11 Romantic Things To Do In Venice - Updated 2024

Villy
Villy  
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read

Welcome to one of the most unique and romantic cities in the world. You guessed it right; we’re talking about Italy’s charming city, Venice. Built on over 100 small islands on the waters of the Adriatic Sea, it is surprising to see a city consisting of canals instead of roads. Apart from ravishing bridges and picturesque canals, the city features beautiful architecture and is of great historical significance. It is no coincidence that the City of Love has inspired numerous authors and poets over the centuries, and till these days, thousands of tourists flock here to find a little romance. Check out the most romantic things to do in Venice, Italy for your intimate holiday.

1. Discover the Giudecca island of Venice - contributed by Tour Guide, Valerio

Leave the old beaten paths of Venice behind as you explore Giudecca, also known as the unofficial seventh Sestiere of Venice. This fishbone-shaped island used to be a popular aristocratic retreat and industrial center. Nowadays, it functions as an artistic district with beautiful buildings, grand architecture, and stunning water views perfect for a fun romantic getaway.

2. Get on a gondola for a romantic private ride (from USD 80.58)

romantic things to do in venice | get on a gondola for a romantic private ride

Feel the excitement of a gondola ride on the tranquil Venetian canals with this private 20-minute trip only for you and your loved one. Your expert gondolier will get you through less crowded waterways and canals so you avoid the most touristy parts and get more privacy. Sit back and sip your complimentary Prosecco wine while exploring this magical city in this ancient, traditional way. The Venetian culture comes alive as you listen to the special dialect the gondoliers use to communicate; this makes the ride even more romantic.

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Venice: Private Gondola Ride

Duration: 30.0 minute

385 reviews

3. Watch the sunset as you sail on a traditional Venetian boat (from USD 96.7)

romantic things to do in venice | watch the sunset as you sail on a traditional venetian boat

Water is the basic element that characterizes Venice, so what’s better than a romantic tour around the city on a typical Venetian boat? The boat adventure takes about two hours starting around sunset when the colors beautifully paint the horizon and reflect on the water. Listen to the history of Venice and its islands from your captain as you sail through the more remote islands of the city and enjoy a glass of Prosecco wine. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture those pretty romantic moments.

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Venice: Sunset Cruise by Typical Venetian Boat

Duration: 2.0 hour

181 reviews

4. Enjoy a dinner sailing the Venetian Lagoon (from USD 118.18)

romantic things to do in venice | enjoy a dinner sailing the venetian lagoon

Step back in time and feel like a pirate with this memorable experience in the Venetian Galleon. The candlelit dinner cruise lasts about three hours and takes you through the Venetian Lagoon while soaking in scenic views of Venice, Murano, Burano, and Sant'Erasmo. A professional chef will make sure you try unique specialties, and other drinks included are coffee, prosecco wine, and red or white wine. This might not be a private tour, however, there is enough space for privacy.

Tip from tour guide

Sile River Sile River

Another romantic way to explore the Venetian Lagoon is by taking a bike tour along the Sile River. Explore the natural landscape as you ride from Treviso to the lagoon. View the burci, or boats, and see the hinterland where ancient Venetian trade took place. 

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Venice: Venetian Lagoon Tour and Galleon Dinner

Duration: 3.0 hour

1434 reviews

5. Fall in love in Venice during a gondola ride and a romantic meal (from USD 133.82)

romantic things to do in venice | fall in love in venice during a gondola ride and a romantic meal

Take your sweetheart to this wonderful two-hour tour. Your tour will start with a charming gondola ride only for the two of you through the fascinating Grand Canal and other inner canals and will end at a lovely Venetian restaurant for a pretty romantic meal. Along the way, you will see important landmarks like the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, the sophisticated Palazzo Grassi and other historical monuments.

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Fall in Love in Venice: Gondola Ride and Romantic Meal

Duration: 2.0 hour

72 reviews

6. Pick the perfect wine with the help of an expert sommelier (from USD 52.65)

pick the perfect wine with the help of an expert sommelier

After having enough romantic gondola rides and dinners around the canals of Venice, go for a different activity with your beloved one. Indulge in some wine and prosecco tasting in a traditional Venetian wine bar in the heart of the city, but well hidden from the crowds. The owner and sommelier of the bar, Marco, will tell you everything you need to know about these wines, and you can choose between two types of tasting to suit your budget. The tour takes about 40 minutes and delicious finger foods are included in the price.

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Venice: 40-Minute Sparkling Wine & Italian Prosecco Tasting

Duration: 40.0 minute

79 reviews

7. Taste wine and delicacies at Jewish Quarter (from USD 127.85)

taste wine and delicacies at jewish quarter

Treat yourself to a few glasses of superb wine and some delightful bite-size versions of local specialties on this 2.5-hour tour near Venice’s Jewish Quarter. This is going to be a local experience since not many tourists visit this neighborhood, plus you’ll be visiting six much-loved restaurants, where you’ll taste authentic local food and wines. Your English-speaking local guide will show you all the bridges and canals along your way, as well as visit an old coffee roaster and have a sip of local favorites. Bring comfortable shoes as some walking is required.

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Venice: Jewish Ghetto and Cannaregio Food and Wine Tour

Duration: 4.0 hour

78 reviews

8. Ride a gondola at night (from USD 182.9)

ride a gondola at night

Although short, this 20-minute gondola ride at night time will surely enchant you and your loved one. There is nothing more romantic than riding along the picturesque canals while admiring the lovely architecture in the city of love. Explore the city from the water on a rather unusual mode of transportation and get to know the symbolic meanings behind each part of the boat. A maximum of six people can be carried on a gondola, so there is a chance it’s not going to be a completely private tour.

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Venice: Private Gondola Ride by Night

Duration: 30 minute

31 reviews

9. Try authentic Venetian aperitif at St. Mark's Square (from USD 13.29)

try authentic venetian aperitif at st. mark's square

It won’t cost you a fortune to try this activity that takes place in one of the most fabulous squares of the world, St. Mark Square. Visit the historic Al Todaro Bar, which has operated since 1948 and overlooks the island of San Giorgio and the square itself. You can have either a cup of Venetian coffee, a glass of wine, a soft drink, or maybe a spritz, the original Venetian aperitif if you would like to try a new taste. During the summer months, the cafe is open from 11am to 7pm.

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Venice's Spritz Aperitif in St. Mark's Square

Duration: 1 hour

100 reviews

10. Visit the city's most iconic sites (from USD 181.57)

visit the city's most iconic sites

Choose this three-hour private tour if you are short on time and you want to explore the most notable attractions of Venice, as well as more hidden spots. Your private expert guide will show you and tell you everything about sites such as the St. Mark’s Basilica, the historic Rialto Bridge and the Gothic-style Doge’s Palace. He will also take you to secret corners of the city, far from the crowds. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and ask your guide for information to continue exploring the city on your own.

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Venice: Private Guided Tour off the beaten path

Duration: 2.0 hour

11 reviews

11. Treat yourself to a gondola serenade and a gorgeous dinner (from USD 136.45)

treat yourself to a gondola serenade and a gorgeous dinner

A pretty romantic evening awaits you if you choose this four-hour tour that begins with a gondola ride with a live performance by professional musicians who sing popular Italian songs and then continues to a typical Venetian restaurant for a yummy dinner. The gondola ride takes you through a fabulous canal where you can admire sites like the Accademia Bridge or the famous La Fenice Theatre, among others. The gondola carries a maximum of six guests and is not accessible for people with mobility difficulties.

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Venice: Gondola Ride with Serenade and Romantic Dinner

Duration: 4.0 hour

21 reviews

Can't get any more romantic

Do you already feel enchanted by the beauty of this city and the charm lying in its mesmerizing canals? Rumors say that if you kiss under the notorious Bridge of Sighs, you’re bound to have eternal love and happiness. Would you like to try it out? Then, visit Venice!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Meet Villy, a perpetual explorer with an insatiable curiosity for the world and an unwavering eagerness to learn. Growing up in Greece, Villy embarked on a journey to transcend her comfort zone....Read more

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