There is truly no place in the world like Venice. While it may be a well-known metropolis in Italy, it often feels like a country and culture of its own. Venetians take pride in what they call "La Serenissima" - the Most Serene Republic of Venice. Remembered as a maritime power from the Middle Ages, it was a center of intellectual, artistic, and commercial innovation in Europe for more than a thousand years. The floating city is home to fascinating architecture, an abundance of art, and a labyrinth of canals. America Domani has put together a shortlist of our favorite free things to do in the city of canals, so they can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of budget.
People Watch in Piazza San Marco
There’s nothing like leisurely people-watching, hearing faint background music, and letting time slowly go by in one of Venice’s most beautiful destinations. St. Mark's Square is one of the most popular tourist spots thanks to its rich history and Venetian Renaissance architecture. You will find some of the city’s most beautiful cafes, like Caffè Florian, and of course, St. Mark's Basilica, one of the most iconic churches in Europe laid out in a Greek cross design and reflecting Byzantine architectural style.
Explore the Jewish Ghetto
The Jewish Quarter in Venice also known as the Jewish Ghetto or “Ghetto Ebraico” was established by decree of Doge Leonardo Loredan on March 29, 1516. It is considered to be the oldest Jewish ghetto in the world. Despite the restrictions and limitations placed upon the Jewish community, the Venetian Jewish quarter thrived and became a center of commerce and culture. The Ghetto is home to numerous synagogues, kosher butchers, bakeries, and other businesses catering to the Jewish community and remains a vibrant and bustling neighborhood.
Museo della Musica
In the San Polo quarter, you'll find Museo della Musica, a free museum dedicated to all things musical in Venice. Located inside the San Maurizio Church, this free museum houses a collection of historical musical instruments from the 1600s to the 1960s and offers a unique window at the life of popular Venetian composer and musician, Antonio Vivaldi.
Cross Over all Four Grand Canal Bridges
Along the Grand Canal, there are four magnificent bridges that connect the islands of Venice: Ponte degli Scalzi, the Ponte dell' Accademia, the Ponte di Costituzione, and the Ponti di Rialto. The Ponte Degli Scalzi is a white stone bridge that connects the north and south of Venice. The Ponti di Rialto is Venice’s oldest bridge, built in 1181. The Ponte dell’ Accademia is famed for one of the most stunning views in the city. Ponte della Costituzione connects Venice to the mainland.
Visit the Acqua Alta Bookshop
This bookshop is wildly famous for being one of the most unique in the world and it’s self-proclaimed as the most beautiful. The dreamy setting of this bookshop will surely make you feel like you’ve found yourself in someone’s novel or film set. With the frequent flooding that happens in Venice each year, Acqua Alta has mitigated this issue by stacking books in waterproof bins, bathtubs, and even a full-size gondola to avoid damage. The name of the shop translates to “Bookstore of High Water”.
Arianna DiCicco
Arianna DiCicco is an educator and writer from California, born into an Italian American restaurant family with strong ties to her grandparents’ home in Abruzzo, Italy. She has lived in San Francisco, Rome and New York City where she’s made deep connections within the Italian communities and gained new perspectives about her own culture. With a Masters in International Education, Arianna has a love and passion for learning and educating others about Italian history & culture.