9 free things to do in Venice

From picturesque canals to vibrant piazzas, there are many free things to do in Venice that allow tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture. Stroll across the iconic Rialto Bridge, wander through Cannaregio's lively streets, or explore Venice's artistic side for free at the Gallerie dell'Accademia.

Whether you are exploring a new culture or just looking for the top things to do in Venice on a budget, you will find something on this list that suits your taste.

Best free things to do in Venice:

Best place for shopping local products: Rialto Market
Best place for relaxing: Giardini della Biennale
Best free attraction: Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
Best free activity: Artisan workshops in Murano and Burano

1. Take a stroll through St. Mark's Square

Located between the Palazzo Ducale and the Biblioteca Marciana is St. Mark’s Square (or Piazza San Marco), a public space enjoyed by locals and tourists. Surrounded by an array of architectural styles, it offers a lively ambiance and a view of St. Mark’s Basilica.

How to best experience it

Avoid the crowds and visit early in the morning while having your first coffee and experiencing the Venetian square's serene atmosphere. Consider entering the basilica, which offers free entry and marvel at the Byzantine-style artworks that showcase biblical narratives and Venetian history

Address and opening hours

St. Mark’s Square, Piazza San Marco, 30100 Venice.
St. Mark’s Basilica, P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE. Open 9:30 AM–5:15 PM every day. Opening hours are shorter on Sundays and public holidays, so make sure to check before visiting.

2. Wander through the Rialto market

The Rialto market is one of the oldest markets in Venice, found in the district of San Polo, just a 3-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge. It’s where local residents and restaurants shop for seafood like moscardini (baby octopus) and sarde (sardines) as well as fresh produce.

How to best experience it

Head to the market early in the morning to experience it at its most authentic, with locals selecting fresh seafood and seasonal produce for the day ahead. Explore the lively atmosphere with a guided tour and get a taste of Venetian culture, while diving deeper into local delicacies and hidden gems in Rialto.

Address and opening hours

Calle Prima de la Donzella, 306, 30125 Venezia VE. Open Monday-Saturday, 7:30 AM–3:00 PM; closed on Sundays.

3. Relax in Giardini della Biennale

Giardini della Biennale is a relaxing park that helps you escape the crowds and enjoy Venetian nature. It is also a place where art meets nature, as it is where the Venice Biennale art exhibition takes place.

How to best experience it

The park is free and is the ideal place to take a short break in the shade after a long, busy Summer’s day.

Address and opening hours

Calle Giazzo, 30122 Venezia VE. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; closed on Mondays.

4. Witness the elegance of the Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs was built in the 17th century so that prisoners could move from the Doge’s Palace courtrooms to the New Prison. The name comes from the idea that the condemned prisoners would sigh, knowing that they are no longer free as they cross the bridge and catch their last glimpse of Venice.

How to best experience it

The bridge is only accessible if you are visiting the Doge's Palace. However, you can take your next Instagram shot of this very photographable bridge for free as you walk along the canal.

Address

Bridge of Sighs, 30124 Venice.

5. Admire the Venetian artistic treasures at the Gallerie dell'Accademia

The Gallerie dell'Accademia houses an art collection from the 13th-18th century, with paintings by Bellini, Titian, and Giorgione. As you wander through, you’ll be immersed in the vivid colors and intricate details that bring Venetian history to life.

How to best experience it

Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month. Consider booking a guided tour for a deeper insight into the art collection.

Address and opening hours

Calle della Carità, 1050, 30123 Venezia VE. Open Tuesday–Friday and Sunday, 8:15 AM–7:15 PM; 8:15 AM–11:15 PM on Saturdays; 8:15 AM–2:00 PM on Mondays.

6. Explore baroque architecture at the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute

The Basilica Santa Maria della Salute is a domed baroque church that commemorates the end of the plague outbreak in Venice. Admire the breathtaking views of the Grand Canal while waiting for your turn to enter one of the best free attractions in Venice.

How to best experience it

Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and cover your shoulders, legs, and chest. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated. If you are traveling with kids, consider booking a private family tour to help them learn more about Venice.

Address and opening hours

Dorsoduro, 1, 30123 Venezia VE. Open 9:00 AM–noon and 3:00–5:30 PM every day.

7. Spot filming locations

Visit the Church of San Barnaba, which was featured as the exterior of a library in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” While the inside is not a real library, it hosts the fascinating Leonardo Da Vinci Museum with interactive exhibits of his inventions.

Another iconic filming spot is Palazzo Pisani Moretta, a 15th century palace on The Grand Canal, featured in “The Tourist” with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie as “Hotel Danieli.”

How to best experience it

An admission fee applies if you want to enter the church and explore the art collection. If traveling on a budget, you can explore the surrounding area and admire the beauty of the church’s facade.

Address and opening hours

Church of San Barnaba, Sestiere Dorsoduro, 2771, 30123 Venezia VE. Open 10:00 AM–7:00 PM every day.

Palazzo Pisani Moretta, Quartiere San Polo, 2766, 30125 Venezia VE. Open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–12:30 PM and 3:00–5:30 PM; closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

8. Explore the lively streets of Cannaregio

Take in the charming bridges, picturesque canals, and bustling streets of Cannaregio, a less touristy neighborhood offering visitors an authentic experience away from the hubbub of Venice.

Cannaregio is also known for the Venetian Ghetto, which is considered the oldest Jewish ghetto in the world.

How to best experience it

Start at the Venetian Ghetto to admire the beautifully designed synagogues, which the Jewish population built in secret in the 16th century. Walk along Fondamenta della Misericordia, which houses local cafes and restaurants. At sunset, capture the buildings’ reflections in the canal.

Cannaregio, 30100 Venice

9. Attend a free artisan workshop

Many artisan shops host free workshops where you can learn mask-making, glass-blowing techniques, or other traditional crafts. These workshops offer a hands-on experience of Venetian cultural heritage.

How to best experience it

Head to Murano and Burano neighborhoods of Venice and ask shop owners if they are hosting any free artisan workshops to attend during your visit. Book your spot and arrive early on the day. This is a great way to engage with the Venetian culture and have a unique souvenir that you can take back home with you.

FAQs

What are the best free things to do with kids in Venice?

Visiting the Giardini della Biennale is one of the best things to do for free in Venice, especially if you are traveling with kids, as they can explore the parks and gardens.

A visit to the Rialto Market can also be fun, as well as watching the gondolas along the canals from the Rialto Bridge. Engaging in a private family tour can also help young visitors learn more about Venetian history and architecture.

Is it safe to walk alone in Venice at night?

Yes. Even for female travelers, Venice is considered safe to walk alone at night. The crime rate is low, and many areas are well-lit. You’ll often meet locals and other tourists, as there are always some free events or performances taking place. St. Mark's Square, for example, often hosts live music performances at night.

Are there any free museums in Venice?

There are a lot of museums in Venice, and some, like the Gallerie dell’Accademia, offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Make sure to check the museum’s official website for updated information before visiting.

What is the easiest and cheapest way of traveling around Venice?

Walking is the easiest and cheapest way of traveling around Venice. You’ll find most attractions within walking distance of each other, allowing you to soak in the stunning architecture at your own pace. You can use a vaporetto, one of Venice’s public water buses, for longer distances.

When is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is during spring or early fall for mild weather and fewer crowds. Winter offers a quieter, atmospheric charm, especially during Carnevale, while summer brings warmth but also higher tourist numbers and humidity.