“If anything can rival Venice in its beauty, it must be its reflection at sunset in the Grand Canal.”
– Peggy Guggenheim - whose art collection we discuss later in this article.

Backpackers, it’s time to look at one of the loveliest places in all of Italy; maybe even the world.

While Venice is a much smaller city than Rome, it’s equally as impressive, and its uniqueness lies in its canals / waterways instead of roads, as well as its beautiful bridges.

Instead of cars, in Venice you ride gondolas.

And we’ll go into that in more detail in this article.

Here are the top five things to do and sights to see in Venice, Italy, while backpacking - especially if you’re on a budget.

Aside from that, there are tons of iconic Venetian landmarks to view from the square, including St. Mark’s Basilica - a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and one of the most important religious sites in Venice -, and Doge's Palace - a magnificent Gothic palace that served as the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government -, both of which we’ll discuss in depth in our next article about Venice.

Aside from that, you have The Campanile - the bell tower overlooking the square -, which you can actually get tickets to for quite cheap - €3- €7. It’s the tallest structure in Venice - at almost 100 m tall - so you can even see views of the alps from afar when you climb up it upon visiting on a sunny day.

You also have the clock tower - the Torre dell'Orologio in Italian - located on the Northside of St. Mark's Square. What’s cool about this is that the clock's mechanical figures come to life whenever it strikes each hour, so it’s just something interesting to see.

Full priced tickets to the clock tower are €14, though if you’re a student between 15-25, a holder of Rolling Venice Card, a Museums of St. Mark’s Square ticket or the Museum Pass, you can get in for €11.

Aside from that, the cafe culture here is excellent. One of the best things to do at the piazza is relax and soak up the atmosphere of the square - which by the way, if you’ve ever seen Casino Royale (2006), you’ll recognize it as the place James Bond runs through in the final act when he’s shadowing Vesper - at one of the historic cafes lining the square’s perimeter.

You can also enjoy some really good coffee, gelato - it’s Italy, so of course - or aperitivo while listening to live music from local musicians / street performers, and just observing the crowd and liveliness of this beautiful centre.

A classic Venetian tradition is to purchase a small bag of birdseed from a vendor in the square, and feed the pigeons of St. Mark's. So if you’re into that, it’s a lot of fun, just be prepared for them to sit on your shoulders and arms because they’re going to swarm towards your hands if you have seeds in them.

There are tons of souvenir shops and boutiques here as well; you’ll find lots of Venetian crafts, glassware - which they’re known for -, masks, and other cool gifts to take home and keep for yourself or give to family and friends.

It’s also a cool place to visit at night because the buildings become illuminated and it’s also a lot less crowded, so you can take a leisurely stroll around the place, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance; romantic views of the illuminated landmarks.

And yeah, St. Mark’s Square is definitely a must-see place for anyone visiting Venice.

Now we go to…

2. Canal Adventures and Embracing Venice's Timeless Tradition

So taking a Gondola ride in Venice is just one of those things you must do.

If you don’t, it’s like not visiting the Eiffel Tower when you’re in Paris.

The first thing you’ll want to do is find a good and reputable gondolier. You can find them at various points along the city's canals, particularly in touristy areas like St. Mark's Square, along the Grand Canal, or beneath the Rialto Bridge - which we’ll talk about later.

There are also less crowded boarding stations in the Jewish Ghetto, or along Campo San Barnaba.

When looking for a gondolier, just be sure to negotiate the prices with them in advance, before you get on board.

Now Venice's canals form a network of waterways that wind their way throughout the city, so you’ll want to consider what routes you’ll want to explore in advance - because depending on what you choose, you’re going to see different historic landmarks, bridges, neighborhoods, or whatever other attractions you choose to witness.

So definitely communicate all those preferences to your gondolier so that they know where to take you.

Once you’re onboard, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash

By the way, your gondolier is like having a free guide who can give you tons of info about the history, and culture of the city, so don't hesitate to ask them questions as you ride the gondola.

It’s also just really cool to experience the romantic atmosphere of Venice. It doesn’t matter if you're sharing the experience with a loved one or simply enjoying the serenity of the moment, you can take the time to soak in the beauty and magic of this unique experience.

It’s also cool to experience lesser-known canals and hidden corners of the city, if you want.

You can also have musicians onboard your gondola.

Definitely have your smartphone and / or camera on you to capture the magical moments of your gondola ride.

3. Checking Out The Rialto Bridge

So we’ve all seen Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), right?

When they stop at Venice in that movie, the battle with Hydro-Man takes place at that bridge. In real life, it doesn’t get destroyed though.

The Rialto Bridge, considered to be the oldest of the four bridges over the Grand Canal, has existed since 1173, though its current design is from 1588.

It’s one of those iconic Venice landmarks that you just have to visit, and it’s FREE.

Easily accessible from different parts of the city, you can take your time to appreciate the beautiful architecture of this historic bridge as you approach it from the surrounding waterways or narrow alleyways.

My photo of the Rialto Bridge in May, 2019.

It’s considered a masterpiece of the Renaissance, with its elegant arches, sweeping staircases, and insane details. You can experience taking photos and standing atop of it; watching the beautiful skyline of Venice along the Grand Canal or seeing the bridge’s iconic design and appreciating the craftsmanship that went into it.

The adjacent neighborhood of Rialto, which is home to the city's famous Rialto Market, is also incredibly fun, allowing you to wander through the narrow streets and alleys lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings as you soak up the incredible atmosphere.

Speaking of The Rialto Market, it’s one of Venice's oldest and most famous bazaars, so

be sure to eat some stuff here as well! Fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local specialties are abundant.

Much like with St. Mark’s Square, there are tons of souvenir shops and boutiques near the Rialto Bridge where you can browse around, and find a variety of Venetian crafts, glassware, masks, and other gifts to take home for your family & friends.

You can also enjoy a meal or drink at one of the many restaurants, cafes, or wine bars near the Rialto Bridge. These places have a beautiful view to sit back, relax, and soak up the atmosphere while watching the boats pass by on the Grand Canal.

4. Visit the Guggenheim Gallery and Explore Venice's Contemporary Art Scene

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the most visited art museums in the world, let alone on the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro district of Venice, Italy.

It’s housed in the former home of and named after Peggy Guggenheim, an American art collector and patron. As you approach the museum, you'll be struck by its white exterior, modernist architecture, and waterfront entrance.

Once you get inside the museum, there’ll be a world-class modern and contemporary art collection, featuring works by some of the 20th century's most renowned artists, including Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and many others.

Some of the collection's highlights include Pollock's monumental "Alchemy” - which he poured onto the canvas -, Picasso's cubist masterpiece "On the Beach," and Dalí's surrealist "Birth of Liquid Desires”. You’ll also be amazed at the outdoor sculpture garden, called the Nasher Sculpture Garden, where you'll find works by artists such as Henry Moore, Anthony Caro, Max Ernst, and many others.

Regular tickets are €16, and reduced admission - i.e. for members - is €14. You can also purchase a guided tour or an audio guide, the former of which can cost between €10 - €95, depending on what kind of guided tour you choose, and the latter usually costs €23, and €21 for reduced admission.

There are also temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year. Check the museum's website or inquire at the ticket desk when you’re there to see what's currently on during your visit.

After visiting the museum, you’ll want to explore Dorsoduro, which is known for its vibrant arts scene and incredible atmosphere. Wander through the streets lined with galleries, studios, and artisan workshops, and discover the creativity and innovation that define contemporary Venetian culture.

Venice is also home to a bunch of artistic venues and cultural institutions beyond the Guggenheim Gallery. Consider checking out the Punta della Dogana, Palazzo Grassi, and the Biennale Gardens, to gain a comprehensive understanding of Venice's modern art scene.

You can also go off the beaten path, and seek out artisan workshops and studios, where traditional Venetian crafts and techniques from glassblowing to mask-making offer you an experience into the city's rich artistic heritage - as well as ongoing creative traditions.

Keep an eye out for cultural events and festivals happening in Venice during your visit, such as the Venice Biennale or the Venice Film Festival, which showcases contemporary art and movies from around the world. Participating in these events allows you to engage with the global art & creative community, and experience Venice's cultural vibrancy.

Visiting the Guggenheim Gallery and exploring Venice's contemporary art scene offers a unique opportunity to engage with the city's dynamic cultural landscape and discover the creativity and innovation that define modern-day Venice. Take your time to explore the museum, immerse yourself in the local arts scene, and enjoy the rich cultural offerings that Venice has to offer.

And finally, I recommend you…

5. Get Lost in Venetian Alleyways

Venice is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, and hidden streets. In addition to the fact that you’re walking on a city floating on water, the pathways that it has are plentiful and easy to get lost in.

So you really want to embrace the adventure and spontaneity that comes with exploring and getting lost in narrow streets, winding pathways, and charming squares, knowing that every turn may lead to a new surprise or discovery.

It’s also cool that Venice is steeped in history, and that each pathway evokes the city's rich past and heritage, which dates at least as far back as 166 AD - though the lack of historical records about the city’s inception means that it could be a lot earlier.

One of the joys of exploring Venetian alleyways is stumbling upon gems that you won't always find in guidebooks, like quaint cafes, gelaterias, artisan workshops, boutique shops, and local markets tucked away in secluded corners.

Yes, cafes and gelaterias tend to actually be the best in these small, narrow alleyways because that’s where all the mom and pop shops are, so you know you’re getting quality, homemade, fresh ingredients.

Don't be afraid to take detours, explore dead-end alleyways, or venture off the beaten path - it’s what makes Venice so adventurous.

While popular tourist attractions like St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge are undoubtedly a must-see, don't overlook the lesser-known neighborhoods and quieter alleyways, like the districts of Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, and Castello, where you'll find fewer tourists and a more maze-like mystery in your walks.

And it goes without saying to bring your camera and / or smartphone. From colorful laundry hanging overhead to quaint bridges spanning quiet canals, there's no shortage of great photography opportunities waiting for you to discover them.

Don't rush when you’re exploring Venice on foot; instead, take your time to get lost and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. Venice is a maze, for sure, and its architectural details, bustling squares, hidden markets, and courtyards are worth the uncertainty that comes with not knowing where you’re headed - all the time.

And above all, remember to just enjoy the journey. Wandering aimlessly or even following a specific route allows you to cherish the sense of freedom, discovery, and adventure that comes with exploring one of the world's most enchanting cities on foot.

We’ll wrap it up for this blog post.

Until next time, if you find value in our content, then like our Facebook, Twitter / X, and Instagram channels to get more weekly, actionable tips on backpacking the world on a budget.

In the meantime, stay strong, safe, and resilient out there; we’ll see you all next week.

Gondolas, Gelato, & Backpacking Tips for Exploring Italy's Jewel of the Adriatic

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