Things to Do in Venice for Young Adults

Venice, often called the “Floating City,” is a dream destination for travelers of all ages, but it holds a special charm for young adults. Whether you're drawn to its romantic canals, vibrant nightlife, rich culture, or adventurous experiences, Venice offers a unique mix of history and modern fun.

Table of Contents

• Top Attractions for Young Adults
• Adventure and Outdoor Activities
• Nightlife and Entertainment

Top Attractions for Young Adults

Venice is a city full of breathtaking sights, rich history, and hidden gems waiting to be explored. Whether you’re here for the famous landmarks, scenic views, or off-the-beaten-path discoveries, there’s something for every young traveler.

St. Mark’s Basilica & Piazza San Marco

St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most stunning churches in the world, known for its golden mosaics and intricate architecture. Inside, the shimmering ceilings and historical relics tell the story of Venice’s past as a powerful maritime republic. Just outside, Piazza San Marco is the heart of the city, always bustling with life. It’s the perfect place to take in the atmosphere, listen to street musicians, and admire the stunning facades of historical buildings.

• Location: Piazza San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

• Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM

• Cost: Entry to the basilica is free; additional fees for museum and terraces start from €5

• Features: A stunning example of Byzantine architecture, famous for its golden mosaics and historical relics.

For an unforgettable view, climb St. Mark’s Campanile, the basilica’s towering bell tower. From the top, you’ll get a panoramic view of Venice, stretching across the lagoon and the red rooftops of the city.

• Location: Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

• Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 9:15 PM

• Cost: Entry fee of €12

• Features: Venice’s tallest bell tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and lagoon.

Doge’s Palace & the Bridge of Sighs

Right next to St. Mark’s Basilica stands the Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. Once the seat of political power, this grand palace is filled with ornate halls, dramatic paintings, and secret chambers that bring Venice’s history to life. Walking through the grand halls, you’ll see artwork by masters like Titian and Tintoretto, making it a must-visit for history and art lovers.

One of the most famous parts of the palace is the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the old prison to the palace. Legend has it that prisoners would take their last look at Venice through the bridge’s small windows before being led to their cells. Today, it’s one of the most photographed spots in the city, perfect for capturing Venice’s enchanting atmosphere.

Rialto Bridge & the Grand Canal

The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s most recognizable landmarks, offering breathtaking views of the Grand Canal. As the oldest bridge crossing the canal, it has been a central hub of the city for centuries. Strolling across, you’ll find small shops selling jewelry, souvenirs, and Venetian masks.

Just nearby, the Rialto Market is a lively place where locals shop for fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, visit in the morning when the market is busiest.

San Giorgio Maggiore Island

For one of the best panoramic views of Venice, take a short Vaporetto (water bus) ride to San Giorgio Maggiore Island. This small island, located across the lagoon from Piazza San Marco, is home to a stunning church designed by Andrea Palladio. The real highlight, however, is the church’s bell tower, which offers a less crowded but equally breathtaking view of Venice compared to St. Mark’s Campanile.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Venice may be known for its history and romance, but it also offers exciting outdoor experiences perfect for young travelers. From thrilling water adventures to scenic walks, there’s plenty to do beyond just sightseeing.

Gondola Rides vs. Vaporetto: What’s Worth It?

Gondola rides are one of Venice’s most famous experiences, but they can be expensive. While a private gondola ride offers a romantic and peaceful journey through quiet canals, it may not be the best option for budget-conscious travelers. If you’re with friends, consider splitting the cost for a more affordable ride.

• Location: Available throughout Venice

• Hours: Available daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

• Cost: Standard 30-minute ride from €90 (private gondola)

• Features: A classic Venetian experience, gliding through picturesque canals with a gondolier navigating the way.

For a cheaper alternative, take the Vaporetto, Venice’s public water bus. It offers a similar scenic experience along the Grand Canal but at a fraction of the price. The Vaporetto also takes you to major attractions and islands like Murano and Burano, making it a practical and budget-friendly choice.

Kayaking Through Venice’s Canals

For a more immersive and adventurous way to experience the canals, kayaking is an exciting alternative to traditional boats. Unlike gondolas or motorboats, kayaks allow you to explore Venice from a unique perspective while navigating through narrow waterways at your own pace. Guided tours are available for beginners and often take you off the beaten path to lesser-known parts of the city.

Exploring Lido Beach

If you’re craving some sun and sand, take a Vaporetto to Lido di Venezia, a beautiful barrier island with long, sandy beaches. It’s the perfect place to relax, swim, or even rent a bike to explore the coastline. Lido also has a more laid-back vibe compared to the crowded streets of Venice, making it a great spot for a beach break. If you visit in September, you might even catch the Venice Film Festival, which takes place here every year.

• Location: Lido di Venezia, 30126 Venezia VE, Italy

• Hours: Open 24/7

• Cost: Free access; sunbed and umbrella rentals from €20

• Features: A long sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and cycling. It’s also home to the annual Venice Film Festival.

Walking Tours and Night Tours

Venice is best explored on foot, and walking tours offer a great way to dive into the city’s history and hidden gems. During the day, you can join free walking tours that take you through historic neighborhoods like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro, where you’ll find street art, local cafés, and quiet canals away from the tourist crowds.

For something different, try a ghost or mystery night tour. Venice has a fascinating (and sometimes eerie) past, and these tours reveal its dark legends, haunted places, and mysterious stories. It’s a fun and thrilling way to experience the city after sunset.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Venice may not have the wild party scene of cities like Barcelona or Berlin, but it offers a unique and vibrant nightlife perfect for young adults. Whether you’re looking for stylish cocktail bars, local pubs, or live music, Venice has plenty of spots to explore after dark.

Best Bars and Cocktail Spots

Venice is famous for its bacari, traditional Venetian wine bars where locals gather for drinks and snacks. These small, cozy spots are great for trying cicchetti (Venetian tapas) while sipping on an Aperol Spritz or a glass of local Prosecco. Some of the most popular bacari include Cantina Do Mori, one of the oldest wine bars in the city, and Osteria al Squero, which has a great view of a historic gondola workshop.

• Location: Sestiere San Polo, 429, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

• Hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM

• Cost: Cicchetti (small plates) from €2, wine from €3

• Features: One of Venice’s oldest wine bars, offering delicious small bites and local wines in a cozy atmosphere.

If you prefer stylish cocktail bars, check out Il Mercante, a speakeasy-style bar known for its creative drinks, or Harry’s Bar, the birthplace of the famous Bellini cocktail. These spots offer a more upscale and intimate setting for a relaxed night out.

• Location: Calle Vallaresso, 1323, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

• Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

• Cost: Cocktails from €15

• Features: The birthplace of the famous Bellini cocktail, known for its elegant and historic atmosphere.

Live Music and Nightclubs

While Venice isn’t known for its clubbing scene, you can still find some great spots for music and dancing. Venice Jazz Club in the Dorsoduro district hosts live jazz performances in a cozy, intimate setting, making it a great place for a chill evening. If you’re into electronic music or DJ sets, head to Aurora Beach Club on Lido Island, which has summer parties right by the water.

For a more lively night, young locals often take a short train ride to Mestre, Venice’s mainland district, where you’ll find bigger clubs like Tag Club and Molocinque, both known for hosting international DJs and themed nights.

Venice by Night: Evening Strolls and Scenic Views

If you’re looking for a more laid-back evening, simply wandering through Venice at night can be a magical experience. The city takes on a quieter, more mysterious atmosphere once the daytime crowds disappear. Walking along the Grand Canal or through the empty streets of Cannaregio and Castello feels like stepping back in time.

One of the best night views in the city is from the Accademia Bridge, where you can see the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute beautifully lit up. Another great spot is Riva degli Schiavoni, the promenade near St. Mark’s Square, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk by the water with stunning views of San Giorgio Maggiore.