This is your ultimate guide to the most romantic things to do in Venice. These are the top things to do in Venice for couples including tourist attractions, unique adventures, and secret locations.

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world. 

16 Romantic Things to do in Venice for couples

Some of the things to do in Venice for young couples include visiting the Venice top attractions like the Rialto Bridge and St. Marks Square. Other romantic Venice activities include touring the Grand Canal by gondola or stand-up paddleboard. 

We’ve also included some of the unusual things to do in Venice like listening to a baroque concert or creating a Carnival mask. Also, including secret things to do in Venice like visiting the Libreria Acqua Alta. 

For walking directions on your Venice honeymoon, download our Venice attractions map. 

Romantic Hotels in Venice

There are many romantic hotels in Venice. They’re perfect for honeymooners or couples of any age. These are the best hotels in Venice for couples, and there’s something for every budget.

Budget – One of the best Venice accommodations for budget travelers is Hotel Nuovo Teson. Hotel Nuovo Teson features relaxed rooms and free breakfast . It’s a 10 minute walk from the famous St. Mark’s Square, and it’s one of the best budget hotels in Venice.

Click here to check rates at the Hotel Nuovo Teson.

Mid-Range – For mid-range travelers, looking for the most romantic hotels in Venice…consider the Splendid Venice is located near all the top Venice tourist attractions. Picture velvet upholstery, ornate furnishings and stunning views. See more photos of the Splendid Venice. 

Affordable Luxury – For travelers looking for luxury hotels in Venice that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Palazzina Grassi. It’s one of the best romantic hotels in Venice without a doubt! At Palazzina Grassi, you’ll get to stay in a historic palace complete with all the modern amenities you’d expect.
Find out more about the Palazzina Grassi. 

Ultimate Luxury – If you’re not looking to stay within a certain budget, consider staying at the Gritti Palace. This is the most impressive of the 5 star hotels in Venice. The Gritti Palace offers world-class dining, impeccable design elements and rooms to-die-for. 

Book your perfect room at the Gritti Palace.

16 Romantic Things to do in Venice for couples

These are the top romantic things to do in Venice Italy for tourists, locals, and fun couples. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find something fun and exciting on this list. 

1. Take a painting class

When you’re touring the important sights in Venice, you’ll find plenty of incredible masterpieces, especially paintings. Venice is home to fantastic museums like Doge’s Palace, the Correr, the Gallery of the Academy, and the Peggy Guggenheim. These museums are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice Italy. 

Painting has been an important art form in Italy for centuries. Italy is famous for reputable icons such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. 

If you’re looking for one of the different things to do in Venice, you might consider learning how to paint yourself. This is one of the cool things to do in Venice. 

Take a watercolor painting class in Venice.

2. Make an authentic Carnival Mask

Carnival is a festival that regularly takes place in Venice. It’s a huge celebration that marks the end of the lent holiday. During the event, spectators and performers wear elaborate masks. 

Carnival is a must see in Venice Italy! This festival has roots back into the 12th Century. Although, it wasn’t officially celebrated until the Renaissance period. Taking part in Carnival is a really unique expression of history and culture. 

Make a Carnival mask in Venice.

If you’re looking for an escape from the Venice tourist spots, needing a break from intense sightseeing in Venice, consider taking a moment to enjoy a fun activity.

One of the cool things to do in Venice Italy is to learn how to make a Carnival mask. You can take a hands-on class led by a master artisan. During the class, you’ll learn more about this historic tradition. Specifically, you’ll learn about (and create) a papier-mâché mask. 

3. Learn how to cook like a Venetian

One of the most unforgettable places to visit in Venice is a local kitchen. 😊Foodies shouldn’t miss out on a cooking class in Venice.

Venetian cuisine sets itself apart from traditional Italian, or even Northern Italian styles. Venetian cooking incorporates local seafood and uses barbeque methods for cooking meat. Polenta is a common side dish in Veniatian cooking. 

Sign up for a traditional Venetian cooking class.

If you’re trying to plan a romantic weekend in Venice, a cooking class is a must! This is a hands-on experience that you’ll never forget. Cooking classes are typically intimate small groups. You’ll have the opportunity to improve your teamwork as a couple and meet a few new friends. 

Learn more about cooking in Venice.

It’s one of the most amazing things you must do in Venice because it will make a lasting memory, and you’ll come home with a new skill that you can use again and again.

4. Taste Italian Wines

Italy is world-famous for wine. Every region of Italy has a distinct heritage and style of winemaking with unique flavor profiles. Exploring wine is one of the top activities to do in Venice. 

The best romantic breaks to Venice include a trip to the mountains for Prosecco tasting. 

Book this wine focused day trip to Veneto.

Prosecco is one of those wines that you’ve probably experienced back home. It’s an easy-to-drink, sparkling, wine with flavors of crisp fruit like green apple. If you’re having a romantic dinner in Venice, odds are that you’ll be served a complimentary glass of prosecco!

Spend the perfect day drinking Prosecco in Veneto. 

When you buy wines labeled ‘prosecco’ in the United States, they’re not necessarily ‘real prosecco.’ Real Prosecco is made in the Veneto region of Italy. 

Veneto is one of the most romantic places in Venice Italy. The charming countryside is flanked by snow-capped mountains, and the air is crisp and fresh. It’s a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of St. Mark’s square. This is one of the top places to see in Venice.

Take a food & Prosecco tour without leaving Venice.

If you don’t have a full day to commit to wine tasting and vineyard tours in Veneto, you can still experience the splendor of authentic prosecco from the city of Venice. 

5. Experience stand-up paddleboarding in the canals

You’ve probably heard of canal tours on gondolas and boats…but I bet you didn’t realize that you could explore Venice on a stand-up paddleboard! This is one of the best Venice day trips for adventurous and active couples. It’s one of the fun things to do in Venice off the beaten path. 

Sign up for stand up paddle boarding in Venice.

Escape the crowds and get some space, fresh air, and exercise. On your stand-up paddleboard, you’ll tour opulent palaces and churches learning about their history along the way. You’ll check out all the best places to visit in Venice uniquely and engagingly. 

Some of these places to go in Venice are completely inaccessible to pedestrians and boats. Meaning, you’ll get an exclusive experience, finding some of the best things to see in Venice but hidden to the general public. 

6. Go to a baroque concert

There’s nothing more romantic on a Venice itinerary than a sunset concert! There’s nothing more Venitian than a Baroque concert.  This style of music can be described as energetic and dramatic. 

The Baroque period lasted from approximately 1600 to 1750. It was a turning point in the history of composition, and Italy was leading the way. So, listening to a baroque concert is one of the most immersive ways to experience Venice sightseeing. 

Book an unforgettable Baroque concert.

This is one of the most popular things to do in Venice for romantics. It might be one of the lesser-known Venice tourist attractions, but it’s one of the most legendary. 

The baroque concert takes place in a stunning 17th-century church — it’s one of the recommended places to see in Venice. You’ll hear compositions by Mozart, Bach, and Vivaldi. It’s a night unlike any other in Venice. 

7. Visit the Dolomite Mountains

The best Venice city breaks include views of the Dolomite Mountains. A trip to the Dolomite Mountains offers beautiful scenery, plenty of hiking opportunities, and a chance to visit an important historical landmark.

The Dolomite Mountains are one of the best places to visit near Venice because they are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

During WWI an important battle line ran through the Dolomite Mountains, and there are several open-air war museums you can check out today. 

Visit the legendary Dolomite Mountains. 

In summer months, the Dolomite Mountains are popular for mountain climbing, cycling, hiking, and paragliding. During winter months, skiing is one of the best things to do near Venice in the Dolomite Mountains. For nature lovers, the best activities in Venice just don’t compare to what’s available at the Dolomite Mountains. 

Visiting the Dolomite Mountains is perfect for travelers looking to explore Venice off the beaten path, or travelers who have already checked out the top sights in Venice.

8. Take a Gondola Ride

Explored by Dymphe from Dymabroad

There are so many romantic tours in Venice! One of the best activities for couples is to go on a Gondola ride. The Gondolas in Venice are very typical for the city. If you’re walking through Venice, you will notice that you can find gondolas everywhere. 

There are about 400 gondolas in the city. A gondola is a boat in which the gondolier (who operates the boat) stands on the back and uses a long paddle to row the boat. 

A honeymoon trip to Venice isn’t complete without experiencing the beautiful canals, and it’s most memorable to explore them on a gondola.

Book your romantic gondola & serenade experience today. 

When you’re enjoying a canal ride, you can appreciate the architecture of the city. For extra allure, make sure to book a gondola with a serenade (romantic love song). During this experience, your gondolier will sing to you! It’s the perfect way to ensure a romantic night in Venice. It’s definitely a must-do in Venice for couples. 

Experiencing a gondola ride in Venice is unforgettable. You’ll feel like you’re in a romantic Italian movie! If you want to ride the gondola for 30/40 minutes, it will cost about 80 euros. If you want the experience to be more affordable, you can split the costs with other people who also want to join the ride! But, the most romantic gondola ride in Venice is private with only you and your partner. Furthermore, it’s also very romantic to take some photos together at one of the best photo spots in Venice 

9. Visit the colorful island of Burano

Explored by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Burano is the most colorful of the Venetian islands and one of the most romantic places in Venice. This small fishing village is just a short vaporetti, or water ferry, ride away from the main areas of Venice. 

With brightly painted homes, Burano is a rainbow of beauty. Although it is one of the more popular tourist attractions in Venice, the vibrant island is typically much less crowded than the rest of Venice. Also, it’s one of the must-visit places in Venice!

Simply wandering the streets, walking along the canals, and taking in the beauty of Burano is something you must do on a romantic trip to Venice. Around each corner is a new photo opportunity that will take your breath away. Be sure to bring a small tripod and a camera with a timer so you can be sure to capture a few photos together on this beautiful island.

Visit Burano on this top-rated tour. 

Burano’s vivid hues serve a purpose beyond just creating a photogenic allure for visitors. The vibrant colors were originally intended to help fishermen returning home in the fog find their houses among the maze-like canals of buildings. It’s one of the most interesting places to go in Venice Italy.

Spend a few hours wandering aimlessly around the island and getting lost together, then have lunch and check out some of the small shops in Burano before making your way back to the main portion of Venice. It is the perfect way to spend a beautiful morning or afternoon in Venice as a couple.

Burano is famous for the tradition of lacemaking. It’s one of the best places to see in Venice for its Lace Museum and ancient lace school. 

10. Climb the Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Explored by Kate from Our Escape Clause 

Built in the 15th century, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo is tucked away in a quiet corner of Venice. It’s a hidden gem and one of the top sites in Venice.

It doesn’t take long to walk here from St. Mark’s Square–but you’ll almost certainly never find it accidentally, which adds to the romance of the tower and helps make it one of the best things to see in Venice in one day.

Purchase your ticket in advance.

The Scala Contarini del Bovolo was commissioned by Pietro Contarini, and the tower’s distinct spiral style has been attracting admirers ever since. Fun fact: the Venetian word “bovolo” translates to “snail.” It’s one of the places of interest in Venice for architecture lovers and photographers alike. 

Today, visitors can climb the Scala Contarini del Bovolo and be rewarded with one of the best views of Venice, complete with the top of St. Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark’s Campanile visible in the distance. The view makes this one of the most unforgettable activities in Venice Italy. 

While the view is arguably not quite as impressive as the one from St. Mark’s Campanile–notably, you can’t see any water from the top of the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, quite the achievement for Venice–it’s far more romantic, as this tower tends significantly less crowded and also provides the opportunity to snap some photos with your partner that look like they belong in a fairytale. It’s one of the best sights in Venice.

If you and your beloved are looking for an excuse to wander far away from the crowds in Venice, set off down small alleys and across tiny canals in search of the beautiful Scala Contarini del Bovolo.

11. Get Lost in Venice

Experienced by Lisa from Planning Away

Venice is the city of love. There are so many amazing things to see in Venice Italy! One of the things I highly recommend is “getting lost in Venice”  Of course you can hit all the touristy parts of town, and create a rigid schedule full of all the top things to do in Venice… but if you want a romantic experience, stroll down the alleyways spontaneously and you will discover a different side of Venice. 

Although it is fun talking, holding hands, and gazing into each other’s eyes, remember to pay attention to where you are walking. We were so grateful we had Google Maps to navigate our way back to the main crowds. 

At first, we thought, Venice is an Island, could we really get lost? The answer is yes! The tall buildings block your view and you feel like you are the only ones around.  You might be asking, “Is it safe” I felt completely safe strolling along and yes, we really got lost. The side streets are fun to see as well because it is where the locals live, you get a taste of what “real” Venice is like.  

This is one of the best things to do in Venice. It’s also one of the free things to do in Venice. 😉So, if you want to have a romantic getaway in Venice, I highly recommend getting lost!  

12. Kiss under the Bridge of Signs

Experienced by Christine from Romantic Places Insider

Venice is known as one of the most romantic cities in Europe and for a reason. There are many things to do in Venice at night for couples –one of them is to share a kiss under the Bridge of Sighs.

The Bridge of Sighs (or Ponte dei Sospiri) is a bridge that passes over the Rio di Palazzo connecting the New Prison to the interrogation rooms of Doge’s Palace – another one of the popular Venice attractions. This Bridge of Sighs is one of the legendary things to see in Venice.

The Ponte dei Sospiri does not have a traditionally romantic history, as it’s associated with prison and prisoners. It is also the last thing that most prisoners see before their imprisonment. The name is taken from the sighs of despair that prisoners made before entering their prison cells.

However, it is known as one of the best places to visit in Venice to share a kiss between couples. According to Venetian folktales, couples who kiss under the Bridge of Sighs are bound to be happy together and enjoy eternal love.

If you’re riding one of those gondolas with your partner, you are more likely to pass by under this bridge. So, don’t forget to kiss your partner while passing under it!

It is easily among the sweetest things to do in Venice for couples. And it’s even more beautiful to do it during sunset when the bells around Venice ring out and an explosion of orange colors bathe the entire city. 

13. Climb Mark’s Bell Tower

Experienced by Claudia from My Adventures Across The World

Venice is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in the world, a favorite destination for honeymoons, proposals, or simply a great place to visit with your better half.

There are many romantic spots in Venice, so no matter what your taste and budget is you will find something to do. Even a simple walk throughout the city will reward you with a lovely atmosphere. 

Yet, should you want to get sprawling views of the city, make sure to climb St. Mark’s Bell Tower. This is one of the must do things in Venice, and it’s a wonderful activity for couples. 

Located in Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) and steps away from St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Bell Tower (locally known as Campanile di San Marco) is one of the most important landmarks in Venice.

It’s so famous that you will be easily able to spot it from a distance. While the views of it are beautiful, the views from it are simply breathtaking – not to mention incredibly romantic, especially if you manage to go up for the sunset. It’s one of the highly regarded Venice romantic places. 

Climbing St. Mark’s Bell Tower may be a little touristy, but it’s certainly one of the top things to do. Venice views like that can never disappoint! 

14. Bike in Sant’Erasmo

Experienced by Lori from Travlinmad

Venice Italy is one of the world’s most touristy destinations, but there are many ways to escape the crowds and see Venice and the surrounding lagoon off the beaten path. Most tourists never make it past the best attractions in Venice. 

They never bother to venture out of Venice to do something less hectic. Just a short ferry ride away, there is the island of Sant’Erasmo, the “Garden of the Doge” in the Venetian lagoon. Visiting Sant’Erasmo is one of the popular activities for Venice couples.

It may not be one of the things to do in Venice for free, but it’s one of the very affordable things to do in Venice on a date.

Long known as the region’s agricultural heart, Sant’erasmo supplied the city and surrounding countryside with everything from veggies to grapes and wine.

Spend the day biking around this lovely island. It’s is one of the most romantic and quirky things to do in Venice. It’s a great way to really slow travel Venice and experience the natural beauty of the island.

Once the ferry arrives, head to Il Lato Azzurro Hotel just a short walk from the ferry dock, and rent bikes for the day. The quiet tree-lined roads around the island take you past honey farms, vegetable gardens, lush vineyards, and fields of flowers. For artichoke lovers, there are fields of violet artichokes, a delicacy enjoyed for a short time during the year.

Sant’Erasmo also has the only winery in Venice where you can do a prosecco tasting, then enjoy your favorite bottle overlooking the lagoon. It’s one of the top lesser-known places to see in Venice Italy.

If you’re looking for unique and romantic things to do in Venice, slow travel Sant’Erasmo in the Venetian lagoon.

15. Visit the Libreria Acqua Alta

Explored by Alina from World of Lina

Aren’t old bookstores one of the most romantic places on Earth? If you think so too, make sure to visit the Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice. Visiting a bookstore may not be one of the most popular sites in Venice, but it’s a great hidden gem of the city. 

The first thing you’ll notice when you stand in front of the store is the sign welcoming you to the most beautiful bookshop in the world. This is truly one of the best places to go in Venice, yet most people overlook it entirely. 

Once inside it’s hard to oversee why it’s named like this. Numerous old shelves side by side, filled with books in every imaginable size. Most of them are written in Italian but you can find some in English and even in German too! 

Whereas most books can be found on common shelves, there’s one rather extraordinary “shelf” in the middle of the main aisle. Did you know that gondolas are not only used as transportation on the water but as bookshelves as well? 

If you follow the aisle all to the back, you’ll find the place for what Libreria Acqua Alta is mostly known for. Right at the canal, is a small courtyard featuring a reading corner. Reading here is one of the best things to do around Venice and one of the top cheap things to do in Venice. 

Plus, there’s a book staircase you should follow on top to enjoy a great view of Venice’s canals. It’s another one of the best sites to see in Venice! Time for you and your beloved one to grab some interesting books and dive deep into the world of historic Italian books!

Oh, and don’t be scared if you suddenly feel something slightly touching your leg, it’s most likely one of the many lovely cats living there.

16. Have a Aperol Spritz

By Dominika from Sunday in Wonderland

If you are looking for the most romantic Venice getaways there is probably nothing better than having a date night like real Venetians used to have. 

No matter if you are spending only two days in Venice, or the whole week, if you want to feel the real spirit of this city, you should direct your steps in less touristic neighborhoods in the evening. 

One of the places like this is the area surrounding Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari. This monumental temple is located among lots of charming streets, steps away from some of the most romantic restaurants Venice has to offer 

Once you choose one of the most romantic places in Venice, you should enjoy your evening with a glass of Aperol Spritz in hand. This delicious cocktail, made of prosecco, Aperol, and soda, with some orange slices, is the number one among Venetians. If you’re a good observer, you’ll notice lots of Italians having this drink almost at any time of the day.

Having dinner in a less crowded place not only allows you to take a look at the life of real Venetians instead of other tourists. It is often cheaper than in restaurants placed next to the most popular attractions. So, some of the best places to visit in Venice Italy, are off the beaten path.

Finding a charming restaurant that mainly locals visit, having a delicious Italian supper, and sipping Aperol Spritz is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Venice.