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Top 20 spots beyond the classics

Top 20

Narrowing down Venice’s must-see spots is always tough given their abundance.

Here’s our attempt at 20 top spots beyond the classic ones you probably already know from other travel guides.

See top 10 famous spots
Scuola di San Rocco
1

Scuola di San Rocco

Opulent confraternity building adorned with a multitude of darkly dramatic works by Tintoretto.

Its breathtaking grand interiors showcase some of the most dramatic artworks in Venice.

Discover Scuola di San Rocco

Basilica dei Frari
2

Basilica dei Frari

Imposing Gothic church housing art treasures and monumental mausoleums.

Escape the claustrophobia of crowds and narrow alleys into this expansive spiritual open space filled with art.

Discover Basilica dei Frari


Ca' Rezzonico
4

Ca' Rezzonico

Museum showcasing the extravagance of 18th-century Venetian life, set within a grand palace.

Step back in time to Venice's Age of Decadence with a visit to this opulent residence, one of the few open to the public.

Discover Ca' Rezzonico

Ca' Pesaro
5

Ca' Pesaro

Two distinct and captivating art museums, housed within a colossal canalside palace and accessible with a single ticket.

Even if modern art isn't to your taste and another grand palace feels like too much, the artifacts in the Oriental Museum are fascinating, with the collection considered one of the most important in Europe.

Discover Ca' Pesaro

Riva degli Schiavoni
6

Riva degli Schiavoni

Monumental waterfront along the San Marco basin.

Stroll next to the glittering water on one of the most beloved promenades, which is particularly charming close to sunset.

Discover Riva degli Schiavoni

Arsenale
7

Arsenale

Historic shipyard powering Venice's former naval supremacy.

Perfect for boys of all ages, yet everyone will be amazed by the history of the complex and fascinated by the giant sculpture depicting six pairs of hands.

Discover Arsenale

Santa Maria dei Miracoli
8

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Marble church housing the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.

The church's exquisite polychrome marble panels and sculptures are sure to leave you in awe. Once inside, you'll quickly understand why it's sometimes called a 'renaissance jewelry box.'

Discover Santa Maria dei Miracoli

San Pantalon
9

San Pantalon

Church concealing a vast ceiling painting that spans the heavens above.

The breathtaking ceiling, with its vibrant celestial scene and mesmerizing illusion of depth, will certainly leave you in awe.

Discover San Pantalon

Palazzo Grimani
10

Palazzo Grimani

Unusual Renaissance palace with theatrical frescoed halls adorned with intricate grotesques.

Get a sense of how the ultra-rich Venetians adorned their palazzos with out-of-the-ordinary decorations.

Discover Palazzo Grimani

Palazzo Fortuny
11

Palazzo Fortuny

Gothic palace, former residence of Mariano Fortuny, now a museum showcasing his creativity and eclectic taste.

It’s one of those rare museums designed to provide an emotional experience rather than just an educational one.

Discover Palazzo Fortuny

Ghetto Ebraico
12

Ghetto Ebraico

Historic Jewish neighborhood that originated the term 'ghetto'.

As you stroll and explore kosher shops, it's incredible to think that this was once a restricted, overcrowded neighborhood.

Discover Ghetto Ebraico

Chiesa della Pieta (Vivaldi Church)
13

Chiesa della Pieta (Vivaldi Church)

Waterfront church located on the site where Vivaldi once worked, featuring evening classical concerts.

Best experienced by attending an evening concert, when you can admire Tiepolo's ceiling fresco while the uplifting rendition of 'The Four Seasons' fills the church space.

Discover Chiesa della Pieta (Vivaldi Church)

Fondaco dei Tedeschi
14

Fondaco dei Tedeschi

Luxury shopping mall in a historical building, offering sweeping views from its rooftop terrace.

You can purchase high-quality souvenirs and enjoy sweeping views over Canal Grande and the Venetian skyline.

Discover Fondaco dei Tedeschi

San Zaccaria
15

San Zaccaria

Gothic-Renaissance church with a mysterious flooded crypt.

While there is much to appreciate in the ornate decoration and art, it is the crypt that truly sets this place of worship apart.

Discover San Zaccaria

Palazzo Mocenigo
16

Palazzo Mocenigo

Museum that acts as a time machine to the daily life of Venetian nobility at the height of the Republic.

Be instantly transported to a bygone era with richly detailed decor, lavish historic garments and an interactive fragrance exhibition.

Discover Palazzo Mocenigo

Santa Maria della Salute
17

Santa Maria della Salute

Baroque votive church with a unique octagonal design.

Dominating the southern entrance of the Canal Grande, the church's silhouette has become one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Why not experience its dramatic Baroque up close?

Discover Santa Maria della Salute

Ca' d'Oro
18

Ca' d'Oro

Exquisite Gothic palace housing a curated art collection.

You step into one of Venice's most elegant palazzos, with unobstructed front-row views of Canal Grande framed by Gothic arches.

Discover Ca' d'Oro

Punta della Dogana
19

Punta della Dogana

Contemporary art museum housed in a former customs building with a stunning 270° vantage point.

Renowned for its spectacular views of the Venetian waterfront and lagoon, it's the perfect way to end a leisurely stroll through the charming Dorsoduro neighborhood.

Discover Punta della Dogana

Torre dell'Orologio
20

Torre dell'Orologio

Renaissance clock tower topped with two giant statues that hammer out the hours.

Going inside is essential to fully appreciate this 500-year-old iconic building and technological masterpiece.

Discover Torre dell'Orologio

Tip

Consider getting a city pass

In addition to saving on entry fees, the biggest advantage of the official city pass is skipping the lines and streamlining your admission to most of Venice's top attractions.

You simply show the pass and walk right in.


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