25 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

There’s no doubt that Venice is considered one of the most romantic cities in the entire world. Something about the lack of cars and scooters buzzing around, and the feeling that you’ve truly stepped back in time into a world of boats, historic palaces, romantic experiences, and small islands in this world famous floating city.

Venice is one of the top cities for a honeymoon trip or anniversary celebration, and even a romantic weekend if you live in Europe. While Paris is generally known as the City of Love, I would honestly give that name to Venice if it were my choice. If you’re heading to Venice on a trip as a couple, be sure to check these romantic things to do in Venice off your bucket list.

Even if you don’t have time to do all of these activities, be sure to soak up the romantic ambiance and just get lost and enjoy yourself!

Pro Tip: In an order to promote more sustainable travel, Venice is considering implementing a new booking system which may begin next year. Learn more about the Venice booking system here.

#1 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Stay in One of Venice’s Most Romantic Hotels

Venice is not only full of romantic activities and alleyways, but also incredibly romantic hotels to enjoy your evenings, mornings, and afternoon naps! Where you stay on a trip with your loved one is just as important as what you do, especially if you’re going on a Venice honeymoon, so pick something fancy and indulgent. Here are some of the most romantic hotels in Venice:

Hotel Ai Reali di Venezia

Enjoy star treatment at Hotel Ai Reali. The ultimate luxury experience, it’s the kind of place where the concierge remembers your name! Let them help you book gondola rides or recommend a restaurant. Plus, you’re located in a coveted part of San Marcos.

No 2 rooms are alike, and suites feature sitting areas, vaulted ceilings, and canal views. Plus, the entire 4th floor is dedicated to Hotel Ai Reali’s spa. You can book massages, or try out emotional showers, Turkish baths, Jacuzzis, saunas, and more.

Baglioni Hotel Luna

The southern side of San Marcos is where you’ll find some of the best luxury hotels in Venice, Italy, including Baglioni Hotel Luna. It’s also home to tons of designer brand stores and the most famous landmarks in Venice, like Saint Mark’s Square. 

You’ll feel like royalty in one of the ornate suites or (just slightly) smaller rooms at the Baglioni Hotel Luna. Guests can request things like daily breakfast, complimentary newspapers, or childcare services. Also, you can visit the full-service spa on-site for Ayurvedic treatments, aromatherapy treatments, and more. It’s the perfect hotel in Venice for couples.

The St. Regis Venice

A list of the best hotels in Venice wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the decadent St. Regis Venice in San Marcos. Rooms and suites feature views of the Grand Canal with the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and Punta della Dogana across the water!

Travelers of every variety will be satisfied with a vacation at the St. Regis Venice. Families can utilize all kinds of complimentary baby furniture, children’s materials, and planned activities for kids. Couples can enjoy a romantic meal on the rooftop terrace, or book facials and body treatments at the spa.

Where to Stay in Venice: The Best Hotels in Venice from Budget to Luxury

#2 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Take a Romantic Gondola Ride

This may be cliche, but taking a gondola ride in Venice is a must! Gliding along a quiet canal as a couple, enjoying the scenery and ambiance is one of the most romantic things to do in Venice. Take a gondola ride at sunset for an even more beautiful atmosphere. Note: prices for gondola rides do up around sunset. Read this guide to gondolas in Venice.

#3 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Book a Romantic Photoshoot in Venice

Why not document your romantic trip to Venice by booking a photoshoot with a local photographer? Your photographer will help you select the most iconic locations around the city and capture your love. It’s one of my favorite romantic Venice activities. Learn how to plan the perfect photoshoot in Venice.

#4 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Take the Venice in Love Tour – The Most Romantic Tour in Venice

Have you heard of the many captivating, epic tales of love and heartbreak that were born in the enchanting city of Venice? Immerse yourself and your significant other in a romantic escapade to explore its historical monuments and art-filled canals. Treat them to an exclusive tour, showing off some of Venice’s most breathtaking sights! Book the Venice in Love Tour Private Tour.

#5 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

See an Opera Performance at La Fenice

Relive the magnificent era of Italian opera and delight in a guided tour through Venice’s Teatro La Fenice. Discover the legacy and secrets behind this Baroque beautiful opera house, which once served as an epicenter for Venetian elites who celebrated remarkable maestros like Verdi, Rossini, Bellini and more! Book tickets to the Opera at La Fenice, one of the most romantic places in Venice.

#6 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

See an Opera Performed in 15 Century Palace

If seeing an opera at La Fenice isn’t romantic enough for you, be sure to check out this incredible experience of seeing an opera in a 15th Century Palazzo. For an unforgettable night, explore the historical grandeur of a 15th-century palace in Venice while attending an evening of opera. Immerse yourself in the opulent salons of Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto, and let your ears be filled with classics from Musica a Palzzo ensemble’s performance – such as ‘La Traviata’ or ‘Rigoletto’. As you move from room to room along with the singers and musicians, get lost within this truly intimate experience!

#7 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Take a Ghost Tour of Cannaregio

If you’re looking for an excuse to snuggle up to your loved one, book a ghost tour of the Cannaregio neighborhood of Venice. As twilight turns to night, explore Venice and learn the legends that make up this area of the city’s history.

#8 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Have a Drink and Dance in Piazza San Marco

Enjoy the ambiance of the busy Piazza San Marco in the heart of Venice and grab an outdoor table at a cafe or restaurant and watch the world go by. A morning coffee here is also a great idea.

#9 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Get Lost in the Alleyways of Venice

Possibly one of the most romantic things to do in Venice is to simply get lost! Don’t be so scheduled and organized and allow yourself to wander the gorgeous ancient alleyways and enjoy each others company. You never know what incredible abandoned piazza you might have all to yourselves or what cafe or shop you might stumble upon. This romantic getaway will be so much more enjoyable if you leave a little something up to fate.

#10 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Stroll Along the Grand Canal

Once you’re done getting lost in the alleyways, stroll along the beautiful Grand Canal and watch the gondoliers and veporetti go by. Be sure to cross some bridges and take in the sites.

#11 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Take the Vaporetto at Night

If you want an inexpensive, romantic experience, take the vaporetto down the Grand Canal at night and watch the city nights go by. Here’s a guide to getting around Venice on the vaporetto.

#12 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Attend a Vivaldi Concert

The great composer of Baroque music, Antonio Vivaldi, was born and resided in Venice for the majority of his life. Little Antonio was baptized in the breathtaking Gothic church of San Giovanni in Bragora where a plaque dedicated to him is placed nearby the baptismal font inside this stunning church as a reminder that he once existed here. There’s not much else to visit in Venice, but you should definitely attend a Vivaldi concert if you can.

#13 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Explore the Dorsoduro Neighborhood

Dorsoduro is an area of Venice known for its authenticity, fewer tourists and more affordable prices. With some of the most beautiful sights in all of Venice, it’s a great destination to get away from the hustle and bustle and explore what makes this city so special. Come see for yourself why Dorsoduro is one-of-a-kind with these must do activities!

#14 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Take a Private Boat to the Colorful Island of Burano

Book a private boat tour to the colorful island of Burano, one of Venice’s outlying islands, and take the day to stroll around the island known for its history of lace making. You can visit the lace museum or take a walking tour.

#15 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Explore the Glass Factories on the Island of Murano

For another island option, take a boat ride to the beautiful island of Murano, known for its centuries old glass factories. Take a glass making workshop, do some shopping, and explore the island. Book the glass making workshop.

#16 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Have the Best Pizza in a Romantic Garden

While you’re on Murano, be sure to visit the most amazing restaurant, Osteria al Duomo. Dine in the lovely central garden and try the incredible burrata pizza…the best I’ve had in my life! The garden area is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or idyllic Italian lunch. It’s one of my favorite secret romantic spots in Venice and such a hidden gem you don’t want to miss.

#17 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Explore Doge’s Palace at Night Without Crowds

Walking through the Doge’s Palace and over the Bridge of Sighs is romantic enough in itself, but visiting at night without many other visitors around is even more special. Pretend you’re royalty during this late night secret tour. It’s one of the most romantic places in Venice. Book Doge’s Palace tour here.

#18 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Walk Across Rialto Bridge Late at Night

Take a romantic stroll over the Rialto Bridge at night or early in the morning. This is the most famous bridge in all of Venice. Pick a time when it won’t be too crowded. You’ll have stunning views fo the Grand Canal and the lights of Venice. It’s such a romantic place.

#19 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Have a Romantic Dinner

There are numerous places to have a romantic dinner in Venice and sample exquisite Venetian cuisine. Be sure to make a reservation at one the most romantic restaurants in Venice for the ultimate tasting experience. Here is a food guide to Venice.

1. Ai Barbacani

2. Club del Doge Terraza

3. Terrazza Sommariva

4. La Zucca

5. Porticciolo Restaurant

6. Terrazza Danieli

#20 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Take the La Dolce Vita Dessert Venice Food Tour

After your romantic dinner, book La Dolce Vita Dessert tour and explore the sexiest desserts in the city. This private tour is the perfect end to the night…almost!

#21 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Share Some Gelato as You Walk Along the Canals

If you’re too full for an entire dessert tour, consider snacking on some gelato while walking along the venetian lagoon and canals of this romantic city. Check out this guide to finding the best gelato in Italy.

#22 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Take a Wine Tour Day Trip

If you’re looking for a romantic experience that’s a little more adventurous, consider taking a wine tour day trip from Venice on this wine tasting tour through lush vineyards. Explore the Proseco hills on a Vespa, visit a winery and do a tasting. It is beyond romantic to visit Venice, but getting off the islands and exploring the nearby countryside can be a nice change and keep things fresh.

#23 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Take a Day Trip to the Dolomites Mountains

Venice is close enough to the Dolomites mountains that it’s worth taking a quick day trip from Venice if you have the time. There are some incredibly beautiful lakes in the Dolomites and stunning mountain views. In this Dolomites day tour your private guide will lead you through some of the best spots in the Dolomites. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous and don’t mind driving on narrow mountain roads, you can rent a car and visit the Dolomites yourself.

#24 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Take a Day Trip to Verona

Take a day trip from Venice to one of the most romantic cities in Italy, Verona. This city may sound familiar…remember Romeo and Juliet? From fair Verona? With or without this Shakespearean reference, Verona is still a romantic getaway from Venice that is easily accessible by train, or you can take a guided walking tour from Venice. You can visit Juliet’s house and rub her right breast for good luck (or don’t)!

#25 Most Romantic things to do in Venice

Pop Into a New Country

The wonderful thing about Europe is that you can hop over to a new country in just a few hours! If you’re visiting Venice in between May and September you can take the ferry to the romantic city of Rovinj, Croatia, known as the cousin of Venice.

I hope these have given you some great ideas for romantic things to do in Venice and some amazing romantic places in Venice and that you’ll be able to have such a special trip with your loved one!

TL,DR:

Venice is a gorgeous and super romantic city. It’s a great choice for couples of any type or for a trip celebrating any occasion. Here are the most romantic things to do in Venice:

1. Stay at a Romantic Hotel
2. Take a Gondola Ride
3. Book a Photoshoot
4. Take a Venice in Love Tour
5. See an Opera at La Fenice
6. See an Opera in a Palazzo
7. Take a Ghost Tour of Cannaregio
8. Have a drink and dance in Piazza San Marco
9. Get lost in the alleyways of Venice
10. Stroll along the Grand Canal
11. Take the Vaporetto at night
12. Attend a Vivaldi concert
13. Explore Dorsoduro
14. Take a Private Boat to the Island of Burano
15. Explore the Glass Factories of Murano
16. Eat Pizza in a private garden
17. Tour the Doge’s Palace at Night
18. Have a Romantic Dinner
19. Take the Doce Vita Dessert Tour
20. Share a gelato and walk along the canals
21. Take a wine tour
22. Take a day trip to the Dolomites Mountains
23. Take a day trip to visit Juliet’s balcony in Verona
24. Ferry to a new country