Free things to do in Venice, Italy
Updated July 9th, 2024 | Posted by travelwith2ofus
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Venice, the "City of Canals," frequently sparks curiosity among travelers. Questions like "Is Venice a good honeymoon destination?" or "Is Venice expensive?" are common. But the one question I hear most often is, "What are some free things to do in Venice?"
This rainy Sunday afternoon, I decided to answer that very question by compiling a list of free activities to enjoy in this captivating city. Whether you're planning a summer vacation, a romantic honeymoon, or a family trip, these options will add a touch of magic to your Venetian adventure.
A Word to the Wise: If you plan to visit some of Venice's top attractions, expect queues and consider purchasing tickets in advance to skip the Venice lines. Here are some tips on navigating Venice's must-see sights efficiently.
Is booking flights to Venice easy?
If you plan to visit during summer or for your honeymoon or with your kids. This list will give you some free options.
St. Mark's Square/Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark's Square, reigns supreme as Venice's largest square and a top tourist destination. This vibrant space pulsates with energy, serving as a social and cultural hub for both locals and visitors.
Surrounded by architectural marvels, Piazza San Marco is a feast for the eyes. The iconic St. Mark's Basilica anchors one side, its soaring domes and intricate mosaics leaving a lasting impression. Other architectural gems adorning the square include the Doge's Palace, a symbol of Venetian power, and the elegant clock tower, Torre dell'Orologio.
Beyond the stunning architecture, Piazza San Marco offers a lively atmosphere. Street performers entertain the crowds, pigeons flutter their wings, and cafes spill out onto the square, inviting visitors to soak up the ambiance. Whether you're sipping on a classic Venetian espresso or simply people-watching, Piazza San Marco provides a quintessential Venetian experience.
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Check Out These Venice Hotels:
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Some attractions close to Palazzo Veneziano include:
Grand Canal - 7 minute walk.
Peggy Guggenheim Museum - 10 minute walk.
Basilica of St Mary of Health - 13 minute walk.
Piazzale Roma - 15 minute walk.
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Some attractions close to Hotel Ai Cavalieri include:
Grand Canal - 4 minute walk.
St. Mark's Square - 5 minute walk.
Rialto Bridge - 5 minute walk.
St. Mark's Basilica - 6 minute walk.
Bridge of Sighs - 7 minute walk.
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St Mark's Basilica/Basilica Cattedrale Patriarcale di San Marco
In 1807 St Mark's Basilica became the city's cathedral. Previous to that it was the chapel of the Doge and is actually connected to the Doge's Palace.
St Mark's Basilica is perhaps the most famous of the churches in Venice and this is due in part to its amazing Italo-Byzantine architecture.
Around 1204 the Portrait of the Four Tetrarchs were added to a corner of the facade of the basilica and in 1254 The Horses of Saint Mark were added on the balcony above the portal of the basilica.
Public Gardens of Venice/Giardini Pubblici
As you would know, or maybe you don't, but there isn't much free land available in Venice, so you won't expect to see much gardens and parks.
However, there are a couple of them, the most widely known being the Giardini Pubblici. It is the biggest park in Venice and it is located in the Castello neighborhood. It is home to many events including art exhibitions and festivals.
While it not as spectacular as the parks and gardens in Paris or London you can still getaway from the hustle and bustle of central Venice and sit under the shade of the palm and other trees and enjoy the scenery.
Look out for the statue of Garibaldi, one of the highlights of the garden. There is also a cafe as well as a couple of playgrounds, fountains and sculptures.
Rialto Bridge/Ponte di Rialto
There are four major bridges across the Grand Canal in Venice, but the Rialto Bridge is the oldest and the most popular tourist attractions of the lot.
Completed in 1591 it is similar in design to the wooden structure it replaced. The others are the Ponte dell'Accademia, the Ponte degli Scalzi and the most recently built Ponte della Costituzione.
If you want to get a real Venice experience we recommend:
Small Group Venice In a Day with Basilica San Marco and Doges Palace plus Gondola Ride
If you only have a short time to explore Venice this tour is your perfect all-inclusive ticket to the top attractions of the city.
Follow one of the expert, English-speaking guides to St. Mark’s Basilica, the ...
Venice Food Tour: Cicchetti and Wine
Discover the locals’ favorite ‘cicchetti’ bars in Venice, enjoying the city’s famous tapas-style dishes with an expert guide!
The exciting 2.5-hour food tour includes visits to five atmospheric wine bars, a walk around Rialto Market and a short Traghetti ...
Grand Day Tour of Venice with Skip-the Line Doge's Palace and St Mark’s Basilica
Explore the best of Venice at a 10% discount with this Super Saver combo of three popular tours.
Skip the line at the Doge’s Palace, where you can wander through ornate public rooms and across the notorious ...
Rialto Market/Mercato di Rialto
While you have to pay for anything you want in the Rialto Market you don't have to pay to visit. It is a great way to mix with the locals as they go about their daily activities in the markets.
The Rialto Food Market is best known for its abundance of fresh seafood as well as fruit and vegetables. The market is located at the northwest of the Rialto Bridge in the San Polo district, and has been around since 1097.
Riva degli Schiavoni
Not only can you get some exercise, but you can also enjoy the scenery of Venice by talking a stroll along the waterfront. Make sure and visit the Riva degli Schiavoni, which is a promenade, located on the waterfront at St Mark's Basin.
Although it is always overcrowded it is a beautiful spot where both tourists and locals hang out, making it one of the liveliest spots in the city. Along the waterfront you will also find several hotels, cafes. You will eventually reach Sant'Elena if you keep walking.
Sant'Elena is an island located on the eastern tip of the main island group and is linked by three bridges. While there you can check out the Rimembranze Park, the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo football stadium and the marina.
Campo Santa Margherita
Located close to the University of Venice, the Campo Santa Margherita is a large square in the heart of the Dorsoduro district.
During the night Campo Santa Margherita comes alive, as many of the cafes and bars remain open late at night. It is an ideal place to have a glass of Prosecco, Bardolino or Soave while sitting on the benches listening to locals converse in Italian.
Or you can have a meal at one of the restaurants.
You can also pick up fresh fruits, fish and other knick-knacks during the day. Best of all it's another free thing you can do in Venice. Of course you have to buy your wine, food and knick-knacks, but the secret is it could be cheaper there.
Piazzetta dei Leoncini
Another square you can visit is the Piazzetta dei Leoncini. It is located on the north side of St Mark's Basilica close to San Basso and the Palazzo Patriarcale.
Features of the square include two lions sculpted in red Cottanello marble and the well curb located at the center of the small square. The two lions were sculpted by Giovanni Bonazza in 1722.
Venice Music Museum/Museo della Musica
If you love classical music, then you would love visiting the Museo della Musica. The museum feature violins and other string instruments from around the time of Antonio Vivaldi and the process used to create them.
The Venice Music Museum also features the works and life of Vivaldi who was an Italian composer and virtuoso violinist.
Parco Savorgnan/Giardini Savorgnan
Located in Sestiere Cannaregio, Giardini Savorgnan also known as Parco Savorgnan is another public park in Venice. One of the larger parks in Venice it is located close to the train station and features linden, maples, chestnut, oak and yew trees.
Built some time in the 1600s it was expanded in 1752 and decorated with statues and other monuments. There are also swings and slides in a playing area for children.
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