Venice Travel Deals

Things to Do in Venice

Book one of our Venice packages and stack your itinerary with gondola rides on the Grand Canal. They will take you through the city, past centuries of colourful architecture and waterfront cafes. If a float-by isn’t enough for your water-loving heart, listen up: After a warm spring or summer rain, tourists and locals alike can be found splashing through the flooded streets to St Mark’s Square and Basilica in Piazza San Marco, so pack your wellies. While you’re tromping through the neighbourhood, clean up for a tour of Doge’s Palace, where you can browse the art galleries, search for hidden treasure and haunt the palace prison cells. Now, that sounds like the stuff Venice holidays are all about! To dunk yourself in the local fine arts scene once and for all, take in a Vivaldi concert at the historic La Fenice Opera House or let Venice school you at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco in San Polo, a painting institute and museum—and church—that features some of the artist Tintoretto’s works.

Shopping, Dining & Nightlife

If the famous art pieces scattered through Venice make you want buy some to take home, hit up some of the contemporary artisans selling their wares along the waterfront at St Marks. To get your hands on an authentic Venetian mask, check out the shops in the Dorsoduro district. While you can find glittering Murano glass in every boutique and market, take a water bus out to Murano Island to see where the magic happens.

Much like anywhere else in Italy, if you’re hungry in Venice, you’re doing it wrong. Grab fresh fruit and street eats at waterfront markets, or sit down for fine dining and wine that flows like Venetian waterways, but tastier. Try the cuttlefish with inky pasta and stuff your face with tramezzini sandwiches, bursting with any filling you might be craving.

The nightlife in Venice is as easy-going as the currents in the Grand Canal, and classy to boot. Don’t expect loads of dance clubs, unless you want to form one while listening to live music outside your dinner café. Locals spend the evening with delicious food, thoughtful conversation and a trip to the opera or a jazz club. Glam up and follow suit.

What’s Next?

If you’re ready to float through a dreamy holiday, mix and match Venice holiday packages or book full-blown Italy holidays with lastminute.com.au. You’ll find ridiculously affordable airfares and accommodation, so you can splurge on handmade souvenirs. If you decide not to share, hide behind a new mask. We won’t judge.