Venice is a romantic destination par excellence! But a weekend in Venice, Italy, takes preparation. What are the best things to do in Venice, Italy, for a romantic weekend? And what are the best restaurants for a romantic evening? Find out everything you need to know to visit Venice as a couple!
The 10 best things to do and visit in Venice as a couple
What to do in Venice for a successful romantic weekend? We have gathered the must-see places, the best activities, and the unusual places not to be missed! Many sites are in the San Marco district of Venice. Find below also the best places to eat and where to stay at.
1. Take a romantic gondola ride
A gondola ride is the most romantic activity to do in Venice for a weekend. It is a must-do in Venice as a couple. There are multiple tours, private and shared gondolas, and multiple prices. See here in detail: Gondola ride in Venice (price, best route).
Kissing under the Bridge of Sighs? According to legend, couples who kiss on a Venetian gondola at sunset under this bridge will stay together forever.
2. Visit Piazza San Marco in Venice and its magnificent basilica
Piazza San Marco is the mythical square of Venice. You can’t miss it: it’s right in the heart of Venice. One of the main monuments in this square is St Mark’s Basilica. It was built in 828! The basilica is impressive for its history, architecture, golden ceilings, and treasures. Read our article to learn more about this visit: Visiting Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
3. Admire the city and its canals from the bell towers of Venice
The best-known and most visited bell tower is, of course, the Campanile in Piazza San Marco. It rises 98.6 meters in height and offers a 360-degree view of Venice. If you want to change your point of view and discover another part of Venice, you can also climb the San Giorgio bell tower. An incredible view for a successful romantic weekend in Venice! To get there, you must take Venetian public transport: a Vaporetto (the Venetian water bus).
4. Visit the Palazzo Dogo in Venice
On St Mark’s Square, you can admire the splendid Doge’s Palace or Ducal Palace. It is an essential visit for those wishing to glimpse the riches of the Venetian era. The interiors are sumptuous. As it is one of the most visited monuments in Venice, to avoid queuing (about 1 hour or more), consider skip-the-line tickets.
5. See the magnificent bridges of Venice
What are the most beautiful bridges in Venice? First, there is the oldest and most famous: the Rialto Bridge. Then comes the famous Bridge Of Sighs (and its legend). But there is also, of course: the Ponte degli Scalzi (near Venice station), the Ponte dei Tre Archi (located in a less touristy Canareggio district), or the Ponte della Paglia (from which you can see the best view of the Bridge of Sighs).
6. Visit the unusual Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice
If you want to see an extraordinary place during your romantic trip to Venice, the Libreria Acqua Alta is a good place. The atmosphere of this place is so unique. This unique visit will mark your weekend in Venice for sure!
7. Climb to the panoramic terrace of Fondaco dei Tedeschi
Today, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a shopping center. But in Venice, it could not be just a mall without history. The architecture is stunning, and the location is convenient. The Fondaco dei Tedeschi is just near the famous Rialto Bridge. The galleries are gorgeous, and you can admire a magnificent view of Venice from the terrace.
8. Discover the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is often seen on postcards of Venice. If you visit Venice as a couple, it is a beautiful place to discover. The basilica’s interior is more restrained than other religious buildings in Venice but is nevertheless worth a visit.
9. Visit the Venice Opera or attend a concert
In addition to romantic dinners in Venice (see places below), you can attend a performance at the Venice Opera House, La Fenice. It was built in the 18th century. Nowadays, La Fenice is one of Italy’s most prestigious opera houses. If you can’t find seats for La Fenice, the Malibran Theater is another option. It is the second room of La Fenice. Otherwise, you can attend a concert at the Church of San Vidal (see prices and dates of available shows). A unique moment to live as a couple!
10. Visit the Venetian islands as a couple
When staying for an extended weekend of 3 or 4 days in Venice, visit the Burano or Murano islands! These two islands are in the Venetian lagoon. You can go there by Vaporetto or take an excursion to save time (here is an example). For example, Murano is only 3 km from Venice, which is very quickly accessible by boat. Another atmosphere and another Venice to discover!
Hotels for a weekend in Venice as a couple
The must-see places to visit in Venice are located in the San Marco district, or St. Mark’s, of Venice. It is the most visited district. Two good alternatives to this district are the San Polo and Cannaregio districts, which are right next door. San Marco, San Polo, and Cannaregio districts are Venice’s best areas for a romantic weekend.
Here are two good places to stay to visit Venice as a couple.
- La Residenza Ca’ San Marco is located in the San Marco district, 5 minute’s away from Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. Some rooms even have a small balcony overlooking the canal!
- The Apostoli Palace Hotel is located in the Cannaregio district, a 15-minute walk from Saint Mark’s Square. Excellent value for money to visit Venice as a couple!
- The Ca’ San Polo guest house is in the San Polo district.
And among the luxury hotels are the majestic Baglioni Hotel Luna and the Sina Centurion Palace. The rooms are magnificent. It’s more than a trip to Venice. It’s a complete experience!
You can start your stay in Venice as a couple with a private boat transfer from Venice airport. If you have little luggage, it is an exciting way to start the trip. Book the transfer here.
Restaurants for a romantic evening in Venice
Almost all restaurants in Venice are romantic! Nevertheless, here are some good places that we have selected for a beautiful romantic evening in Venice as a couple.
Part of the Michelin guide, the Ristorante Wistèria offers creative and delicious cuisine. It is located in the San Polo district of Venice.
The Gio’s is perfect for a romantic evening in Venice with a view. And if you want to dine close to a Venetian canal, choose the Trattoria Dona Onesta, which has a few tables ideally located. Perfect for a lovely romantic evening in Venice!
Osteria alle Testiere is a small, intimate restaurant located 7 minutes walk from Piazza San Marco and 5 minutes from the Rialto Bridge. If you like seafood, this is an ideal place. This restaurant is also part of the Michelin guide.
Tips for a romantic weekend during the Venice Carnival
This traditional Italian feast dates back to the 11th century! The dates of the Carnival of Venice vary each year: it begins ten days before Ash Wednesday and continues until Shrove Tuesday.
The Carnival of Venice aims to dress up in costumes dating from the 17th century. However, few people follow the tradition strictly to the letter. Most wear only a Venetian mask.
Book your accommodation in advance if you want to visit Venice as a couple during this time of year. And get ready to see some gorgeous costumes! And maybe participate?
To visit Venice as a couple is to live an unforgettable trip to a unique place in the world, which risks disappearing over time. So don’t miss this opportunity to see the magnificent Venice and go now!
A 3-day weekend in Venice, Italy, can be enough to visit the city. The best is to catch the city’s vibe, and it can be easily done, as we saw with a gondola ride, a stunning view from a bell tower, and a unique Venetian restaurant.
