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Top 20 Spots Beyond the Classics

Top 20

With so many incredible sights to explore, narrowing down Venice’s must-sees is no easy task.

Here’s our attempt at 20 top spots, beyond the classic, famous ones you’ve probably already come across in other travel blogs.

See the Top 10 Famous Spots
Scuola di San Rocco : The first glimpse of the spectacular Sala Capitulare as you ascend the grand staircase
1

Scuola di San Rocco

The wealthiest of the seven confraternity buildings will impress with its breathtaking grand interiors, showcasing some of the most dramatic artworks in Venice - matched only by those of the Doge's Palace.

Explore Scuola di San Rocco
Basilica dei Frari : Canova's mausoleum is perhaps the most distinctive monument among the many within this vast church
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.

Explore Basilica dei Frari
San Giorgio Maggiore : On its small island as seen from across the lagoon from Punta della Dogana
3

San Giorgio Maggiore

Island church offering stunning panoramic views of Venice from its bell tower.

Take in breathtaking views similar to those from Campanile di San Marco, but this time with the iconic tower also included in the frame.

Explore San Giorgio Maggiore
Ca' Rezzonico : The throne room is draped in luxurious red velvet and it derives its name from the ornate gilded wooden throne adorned with cherubs, sea-nymphs, and sea-horses
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.

Explore Ca' Rezzonico
Ca' Pesaro : The first floor is reserved for modern art, such as this cast of 'The Thinker' by Auguste Rodin
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.

Explore Ca' Pesaro
Riva degli Schiavoni : The monumental waterfront is constantly bustling with crowds and souvenir stalls
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.

Explore Riva degli Schiavoni
Arsenale : The main waterway entrance
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.

Explore Arsenale
Santa Maria dei Miracoli : The narrow, tall nave has a raised altar so that everyone can see the venerated painting of the Virgin
8

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Often called a 'Renaissance jewelry box' for its exquisite polychrome marble panels, supposedly crafted from leftover marbles from St. Mark's Basilica.

Explore Santa Maria dei Miracoli
San Pantalon : The church is renowned for its vast ceiling painting
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.

Explore San Pantalon
Palazzo Grimani : The Tribuna is also known as the 'Chamber of Antiquities' because it once housed over 130 ancient sculptures
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.

Explore Palazzo Grimani
Palazzo Fortuny : The Winter Garden is remarkable for its unexpected painting cycle on the wall, meticulously crafted by Fortuny over 25 years
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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.

Explore Palazzo Fortuny
Ghetto Ebraico : The main square of the Venetian Ghetto situated on the small island of Ghetto Nuovo ('New Ghetto')
12

Ghetto Ebraico

The term “ghetto” originated right here, in the area where Jews were compelled to live in the 16th century. Even today, echoes of this incredible past are still palpable.

Explore Ghetto Ebraico
Chiesa della Pieta (Vivaldi Church) : The anticipation builds as everyone awaits the arrival of the musicians
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.

Explore Chiesa della Pieta (Vivaldi Church)
Fondaco dei Tedeschi : The grand inner courtyard of the former warehouse is the core of the current shopping mall
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.

Explore Fondaco dei Tedeschi
San Zaccaria : The flooded 10th-century Romanesque crypt
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.

Explore San Zaccaria
Palazzo Mocenigo : To evoke daily life as it was back then, rooms contain mannequins wearing ancient garments and accessories
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.

Explore Palazzo Mocenigo
Santa Maria della Salute : The exterior is embellished with no less than 125 statues, which starkly contrasts with the solemn ambiance inside
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?

Explore Santa Maria della Salute
Ca' d'Oro : The distinctive facade, as seen from the Canal Grande
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.

Explore Ca' d'Oro
Punta della Dogana : Two atlases support a gilded globe upon which the allegory of Fortuna stands, indicating the direction of the wind
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.

Explore Punta della Dogana
Torre dell'Orologio : The side of the clocktower facing Piazza San Marco
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.

Explore 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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