grandeur of the Serenissima Republic.

With a guided tour of the Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Museums of St. Mark’s Square, you step into the political and religious heart of the city. The Bridge of Sighs and the History Gallery will accompany you on a journey that blends art, power, and mystery.

After all, this is one of the best experiences among the must do tours in Venice.

2. Walking tour in Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Old Royal Palace

Walking in Venice feels like opening an illustrated book. With a walking tour that includes the Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Old Royal Palace, you will discover not only the main landmarks but also corners often overlooked by those in a hurry.

The Correr Museum, located in the Old Royal Palace, tells the vivid history of the city from its origins to the 19th century.

3. Cultural and panoramic tour: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Gondola Ride

Art and tradition meet in this combined tour. After admiring the mosaics of the Basilica and walking through the halls of power in the Doge’s Palace, you will board a gondola to glide along the canals.

This complete experience is accordingly one of the must do tours in Venice, because it combines culture and romance in a single package.

4. Walking tour in Venice: unusual itinerary with visit to the Bell Tower

Beyond the iconic landmarks, Venice offers unexpected views. With an unusual walking tour, you will discover less-traveled calli, curious stories, and details that escape hurried glances.

Climbing the St. Mark’s Bell Tower offers an unforgettable panorama: the city appears like a mosaic on the water, framed by the lagoon and red rooftops.

5. Gondola ride in Venice: unforgettable experience on the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is the backbone of Venice, a succession of Gothic and Renaissance palaces seemingly rising from the water.

With a gondola ride on the Grand Canal and its hidden canals, you will live the most authentic, slow, and silent Venice. It is an iconic experience, above all a symbol of the city that no traveler should miss.

6. Combined tour in Venice: gondola and walking tour among historic monuments

For those who want to explore Venice both on land and on water, the gondola + walking tour combination is ideal.

You will walk among bridges and squares, listening to historical anecdotes, and then board a gondola to see the same places reflected in the water. Two perspectives, one city — not only … but also an essential part of the must do tours in Venice.

7. Doge’s Palace and prisons at night: exclusive visit among history and mysteries

Venice is not only about splendor; it is also about mystery. The night tour of the Doge’s Palace and prisons takes you through cells and secret passages illuminated by soft light.

The nighttime atmosphere makes everything more intense: it almost feels like you can still hear the voices of prisoners and judges of the Serenissima.

8. Excursion to Murano and Burano: blown glass, colorful islands, and lagoon culture

The lagoon islands are treasures to discover. In Murano, you can witness the ancient art of glassblowing, while Burano surprises with its colorful houses, as if painted by an Impressionist artist.

With a boat tour of Murano and Burano, you experience two different souls of the lagoon in one day.

9. Photography tour in Venice: uncover hidden places and city secrets

Venice is the perfect city for photography lovers. A guided photo tour will lead you to hidden corners, unique reflections, and panoramic points that you would hardly find alone.

All in all, it’s an experience that gives you not just memories but also unforgettable images to take home.

10. Venetian cooking class: learn traditional lagoon dishes

Finally, what could be better than learning how to cook a typical lagoon dish? With a cooking class in Venice, you’ll discover the secrets of local cuisine, from cicchetti to fresh fish dishes.

A sensory experience that combines taste, culture, and conviviality.

Conclusion

Venice never runs out: it is an endless mosaic of art, water, and life. Choosing the 10 must do tours in Venice allows you to experience the city fully, without missing its most authentic sides.

Whether it’s a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, a slow gondola ride, or a cooking class, every activity becomes an indelible memory.

FAQ about Venice

What are the 10 things not to miss in Venice?
Without a doubt: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, gondola ride, Bell Tower, Murano, Burano, photography tour, cooking class, walking tour, and night prisons tour.

What is the most beautiful place in Venice?
Many would say St. Mark’s Square, but others claim that the sunset over the Grand Canal from Punta della Dogana is unbeatable.

What can you do in Venice in one day?
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, enter the Doge’s Palace, take a gondola ride, and end with a sunset on the Grand Canal.

What is the most beautiful district of Venice?
Cannaregio for authenticity, Dorsoduro for art, Castello for quiet, and San Marco for grandeur.

What can I do in Venice in 2 days?
Day one: San Marco, Doge’s Palace, gondola ride. Day two: visit Murano and Burano by boat.

What to see in Venice on foot?
Rialto Bridge, Fish Market, Jewish Ghetto, and Campo Santa Margherita, along with hidden calli.

What can I do in Venice in the afternoon?
An unusual walking tour, a photography tour, or a gondola ride at sunset are perfect.

What is the walking distance between Venice Santa Lucia station and St. Mark’s Square?
About 30 minutes on foot, passing through the Rialto Bridge.

Where to eat typical Venetian food?
Best districts: Cannaregio (authentic osterias), Dorsoduro (student-frequented bacari), and Castello (local trattorias).