Venice in Winter – 29 best things to do on your winter trip to Venice, Italy

Venice doesn’t get much better than on a sunny winter day! I’m lucky enough to have grown up just a couple hours away from Venice and have been able to hop over in all seasons so trust me on this.

Late winter is the absolute best time to visit Venice. Winter in Venice is mild and in February and March, you get plenty of sunshine, sans crowds.

Sure, winter travel (anywhere) comes with its own set of challenges but visiting Venice in winter is so worth it. Below I tell you everything you need to know before you hop on your winter escape to Venice – from what to look out for, where to stay, what to do, and more.

Why visit Venice in winter

Can you imagine anything more magical than exploring the canals under the Christmas lights? Or more exciting than attending the Venice Carnival? Or more romantic than a gondola ride on Valentine’s day?

In general, winter in Venice sees less tourism so you’ll get to enjoy this beautiful city without the crazy crowds and for a more affordable price. The exceptions are the days around the holidays and carnival, when it can actually get quite busy and sort of pricey (but also kinda magical).

December is particularly special when Venice lights up with Christmas decorations and is buzzing with Christmas Markets. January is the quietest month and in February (or sometimes March), Venice comes to life with the Carnival, one of the best things to do in Italy in winter.

Where to stay in Venice in winter

The best area to base yourself in Venice is the San Marco district since it’s the most central and home to the majority of attractions in Venice. The prices here are lower in winter so you’ll be able to afford a once-in-a-lifetime stay in the heart of Venice.

Read next:
Where to stay in Venice
Best hotels in Venice with canal views

29 amazing things to do in Venice in winter

Venice is beautiful any time of the year and the main sights like Piazza San Marco and Doge’s Palace should be visited no matter the season, but winter in Venice also presents itself with the opportunity for some incredible experiences that are only possible during winter.

So without further ado, below are the most incredible things you should add to your Venice itinerary when you visit in winter. It includes the popular highlights, some off-the-beaten-path curiosities and the unmissable winter highlights!

Refer to this map of Venice to find the attractions mentioned below.

1. Visit the iconic Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco (or St. Marc’s square) is the most iconic landmark in Venice. Here you’ll find some of Venice’s most prominent buildings, such as St Mark’s Basilica, the bell tower and Doge’s Palace. But if visiting in December you’ll want to pay special attention to the Christmas decorations and the main Christmas tree in Venice. Grab a warm drink and take in the Holiday spirit!

Location: Piazza San Marco

2. Admire St. Mark’s Basilica

This Byzantine-style basilica, dedicated to the city’s patron Saint Mark, was completed in 1094 on the site of two other churches. Today it is an absolute must see when in Venice.

From the outside, you can admire the many archways carved with elaborate details that almost look like lace. Round domes, columns, and blue accents are an homage to the Eastern influence of this stunning building.

Read next: Your guide to St. Mark’s Basilica

Inside, the Basilica of St. Mark is renowned for its golden byzantine mosaics and the famous high altar Pala d’Oro.

As one of the major attractions in Venice, the line to enter the basilica can get quite long, even in winter. Make sure to book your tickets in advance. I recommend this guided tour that includes the Doge’s Palace or grab these skip-the-line tickets with audio guide.

If you visit for mass or to pray you can enter from Porta dei Fiori free of charge.

Book your tickets:
Skip the line St Mark’s Basilica tour
St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge’s Palace

Location: Basilica di San Marco
Opening horus: 9:30am – 5:15pm

3. Climb the Campanile di San Marco

This 99m high bell tower is the highest building in Venice offers sweeping views over St. Marc’s square and the town. Best of all? No need to climb any stairs! The original campanile collapsed in 1902 and red brick tower was rebuilt in the 20th century when they incorporated an elevator!

Keep in mind that access to St. Marc’s Bell tower is closed in case of bad weather.

Book your tickets
Location: Campanile di San Marco
Opening horus: 9:45am–7pm

4. Visit Doge’s Palace

Palazzo Ducale or Doge’s Palace is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most iconic landmarks of Venice.

This Palace used to be the residence of the Doge of Venice and later the seat of Venetian government. It was partially destroyed by a fire and rebuilt between 1172 and 1178. Often referred to as Gothic, the Palace actually combines elements of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Read next: Your guide to visiting the Doge’s Palace in Venice

It’s facade, visible from Piazza San Marco is already stunning, but a visit inside the Doge’s Palace will make your jaw drop all the way to the floor. But keep in mind that this is among the most popular attractions in Venice so waiting times can be considerable and booking a ticket in advance is advised.

The visit starts with a walk through the Courtyard and the Loggias before you climb to the upper floors via the Scala d’Oro, an intricate staircase corridor with incredible golden detailing on the arched ceilings. In the upper floors you’ll visit the Doge’s Apartments and the Institutional Chambers, including the Maggior Consiglio hall or High Council hall, and the Armoury. Then you’ll cross the Bridge of Sighs and explore the Dungeons. Here you’ll get to experience how cold and unwelcoming the prisoners’ cells were.

Book your tickets:
Doge’s Palace Guided Tour
St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge’s Palace

Location: Palazzo Ducale
Opening hours: 9am–6pm

5. Marvel at the Bridge of Sighs

If you decide to enter the Doge’s Palace you’ll get to cross the Bridge of Sighs during your visit. This elaborate baroque-style bridge is fully enclosed and was built in a during the seventeenth century to give access to the prisons.

The prisoners would catch a last glimpse of the outside world through the small windows on the bridge as they made their way to the cells and sigh at their lost freedom. This is where the melancholic name comes from.

The bridge is best visible from Ponte della Paglia or the edge of the porticos of the Doge’s Palace on one side and Prisons’ Palace on the other side of the canal. But nothing beats the view from a gondola ride before you pass underneath.

Location: Ponte dei Sospiri

6. Take in the views from Riva degli Schiavoni

The Riva degli Schiavoni is a waterfront promenade that runs along the Canal Grande east from Piazza San Marco. While often crowded, it offers some of the best photo opportunities in town.

From the Riva you’ll get the nicest views over San Giorgio island with plenty of gondolas docked in the foreground.

Location: Riva degli Schiavoni

7. See the La Fenice theatre

Teatro La Fenice (Phoenix theatre) is one of the most important theaters in Italian history and the history of the Opera. It burned down twice and was rebuilt in the current splendor in 1996 (hence the name, Phoenix rising up from the ashes).

From the outside the theatre might appear small but at the inside it’s grandeur is palpable. The theatre is simply breathtaking with beautiful golden detailing, frescoes, red velvet and oversized chandeliers.

You can book this ticket and visit La Fenice during the day to admire it’s beauty or get tickets for an evening performance.

Book your La Fenice tour

Location: Campo S. Fantin, 1965
Opening hours:

8. Cross the iconic Rialto Bridge

Ponte di Rialto, while rebuilt several times, is the oldest bridge in Venice. This stone arched bridge is made up of two ramps leading up to a central portico with rows of shops on either side.

The Rialto Bridge is one of the main symbols of Venice and a must when you Visit Venice.

Location: Ponte di Rialto

9. Climb the tower at Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

This small palace often gets overlooked and omitted in most Venice itineraries but I really believe that’s a shame. Its external spiral staircase and beautiful white arches give this building a truly unique look.

The palace is home to many stories and legends but my favorite thing about it is the incredible view from the top of the staircase. Join this walking tour to find this palace and many other hidden corners of Venice.

Book your tour:
Hidden Venice Walking Tour
Ghost stories tour

Location: Scala Contarini del Bovolo 4303
Opening horus: 10am–5:30pm

10. Do a cooking class and learn to make homemade pasta

Isn’t Italian food the best?! In my opinon it really doesn’t get much better than a plate of home made pasta.

Learn how to prepare tagliatelle and ravioli like an Italian housewife would. This cooking class will teach you how to make two kinds of home made pasta and the traditional tiramisu.

And the best part? You get to eat it all. Buon appetitio!

Book your cooking class

11. Grab a book or pat a cat at Libreria Acqua Alta

The Acqua Alta bookstore is the quirkiest most beautiful bookstore I have ever visited. Piles of books reach from wall to wall and all the way to the ceiling. But there’s a twist!

The store is almost level with the canal (that also serves as a fire escape) so it’s been exposed to constant flooding. To protect the books they are all placed inside bathtubs, waterproof bins, and there’s even a full-size gondola stuffed with books.

You probably saw photos of the super instagramable book staircase, but my favorite part are the cats. The store has become home to more than one stray cat, who are super cuddly and have found shelter from the rising tides atop the book stacks.

Location: C. Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b
Opening horus: 9am–7:30pm

12. Enjoy the Carnevale di Venezia

The Carnival of Venice is an incredible event that runs each year for a 10 days leading up to Ash Wednesday. It usually occurs in February or early March but the exact dates vary each year.

The Carnevale in Venice kicks off with The Flight of the Angel at midday on the first Sunday of the carnival when an acrobat jumps off the San Marco Bell Tower and flies down a zipline landing on Saint Mark’s Square.

The carnival is filled with a plethora of fun events like parades, balls, competitions and historical traditions. During this time, Venice feels like a walk back in time with costumes from seventeenth-century Venice.

If you visit during the carnival (you won’t regret it!) be prepared for the crowds and make sure to book your accommodation and tickets well in advance.

Read next: Your guide to the Carnival of Venice (COMING SOON)

13. Create your own Venetian mask

As you walk down the charming streets of Venice you’ll walk past plenty of shops selling gorgeously decorated Venetian masks. But why not create your own, that will truly be one of a king?

You can choose between a production class or a decoration class, or you can even take both! An expert artisan will walk you through all the steps of making your own papier-mâché mask, and in the decoration class you’ll get to paint and decorate it.

Book your mask-making course

14. Go on a ghost hunt

Discover Venice’s dark secrets, old legends and ghost stories with this eerie walking tour.

As the night falls your guide will take you through narrow alleys and sinister squares to the hunted palaces of Venice. You’ll learn about the mysterious past of the noblemen of Venice, hear chilling ghost stories, and learn about the medieval butcher of Venice.

Book your Ghost stories tour

15. Watch the Torre dell’Orologio open on the Epiphany

The complex clock system of the Clock Tower marks the time, day, moon phases and zodiac and is a truly beautiful sight. It was created by Giancarlo Ranieri who, according to legend, was blinded by the State Inquisitors upon completion so that he could never build one like it again.

If you happen to be in Venice for Epiphany day (January 6th) then you’re in for a treat! Each year at exactly midday this clock opens and an Angel and the three Magi appear from within the clock and pass in front of the Virgin Mary. This is also known as processione dei Magi.

Location: P.za San Marco
Date & time: 6th of January at 12pm

16. Cheer on the traditional Regatta delle Befane

One of the quirkiest events in Venice is the Regatta delle Befane which takes place every year on January 6 to celebrate the Epiphany. This regatta sees over 50 men disguised as Befana compete in the Grand Canal from San Tomà to the Rialto Bridge.

The Regatta is started in 1841 as a fun event organized by the elderly members of the oldest Rowing Club in Venice, the Bucintoro, and has since grown into a traditional yearly event.

Who is the Befana?
According to popular tradition, the Befana is a nice old lady that, in the night between 5 and 6 January, flies astride a broom carrying a sack full of toys and sweets to be gifted to the children. Today, in popular Christian culture, the Befana brings gifts in memory of those offered to Jesus from the Magi, but the original legend dates back to pre-Christian traditions.

17. Warm up with hot chocolate in Vizio Virtu’

Vizio Virtu’ is considered to be the finest chocolatier in Venice and a true oasis for all chocolate lovers. The shop is filled with delicious sweet treats from chocolate truffles to pralines, chocolate bars, biscuits and a winter favourite – hot chocolate. Dense, creamy, delicious hot chocolate!

Location: Calle del Forner, 5988
Opening hours: 10am–7pm

18. Take in the view from the T Fondaco de’ Tedeschi rooftop

Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a 500-year-old palace located at the foot of the Rialto Bridge. Once a warehouse it is today home to a luxury shopping mall with a vivid history.

Some visit for the shopping, some for the beautiful architecture and others for its history but in my opinion, it’s biggest selling point are the sweeping views from its rooftop terrace.

T Fondaco de’ Tedeschi rooftop is accessible free of charge and it offers sweeping views over the Canal Grande and the red roofs of Venice. You just need to book your visit in advance.

Location: T Fondaco dei Tedeschi by DFS
Opening hours: 10:45am–7:30pm

19. Visit the flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria

Due to all the other impressive architecture and art in Venice, the Church of San Zaccaria often gets overlooked.

What caught my attention here wasn’t the Gothic-Renaissance architecture nor the artworks (including a gorgeous altarpiece by Bellini) it is filled with. What really earned it a spot in this blog is the half submerged crypt of San Zaccaria underneath.

Location: Campo S. Zaccaria, 4693
Opening horus: 10am–12pm, 4–6pm

20. Visit Venice Christmas Markets at Campo Santo Stefano

For most of December Campo Santo Stefano is turned into a Christmas fairytale with a beautiful backdrop of decorated Venetian palaces and accompanied by Christmas music and live performances.

The market is filled with little wooden cabins where craftsmen display their works. Here you can shop for ornaments and decorations made from glass of Murano, traditional carnival masks, ceramics, jewelry, and other traditional Venetian crafts. If you prefer gifts you can consume, then choose between traditional cakes and sweets, fine olive oils, specialty wines, and other locally made gourmet products.

Location: Campo Santo Stefano

21. Take a cold plunge on January 1st

Each year on New Year’s Day hundreds of people head over to Lido for the traditional New Year’s Day plunge. Would you dare to jump in? It’s said to be good for the character…

If jumping into the freezing waters doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you can stay warm on the shore and cheer up the brave swimmers that take the plunge every New Year’s day.

Location: Spiaggia Blue Moon

22. Visit a gallery or museum

With its incredible architecture and rich history, Venice can sometimes feel like a living museum but believe it or not, there’s more! This town is home to some fabulous and world renowned museums and galleries. Below are just a few of the best ones;

Museo Correr – this is the most famous museum in Venice and it is dedicated to Venetian culture, history and art. The entrance ticket to the Museo Correr is also valid for the National Archaeological Museum and the Marciana National Library.

Marciana National Library – among the most prestigious historical libraries in Europe. Its main hall was decorated by Veronese, Titian and Tintoretto.

Ca’ Rezzonico – one of the most fascinating palaces in Venice houses the Museum of eighteenth-century Venice.

Galleria dell’Accademia – the single most influential art gallery in Venice houses works of art by Veronese, Canaletto, Tintoretto, Tiziano and Bellini.

Ca’ Pesaro – International Gallery of Modern Art with a vast collection of nineteenth and twentieth century works of art, ****including masterpieces by artists like Klimt, Chagall, Kandinsky, Klee and Moore.

Museo Storico Navale di Venezia – this naval history museum dedicated to the maritime history of Venice displays a large number of ships and weapons.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection – A private collection of European and American art from artists such as Georges Braque, Salvador Dalí, Robert Delaunay, Piet Mondrian and Francis Picabia.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco – Tintoretto decorated its walls and ceilings, which took 24 years to complete.

23. Shop the January Saldi

Venice is home to some incredible high fashion stores and in January the sales season starts in Italy. If you’re into fashion, take advantage of the seasonal discounts and grab yourself a piece from some of the top Italian designers.

24. Take that insta shot

Venice is filled with hidden corners that offer incredible photo opportunities. Pick one of the photo spots I’ve marked on this map or wander down the narrow streets and find your own insta spots.

Consider hiring a professional photographer for your Venice photo shoot, and you can even get all dressed up to get photos in traditional Venetian costumes.

25. Walk under the Christmas lights all throughout the city

Meandering the streets of Venice is magical any time of year but it gets even better under the Christmas Lights. The city is beautifully decorated and brings the city to life with the holiday spirit even after dark.

26. Skip the Bellini at Harry’s Bar

Harry’s Bar is the birthplace of the famous Bellini cocktail which was invented in 1948 by head bartender Giuseppe Cipriani Senior. In the post-war glamour this bar has been visited by celebrities like Peggy Guggenheim, Katherine Hepburn, Ernest Hemingway and Charlie Chaplin.

Two parts Prosecco, one part white peach purée with a dash of raspberry or cherry juice, this cocktail is delicious but not even remotely worth the price you’d pay for it at Harry’s. On top of that, the secret to a really good Bellini is the peach which is in season during summer not winter.

27. Go ice skating in Campo San Polo

Every year Venice sets up an ice skating rink on Campo San Polo for the young and young at heart to enjoy. There’s on-site skate rental and several stalls serving food and drinks where you can fuel up after.

Location: Campo San Polo
Opening hours: 11am -19pm but may vary slightly and randomly on some days

28. Watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks in St. Mark’s Square

The main celebration of New Year’s Eve is unsurprisingly held on Piazza San Marco where a large stage is set with live music and shows. Locals and visitors alike gather here after dinner to welcome the new year with fireworks.

29. Visit Murano and Burano islands

Murano and Burano islands are the most popular day trips from Venice and this tour is the perfect way to experience them both. Both islands are incredibly colorful and beautiful.

Burano is known for its bright and colorful houses and lace work while Murano is known for its colorful glasswork and a visit to a glass factory is a must. If you’re feeling crafty make sure to take this glassworking class and make your own Murano glass souvenir.

Book your trip:
Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands Full-Day Tour
Murano & Burano Islands Private Boat Tour

Winter holidays and events in Venice

There are many events and celebrations all throughout winter in Venice and they can provide a truly unique experience.

These events can also impact the opening hours of shops, attractions, bars, and restaurants. Availability of accommodation and tours, as well as prices, might also be affected.

Below is a list of the most prominent dates you should be paying attention to when planning your winter trip to Venice.

8th of December
The Immaculate Conception (Festa della Concezione Immacolata)
Most museums, shops and attractions remain open.

24th of December
Christmas Eve (La Vigilia di Natale)
Expect shops and attractions to close earlier on this day. Dinner reservations are essential.

25th of December
Christmas Day (Natale)
Expect shops, restaurants and tours to function in a limited fashion. Christmas lunch reservations are essential.

26th of December
St. Stephen’s Day (Il Giorno di Santo Stefano)
Shop, restaurant and tour operating hours might be affected.

31st December
New Year’s Eve (La Vigilia di Capodanno)
Expect shops and attractions to close earlier on this day. Dinner reservations are essential. Celebrate in Piazza San Marco.

1st of January
New Year’s Day (Capodanno)
Shop, restaurant, and tour operating hours might be affected. Go for a cold plunge at Lido.

6th of January
La Befana
Shop, restaurant and tour operating hours might be affected. See the race and the clock tower at midday.

14th of February
Valentine’s Day (San Valentino)
Opening times are not affected. Dinner and gondola reservations are recommended.

School holidays
Exact dates vary, expect a higher influx of visitors. Italian kids have their school break between Christmas and the Epiphany (exact dates vary each year). Other European countries will also have school holiday breaks during this time.

Venice Carnival
Exact dates vary, expect a higher influx of visitors. The Carnevale di Venezia runs each year for 10 days leading up to Ash Wednesday and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Venice’s winter temperature & weather

Officially winter in Venice starts on the 21st of December and lasts till late March but often, November feels quite wintery too while March can often feel like spring.

The winter temperatures in Venice are mild to temperate, but the humidity can make it feel colder. A light frost at night is not uncommon.

January is the coldest month of the year with average temperatures of 4.0 °C (39 °F).

Month	Max&Min Temperature	Average Rainy Days	Average Sunshine hours
December	8C/46F – 0C/32F	6 days	2.5
January	8C/46F – -1C/30F	5 days	2.5
February	10C/50F – 0C/32F	4 days	4
March	14C/57F – 4C/39F	5 days	4.5

Does it snow in Venice?

Snow is not common in Venice. While Venice might get the occasional light snowfall, the snow generally does not stick and will melt quickly.

Acqua Alta flooding

Acqua Alta means high water and it refers to the flooding that often occurs in Venice in winter and fall. A combination of high tide, wind, tides and abundant rainfall can cause the lower parts of the city to flood, starting with Piazza San Marco, the lowest area in Venice.

Acqua alta is generally not dangerous and the city is well prepared for it so they lay out raised walkways. These floods are only a few centimeters and usually only last a few hours so don’t worry about getting stuck anywhere – you won’t. Just pack some good waterproof shoes and you’ll be fine.

How many days in Venice in winter?

While two days are usually enough to see Venice in summer I’d recommend three days in winter since it gets dark quite early. If you only have a day or two to spend here, make sure to optimize your time by visiting museums and other indoor attractions after dark.

Read next: Venice Itinerary – Best things to do in Venice in 1, 2, 3 & 5 days

Getting to Venice & around

Venice is served by Marco Polo airport. Book your airport shuttle ahead of time or take a ferry into town.

Venice is also accessible by train from most big cities in Italy just make sure to get off at Venice Santa Lucia and not Mestre (unless your connection requires you to switch trains so check that in advance). From the train station it is a roughly 30min walk to San Marco Square or you can take a vaporetto to various parts of town.

My favourite way of getting around in Venice is by foot. This is such a beautiful city and I really enjoy walking around. On top of that is really compact and nothing is more than 30-40in walk away from St. Mark’s Square. If you have a chance make sure to join this walking tour to get acquainted with the city.

If walking is not your thing then the second best option is taking a vaporetto. A single ticket lasts 75 minutes but if you plan on using the vaporetto a lot it is best to buy a day ticket.

Where to eat in Venice

Overtourism is a serious issue in Venice and with it come high prices. Unless you’re willing to pay a premium price I’d recommend you avoid the restaurants in San Marco district and near popular attractions.

Instead, head over to Dorsoduro or Cannaregio to experience the local Bacaros and osterias. You’ll get much better food at a much friendlier price. Among my favorites are Corner Pub and Osteria al Cicheto or check this map for more suggestions on where to eat and drink in Venice.

Join a food tour.
This way you’ll be able to combine sightseeing with delicious Venetian bites. This street food tour takes you over Rialto Market while this food tour focuses on the osterias in Cannaregio, and if you’re into wine then this wine and cicchetti tasting is for you.

What to pack for winter in Venice

Winter in Venice can wear many hats and can be pleasant and sunny one day, grey and foggy the next or rainy and wet the day after so you have to be prepared for it all.

Make sure to pack some good quality waterproof boots, warm socks, a (preferably long) winter coat, a compact umbrella, gloves, scarf and hat, warm layers, but also sunglasses and sunscreen as the winter sun can be especially sneaky.

Planning a trip to Italy?

Italy is such a stunning country that packs beautiful nature, astonishing architecture, rich history, interesting culture, loads of hand gestures, and delicious food. Oh, don’t even get me started on Italian food!

I’ve prepared a whole plethora of articles to help you plan your Italian adventure and if you’re planning a trip to Venice make sure to check out the relevant resources below: