14 Things to do in Venice for Spring: A Complete Guide
Looking for things to do in Venice for spring? We have a complete guide of fun things to do in Venice for all ages, and it’s filled with sights that will make your visit to Italy an unforgettable vacation.
Venice, Italy is well-known for its old-world architecture. The structures are in beautiful shades of rust and gold tones with antique facades that transport you into another era. You could easily forget that you’re in the 21st century if not for the occasional sighting of electronic devices.
It is a city of canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, which makes it a popular vacation destination. Spring is one of the best times to visit Venice for a family vacation because the weather is mild. In this post, we will share the best things to do during the spring season.
Top Things to Do in Venice
Visit the Rialto Bridge
Did you know the Rialto Bridge crosses the Grand Canal at its most narrow to connect two neighborhoods? It’s one of the top things to see in Venice and a great spot for taking photos. The bridge is bordered by shops and restaurants on both sides so the area is bustling and crowded. It’s a nice spot to do some shopping and enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful view of the Grand Canal.
Take a Gondola Ride
It sounds touristy but you can’t visit Venice without touring the Grand Canal and drifting through the numerous canals of the city. If you haven’t enjoyed a sunset ride, were you even in Venice? I recommend going at night, the evening hours can be quite romantic. Floating through the dark canals and hearing the crashing sounds of water heightened my senses and made the journey unforgettable!
Catching a gondola is easy, they are parked along the Grand Canal, or after visiting St. Mark’s Square, you can get one at the waterfront of Piazza San Marco!
The rides are usually 30 or 60 minutes in duration and the fee is priced at a flat rate, per person. The charges are firm, so you won’t have much luck trying to negotiate. Tips are not expected, but if your gondolier goes above and beyond (like a serenade), let him know it’s appreciated!
Not only is taking a gondola ride a must-do activity in Venice, but spring is the perfect time to do it. The weather is mild, and the canals are not as crowded as they are during the summer months.
Other options for exploring by water include water taxis and public vaporettos. No matter which option you choose, you’re sure to be impressed while sightseeing the architecture and historic landmarks that line the canal.
Visit Piazza San Marco
Also known as St. Mark’s Square,this piazza is the beating heart of Venice and people from around the globe visit to see this iconic structure, St. Mark’s Basilica. The adjacent piazza (plaza) can get very congested. In fact, after visiting several times I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Piazza without people! You can visit the interior of the basilica for 5€ and kids up to 5 years old can enter free of charge.
The square is surrounded by stunning architecture as displayed in the Basilica di San Marco and the Doge’s Palace. If time allows, you should tour both for a glimpse of Venetian history.
Located across the piazza is a 500-year-old, historic clock tower – Torre dell’Orologio. This elaborate timepiece displays the time of day, the zodiac, and the phase of the moon. Legend states that when the clock was revealed, the Doge (or chief magistrate) had the clockmaker blinded so that he could not create another to rival it!
In spring, the square is filled with flowers and the sun is shining, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of the city.
Attend Carnevale
This annual event began in the 9th century and is one of the most famous carnivals in the world. Although it takes place every year in February, some of the events spill over into the spring months. The carnival is known for its elaborate masks and costumes, and it is a great opportunity to experience Venetian culture.
Before you go, stop at Cà del Sol Maschere. This is an amazing store that showcases the most elaborate masks and costumes.
Historically, the outfits allowed people to hide their identity, sex, and social status. The masks enabled everyone, men, and women, to be and act as they choose.
What a fun way to live like a different character for an evening! It is truly a unique and colorful event that you shouldn’t miss.
Tour the The Jewish Ghetto
Walking through the Jewish Ghetto is one of the best experiences in Venice. This historic neighborhood dates to the 16th century and was once home to the Jewish population of Venice.
We visited the Jewish Museum and the synagogues, which are open to the public for a glimpse of their culture. We also tried a few traditional Jewish-Italian dishes like fried artichokes and sweet ricotta cake at one of the area restaurants.
Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Museum
Home to one of the most important museums of modern art in Italy, the museum is in Peggy Guggenheim’s former residence, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, with beautiful views of the Grand Canal.
The museum houses an impressive collection of 20th-century art, including works by Picasso, Dalí, and Jackson Pollock.
Enjoy Local Food and a Spritz at a Local Bar
The Spritz is a classic Venetian cocktail, made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. You can enjoy one in an outdoor cafe in San Marco Square and people watch as the sun sets. Caffe Florian is the oldest operating cafe in Europe and a great spot for an apertif. It is also a great option for a morning cappuccino.
Venice is famous for its seafood, so be sure to try dishes like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) and sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines). You should also try cicchetti, which are small plates of food that are perfect for snacking while exploring the city.
I recommend this amazing food tour where you can sample cicchetti and delicious gelato!
Go Shopping on the Mercerie
The Mercerie is a great place for shopping. It’s located near St. Mark’s Square and is filled with high-end boutiques, artisanal shops, and charming cafes. I enjoyed the retail therapy and picked up a few souvenirs to take home. With so many boutiques and restaurants in the area, we easily spent two to three hours exploring and soaking up the local vibes.
Explore the Venetian Bridges
Bridges are everywhere in Venice and are lovely to see in spring! There are close to 400 bridges throughout the city. Some are private because they are the only access to the resident’s home.
The bridges you see today were once flat and made of wood to allow horses and carriages to cross. As the popularity of motorboats grew, the bridges were rebuilt with stone and arches to allow passage.
The Bridge of Sighs is very popular (located near Piazza San Marco). It connects the Pallazzo Ducale with the prisons across the canal. Legend says that when prisoners crossed the bridge, they would let out a sigh as they saw their last view of freedom.
Every bridge has an element of uniqueness.
Explore the Venetian Islands
Venice is surrounded by many beautiful islands that are worth exploring. Murano is famous for its glassmaking, Burano for its colorful houses, and Torcello for its ancient churches. You can take a boat tour and explore these islands, or you can take a day trip and spend the day exploring them at your own pace.
The islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello are well-known for their artistry in glassblowing and lacemaking. Vetreria Artistica Colleoni is one of the best factories to tour and you will find many options in Burano. You will find everything from vases to napkin rings to chandeliers. One could argue that each piece is one-of-a-kind because no two items are blown the same way.
Looking at the stores was like walking through a glass museum. This makes it the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and masterpieces. The canals are bordered by rows of colorful houses, which make for the most Instagram-able vacation photos!
Getting to the island can be pricey if you take a water taxi. There are more affordable options such as tour operators or private tours, private boats, or the waterbus line. The most economical option is the Vaporetto.
Tip: board the waterbus early so that you get a seat with unobstructed views. It’s a pleasant ride through the canals.
When you arrive at Burano, just wander up the street to Fondamenta dei Vetrai, also known as the Glassmakers’ Embankment.
Tip: allow half-day to a full day to explore the islands and stop for the local cuisines.
Visit Santa Maria della Salute
Near the Grand Canal is Santa Maria della Salute, one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. It’s easily recognized by the stunning dome and beautiful architecture. It’s also a great spot for taking photos and for admiring the intricate details of the building.
Attend a Classical Music Concert
One of the most enriching cultural experiences is attending a classical concert. Venice is known for its rich musical history, and there are many opportunities to experience classical music performances throughout the city.
After attending classical concerts in Paris and Italy, it has become my favorite way to wind down in the evening. Whether you’re a fan of chamber music or orchestral performances, there are beautiful venues throughout the city that will make the evening unforgettable.
Visit Scuola Grande di San Rocco
This is a must-see in Venice. The building is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is home to impressive artworks by famous artists like Tintoretto. The gallery is a true gem of the Venetian art scene.
See Venice Biennale
The Biennale Art is an exhibition of contemporary art from around the world. The venue hosts cinema, dance, music, and theatrical performances that are spread out across many venues throughout the city, so it’s a great opportunity to explore some of Venice’s lesser-known areas as well.
If you are looking to indulge in the arts, Venice Biennale is the place to see features of works from talented artists like Tintoretto. The gallery is a true gem of the Venetian art scene.
Know Before You Go
- Venice is bordered by one of the most beautiful waterfronts in Europe. The sights are remarkable and best seen on foot.
- The maze of streets is never-ending. To navigate the paths, you may need a good paper map and a great sense of direction. A GPS system can likewise be helpful.
- If you use a navigation system, be aware that it may not be 100% accurate due to construction. A path that was once accessible by foot may now be a dead end!
- Pack snacks to keep you charged and keep a portable water bottle on hand to stay hydrated while exploring!
Final Thoughts on Things to do In Venice in Spring
Because Venice is situated among numerous islands that are separated by canals, getting from one part of the city to another requires navigating a maze of streets and bridges. You can walk for hours and not see all that Venice has to offer.
I adore Italy! Here are some more resources to help you plan your trip and discover more to see and do.
- Essential Italian Phrases Every Traveler Should Learn
- Hotel al Duca di Venezia Review
- A First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Venice Italy
- Italian Breakfasts – Espresso, Brioche and Burro!
These are some of the best ways to explore during your visit to Italy.
FAQs on Things to Do in Venice for Spring
Is spring a good time to visit Venice?
Absolutely! Spring is a great time to visit Venice. The weather is mild and pleasant, plus, you’ll get to see the city come to life with flowers blooming and outdoor markets opening up.
What is the best way to get around Venice in spring?
The best way to get around Venice is on foot or by water taxi. Venice is a pedestrian-friendly city with many narrow streets and alleys, so walking is often the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore. Water taxis are a fun and unique way to get around, and can take you to places that are difficult to reach on foot.
What is the weather like in Venice during spring?
In spring, the weather in Venice is mild and pleasant, with temperatures averaging around 15-20°C (59-68°F). However, it can still be chilly at night, so be sure to bring a light jacket or sweater.
What are some lesser-known things to do in Venice during spring?
In addition to the popular tourist attractions, there are many lesser-known things to do in Venice like attending the Festa della Sensa (Ascension Day) celebration. Don’t be afraid to explore and discover your hidden gems in this enchanting city!
