Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Venice is unlike any other city in the world.
Built across a lagoon and connected by hundreds of bridges, the Floating City has captivated travellers for centuries. While landmarks such as St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge deserve their fame, some of Venice’s most memorable experiences reveal the traditions, craftsmanship, and hidden corners that many visitors miss.
These experiences showcase the true spirit of Venice and offer a deeper connection to one of Italy’s most extraordinary destinations.
1. Glide Through Venice by Gondola
Few experiences are more closely associated with Venice than a gondola ride.
As you drift through narrow canals beneath elegant bridges and past centuries-old palaces, you’ll experience the city from the perspective that Venetians have used for generations.
Away from the busiest waterways, the quieter canals reveal a more intimate side of Venice, far removed from the crowds of St Mark’s Square.
Why it’s special: There is no other city in the world where a gondola remains such an iconic symbol of local identity and tradition.
Book this experience on GetYourGuide: Venice Gondola Ride
2. Discover Murano and the Art of Glassmaking
For centuries, Venice protected the secrets of glassmaking by moving workshops to the island of Murano.
Today, visitors can watch master artisans transform molten glass into intricate works of art using techniques passed down through generations.
The island remains one of the world’s most important centres of artistic glassmaking and offers fascinating insight into one of Venice’s most famous traditions.
Why it’s special: It preserves a craft that has been part of Venetian history for more than 700 years.
Book this experience on GetYourGuide: Murano Glass Factory Tour
3. Explore Colourful Burano
Few places in Europe are as instantly recognisable as Burano.
Known for its brightly coloured houses, peaceful canals, and lace-making heritage, the island offers a completely different atmosphere from central Venice.
Walking through Burano feels like stepping into a painting, with every street providing another postcard-worthy view.
Why it’s special: It reveals a quieter and more authentic side of life in the Venetian Lagoon.
Book this experience on GetYourGuide: Murano & Burano Lagoon Tour
4. Discover Venice’s Hidden History with a Walking Tour
Behind the grand palaces and famous landmarks lies a maze of narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, secret passageways, and fascinating stories.
A guided walking tour reveals tales of merchants, explorers, spies, and the powerful republic that once controlled trade across the Mediterranean.
You’ll discover parts of Venice that many visitors walk past without ever noticing.
Why it’s special: Venice becomes far more fascinating when you understand the stories hidden behind its walls.
Book this experience on GetYourGuide: Venice Hidden Gems Walking Tour
5. Experience Venetian Food Culture
Venetian cuisine is distinct from the rest of Italy.
Influenced by centuries of maritime trade, local dishes feature seafood, spices, and traditional cicchetti, small plates often compared to Spanish tapas but uniquely Venetian in character.
Exploring traditional wine bars and local eateries offers a deeper understanding of Venice’s culture, history, and everyday life.
Why it’s special: It reveals a side of Venice that many visitors overlook.
Book this experience on GetYourGuide: Venetian Cicchetti & Wine Tour
Bonus: Explore Venice During Carnival Season
If you’re lucky enough to visit in February, Venice transforms into one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
The famous Carnival fills the city with elaborate masks, historic costumes, elegant balls, and centuries-old traditions that date back to the Venetian Republic.
The atmosphere is unlike anything else in Europe and offers a glimpse into one of Venice’s most celebrated cultural events.
Why it’s special: Few festivals in the world combine history, beauty, and spectacle quite like the Venice Carnival.
Book this experience on GetYourGuide: Venice Carnival Mask Workshop
Bonus: Discover More of the Venetian Lagoon
Venice is only one part of a remarkable lagoon filled with islands, fishing villages, monasteries, vineyards, and hidden corners that many visitors never explore.
If you have extra time, consider venturing beyond the city to discover another side of the Veneto region.
Why it’s special: Some of the most rewarding experiences near Venice lie beyond the city’s famous canals.
Recommended Reading: Best Day Trips from Venice
Final Thoughts
The best things to do in Venice go beyond admiring canals and famous squares. Gondolas, Murano glassmaking, Burano’s colourful streets, hidden-history walks, cicchetti, Carnival traditions, and lagoon day trips reveal the craftsmanship, rituals, food culture, and quiet corners that make Venice unforgettable.