Venice might be famous for its iconic gondola rides, but there’s far more to La Serenissima than drifting along its canals. This floating city offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, art, and hidden gems that extend well beyond the waterways. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, here are the top 10 things to do in Venice that don’t involve gondolas—activities that let you experience the soul of the city without ever stepping into a boat.
1. Wander Through Dorsoduro’s Artistic Corners
Skip the crowds of San Marco and head across the Grand Canal to Dorsoduro, Venice’s artsy, bohemian district. Home to the renowned Gallerie dell’Accademia, which houses works by Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto, this neighborhood also features hip cafes, artisan shops, and serene canals. The Zattere promenade offers a peaceful waterside stroll with panoramic lagoon views—without the tourist chaos.
Local Tip: Don’t miss Punta della Dogana, a contemporary art space housed in a former customs building with striking architecture and rotating exhibitions.
2. Climb the Campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore
While everyone queues to climb the Campanile di San Marco, the bell tower on San Giorgio Maggiore island offers a far superior view—and fewer crowds. After a short vaporetto ride (not a gondola!), take the elevator to the top for a 360-degree panorama of Venice’s rooftops, canals, and the Lido in the distance.
Bonus: The church itself, designed by Palladio, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
3. Get Lost in the Jewish Ghetto
One of the oldest Jewish quarters in Europe, the Venetian Ghetto in Cannaregio is a hauntingly beautiful area often overlooked by tourists. It’s home to five synagogues, a moving Holocaust memorial, and the Jewish Museum of Venice, which offers guided tours steeped in centuries of history.
Fun Fact: The word “ghetto” actually originated here in Venice in the 16th century.
4. Taste Cicchetti Like a Local
Think of cicchetti as Venetian tapas—small bites served in wine bars known as bacari. Skip the overpriced tourist menus and join locals hopping from bar to bar, sampling baccalà mantecato (creamed cod), marinated sardines, and fried mozzarella. Pair each bite with a glass of ombra (local wine) for the full experience.
Must-visit bacari: All’Arco, Cantina Do Spade, and Osteria al Squero.
5. Step Inside a Hidden Bookstore
Tucked along a quiet canal, Libreria Acqua Alta is a whimsical secondhand bookstore known for its quirky décor and cats lounging among the stacks. Books are piled in gondolas, bathtubs, and even a full-sized boat in the middle of the store—to protect them from flooding. Out back, a staircase made entirely of old books leads to a charming photo spot overlooking the canal.
Perfect for: Book lovers, Instagrammers, and curious wanderers alike.
6. Tour the Historic Venetian Arsenal
Once the beating heart of Venice’s naval empire, the Arsenale was one of the largest shipyards in the world during the Middle Ages. Today, parts of it are open to the public, especially during the Venice Biennale, when the art world takes over its vast pavilions. Even outside exhibition season, walking around the massive gates and towers offers a glimpse into Venice’s maritime dominance.
Insider Tip: Look for the lions at the entrance—they were looted from Greece during the conquest of the Peloponnese.
7. Admire Byzantine Splendor at Torcello
If you’re looking to escape the crowds entirely, hop on a vaporetto to the sleepy island of Torcello, one of the oldest settlements in the Venetian lagoon. Its centerpiece is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, famous for its 11th-century Byzantine mosaics, including a haunting Last Judgment scene. Surrounded by reeds, canals, and silence, this island feels like time stood still.
Why go: Fewer tourists, hauntingly beautiful, and deeply atmospheric.
8. Marvel at Venetian Glass in Murano
Glassblowing is one of Venice’s most iconic crafts, and Murano Island is where the magic happens. Visit traditional workshops to watch artisans shape molten glass into chandeliers, goblets, or delicate figurines using centuries-old techniques. The Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) offers deeper insight into the history and evolution of this intricate art form.
Pro Tip: Avoid the tourist traps near the docks—walk inland for authentic studios.
9. Catch a Classical Concert in a Baroque Church
Music echoes through the canals of Venice, but the real magic lies within its churches. Many host evening classical concerts, especially of Vivaldi’s works (he was born here!). Chiesa di San Vidal and Scuola Grande di San Teodoro regularly offer candlelit performances that blend acoustics, history, and soul.
Why it’s special: A unique way to enjoy Venice’s artistic heritage beyond the museums.
10. Cross the Bridge of Sighs—From the Inside
Most visitors photograph the Bridge of Sighs from the outside, but the real experience lies in walking across it. Take a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, which includes access to the bridge and the grim prison cells on the other side. This iconic structure takes on new meaning when you realize it was prisoners’ final view of Venice before sentencing.
Historical Depth: A chilling yet fascinating walk through Venice’s judicial past.
While gondola rides may be Venice’s most famous attraction, the real magic of the city lies in its layers—quiet alleyways, forgotten churches, artisan traditions, and stories written in stone. Exploring Venice on foot (or by vaporetto) allows you to uncover hidden corners and cultural treasures that most tourists miss.
So if you’re looking to see the city beyond its postcards, these ten activities offer a deeper, richer, and far more rewarding Venetian experience—no gondola required.
