Best Places to Visit in Venice Italy: It had always been my dream to go to Venice. There would be canals instead of streets, gondolas would float through narrow waterways, and famous sites like the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco would be there. It made me think of love walks through the winding streets and eating delicious Italian food by the water. It felt like a dream when I got off the train at Santa Lucia Station and saw the canals for the first time. Venice was everything I had hoped for and more.

As I walked through the floating city, I came across a new area rich in history, art, and beauty. Come with me as I show you the best places I saw in Venice and tell you about some of my personal experiences.

1. The Piazza San Marco is the center of Venice

One of the first places I went was Piazza San Marco. It felt like I was walking into a picture when I first got there. When I looked up, I was amazed by how high St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile were. A lot of tourists gathered there, and the famous pigeons flew across the square.

I just had to sit down in one of the cafés, order an espresso, and enjoy the scene. A small band played live music, which gave the event a magical feel. Tourists were amazed by the building, and locals went about their daily lives. It was a great time to watch people. The Basilica of St. Mark, the Palace of the Doge, and the Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio) were the first things I knew I had to see.

2. St. Mark’s Basilica: A Great Work of Byzantine Art

I couldn’t say a word about the inside of St. Mark’s Basilica. The church felt like it was made of gold because of the sculptures that were on the walls and ceilings. As I walked down the aisles, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the intricate art that had both Eastern and Western inspirations.

A guide told me about the interesting past of the Pala d’Oro and its golden altarpiece. If I climbed up to the terrace above the door, I could see Piazza San Marco from a whole new angle. Tip: Going early in the morning helped me avoid the busiest times, so I could enjoy the church without much noise.

3. The Grand Canal: The Heart of Venice

It seemed like the Grand Canal was Venice’s lifeblood. I got on a vaporetto, which is the city’s waterbus, and rode down the canal, past two grand palazzi. As I floated under the Rialto Bridge, the wind hit my face, and I couldn’t help but feel like a kid again.

From the water, looking at the city gives you a whole new view. As I walked by famous buildings like Ca’ d’Oro and Palazzo Grassi, I noticed how closely the history and beauty of Venice are linked to its canals.

4. The Rialto Bridge and Market: The Heart of Venice

It was very busy when I crossed the Rialto Bridge. Along the bridge, there were shops selling everything from trinkets to masks from Venice. Gondolas and vaporettos glided along the Grand Canal, making for a beautiful view from the top.

As I made my way to the Rialto Market, I saw people selling fresh fish and fruits. A friendly seller gave me a taste of some local seafood, and as he told me stories about fishing in Venice, we laughed together. This part of Venice felt real, with a lively energy that was different from the places with more tourists.

5. Riding in a gondola is a romantic tradition in Venice

A boat ride had to be done. While I was getting on, the gondolier met me warmly and started rowing through the less busy canals, away from the busy Grand Canal. As the gondola went under stone bridges, along historic buildings, and through waterways that were just big enough for it, it felt like you were in a different world.

The gondolier told us stories about the past of Venice and even sang a traditional song from the city as we went along the canals. If you ever go on a gondola ride, I suggest going on a route that isn’t as famous. It will be much more private and peaceful.

6. The artistic side of Venice is in Dorsoduro

The area around Dorsoduro was very nice to be in. It had a chill, artistic vibe, and there were more people than tourists. As I walked through the quiet streets, I came across art galleries with modern art and cute bars tucked away in corners.

I met a local artist at one shop who told me how much he loved Venetian art. Later, I went to a small café for coffee and talked to the friendly bartender about life in Venice. Dorsoduro has a lot of artistic charm, thanks to places like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Galleria dell’Accademia.

7. Murano and Burano: A Bright Dwelling Away from the City

The best thing I did was take a day trip to Murano and Burano. It was quiet on the boat ride to the islands, which was nice after being in Venice. I went to a glass-blowing school in Murano and watched a master glassmaker at work. It was amazing to see how the molten glass was turned into beautiful art.

Each house on Burano was a different color, making the island feel like a painter’s palette come to life. I walked around the busy streets, took pictures, and had a quiet lunch by the river. A local artist showed me Burano-style lace that was made by hand, and I had to buy a small piece to keep as a souvenir.

8. San Giorgio Maggiore: A View from a Hidden Gem

Going to San Giorgio Maggiore was a nice break from the busy world. As I climbed the bell tower, I saw a wide view of Venice. In the distance, I could see the domes of St. Mark’s Basilica. Unlike the busy sites, this place was quiet and peaceful, making it a great place to think about how beautiful the city is.

The church was peaceful and quiet, and not many people were there. It’s a hidden gem that I highly suggest.

9. Cannaregio: A Secret Part of Venice (Best Places to Visit in Venice Italy)

By exploring Cannaregio, I was able to get a sense of everyday life in Venice. This primarily local neighborhood was a pleasant diversion from the tourist areas. I gained knowledge about the history of the oldest Jewish ghetto in the world, located in Venice.

Along with other locals, I enjoyed a leisurely afternoon of great Venetian food at a nearby osteria. I saw a more unadulterated and raw side of Venice in Cannaregio, where people’s daily actions are what give the city its charm.

10. Venice at Night: A Different Kind of Magic

The beauty of Venice at night. As the number of people in the city decreased, it became more peaceful and personal. The canals were lit up by the moonlight, and the sound of water lapping against the gondolas filled the air.

As I ate my late-night gelato and walked through empty streets, I felt like the city was all mine. If you ever go to Venice, you should definitely see it at night—it’s a magical, different world.

The Reason Why Venice Stole My Heart

I fell in love with Venice because of its unique charm, beautiful building, and friendly people. The city is full of history and beauty, and people live there every day. Every part of the trip felt unique, from the grand Piazza San Marco to the quiet streets of Cannaregio.

Take the time to see more of Venice than just the tourist spots if you’re going there. Explore secret areas, enjoy the slower pace, and enjoy every moment—because Venice is a place that should be seen with an open heart.