12 unique things to do in Venice Italy 

Canals, gondolas and a grand piazza is what typically comes to mind when we think about Venice Italy. 

But, aside from Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge, Venice offers another variety of activities and attractions. 

From visiting lesser-visited islands to booking kayaking tours, I’ll be sharing 12 unique things to do in Venice Italy. 

Activities that’ll take you beyond the typical Venice itinerary, this guide will highlight more non-touristy things to do in Venice.  

A Venice travel guide for visitors looking for unusual and adventurous activities, use it to plan your Italy trip. 

12 unique things to do in Venice 

1. Climb the clock tower (Torre dell'Orologio) 

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is usually the first stop on many Venice itineraries. Home to the grandiose St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, it’s not surprising why visitors come here first. 

But, aside from the tourist attractions that Piazza San Marco is known for, there’s another landmark that deserves equal attention. 

A clock tower (Torre dell’Orologio) dating to the 15th century stands to the left of the basilica. More than an ordinary timepiece, the clock reflects the phases of the moon and the zodiac signs. 

Every hour, the statues of the Moors strike the bell to announce the passing of time. 

Visits to tour the clock tower are only available with prior booking. A guide takes visitors behind the historic clockface and to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views. 

Lasting around 1 hour, it's an adventurous way to experience one of Venice’s most unique landmarks. 
A remarkable piece of engineering and art, it’s one of the most unique things to do in Venice. 

3 attractions for 1 price 

The easiest way to book tickets for the clock tower is by visiting the official website. Full price tickets cost €14 ($16/£12)* and includes free entry to Museo Correr, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana. 

Children under the age of 6 aren’t permitted, and children aged 6-14 and visitors over 65 pay a reduced rate. 

Clock tower (Torre dell'Orologio), Piazza San Marco 

2. Ascend the spiral staircase 

When looking for unique things to do in Venice, double underline the spiral staircase at Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.  

Scala Contarini del Bovolo winds around the 15th century palace’s exterior adding a unique architectural feature to the building. 

Tickets are required (from the official website) to visit the palace and to climb the spiral staircase. Enjoy the views of Venice from above and count how many bell towers you can spot across the city. 

A fun find for travelers looking for unusual things to do in Venice, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo won’t disappoint. 

3. Explore Venice’s quirky bookstore 

In the age of Instagram and other social media, Libreria Acqua Alta wouldn't exactly be considered a hidden gem. 

However, a visit to Venice’s unusual bookshop still perfectly meets the criteria of unique things to do in Venice.  

Unlike any other 

In a city facing rising tides, Libreria Acqua Alta has adapted to its ever-changing circumstance in a unique way.  

Books piled in traditional wooden shelves sit alongside books piled on top of one another to protect them from flooding. A real treasure trove for book lovers, Libreria Acqua Alta houses titles ranging from modern literature to French novels.  

But while the books should be the driving force for people to visit, there’s another attraction that draws people in. 

At the back of the store is a staircase made entirely of books leading to a canal view. While charming, the staircase has become a social media magnet for influencers and holidaymakers.  

Waiting in line is the norm although it does move pretty fast. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth lining up for. I've found better canal views in Venice and I haven't had to wait in any line to enjoy them. 

If planning on visiting Libreria Acqua Alta, arrive early and preferably during the weekday. Look out for the shop’s furry black cat and consider making a small purchase while here.  

A fun addition to any one-day Venice itinerary, the bookshop's ideal when looking for things to do in Venice with kids. 

Libreria Acqua Alta, Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b 

4. Tour Lazzaretto Nuovo 

A short vaporetto (water bus) ride from mainland Venice is the island of Lazzaretto Nuovo. 

The island provides a unique glimpse into a part of Venice’s past that many visitors never hear about. 

Situated at the entrance of Venice’s lagoon, its first role was to likely control and defend the waterways. 
One of the most unique things to do in Venice, Lazzaretto Nuovo was most famous for being a quarantine station.  

A decree passed in the 15th century established the task of preventing the spread of disease. This was mainly targeted at the ships arriving from ports around the Mediterranean where passengers were suspected of being carriers.  

Today, Lazzaretto Nuovo is open to visitors that want to explore the island and learn more about its history.  

While known to some visitors, the island isn’t as frequented as other parts of Venice. Because of this, a trip to the island is one of the more non-touristy things to do in Venice. 

How to visit Lazzaretto Nuovo 

Guided tours are the only way to visit Lazzaretto Nuovo and they last about 2 hours. Tours include a walk along the historical-archaeological route inside the walls and a nature walk (‘Il Sentiero delle Barene’).  

The vaporetto line number 13, departing from Venice-Fondamente Nuove or Treporti, will take you to Lazzaretto Nuovo.  

Visit the website for up-to-date information on opening times and ticket prices. 

Map: unique things to do in Venice

5. Discover Lazzaretto Vecchio 

While Lazzaretto Nuovo acted as a place to quarantine suspected carriers of diseases, Lazzaretto Vecchio isolated patients that had the plague. Because of this, the island served as the final resting place for many.  

Located in Venice’s central lagoon, close to Lido di Venezia, the island displays a macabre side to Venice’s past. 

Lazzaretto Vecchio's eerie and isolated atmosphere is a stark contrast to Venice’s colorful and boisterous streets. This makes a trip to the island one of the more unique things to do in Venice. 
As of the time of writing, Lazzaretto Vecchio isn’t yet open to the public.  

Works have been in progress since 2004 to build the National Archaeological Museum of the Venice Lagoon on Lazzaretto Vecchio.  

While it seems that the island does open for special events, for now it’s best viewed from Lido of Venice. 

6. Pass by Squero di San Trovaso 

Get a behind-the-scenes look of how gondolas are made and restored at Squero di San Trovaso. One of the most unique things to do in Venice, the historic 17th century shipyard is unmissable.  

While enjoying a gondola ride features on many people’s bucket list, few people know about how the boats are made. 

Located in Venice’s Dorsoduro quarter, Squero di San Trovaso offers a rare glimpse into the Venetian art form. 

While it’s not possible to go inside the workshop, you can see the craftsmen at work from across the canal.  

Squero di San Trovaso, Dorsoduro, 1097 

7. Join a Venice ghost tour  

Unique things to do in Venice don’t get any more unusual than by joining a ghost tour. 

In a city filled with stories of haunted palaces, cursed buildings and mysterious disappearances, Venice makes the perfect location. 

Many of the tours take place at night taking guests through the city’s darkest crooks and corners. Some are considered family friendly while others are probably better suited to adults. 

One of the more adventurous things to do in Venice, are you brave enough to try one of these ghost tours?

👻 Mysterious tales of ghosts and murders (suitable for children) 

👻 Crimes, legends and mysteries tour at sunset 

👻 Ghost tour to Rialto and San Marco Square 

👻 Legends, anecdotes and ghost stories walking tour 

👻 Private after dark tour and gondola ride 

👻 Ghosts and legends evening private walking tour 

8. Go green in Venice’s gardens 

Though Venice may be most known for its canals, the city also has several greener attractions to its name. 

The gardens around Venice offer a peaceful retreat away from the urban noise. 

While some are tucked away behind private palaces, others are open to the public — some free and some ticketed. 

One of the most popular public spots is the Royal Gardens (Giardini Reali). A pretty green space with pebbled paths, sprawling foliage and benches, its calming atmosphere makes a welcome change. 

Located steps away from the San Marco vaporetto stop, it’s a serene place to wait for the next boat. 

Alongside Giardini Reali, there are other gardens in Venice worth noting. They include: 

• Giardini Papadopoli, 30135 Sestriere Santa Croce 
• Orto degli Scalzi (padri Carmelitani), Cannaregio, A Carmelitani Scalzi, 54 
• Giardini della Marinaressa, Riva dei Sette Martiri 

9. Kayak through Venice’s canals 

Ditch the gondola for a kayak for a more adventurous approach to exploring Venice’s canals. 

One of the most unique things to do in Venice, kayaking allows you to explore hidden corners of the city.  
An enjoyable way to discover more off-beat parts of Venice, it’s one experience that you’ll likely never forget. 

Ready to kayak your way around Venice? The following are tours that will get you kitted out and on the canals. 

⏩️ Guided kayak tour 

⏩️ Hidden canal gems kayak tour with certified guide 

⏩️ 2-hour night kayak tour in Venice 

⏩️ Sunset kayaking class in the city 

⏩️ Private kayak tour in the Venetian Lagoon 

10. See other islands 

Aside from Venice’s mainland, many travelers are aware of surrounding islands like Murano, Burano, Torcello and Lido di Venezia. 

But for an island experience away from the crowds, there are other islands that tick the unique box. 

Sant’Erasmo and Pellestrina are two that come to mind. The former is ideal for travelers that love the outdoors and enjoy being in nature. Plan a nature walk, bike around the island or relax on its beach.  

Pellestrina is accessible by ferry from Lido di Venezia. Not as remote as Sant’Erasmo, the island’s ideal for biking. Dine at one of the island’s several eateries and schedule a reminder to watch the blazing colors at sunset. 

11. Stroll through Cannaregio 

The Cannaregio district offers the perfect mix of touristy and non-touristy things to do in Venice. Ideal for families, the streets are wider and less crowded making it easier to explore if visiting with kids. 

Cannaregio is most known for being the location of Venice’s Jewish Ghetto, the oldest in the world. It's in this area where you can visit the Jewish Museum and synagogues and try local Jewish delicacies.  

A quieter and more local district, Cannaregio is one neighborhood to consider when thinking of where to stay in Venice.  

With its laid-back vibe and not overly touristy tone, Cannaregio deserves a place on every Venice itinerary. 

12. Go on a Venice gelato tour 

What kid (or adult!) doesn’t love gelato? Venice has plenty of excellent gelaterie to try dotted around the city. 

If looking for unique things to do in Venice with kids, consider creating your own gelato tour. Map out several gelateria in line with other Venice sights so that the kids have something to look forward to.  

A gelato tour is also a surefire way to keep your kids happy and energized for more sightseeing. 

Below are several Venice gelateria to help create your own gelato tour: 

• Gelateria Gallonetto, Salizada S. Lio, 5727 
• Gelatoteca Suso, Sotoportego de la Bissa, 5453 
• Gelateria Ducale, Calle Larga Giacinto Gallina, 6381/b 
• Gelato di Natura, Campo San Giacomo dall'Orio, San Croce, 1628 
• Venchi Rialto, Ruga dei Spezieri, 269 

What do you think of this guide of unique things to do in Venice? Which of these attractions or activities would you most like to see? Let me know in the comments below or send me DM on Instagram. 

*information correct at the time of publishing.

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