Venice is one of the most enchanting cities in the world — a maze of canals, bridges, palaces, and hidden corners that feel like stepping into a storybook. But here’s the part most cruise travelers don’t realize: the cruise port is nowhere near the best parts of Venice.

To truly experience the city, you’ll want to explore before or after your cruise, when you have time to wander, get lost, and soak in the atmosphere that makes Venice unforgettable.

This guide highlights the top 20 things to do in Venice, with insider notes on whether each activity works best before your cruise, after your cruise, or only if you stay overnight.

1. St. Mark’s Basilica

Venice’s most iconic church, famous for its golden mosaics and Byzantine architecture.

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: Lines can be long, and the interior deserves time.
• Tip: Book a skip‑the‑line ticket or early access tour.

You can learn more about visiting this landmark in my full St. Mark’s Basilica Venice guide.

2. Doge’s Palace

A stunning Gothic palace filled with art, history, and the famous Bridge of Sighs.

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: The Secret Itineraries tour is worth it but takes time.
• Tip: Combine with St. Mark’s for a half‑day experience.

You can learn more about visiting this landmark in my full Doge’s Palace Venice guide.

3. Rialto Bridge & Rialto Market

The oldest bridge on the Grand Canal and a lively market filled with produce and seafood.

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: The market is best early in the morning.
• Tip: Visit before 10 AM for the most authentic experience.

For more details on this area, head to my complete Rialto Bridge & Rialto Market guide.

4. Grand Canal Vaporetto Ride

The most scenic “bus ride” in the world.

• Best for: Embarkation or disembarkation day
• Why: Easy, flexible, and doesn’t require reservations.
• Tip: Take Line 1 for the slow, scenic route.

For more details on this experience, head to my complete Grand Canal vaporetto ride guide.

5. Gondola Ride

A classic Venice experience — peaceful, romantic, and iconic.

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: You’ll want time to choose a quiet canal route.
• Tip: Sunset rides are magical.

For more details on this classic experience, head to my complete Gondola Ride Venice guide,

6. St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)

The heart of Venice — grand, elegant, and full of energy.

• Best for: Any time
• Why: Easy to visit, even with limited time.
• Tip: Early morning or late evening is best for photos.

For more details on this iconic landmark, head to my complete St. Mark’s Square Venice guide.

7. Bridge of Sighs

A historic bridge connecting the palace to the old prison.

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: Best experienced from inside the Doge’s Palace.
• Tip: Also view it from the outside bridge for photos.

For more details on this iconic landmark, head to my complete Bridge of Sighs Venice guide.

8. Libreria Acqua Alta

A quirky, book‑filled shop famous for its gondola book display and “book steps.”

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: Small and charming — best enjoyed without rushing.
• Tip: Great for unique photos.

For more details on this unique spot, head to my complete Libreria Acqua Alta Venice guide.

9. Peggy Guggenheim Collection

A modern art museum along the Grand Canal.

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: Requires at least 1–2 hours.
• Tip: The sculpture garden is a peaceful highlight.

You can learn more about this modern art museum in my full Peggy Guggenheim Collection Venice guide.

10. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

A beautiful domed church at the entrance of the Grand Canal.

• Best for: Any time
• Why: Free entry and easy to visit.
• Tip: Gorgeous at sunset.

For more details on this iconic landmark, head to my complete Santa Maria della Salute Venice guide.

11. Teatro La Fenice

Venice’s historic opera house.

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: Tours take time, and performances are evening‑only.
• Tip: The gold‑and‑blue interior is breathtaking.

For more details on this beautiful theater, head to my complete Teatro La Fenice Venice guide.

12. Murano Island (Glassmaking)

Famous for its glassblowing studios and colorful shops.

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: Requires a half‑day.
• Tip: Avoid “free tours” — they often lead to high‑pressure shops.

For more details on this famous glassmaking island, head to my complete Murano Island Venice guide.

13. Burano Island (Colorful Houses)

A photographer’s dream — bright, colorful homes and lace shops.

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: Takes time to reach and explore.
• Tip: Go early to avoid crowds.

You can learn more about this colorful island in my full Burano Island Venice guide.

14. Torcello Island

A quiet, historic island with ancient churches and peaceful paths.

• Best for: After your cruise
• Why: Best for travelers with extra time.
• Tip: Combine with Burano for a full day.

For more details on this quiet historic island, head to my complete Torcello Island Venice guide.

15. Scala Contarini del Bovolo

A hidden spiral staircase with panoramic views.

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: Timed entry required.
• Tip: Great for photos.

For more details on this unique architectural gem, head to my complete Scala Contarini del Bovolo Venice guide.

16. Accademia Bridge

One of the best viewpoints over the Grand Canal.

• Best for: Any time
• Why: Free, easy, and beautiful.
• Tip: Sunset is spectacular.

You can learn more about this scenic Grand Canal viewpoint in my full Accademia Bridge Venice guide.

17. San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower

A short boat ride from St. Mark’s — with one of the best views in Venice.

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: Requires a vaporetto ride and elevator trip.
• Tip: Fewer crowds than St. Mark’s Campanile.

You can learn more about this panoramic Venice viewpoint in my full San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower Venice guide.

18. St. Mark’s Campanile (Bell Tower)

The tallest viewpoint in Venice.

• Best for: Before or after your cruise
• Why: Lines can be long.
• Tip: Book a timed ticket if available.

For more details on this famous bell tower, head to my complete St. Mark’s Campanile Venice guide.

19. Wander the Back Canals

The best part of Venice is simply getting lost.

• Best for: Any time
• Why: No reservations, no lines — just atmosphere.
• Tip: Explore Dorsoduro or Cannaregio for quieter streets.

For more details on exploring Venice’s peaceful back streets, head to my complete Back Canals guide.

20. Enjoy Cicchetti at Traditional Bacari

Small bites served at cozy wine bars — Venice’s version of tapas.

• Best for: Any time
• Why: Easy, delicious, and flexible.
• Tip: Try a cicchetti crawl in Cannaregio.

You can learn more about Venice’s traditional bacari and cicchetti culture in my full guide.

Final Thoughts

Venice is a city best enjoyed before or after your cruise, when you have time to wander, explore, and soak in the magic. The cruise port is far from the heart of the city — but with a little planning, you can experience the very best of Venice at your own pace.