Venice certainly sees its share of tourists, so much so that the city has introduced a first-of-its-kind access fee to help combat daytrippers who add to the issue of overtourism.  While this modest fee may not entirely deter the influx of visitors who descend upon the city during peak times of the year, it sends a striking message that something has to be done.  To me it also signals that there’s a way to travel responsibly and spend time getting to know the local fabric of what makes a city like Venice special (and consequently so popular).  On a recent trip with my young son who had been dreaming of visiting Venice thanks to Spider-Man: Far From Home, this was in the back of my mind as I curated our itinerary (which was partially adapted due to rainy weather), balancing popular sites that are a must-see for a first-time visitors, with other lesser-frequented spots.  So whether you’re planning your first or a return visit to Venice, here is a top 5 list of ideas to see and experience the city, with a twist on popular sites and activities. 

1. Take a ride in a boat
Admittedly I did not take a gondola ride during my first visit to Venice and I regretted it for more than a decade.  It’s one of the most popular things to do in the city, and despite that it really is a magical experience to be peacefully floating through the canals in a beautiful boat, surrounded by beautiful architecture and beautiful song if your gondoliere is so inclined…sigh.  The gondola business is regulated, so look for posted servizio gondole signs in multiple languages that explain the rates (more expensive in the evening hours), agree on the route and duration with the gondoliere before stepping into the boat and pay in cash at the end of your ride.

For a different type of experience, you can learn to row yourself.  Row Venice is an all-female organization who is passionate about the art and sport of rowing.  Bookings are private for you and your group, and you’ll have the choice between a traditional rowing lesson, one that combines Venetian happy hour with rowing or a tour down the Grand Canal.  After meeting your guide, you’ll first review important details about the boat – which is not a gondola rather a brown flat-bottomed boat with a shrimp-like tail called a batela coda di gambero – and rowing technique before you set out down a canal and out onto open water to try out your newly-acquired skills.  I had been wanting to take a tour for years and found it to be fun for all ages, and not as easy as you might think!

2. Marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica
Venice’s main church is breathtaking.  Anchoring the piazza that bears its same name, the 11^th century Basilica San Marco blends a unique Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic architectural style influenced by the east with its distinctive onion domes, soaring arches and glittering mosaics.  Inside is a dimly lit sanctuary covered in colorful bits of marble creating intricate patterns across the floor and gilded mosaics depicting figures and stories from the Bible on the walls. Advanced bookings are necessary to avoid needlessly waiting in line, and I suggest taking the time to understand the various ticket options before making your selection.  On my most recent trip, we chose the option that also includes the museum and Loggia dei Cavalli.  The small museum features the 4 original bronzes horses that once adorned the church’s balcony along with other art and models of the church.  Afterwards we ventured outside to take in the stunning view overlooking Piazza San Marco, which was only slightly dampened by the cold and rainy weather.

The city is home to somewhere between 120-150 churches according to our gondoliere Cristian, so after visiting St. Marks consider stopping into another one that you happen to walk by as you make your way through Venice.  Many of these are open to the public free of charge and offer a more peaceful opportunity to take in some pretty incredible art and architecture.

3. Visit a museum or two
Venice is a city of art with so many wonderful museums to choose from.  Some popular options include the Gallerie dell’Accademia (Venetian Renaissance art from the 13^th to 17^th centuries), Palazzo Ducale (sumptuous Gothic-style palace on Piazza San Marco with) and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (eclectic mix of 20^th century art from the likes of Picasso and Pollock).  Beyond these, challenge yourself to go deeper to discover some lesser frequented spots like the Museo Storico Navale, which tells the naval history of Venice and how its waterway have shaped the city’s identity, and the Natural History Museum, great for kids and adults (especially on a rainy day) covering everything from dinosaurs to an impressive and colorful collection of taxidermy.

4. Venture out to an island
Venice is comprised of more than 100 islands, and many visitors often leave the central part of the city to visit the island of Murano.  Famous for its namesake blown glass, here you’ll find the Museo del Vetro along with many factories offering tours to see glassmaking in action (often followed by a discount for purchasing pieces from their shop).  In general in Venice, it’s important to do your research before making a glass purchase to ensure you’re getting the real thing versus an expensive dupe.

Beyond Murano, on the same vapporetto line there’s also the lesser-developed island of Torcello, the original birthplace of Venice and home to the oldest church in the lagoon, as well as the island of Burano.  The latter is quite popular due to its bright candy-colored houses that line the main canal and surrounding streets.  This fishing island is also known for lacemaking, so is a good place to shop for handmade gifts or learn more at the Museo del Merletto.

Fewer visitors venture to the islands that are closer to center of Venice like the residential Giudecca or San Giorgio Maggiore, which is home to an abbey by the same name and labryinth gardens to explore, both of which offer beautiful views of San Marco from across the lagoon.  Regardless of what you choose, Venice’s well-organized public transportation system of vaporetti make visiting all of these islands a breeze.

5. Take in a view
For a unique perspective of Venice, there are many opportunities to see the city from up high.  As you might expect, some of the most popular spots are located on Piazza San Marco and include the beautiful Renaissance era Torre dell’Orologio (guided tours only via narrow staircase) and soaring Campanile di San Marco (via elevator to the top).  In addition to the clock and bell tower, the views from the Loggia dei Cavalli balcony of the Basilica di San Marco are incredible.  Not only are you treated to sweeping views over the square, Palazzo Ducale and out onto the lagoon, you also get a glimpse of the 4 bronze horses (replicas as the originals are inside the church’s museum) and other decorative elements up close.

There are countless other great viewpoints in the city. Another fun option is the rooftop terrace of the gorgeous Fondaco dei Tedeschi department store where visitors are whisked up a red carpet escalator for views overlooking the Grand Canal and surrounding area (free tickets must be booked online in advance and visits are weather permitting).  A few other options include the dome of the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute (via 150 stairs) at the tip of the Dorsoduro and the belltower of the Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore (via elevator) across the lagoon on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, which offer unobstructed views and less crowds than those on Piazza San Marco.