Blue canals, historic buildings, gondoliers and bridges: when you think of Venice, you can't help but think of the typical sights of the lagoon city. St. Mark's Square, gondola ride, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Carnival - you know the classics of the "most Serene" ("Serenissima"). But what else should be on your Venice bucket list? 

1. relax in the Giardini della Biennale

 

Lots of greenery and water views. ©Shutterstock

 

Every two years during the Biennale, the lush garden on the edge of the city is transformed into the meeting place of the artistic world. Then they populate the 30 or so pavilions from a wide variety of countries. Outside of this time, the park is simply a beautiful place to rest and relax. And mostly free of tourists.

Giardini della Biennale
C. Giazzo, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

 

2. go on an excursion to Murano

 

The colorful houses of Glassblower Island are enchanting. ©Unsplash

 

Murano an insider tip? No, not at all. The colourful little houses of the small island have always enchanted tourists. Nevertheless, a trip to Murano must be on a Venice bucket list. Because here you have the opportunity to buy beautiful jewellery and decorative pieces of mouth-blown Murano glass directly at the source. Shopping tip: 

Tommasi & Figli
Riva Longa, 45, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy
Web: tommasi.it

 

3. visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

 

Those with an affinity for art can't avoid it. ©Shutterstock

 

Situated directly on the Grand Canal, this handsome palace was once the home of gallerist and art collector Peggy Guggenheim. And somehow it still is. Because today it houses an art museum. Works from Guggenheim's private collection are on display. Among others, works by Picasso and Kandinsky, Dali and Pollock.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Dorsoduro, 701-704, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Open: daily except Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Web: guggenheim-venice.it

 

4. sunbathe on the beach

 

While most people come for the sightseeing, they also go swimming. ©Unsplash

 

Typically, in Venice you explore the small alleys, drift and are like a city tripper on the road. But you can also swim around Venice. In fact, the lagoon city even offers some real beach-beauties. Here are the most beautiful beaches in and around Venice.

 

5. shopping at the Mercato di Rialto

 

Venice's oldest market takes place near the Rialto Bridge. ©Unsplash

 

The Rialto Bridge is well known. It is an iconic landmark of the city. Nearby, the Mercato di Rialto is held every morning - except Sundays. Fruits, vegetables and fish from local producers go into the shopping bags of chefs and visitors. The Mercato di Rialto is one of the oldest markets in the city. It has been in operation for several hundred years.

Mercato di Rialto
Campiello de la Pescaria, Venice, 30122, Italy
Open: daily (except Sunday), from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 

6. browse in the Libreria Acqua Alta

 

These books brave the flood waters. ©Unsplash

 

If you fancy an unusual sight in Venice, you should head to the Libreria Acqua Alta. Here, books are stored in waterproof containers, bathtubs and even in a gondola. After all, the next flood is always just a downpour away ...

Libreria Acqua Alta
5173 Calle Longa 5176/B, Venice, Italy
Open: daily from 9 to 19 h 30

 

7. marvel at the Museo del Manicomio

 

Museum of a different kind. ©Shutterstock

 

As a place with such a rich history, a Venice bucket list must include one of the unusual islands in the Venetian lagoon. Vaporetteo No. 20 takes you to San Servolo. There is the former asylum for the mentally ill, complete with a small, exciting museum. Tickets for the museum are available at the hotel reception opposite the boat landing.

Museo del Manicomio di San Servolo
Isola di San Servolo, Venice 30133, Italy