Discover here the 7 amazing free attractions in Venice. With our sightseeing tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the city without spending anything.
1. Getting to know St. Mark’s Square in Venice
St. Mark’s Square, known as Piazza San Marco, is one of the most beautiful squares in Venice and Italy. It is made up of historic buildings such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Palazzo Ducale, the Clock Tower and the Campinale, which is the tower that holds the basilica’s bells. It’s also a beautiful place to take pictures in the city.
2. See the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
This is Venice’s main basilica and you’re sure to pass by it during your walks around the city. And although you have to pay to get in, you can still appreciate the external details of the basilica’s architecture, which is super beautiful.
And if, by any chance, you want to enter the Basilica, you can book your ticket for this and other Venice attractions via this ticket website.
3. Crossing the Rialto Bridge in Venice
The Rialto Bridge is one of the most beautiful and photographable sights in the city. It crosses the Grand Canal and has become a small shopping center, with many stores and stalls around it. As the oldest bridge built to cross the canal, it is a symbol of the city, having been rebuilt in stone, but retaining its original style and architecture.
4.… and the Bridge of Sighs in Venice
Another very famous bridge is the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the Palazzo Ducale to the building that housed Venice’s old prison. It even got its name from the prisoners. According to legend, they sighed as they passed by, seeing the world for the last time. So be sure to stop by and take lots of photos.
5. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice
Located in the Dorsoduro district, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is a monument built in 1631 in the midst of the Black Death epidemic. That’s why it has this name, since the bridge was a promise made by the then ruler, Nicolò Contarini, to Our Lady of Health.
In addition to its history, the basilica is a must-see for its beautiful dome and baroque architectural style, which impresses all tourists. Entrance to the basilica is free, but there is a charge to enter the sacristy.
6. Stroll along Venice’s canals
Probably the most traditional walk in Venice, strolling along the banks of Venice’s canals, watching the gondolas go by, is a good way to get to know the main sights.
7. Visit the Acqua Alta Bookshop in Venice
The Libreria Acqua Alta is an incredible experience. It’s a bookshop that has its books on gondolas, and at high tide, the books float on little boats. The staff who work there wear rubber boots because of the floods and, when they happen, they have to put the books on the highest shelves so they don’t get wet. It’s a free tour and very worthwhile.
Address: Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.
Opening hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 7.45 p.m.
Save money on your trip to Venice:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Venice cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Tickets: find out where to buy your Venice tickets in the cheapest and safest way. You can save up to 40%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Venice. You will find out the best areas and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
