9 things to do outdoors in Venice to soak up the sun

With a worldwide reputation for romance and beauty, Venice has captivated travelers for centuries. Many dream of walking the storied halls of the Doge’s Palace or gazing in awe at the ceilings of St. Mark’s Basilica, but what about when it’s sunny and you want to be outside?

Luckily, there is a bounty of things to do in Venice outdoors, from cruising through the historic canals to delighting your senses at the open-air markets. With this guide to help you, the secret oases of the floating city are at your fingertips. Grab your sunglasses, and let’s dive in.

1. Find your way with a walking tour

A walking tour is an enjoyable way to get your bearings and spend some time outside in Venice. While you may already have a plan for your visit, a tour can lead you to hidden Venetian gems — such as the picturesque Cannaregio neighborhood or the once-forgotten frescoes of the Scuola Grande della Misericordia — help provide historical context and forge unexpected connections.

Insider tip

If you’re hoping to snap some of Venice’s best views, consider taking a tour first thing in the morning. There are many day-trippers, so from around 10:00 AM–4:00 PM the famous sites are likely to be full of other photographers competing for the best shot.

2. Bask by the sea on Lido

While Venice is deservedly famous for its picturesque canals, ornate facades, and winding streets, few visitors realize it is also home to spectacular sandy beaches. The neighboring island of Lido offers some of the best sunny day activities in Venice, with free access for those wanting a dip in the Adriatic and luxe beach clubs for those dedicated to a relaxing seaside stay.

Insider tip

The easiest way to reach this island paradise is by Vaporetto, the public water bus. Choose Line 6 for an express trip, or Line 1 for a leisurely sightseeing ride down the spectacular Grand Canal.

3. Embrace tradition with a gondola ride

Gondolas have been present in Venice for nearly 1,000 years, and many view a cruise in these traditional vessels as a rite of passage. Whether you opt for a stately Grand Canal tour or a quiet voyage through the hidden canals of the outer districts, Venice is a city best viewed from the water.

Insider tip

A gondola ride in Venice is one of the best sunny-day activities, as the canals remain shady and cool for most of the day.

Opening hours

Standard hours are from 9:00 AM–7:00 PM, but after-hours rides can be secured for an additional fee.

4. Visit colorful neighboring islands by boat

Venice is part of a beautiful and culturally significant archipelago of 117 islands, many of which have become famous destinations in their own right. Murano is famed for glass-making, and Burano is best known for its colorful houses. Both are quickly reachable by vaporetto or boat tour, making a day trip one of the easiest things to do outdoors in Venice when it’s sunny.

Highlights

• Attend a glass-blowing demonstration.
• Indulge in local seafood.
• Shop for handmade lace.
• See the dragon bones at the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato.

5. Indulge in a tranquil Venetian pub crawl

A giro d’ombra, loosely translated as a stroll for wine, is a longstanding tradition in this pedestrian-only city. The safety of the streets, combined with the Venetian penchant for cicchetti, the local version of tapas, make this one of the most relaxing and enjoyable things to do outdoors in Venice at night.

Best time to go

With the cruise ships and day-trippers heading out, the early evening is the ideal time to partake in this tradition, with or without a bar-hopping guide. Just don’t wait until too late, as most bars close their doors around 11:00 PM.

6. Step back in time at the Carnival of Venice

Dating back to 1162, the Carnival of Venice falls just before Lent and offers an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to dress up, celebrate, and enjoy various outdoor activities in Venice. The city bubbles for two weeks with parades, musical performances, and dances, many of which are free.

Highlights

• Purchase a mask from one of the city’s ateliers.
• Get dressed to the nines and attend a masquerade ball.
• Catch the Grand Opening Floating Parade.
• Marvel at the Flight of the Angel from St. Mark’s Bell Tower, a traditional spectacle in which a costumed performer descends from the top of the tower into the piazza below via a pulley system.

7. Take in the views from the Fondaco dei Tedeschi

The Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a luxury department store directly on the bank of the Grand Canal that offers free access to its rooftop for those wishing to experience a bird’s-eye view of the city’s historic center. Just 50 yards from the Rialto Bridge, it’s easily one of Venice’s most instagrammable spots.

Insider tip

Make sure you book your free tickets in advance, as they frequently sell out.

Address and opening hours

S. Marco, 55, 30120 Venezia VE. Open daily from 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

8. Eat your way through the open-air markets

What better way to get to know a city than through its food? One of the most vibrant and enthralling things to do outside is visit the historical open-air markets of Venice to sample the local cuisine. While the famous Rialto market is well worth visiting, other options are just as authentic and offer an escape from the crowds.

Highlights

• For herbs and spices: Cà Grifalconi
• For local fruits and vegetables: Via Garibaldi Market
• For meats and cheeses: Mestre Market
• For antiques: Mercatino dell’Antiquariato Campo San Maurizio

Address and opening hours

Rialto Market, Calle Prima de la Donzella, 306, 30125 Venezia VE. Open Monday–Saturday, 7:30 AM–3:00 PM.

9. Discover secret gardens and private parks

Venice is home to over 500 gardens, ranging from sprawling public parks to private lush oases. Treat yourself to a break from the hubbub of the center with a stroll through the Royal Gardens or Castello Gardens. Alternatively, if you’d like your sunny day activities in Venice to have a little more intrigue, you can seek out some of the “secret gardens” of the city with a little internet sleuthing.

Highlights

For a taste of real exclusivity, book a tour with a local Venice expert who can lead you to some of the truly secret green spaces of the city.

FAQs

What are some family-friendly outdoor activities in Venice?

Visiting the beaches of Lido is one of the best family-friendly activities in Venice. There are even beach clubs that cater to families, providing water parks, boogie boards, and more.

What is there to do in Venice at night?

Evenings in Venice are an opportunity to partake in the restaurants and bars of the city, with a giro d’ombra or pub crawl considered one of the top things to do outdoors in Venice. Additionally, there are numerous musical concerts in churches throughout the city and opera at the Teatro La Fenice.

Where are the beaches in Venice?

Several beaches are accessible from Venice, including Sottomarina and Bibone, but the closest are found along the island of Lido.

When is the Carnival of Venice?

The carnival lasts about two weeks and always ends on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent. The exact date shifts depending on the timing of Easter but falls between early February and mid-March.

When is the best time to visit Venice?

If you want to fill your stay with sunny day activities, visit Venice in summer. However, if you’d prefer to avoid the high prices and crowds, the shoulder seasons of April–May and September–October are ideal.