On the Radar: Venice

Situated along its famous canals, the romantic city of Venice is one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations. We’ve pulled together a list of 10 great things to do in Venice that’ll be sure to keep you busy during your stay!

10 things to do in Venice…

#1 Go sight-seeing

With a city as filled with things to do and see as Venice, it’s hard to know where to begin. We recommend you check out Doge’s Palace; formerly the Doge’s residence and the seat of the Venetian government, the Palace is the very symbol of Venice and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.  

Your next stop should be Torre dell’Orologio (St Mark’s Clocktower), one of the most original and symbolic buildings of Venetian architecture built in the late 15^th century.  According to a gruesome local legend, the two inventors of the clock had their eyes gouged out to stop them from creating a replica!

Lastly, don’t miss the beautiful white church of San Giorgio Maggiore – a 16^th century Benedictine church located on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, designed by Andrea Palladio. Inside you will find works of Tintoretto: ‘Ultima Cena’ (The Last Supper), ‘Raccolta della Manna’ (The Fall Of Manna) and amazing views of the city from the top.

 

#2 Take a gondola ride

Because no trip to Venice would be complete without a trip down one of the city’s most picturesque waterways in a gondola!

 

#3 See amazing views of the city

St Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower of St Mark’s Basilica, located in the Piazza San Marco and is the city’s tallest building. The tower is actually a replica of the original that collapsed in 1902 after almost a thousand years and offers some of the best views of Venice you just HAVE to see for yourself.

Travel Tip: In peak season, the Piazza can be the busiest spot in the city - but don’t let that put you off as the crowds are cheerful and there’s plenty of room for everyone!

 

#4 Try Venetian cuisine

Venetian cuisine is varied, refined and truly flavourful usually consisting of fresh fish and vegetables with popular dishes including ‘Bigołi in salsa’ (bigoli pasta served with an anchovy and onion sauce), ‘Sarde in saor’ (a delectable sweet-sour dish with fried sardines marinated in vinegar, onions, raisons and pine nuts) and ‘Risi e bisi’ (vialone nan rice, pancetta, onion, parsley and a pea shell broth).  

So, if tasting the best food in Venice is on your list of things to do, our top recommended restaurants to try include Alle Testiere, Antiche Carampane and Corte Sconta.

 

#5 Tour the Grand Canal

The best way to take in the picturesque Grand Canal is on board a vaporetto (Venice’s ubiquitous waterbus) and is the perfect way to kick-start your time in Venice.  

 

#6 Taste the best ice-cream in Venice

Suso Gelatoteca is a gelato bar that serves arguably the best and most interesting ice cream in Venice. They have a very large selection of flavour combinations such as pistachio and cherry, dark chocolate, espresso and coconut – they even have plenty of vegan options too!

 

#7 Enjoy a concert at Interpreti Veneziani

Treat your other half to a romantic evening of traditional Italian cuisine followed by a classical concert at Interpreti Veneziani!

 

#8 Experience Venice’s art treasures

Venice is blessed with an incredible variety of art, ranging from Renaissance paintings hung below elaborately carved ceilings to masterpieces of contemporary art including the work of Dan Flavin, Jeff Koons and Jean Tinguely.

Travel Tip: Art lovers shouldn’t miss St Mark’s Basilica, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the Punta della Dogana!

 

#9 Learn about the history of Venice

The Museo Correr is a hugely ambitious museum charting the history of Venice from the 13^th to the 16^th century through its collection of paintings, prints, coins and pretty much any object that has survived medieval and Renaissance Venice.  

 

#10 Dance the night away

Fall in love with the intimate ambience and nightly live music of the Venice Jazz Club, the only club of its kind in the city. With its excellent live music, soulful atmosphere and flowing wine, jazz lovers gather to appreciate classic jazz, bossa nova and hot improvisations performed by some of the area’s finest musicians. Tickets start from around €20.

 

Book your next trip to Venice with easyJet and find the best flights from LJLA here.

To see where else you can fly to from Liverpool, visit our destinations page.