Dreaming of visiting the Queen of the Adriatic? Here are 10 things to do in Venice for your first time there!
Tagged as the Floating City, the City of Water, the City of Bridges, the City of Masks, the City of Canals and even the Queen of the Adriatic, whatever you call it, Venice is a very beautiful place to be. I wouldn’t even wonder why Venice would be in a lot of people’s travel list because it is such a gorgeous city to visit.
Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and the capital city of the Veneto region. It is located across a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and are connected by 400 bridges.
I was amazed by how Venice was made. I had such a wonderful time there. You can do a lot of things over just a day there as it isn’t as big as everyone thinks it is, but you will definitely have a great time learning its history, appreciating Renaissance art and architecture, and just being there.
Here I listed 10 things you can do in Venice especially for your first time there:
1. Ride the gondola on the Grand Canal
A gondola is a traditional Venetian rowing boat. Going on a gondola and getting lost around the canals of Venice was definitely the first on my things to do when in Venice. Though this has become a very touristy thing to do, it is still worth it as you wouldn’t be able to appreciate the beautiful canals and corners of Venice when you’re not on it.
2. People watching at Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, also known as St Mark’s Square, is the principal public square of Venice. You can find both Basilica San Marco and the Doge’s Palace in this piazza.
I enjoy people watching and has become a habit of mine whenever I get to travel as it is a good way to relax and I find that Piazza San Marco is the best place to do it when in Venice.
3. Visit the impressive Basilica San Marco
The most famous church in Venice, Basilica San Marco or St. Mark’s Basilica in English, is the best example of the Italo-Byzantine architecture. When you see it in person, you’ll be amazed with how impressive its architecture is, what more what’s inside!
4. Appreciate the glorious Palazzo Ducale
The Palazzo Ducale or the Doge’s Palace used to be the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic. It is a palace built in Venetian Gothic style and is a main landmark in Venice and a must visit site when you’re in the city.
5. Walk across the Rialto Bridge and appreciate the sunset
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. It is a significant attraction in the city. Being on the Rialto Bridge and witnessing the sunset in Venice was the highlight of my whole Venice trip. The view of the Grand Canal and the city from the Rialto Bridge was hands down the best, it was breathtaking.
6. Stroll around Rialto market and grab some souvenirs
As you cross the Rialto Bridge, you’ll see the Mercato di Rialto or the Rialto market. It is a large canal front covered market with stalls.
I enjoyed going around this market and even bought some souvenirs from here.
7. Admire the beautiful Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
Venice is indeed filled with very beautiful churches and the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute proved just that. Santa Maria della Salute or simply known as the Salute is a Roman Catholic church located at Punta della Dogana. This was a really lovely church and its beauty shouldn’t go unnoticed.
8. Take a vaporetto to go around the beautiful city of Venezia
One of the ways to go around the city of Venice is by a vaporetto. It is a Venetian public waterbus that serve locales and tourists. Taking a vaporetto just completes the whole Venetian experience.
9. Have some gelato artigianale!
Gelato artigianale or homemade gelato is a must whenever you’re in Italy. I mean, who says no to gelato? How much more when you’re in Venice and by one of its major sites like the Rialto Bridge? This was a must for me during my visit there.
10. Take a day trip to Murano, Burano and/or Torcello
Have you got more time to spare? Take a day trip to Murano, Burano and/or Torcello! For my trip in Venice, Burano was the choice, although I wish I could’ve gone to all three islands but Burano was just amazing. It is a very picturesque and very aesthetically pleasing island, thanks to its brightly colored fishermen’s houses. The three different islands differ in specialties and Burano is known for lace-making. As you go around the island, you will see beautiful laces displayed. I also enjoyed taking photos with each house, of different colours of course.
Venice is such a beautiful place to visit! I enjoyed my time there and I’m so glad to tick it off my dream travel destinations list!
Be pretty, be happy, be you! H~
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