31 Great Things to Do in Venice in Winter (2023)

Venice is a wonderful destination any time of year, but its especially magical and serene in the winter. You’ll see significantly fewer tourists than any other season and lower prices for hotels. There are endless things to see and do, and the city itself is like a living museum. This is the best time to have an authentic experience and connect with local life in Venice.

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Weather in Venice in Winter

The winter season in Venice means cold weather. Expect an average temperature range of 45-55F during the day and 31-42F at night. Although it rarely snows in Venice, the high humidity creates an extra chill in the air. Typically, you’ll see fog blanketing the canals in the mornings and mostly overcast days. While it is quite chilly, the winter in Venice is manageable as long as you pack appropriate clothes, including a warm winter coat. The coldest months tend to be January and February, while in November and March you can still experience mild temperatures and sunshine.

Aqua Alta – What to Expect

Aqua Alta (High Water) occurs regularly between October – January, caused by a combination of high tide and seasonal winds from the Adriatic Sea. Aqua Alta primarily causes flooding in Saint Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), which is the lowest ground in Venice. When the tide is especially high, minor flooding will occur in other areas that are close to sea-level, such as the Rialto Bridge. While Aqua Alta is a hardship for residents, it’s unlikely to impact your travel to Venice in winter. Only a small percentage of the city floods, and raised pedestrian walkways are installed to allow movement in those areas. Before your trip, you can monitor Aqua Alta using Venice’s website. Overall, Aqua Alta should not deter you from visiting Venice in the winter.

Excellent Things to Do in Venice in Winter

As long as you dress for the weather and pay attention to the daily reports on Aqua Alta, you can have a wonderful experience in Venice during winter months. Here are our top recommendations on what to do in Venice during the winter.

Stroll Through Venice’s St. Mark’s Square (Uncrowded in winter!) 

Your introduction to Venice should begin in the stunning St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). This area was the city’s political and religious center during the Venetian Republic and is home to the most important buildings – the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. The square offers an expansive view of the lagoon bordered by two large columns representing St. Theodore and St. Mark. St. Theodore was the first patron saint of the city, later replaced by St. Mark. It’s believed that Venetian merchants managed to steal St. Mark’s bones from Alexandria in the 11th century and bring them back to Venice. You’ll see the symbol of St. Mark, the winged lion, adorning buildings and campos (town squares) throughout Venice. In the winter, St. Mark’s Square is peaceful and beautiful, and you’ll want to return again and again. Strolling through St. Mark’s in the evening is a lovely way to end each day in Venice.

Enjoy an Old-World Venetian Café

Venerable cafes line St. Mark’s Square, including Café Florian, Lavena, and Quadri. Café Florian is our favorite and the most historic. Established in the 18th century, the café has been frequented by famous artists and historical figures, from Casanova to Charles Dickens. Each elegant room is decorated with a distinct theme, such as the Senate Room where Venice’s art biennale was conceived. It’s one of the best places to warm up and linger over coffee and dessert.

Explore the Doge’s Palace in Winter

Escape the cold winter day and spend a few hours in the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale). This Gothic-style building was the heart of the Venetian government until the Republic fell in 1797. Sections of the palace date back to the 12th century, with rebuilds and new construction occurring through the 16th century. Inside you’ll find the ornate Golden Stairway (Scala d’Oro) and expansive rooms that were used by Venetian councils to govern the city. You can walk through the Doge’s apartments and view paintings by Venetian masters, including Titian and Tintoretto. In the main government hall (Maggior Consiglio), you will see Paradise by Tintoretto, considered to be the world’s largest painting.

Book a Tour:

• Exclusive Alone In St. Mark’s And Doge’s Palace Tour

Take the Doge’s Secret Itineraries Tour

This is our favorite tour in all of Venice. It takes you on a fascinating journey behind the scenes of the palace. After seeing the gilded halls that were meant to impress the public, this tour takes you backstage to learn the secrets of the Venetian Republic. You’ll see the government’s private galleries, tribunal rooms, and offices. You’ll cross the Bridge of Sighs to enter the prisons, including a visit to Casanova’s cell.

The guide will reveal the architectural features that were intended to intimidate prisoners and conceal the city’s activities. There are hidden doors and passageways, mysterious rooms, and a marble floor that is designed to make people feel disoriented (optical illusion). You’ll learn who was actually running the city and what life was really like for the Doge.

Book a Tour:

• Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour & St. Mark’s Basilica 

Tour St. Mark’s Basilica During a Winter in Venice

A short walk from the Doge’s Palace is a magnificent 11th century church that reflects a unique blend of architectural styles. Eastern designs are mixed with western influences to create a totally unique structure. The building is embellished throughout with statues and treasures that were looted during the Venetian republic. The basilica is where St. Mark’s relics are held as the patron saint of the city.

The interior is lined with gold mosaics and dark marble that are extraordinary when illuminated. View the incredible Golden Altarpiece (Palo d’Oro), a 10th century Byzantine panel adorned with precious stones and carvings of religion icons. Also, head upstairs to the outdoor Terrence for a once in a lifetime view of Venice and the lagoon.

Book a Tour:

• Exclusive Alone In St. Mark’s And Doge’s Palace Tour
• Legendary Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Tour 
• St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge’s Palace

Eat Tiramisu (a necessity during winter in Venice)

The word tiramisu means “pick me up,” and it does give you a nice sugar and espresso kick. There’s much debate about the origins of tiramisu but many believe it was created in the Veneto. Whether that’s true or not, they’ve certainly perfected the recipe. Visit Pasticceria Tonolo for some of their legendary tiramisu and an espresso. This gorgeous and welcoming café is an institution in Venice. I Tre Mercante is another excellent tiramisu option.

Visit St. Mark’s Museum

Before leaving St. Mark’s Basilica, pay a few Euro to explore the St. Mark’s Museum. Here you’ll find antique tapestries and texts, religious artwork, and manuscripts. The highlight of the collection is the original copy of the bronze horses that embellish the façade of the basilica. These horses date from the 2nd or 3rd century, and came to the basilica in 1204 when Venice defeated Constantinople. When Napoleon took control of Venice, he claimed the horses for France and had them installed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Once Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo, the horses were returned Venice.

Take a Winter Gondola Ride Along the Canals in Venice

Yes, you can even take a gondola ride solo! You will notice plenty of small groups and solo people on gondolas. During the winter, it’s an enchanting experience to glide along the narrow canals on a gondola. You’ll appreciate the dramatic lighting and fog paired with historic buildings that are in a state of elegant decay. From the water, you’ll get a different perspective of Venice and see intricate details not visible at the pedestrian level. Cannaregio and San Polo are great places to catch a gondola ride through the smaller canals. The only downside is the cost of the gondola ride. If cost is an issue, consider joining a walking tour that includes a shared gondola ride.

Book a Tour:

Welcome to Venice: Walking Tour, St. Mark’s Basilica & Gondola Ride 

Learn About Venetian History at the Correr Museum

Located in St. Mark’s Square, the Correr Museum contains an impressive assortment of Venetian artifacts. You’ll find armor and military banners along with paintings and sculptures. Take a break at the museum’s lovely café for a spritz and take in the sprawling view of the square.

Take a Venice Cicchetti Tour

During the winter in Venice, you’ll see wine bars (bacari) filled with locals drinking small glasses of wine and eating tiny sandwiches. Cicchetti are tiny plates of food, the Venetian version of tapas. You can hop from bacari to enoteca enjoying small portions of traditional Venetian treats, along with spritz or wine. The food in Venice is different from the rest of Italy, and it helps to have a local point you in the right direction. Joining a cicchetti tour is a great way to sample different Venetian dishes and learn about the traditions. We recommend doing a food tour on the first night of your trip, so you know where and what to eat during the rest of your vacation. This also is a great way to meet new people and have some fun conversation. Some of the cicchetti we love the best are polpetti (small meatballs) and baccala (creamy salted cod).

Book a Tour:

• Venice Food Tours

Ascend the Campanile di San Marco

The campanile in St. Mark’s Square is Venice’s most dramatic bell tower that provides a bird’s eye view of the city. Notice the archangel Gabriel positioned on top of the tower facing towards the lagoon. In the winter, you will be able to take the elevator up to the top of the tower without having to wait on long lines.

12. Visit the Island of Burano

Burano, located a short boat ride away from St. Mark’s Square, is known for its lacemaking. It’s also famous for its pastel hued houses that are reminiscent of the Caribbean islands. Spend a few hours walking around Burano. The island has a completely different feel from the center of Venice, and in the winter its peaceful and enjoyable. Stop in one of the many lace shops to buy a handmade souvenir. There also are several cozy restaurants on the island. Some of the best are Osteria Acquastanca and Trattoria Valmarana.

Book a Tour:

• Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour

Tour a Glass Workshop on Murano

The island of Murano is famous for its production of authentic Murano glass. In the 13th century, the city moved all of its glass production to Murano, to keep the rest of Venice safe from potential fires. Murano then became the financial center for Venetian glass. Today you can visit Murano’s glassmaking factories, watch glassblowing demonstrations, and buy artisan gifts to take home.

Visit Archeological Sites on Torcello

Torcello was the first inhabited area in the lagoon and the precursor to Venice. This establishment was ultimately abandoned when central Venice developed in the 10th century. Today it is a tranquil place that feels far removed from civilization.  Here you can visit Venice’s oldest cathedral, Santa Maria Assunta, to see ancient mosaics and climb the belltower. This is the island to appreciate the rural side of the lagoon, which is particularly beautiful in the winter months.

Go Ice-skating in a Campo in Winter

From early December through late February, Campo San Polo transforms into a delightful ice-skating rink. The campo is decorated with sparkling lights and ice sculptures, and has a festive atmosphere. Ice-skating in Venice should definitely be on your bucket list. Nearby you can buy mulled wine, cicchetti, and crafts from market stalls.

Enjoy Venetian Hot Chocolate

Take a break in Vizio Virtù chocolate shop (Cioccolateria) for a treat. They are experts at hot chocolate of different varieties, from light to dark chocolate and with different spices. Each hot chocolate is served in a fancy porcelain cup and saucer. They also have mouthwatering chocolates and pastries.

Visit the Libreria Acqua Alta Bookshop (No crowds in winter in Venice)

Visit Venice’s Instagram famous bookshop in Castello. This adorable shop is full of new and used books in various languages. The books are artistically displayed in gondolas and boats through this warren of a shop. Look for the staircase in the back made of old encyclopedias. The shop is welcoming and cozy, especially on a quiet winter day. During peak season, the shop is overrun with tourists. When you visit Venice in the winter, you can have the shop to yourself and appreciate the space.

Travel Back in Time at Ca’ Rezzonico Palazzo

Get a glimpse into the life of 18th century aristocrats by touring this stately palazzo located on the Grand Canal. You’ll see some of Venice’s most decadent furnishings and décor, and masterpieces by Tiepolo and Canaletto. This mansion was owned by a wealthy family during the height of Venice’s decadence. You’ll walk through the richly decorated rooms and get a deeper understanding of Venetian high society.

Appreciate Tintoretto at Scuola San Rocco

This extravagant mansion is also known as “Tintoretto’s Sistine Chapel” due to its large collection of the artist’s paintings. Make sure to look up and admire the dramatic panels on the ceiling. During the winter, you may even have the place to yourself.

Go Shopping in the San Polo District

San Polo is where you will find authentic Venetian artisans and workshops. Get lost in the alleyways of this local neighborhood, and pop into various shops that catch your eye. One of our favorites is Ca’ Macana for their beautiful handmade Venetian masks.

View Art In-Situ at the Frari Church

The Frari church (Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari), located in San Polo, is the largest church in Venice. It contains monuments to the Doge’s and important artwork by Donatello, Titian, and other famous artists. The building of the church began in 1250 and took more than a century to complete. In Venice, visiting this gothic landmark is the best way to see art displayed in the space it was intended. It’s a moving experience to enter the silent church and see masterpieces in every direction.

If you are in Venice during the Christmas season, you’ll have the opportunity to see a presepe (Italian nativity scene) set up by the Franciscan friars. The scene depicts Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in a cave surrounded by animals and the Three Kings. The presepe also shows scenes of everyday life in the Veneto, including bakers, farmers, shepherds, and families. Each of the figures are mechanized and move around to carry out their daily tasks. The entire display is decorated with lights that change to reflect daytime and nighttime.

Tour the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Guggenheim in Dorsoduro is the top place in Venice to appreciate European and American modern art. This was Peggy Guggenheim’s home when she lived in Venice, and it contains her vast personal collection of twentieth century paintings and sculptures. The contemporary palazzo opens to a luxurious patio directly on the Grand Canal. This is a picturesque location where you can watch the water taxis and gondolas navigate through the city. You’ll also find a peaceful interior garden sprinkled with modern and contemporary sculptures. Visiting this museum will give you the rare opportunity to enjoy the collection without the typical crowds.

Attend an Opera at Teatro La Fenice

Venice’s Teatro La Fenice is one of Italy’s grandest theaters, and the site of famous opera performances and premiers. Sadly, the theater was mostly destroyed by fire in 1996, but it has been reconstructed with historical accuracy. The theater is dubbed The Phoenix because it literally rose from the ashes. The Phoenix shows Venice’s top productions including opera, ballet and classical music concerts. Attending a performance here is a wonderful thing to do in Venice during the cold winter months. Another option is to take a guided tour of the theater to appreciate the beautiful architecture and atmosphere.

Book a Tour:

• Teatro La Fenice Tour

Explore the Gallerie Accademia

The Accademia, located in the Dorsoduro neighborhood, is one of Venice’s greatest art museums. Inside you’ll find a stunning collection of Venetian paintings from the 14th-18th centuries by renowned artists including Tintoretto, Bellini, and Carpaccio. One of the highlights of the museum is Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man.

Walk Across the Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Market is where Venetian chefs and families buy their produce, fish and other ingredients. You can stroll through the stalls yourself or join a food tour that includes a trip to the market. The Rialto is the most picturesque bridge that crosses the Grand Canal. This area is particularly atmospheric in the early mornings when vendors at the Rialto Market have just opened for business.  In the winter months, there will be fewer crowds, so it can be enjoyable any time of day. Step onto the bridge for an breathtaking view of the Grand Canal.

Book a Tour:

• Venice Food Tours

Visit Basilica Santa Maria Della Salute

For more jaw dropping views, visit the Basilica Santa Maria Della Salute, one of the most significant churches in Venice. You’ll recognize the iconic dome of the basilica from your pictures of Venice. The basilica was constructed in 1631 to celebrate the end of the plague that ravaged Venice. The façade of the church is beautiful white marble adorned with more than 100 carved statues. The inside of the church is just has grand as the exterior, with exquisite mosaics and a large baroque alter representing Venice’s triumph over the plague. The church also contains paintings by Tintoretto and other Venetian masters.

Explore Cannaregio

Cannaregio is a local section of Venice that includes the oldest Jewish Ghetto in Europe. Take a guided tour of the Jewish Museum and two historical synagogues in the Ghetto. The museum details the long history of the Venetian Jewish community and displays important artifacts. You’ll find wonderful wine bars and restaurants in Cannaregio where locals have their meals. Some of the best are Osteria L’Orto dei Mori and Osteria Ai 40 Ladroni.

Enjoy the Christmas Market at Campo San Stefano

If you are visiting Venice during the holiday season, you’ll enjoy the festive market in Campo San Stefano. The square is full of Christmas decorations, a Christmas tree, and sparkling Christmas lights. It’s decorated to look like a Christmas village with wooded cabins that sell ornaments, food and drink, and arts and crafts. This is a wonderful spot to buy handmade venetian masks, Murano glass, gourmet food, and other local items. Throughout the day, musicians perform in the square and holiday-themed plays are performed.

Celebrate the Carnevale di Venezia in February

The crowds return to Venice in February for Carnevale, a splendid 10-day party that takes over the entire city. Carnevale has existed in different forms since the fifth century as a way for people to celebrate before Lent. Carnevale kicks off with the Flight of the Angel, when a woman titled Mary of the Carnevale descends from St. Mark’s Campanile to the square. The festivities include massive float parades along the canals, elaborate feasts, treasure hunts, fancy masquerade balls, theatrical performances, and classical music concerts. You will see costumed people wearing Venetian masks in St. Mark’s Square and campos around Venice. Various activities and tours are available from pub crawls to historical walking tours. Make sure to taste some of the exceptional sweets that are prepared solely for carnevale, including frittelle (fried dough) and fritole (donuts).

Stroll Riva Degli Schiavoni

Explore the Riva degli Schiavoni, a broad path along the Grand Canal that runs from St. Mark’s Square to the end of Costello. Costello is where many Venetians live which gives you a local feel, especially in the colder months. You’ll find beautiful neighborhood parks, along with some of the best restaurants in Venice. Walk down bustling Via Garibaldi to find the top restaurant and bar options. Nevodi, one of the best restaurants in Venice, is located on this street. The food is out of this world and the service is friendly. While in Costello, visit the impressive Arsenale where the Venetian Republic built its warships. These days it’s one of the main venues for Venice’s art biennale.

Attend a Vivaldi Concert (Last but not least!)

Vivaldi was born in Venice and is beloved by the city. You’ll find many options for Vivaldi concerts, but the best is performed by I Musici Veneziani in the 16th-century Scuola Grande di San Teodoro. During this live classical music concert, professionally trained musicians play the entirety of Vivaldi’s Four Season. All of the musicians and staff wear authentic period costumes created by a prestigious Venetian designer. The whole evening is an amazing production of sights and sounds. Listening to Vivaldi performed live by exceptional musicians in Venice is one of the best things you can do on your trip.

*Bonus Hidden Gem:

On a sunny winter day, get lost in Venice until you find this hidden Banksy along one of the side canals!  (Stopping for spritz and cicchetti as you go, of course)

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