10 Most Romantic Things to Do in Venice for Couples

Few places in the world capture the essence of romance quite like Venice.

This floating city of meandering canals, ancient palazzos, and cobblestone streets seems tailor-made for couples seeking magic and memories.

Combine that with the gondolas to admire, hidden alleys to explore, sunlit squares to linger in, and the most breathtaking sunsets to catch… Venice sure paints quite the romantic picture.

So if you want to whisk your partner to a dreamy romantic getaway, Venice is a great choice. Here are the best things to do in Venice for couples.

1. TAKE A PRIVATE GONDOLA RIDE

You can’t talk about romantic things to do in Venice without mentioning a gondola ride, amirite?

Drifting along the city’s iconic canals is a quintessential experience, and for couples, it’s nothing short of a fairytale moment.

As your gondolier expertly navigates the narrow waterways, you’ll pass beneath centuries-old bridges and alongside pastel-colored facades glowing in the Venetian light. The Grand Canal offers sweeping views of some of Venice’s biggest attractions, while the quieter, hidden canals create an intimate atmosphere.

For an unforgettable experience, time your ride during sunset or in the evening. Some gondoliers even serenade passengers, adding a touch of old-world charm to the journey.

That being said, gondola rides can be a splurge (we’re talking ~100 EUR for 30 minutes). For a cheaper alternative but near-same experience, consider taking a ride in a Venetian vaporetto (water bus). While it may lack the intimacy of a private gondola, it provides equally stunning views of the Grand Canal, and is a budget-friendly way to explore Venice as a couple.

2. KISS UNDER THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS

The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks, and it comes with a neat blend of history and romance.

Legend goes that if you share a kiss with your partner beneath the bridge while riding in a gondola, your love will last forever.

Though in reality, the name “Bridge of Sighs” has nothing to do with romance – it refers to the sighs of prisoners who crossed it, catching their last glimpse of Venice before heading to their cells or worse.

The bridge itself, built in the early 17th century, connects the Doge’s Palace to the Prigioni Nuove (New Prisons). It spans the Rio di Palazzo canal, and has a beautiful white limestone design, with intricate windows.

While kissing under the bridge is a classic romantic thing to do in Venice, don’t feel pressured to hop on a gondola just for this. Viewing the bridge from the shore is equally magical. You can admire the Bridge of Sighs from the nearby bridges – Ponte della Paglia or the Ponte della Canonica – both of which offer excellent views of the bridge and beyond.

3. DINE AT A CANAL-SIDE RESTAURANT

There’s nothing quite like dining by candlelight at a canal-side restaurant in Venice. The experience tops the list of things to do in Venice for couples.

For the perfect setting, head to a restaurant along the quieter canals. While the Grand Canal offers dazzling views, the smaller waterways provide a more secluded and peaceful setting.

Spots like Ristorante Quadri overlooking Piazza San Marco are costlier but feel indulgent. To find more calm and privacy (Venice’s year-long abundance of tourists notwithstanding), explore Dorsoduro and Cannaregio.

Now onto the menu. Venetian specialties are unique – the city isn’t big on pizza and pasta, although you get them everywhere.

Share a plate of sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), indulge in a creamy polenta-based dish, or split a classic tiramisu for dessert. Pair it all with a glass of a local Veneto wine to elevate the meal even further.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for prime spots with canal views.

4. EXPLORE THE HIDDEN STREETS AND CANALS

While Venice’s famous landmarks draw throngs of crowds, the real charm of the city lies in its quieter, less-traveled corners.

Start by venturing away from the well-worn tourist trails around Piazza San Marco. Head toward districts like Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, or Castello, where the crowds thin out and the true beauty of Venice unfolds.

As you find your way through narrow streets and cobbled passages, you can’t help but notice the peeling plaster and the water strewn walls. It will get you wondering how a city symbolic of love could be falling apart.

But once you spend some time watching the waters flowing with candor, and people going down on one knee to propose, and young lovers kissing as their gondolas sway by, the magnificence washes over you. You’ll realize that the crumbling walls and tapering panels are really a metaphor for love in decline.

The brokenness of the place is such a stark contrast to the happy, love-struck faces, people holding hands and smiling coyly at each other – you see that love thrives in decay – and that’s such an empowering feeling, isn’t it? .

That’s the beauty of getting lost in Venice. No map needed, just a sense of wonder – and your partner’s company.

5. WATCH THE SUNSET FROM ST. MARK’S SQUARE

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the heart of Venice, literally and figuratively. And at sunset, it takes on a whole new personality.

The square’s grand architecture, with the towering basilica and the imposing Campanile, assimilate a soft, sunlit, golden glow as the day winds down. You just want to stop in your tracks, take a seat, and absorb the sheer radiance of it all.

Find a spot at one of the cafes lining the square. Caffè Florian and Gran Caffè Quadri are two of the most famous (and definitely busier and pricier) ones, though there are many other options around.

You can also climb the Campanile or wander to the nearby waterfront for a stunning view.

My favorite way to catch the sunset, though, is to grab a coffee-to-go and enjoy the setting while seated at one of the benches in the square. The musicians serenading visitors in the square add to the experience, as daylight fades. For couples, it’s the perfect atmosphere to unwind and soak in the romance of Venice.

6. TAKE A VAPORETTO TO MURANO AND BURANO

If Venice is the cake, Murano and Burano are the delightful icing you never knew you needed.

Hopping on a vaporetto (Venice’s water bus) to these nearby islands is one of the best things to do in Venice for couples, as it offers a mix of culture, rustic appeal, and a break from the bustling city.

First stop, Murano. Aptly called the island of glass, it’s famous for its centuries-old tradition of glassblowing. Stop by one of the many workshops to see skilled artisans turn molten glass into intricate vases, chandeliers, and delicate trinkets. The Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) is also worth a visit to learn about the history of this fascinating art form.

Then there’s Burano, an island with a kaleidoscope of brightly painted houses and the most romantic backdrops. It’s perfect for a long stroll as you go about exploring. Burano is also renowned for its lace-making tradition.

How to Get There: The vaporetto takes you from Venice to Murano in about 20 minutes and Burano in another 30. Tickets are affordable (a day pass is a great deal if you plan on exploring multiple islands) and much cheaper than private tours.

7. VISIT A HISTORIC PALACE TOGETHER

Exploring Venice’s historic palaces is like peeling back the layers of the city’s captivating history. For couples in Venice, it’s a chance to share a moment of awe, and connect with the grandeur of a world that once thrived along these canals.

An absolute must-see is the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale). This former seat of Venetian power is a masterpiece of Gothic design, filled with lavish halls, elaborately painted ceilings, and grand staircases. The palace was the seat of political power (and drama) back in the day. During the tour, you’ll even get to see the New Prisons, which the prisoners were brought to via the Bridge of Sighs (refer to #2 above!)

I also recommend Ca’ d’Oro (Golden House). This stunning palazzo (palace) on the Grand Canal is unmissable, thanks to its intricate facade. It houses an art collection that includes works by Mantegna and Tiepolo.

A visit to a palace is one of the best activities in Venice for couples, as it really amps up the romance… with a side of culture.

8. SHARE GELATO AT RIALTO BRIDGE

It’s a simple pleasure, but one of the best romantic things to do in Venice: grabbing a gelato and strolling across the Rialto Bridge.

The bridge has served as a key landmark in Venetian history for centuries, and it’s the perfect spot to indulge in one of Italy’s finest exports – gelato.

There are plenty of gelaterias around the bridge, each offering a smorgasbord of flavors, from the classics like pistachio and chocolate to more adventurous choices like tiramisu or lemon basil. The gelato is top notch, but be prepared to shell a little extra for the prime location.

Grab your cone or cup, and wander over to the bridge. Take in the view of the Grand Canal as boats glide beneath you. It’s the kind of moment that basically sums up Venice – relaxed, romantic, and stupid beautiful.

I promise you – that gelato will be one of the highlights of your visit.

9. TAKE A MOONLIT STROLL ALONG THE ZATTARE

The irony about Venice is that if you’re looking for romantic activities, most of them will also be touristy. That said, the Zattere is one exception to this de facto rule.

This is a long, scenic promenade along the southern edge of Dorsoduro, one of Venice’s quieter neighborhoods. It stretches out beside the Giudecca Canal, offering uninterrupted views of the water and the island of Giudecca on the other side.

The best part? Zattare is largely free from the tourist crowds, so an ideal spot for couples in Venice seeking a quieter escape.

You’ll find plenty of cafes in the area with outdoor seating, perfect for a coffee or a glass of wine. For a truly Venetian experience, stop at one of these and enjoy a spritz, as you watch the city settle into the night.

If time allows, visit the nearby Punta della Dogana, a modern art museum housed in a 17th-century customs house. You don’t need to go inside, though; the building’s striking architecture is worth admiring from the Zattere itself.

And if you visit during the day, cross the nearby Accademia Bridge over to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (of the Guggenheim family fame), which houses some really cool art.

10. TAKE A COOKING CLASS TOGETHER

For couples looking to experience Venice beyond the usual sightseeing, taking a cooking class together is one of the most engaging and memorable romantic things to do.

Venetian cuisine is rich and diverse, with influences from the sea and the surrounding regions. In a typical cooking class, you’ll learn to prepare classic dishes as well as generically Italian ones. Think risotto, fresh pasta, and tiramisu.

Many cooking classes in Venice take place in traditional Venetian kitchens, often in hosts’ homes. Some even take you to local markets, where you’ll shop for fresh, seasonal ingredients, getting an insider’s look at Venice’s food culture.

Once the meal is prepared, you’ll sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Nothing like partaking in the joy of cooking and eating a meal from scratch.

This is also a great way to meet fellow travelers, and have extended chats with locals (your hosts) in a relaxed setting… which is not such a common opportunity to come by.

Here are some fun cooking classes in Venice to try:

• Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class at a Local’s Home
• Learn to Cook Italian Recipes with Chef Francesco
• Spritz Class: How To Make Italy’s favorite Aperitivo