20 fun things to do in Venice to suit every traveler

Venice is one of the most exciting destinations in the world. Most visitors head straight for the famous landmarks like the Doge's Palace and the Rialto Bridge, but this city has much more to offer. If you're looking for fun things to do in Venice, you're in luck. From great food to romantic adventures, Venice will never let you down.

While Venice is best known for its rich cultural heritage, it also offers a huge range of cool things to do. Kids and adults will love these exciting vacation ideas. With this list, discover a new side of La Serenissima. Enjoy unique activities across the city, like cooking classes, deep dives into masquerade culture, and glassblowing workshops.

Fun things to do in Venice as a couple

1. See the sunset from the water

Any romantic trip to Venice should include plenty of time on the water. For something a little different from the traditional gondola, try a romantic sunset catamaran cruise. You'll have more room to find your own private spot onboard and watch the sunset together.

Highlights:

A jazz cruise with aperitivo makes the perfect date. Sip on a glass of prosecco as you gaze out at the stunning Venetian cityscape and stunning sunset, all to the soundtrack of a live jazz band.

2. Renew your vows in a uniquely romantic setting

How's this for a great anniversary idea? Climb onboard a private gondola accompanied by a special celebrant. You'll be able to renew your wedding vows as you glide down the world-famous canals.

Highlights:

You'll never forget an intimate vow-renewing experience on the Grand Canal. To make it even more memorable, you can upgrade your package to include a professional photographer to capture every moment.

3. Have a traditional Venetian-style date with cicchetti and classical music

Trying some cicchetti, the Venetian version of tapas, is a delicious and ideal way to start your evening. To keep the fun going, follow your food with a stunning concert of classical music in a spectacular setting.

Highlights:

An evening of enjoying cicchetti and a concert is a fun and delicious way to experience “old” Venice. It feels like a trip back in time — not just because the waiters are dressed in 16th-century period costumes.

Address and opening hours:

Campo San Salvador 4810, 30124 Venice. Open for private concerts only.

4. Have a sunset workout kayaking down the canals

Here's a fun fact about Venice: it was over 400 gondolas. If you're not content to sit back and let a gondolier do all the work, try kayaking instead. You'll get some exercise as you propel yourselves through the romantic canals of Venice, with a glorious, blazing sunset to watch as you go.

Highlights:

A romantic sunset kayak tour is a great way to see the city from a new point of view. You'll start at one of the city's oldest rowing clubs, where you'll also learn a little about the importance of rowing in Venice.

5. Have a memorable photoshoot in Venice's best locations

Put on your fanciest clothes and practice your Instagram pose. On a special photoshoot tour, a private guide will take you to the most photogenic spots in Venice. It's a great way to ensure you have memories of your Italian vacation to treasure forever.

Highlights:

You'll come away with 10 professional photos from a 3-hour private photo-walk. This is also an opportunity to discover some of the most fun, interesting, and beautiful parts of the city.

Fun things to do in Venice with kids

6. Splash around at Caribe Bay Water Park

You can't go swimming in Venice's canals, but if you're eager for some water-based fun, you're in luck. Head out to Caribe Bay, Italy's best water park, and spend the day enjoying rides and shows for all ages.

Highlights:

Kids and grown-ups alike will go wild for Caribe Bay Water Theme Park. Will you dare to take on the tallest bungee jumping tower in Europe?

Address and opening hours:

Via Michelangelo Buonarroti 15A, 30016 Lido di Jesolo. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

7. Discover the city by solving mind-bending riddles

Forget the tour guides. Follow in the footsteps of Venice's very own Marco Polo and set out on a journey of discovery. A self-guided treasure hunt around the city is a great way for the whole family to see Venice. You'll learn about the city as you solve puzzles and find attractions: a fun way to get younger visitors interested in history and culture.

Highlights:

A series of riddles will lead you through this city discovery game. You'll see all the biggest sights, as well as discover hidden details that most visitors miss.

8. Join the masquerade at a carnival mask workshop

The annual Venice Carnival’s decadent masquerade parties have delighted visitors for centuries. Now, the whole family can join in the fun at a mask-making workshop. Show off your creativity by designing your own unique mask.

Highlights:

At a carnival mask workshop, you'll have fun creating your own papier-mache mask. For an even more special souvenir, you can also upgrade to include a glassblowing class.

9. Spark your curiosity at the Procurate Vecchie

In the ancient surrounds of the Procurate Vecchie building, you'll find an exhibit like no other. The World of Potential installation offers you a series of interactive exhibits to bring out your creativity, hope, curiosity, and gratitude.

Highlights:

A Procuratie Vecchie ticket gives you access to 16 interactive installations. This is great fun for all ages.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza San Marco 105, 30124 Venice. Open Wednesday-Monday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays.

10. Go nuts for toys at the Creature di Gomma Exhibition

There’s fun for all ages at the Creature di Gomma Exhibition, Europe’s largest collection of vintage toys and one of the best museums in Venice. Kids will love the magic of the figures on display, while grown-ups can take a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Highlights:

You can see toys from all over the world with at the Creature di Gomma exhibition. Whether you're a die-hard Disney fan or a hardcore otaku, there's something here for you.

Address and opening hours:

Calle de la Vida 2390A, 30125 Venice. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:30 AM-7:00 PM.

Fun things to do in Venice on your own

11. Follow in your favorite movie stars' footsteps

If you're a movie buff, then Venice is a dream come true. From romantic classics to action-packed blockbusters, hundreds of thousands of films have been set in Venice. Take a walking tour to see the iconic locations of your favorite movies.

Highlights:

You'll have a specialist guide to lead you through the As Seen on the Silver Screen Movie Locations Tour. Discover hidden alleys and cinematic piazzas as you explore the city.

12. Try the traditional art of glassblowing

Venice has been one of the most important centers of the glass industry for hundreds of years. Things to do here include learning more about the city's remarkable artisans with a special workshop. You can even try to master the art yourself.

Highlights:

Get hands-on at a private glasswork lesson with a local artisan. You'll have an amazing, one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home with you.

13. Discover the dark side of the Doge's Palace

A trip to the Doge's Palace is a must for most visitors to Venice. Go beyond the opulent rooms and discover its dark history, including a spine-tingling trip to the ancient dungeons.

Highlights:

A Secret Itineraries tour of Doge's Palace is a great way to discover the secrets and of this Venetian landmark and places off-limits to most visitors. Let your guide explain the incredible stories behind the palace, including the dramatic tale of Casanova's imprisonment.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza San Marco 1, 30124 Venice. Open Sunday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM, and Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-11:00 PM.

14. See the canals lit up by night

Venice is beautiful by day but truly spectacular by night, as the lights dancing on the canals give it an eerie, otherworldly quality. A night tour will take you through the most beautiful locations, letting you see the city in a completely different way.

Highlights:

Try a walking tour of the city’s highlights and hidden gems to see another side of Venice. Your expert guide will ensure that you don't miss a thing.

15. Discover the ghosts of Venice's past

With such a long, fascinating history, it's no surprise that Venice has its share of dark legends. Learn about them on a ghost tour as you wander the dimly-lit streets of the historic Cannaregio district.

Highlights:

You may not actually see a ghost on the Legends and Ghosts of Cannaregio tour, but you'll hear all of Venice's spookiest stories. Your guide will take you to places that most tourists never visit.

Fun things to do in Venice if you like food and drink

16. Let a local guide you through the best food spots

Want to avoid tourist crowds? Find a local guide. A private food tour is a great way to find the authentic places where real Venetians go for the best seafood, snacks, and, of course, gelato.

Highlights:

Choose a private food tour with 10 tastings for a full culinary adventure through Venetian cuisine. Make sure to come hungry.

17. Get hands-on with a pasta-making class

Learn the secrets of authentic pasta at a very special cooking class. Let an expert Italian home cook show you the ropes of pasta and tiramisu. When you've finished, sit back and enjoy your very own Italian meal.

Highlights:

At a pasta and tiramisu class, you'll learn two separate pasta recipes. You'll never reach for a jar of sauce again.

18. Enjoy a gourmet meal aboard a galleon

If you suffer from seasickness, this is not one for you. If not, get ready for an unforgettable dining experience as you enjoy a spectacular Italian meal and sail around the lagoon on a traditional Venetian galleon.

Highlights:

A Venetian Lagoon tour and galleon dinner is a truly special experience. Book the Central Deck if you want the best views of the city while you eat.

19. Get out of the city for a prosecco tasting tour

Learn the noble art of the sommelier on a prosecco tasting tour in the Italian countryside. Spend the day exploring the wine country, visiting two traditional wineries along the way, and enjoying plenty of samples.

Highlights:

You'll be able to sample different varieties of Italy’s much-loved sparkling wine on a prosecco tasting tour. There are pairing tips, too, for you to try out after you return home.

20. Learn to cook with a passionate local foodie

There's nothing like Italian home cooking, so join in the fun with a special private class. You and your instructor will plan the menu together, taking into account all your food preferences. Then, you'll head to the market, buy the fresh produce you need, and go back to their house to get cooking.

Highlights:

You'll learn some amazing, authentic Venetian and Italian recipes when you shop and cook with a local. For something special, why not learn to make a dish using edible gold leaf made in Venice by Europe’s last gold beater?

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Venice at night?

Try a sunset cruise to start your evening off in style. After that, you might want to take a ghost walk to learn about the city's dark legends. You can also go bar-hopping, joining the locals for an evening of traditional cicchetti bites. Don't have much of an appetite? Just wander along the canals, which are at their most beautiful after the sun sets. Watch out, though: it's easy to get lost in the maze-like streets of the old town.

Are there any fun day trips from Venice that I should consider?

If you're traveling with the family, or if you're just a big kid at heart, consider Caribe Bay, Italy's best water park. This is particularly popular in the summer when the heat of the city can get too much. Venice is surrounded by the Prosecco wine region, so a more grown-up option for a day trip is a visit to the wineries. If you want to explore nature, go to Lake Garda and lose yourself in the greenery.

What are some popular festivals or events in Venice?

The main festival in Venice is the world-famous Carnevale. Unlike the chaotic fun of Rio de Janeiro and other big carnivals, this is a very traditional event. People dress up in 17th-century Venetian costumes and stunning, elaborate masks, looking like they've stepped out of a painting. There are a number of other events throughout the year. In summer, don't miss the Festa del Redentore on the third Saturday of July, which features Venice's largest and most elaborate fireworks display. The next day, there are exciting boat races in the lagoon.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in Venice?

Try a riddle tour of the city center, solving puzzles as you go. Kids will also find lots of fun, family-friendly workshops to enjoy. These include glassmaking, carnival mask decorating, and hands-on pasta-making sessions.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Venice?

If you're outdoors in Venice, you're never far from the water. A gondola trip is an absolute must, but you can also go kayaking or rowing, take a catamaran tour, or explore the canals on a speedboat. If you love the water, Venice is one of the best vacation destinations in the world.