Of course, we know that water is everywhere in Venice, and that's what makes it so charming... in the canals! We could do without the rain. Italy is one of those Mediterranean countries to which we easily come in search of sunshine. However, you're not immune to rainy days during your stay. So how do you make up for those rainy days? What to do in Venice when it rains? Follow the Petit Futé guide: many must-sees can be done when it's raining!
1. Visit the Doge's Palace when it rains in Venice
This is clearly one of the most beautiful must-sees in Venice, rain or shine! You enter a Gothic masterpiece that was the heart of Venetian power for centuries. Visit Doge's Palacelocated on the banks of the Grand Canal, welcomes you into its sumptuous setting, immersing you in the history of the Republic of Venice, between political intrigue and the splendors of a glorious past.
The Doge's Palace is one of Venice's most emblematic monuments, so book your ticket here in advance to be sure of visiting it.
Everywhere you look, new wonders await you: ceilings painted by Veronese, sumptuous staircases, the Grand Council Chamber, and more. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. It connects the palace to the old prisons, giving it its name. The name refers to the distress of the prisoners of yesteryear. Surrounded by marble, gilding and art, you'll enjoy a magnificent, cultural and fascinating visit. Perfect for a rainy day!
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2. Discover St. Mark's Basilica in the rain
If Venice is one of the must-visit destinations in the Veneto region, it's for its gondolas, canals and Doge's Palace, but also for its magnificent St. Mark's Basilica! As soon as you step inside, you're transported into a Byzantine fairytale setting. To visit St. Mark's Basilica is to admire a festival of gilded mosaics, gigantic domes and glittering details at every corner. Look up: over 8,000 m² of mosaics tell the story of centuries of religious and Venetian history! You can also climb up to the terrace. From up there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Mark's Square. Go early or make a reservation - it's worth it!
Don't forget to book your St. Mark's Basilica ticket here , as it's likely to be very busy!
Good to know: during high tide, you can visit the basilica by walking on footbridges installed to avoid flooded areas. Piazza San Marco is the first to be affected, but don't panic: access is still possible, even with your feet almost in the water.
3. What to do in Venice when it rains? Visit La Fenice opera house
You're in the heart of Venice, in the San Marco district, when suddenly you come across La Fenice, the city's opera house. From the outside, there's nothing flashy about it, but wait until nightfall: between the lanterns, the reflections on the canals and the theater lights, the atmosphere becomes magical! Once inside, you're in for a real visual shock. Majestic chandeliers, gilding galore, ceilings decorated with angels, velvet seats... Everything is refined and impressive. You're in for a real treat, even without seeing a show! And if you're curious, the audioguide will plunge you into the incredible history of this place, destroyed several times by fire, but always rebuilt, like a true phoenix!
To book your ticket for the La Fenice opera house, including the audioguide, click here.
4. Admire the Peggy Guggenheim collection when it rains in Venice
Here you are, on the banks of the Grand Canal, in front of an unassuming palace... and yet you're about to enter one of the most stylish museums in Venice! The peggy Guggenheim Collection collection promises total immersion in modern art : Picasso, Dalí, Pollock, Warhol... the biggest names are all here. The building itself is a marvel. It's a mysterious, unfinished palace dating back to the 18th century. As an added bonus, it's ultra-photogenic, with its sculpted lions, hanging plants and sculpture garden at the back.
Inside, you'll wander between well-known works of art, all in an intimate, almost private atmosphere. Art collector Peggy Guggenheim once lived here, and you can still feel her spirit in every corner. As a bonus, the museum organizes lots of activities and hosts temporary exhibitions! For enthusiasts, you can book this tour of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection with private guide.
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5. Discover new things at Venice's Natural History Museum
As soon as you walk through the doors of Venice's Natural History Museum, housed in the superb Fondaco dei Turchi, you'll find many curiosities, including a life-size dinosaur skeleton: an Ouranosaurus unearthed in Niger by a Venetian explorer, no less! A perfect blend of science, travel and wonder. Fossils, cetaceans, minerals, rare insects... each room takes you back in time. The building itself is a jewel, a blend of Oriental and Venetian styles. The view from the windows alone is worth the detour! Curious? The museum houses an impressive scientific library. There's something for everyone, from children to adults, with reconstructions and immersive atmospheres. Perfect for an exciting break when it's raining in Venice!
Good to know: the payment of a tax to enter the city of Venice is currently being tested, on certain days in 2025. To date, it's €5 per person, or €10 if you haven't paid it by the fourth day. It only applies to people who are not staying overnight, since in this case it is included in the tourist tax.
6. Take part in a workshop: Venetian masks or Italian cuisine?
How about a fun activity while it's raining in Venice? Some Venetian mask workshops offer the chance to make... your own mask, just like the ones used at the famous carnival. A unique souvenir to bring back from your trip! If you're more the gourmet type, you can also take part in a culinary workshop. Pasta or tiramisu? Both are possible! For three hours, you'll follow the invaluable advice of an experienced local chef. In the purest Italian tradition, you'll discover the art and art of cooking a local dish. Yummy! The workshop also includes a meal (lunch or dinner).
Create a Venetian masterpiece at Carta Alta's mask workshop by booking your workshop right here! A great family activity.
For those with a sweet tooth, go here to book your cooking class in Venice, where you'll learn how to make pasta and Tiramisu.
7. What to do in Venice when it rains? The Scuola Grande dei Carmini
Nestled in the Dorsoduro district, the Scuola Grande dei Carmini is a little gem that many visitors miss - wrongly! As soon as you climb the superb Baroque staircase, you know you're in for something special. The ceilings in the main hall? By Tiepolo, no less! The style is busy, gilded, ultra-detailed, but never stifling. You move from room to room, between stuccos, frescoes and carved woodwork, in a hushed, almost timeless atmosphere. And as the place is rarely crowded, you can really take your time to observe everything! A little bonus: the chapel on the first floor is also well worth a visit. In short, if you like Baroque art and places that are a little secretive, this one ticks all the boxes. A real favorite for those who want to get off the beaten track!
Petit Futé tip if you want to avoid mass tourism in Venice, we recommend a visit to Palazzo Grimani. It's not as famous as other palaces, but it's still superb!
8. Marvel at Venice's Leonardo da Vinci Museum
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is a must-see if you're visiting Venice in 3 days. Whether you're curious, a bit of a handyman or just fascinated by Leonardo da Vinci, this is the place for you! Located in the Dorsoduro district, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum plunges you into the mind of this genius, thanks to life-size wooden machines built from his original drawings. And the best part? You can try out some of them! Bridges, gear systems, flying inventions... it's all there, and it works. The icing on the cake: videos and animations recount his life, his travels and his crazy projects. You'll also see reproductions of his iconic works and his famous anatomical studies. Perfectly suited to families with children, the space is interactive and well thought-out. It's a fun and original activity, ideal for a rainy day in Venice.
Discover the life and work of one of the world's greatest artists and inventors by booking here your entry to the Da Vinci interactive museum in Venice.
9. Visit the Palazzo Ca'Rezzonico when it rains in Venice
If you dream of immersing yourself in the elegance of 18th-century Venice, Ca' Rezzonico is a must. Surely one of the best visits to make in Venice when it's raining! This palace, one of the few open to the public, transports you into the refined world of the nobility of the time. As you enter, you're greeted by a traditional gondola with its " felze " (cabin): a lovely reminder of the elegant travel of the time. Climb the majestic grand staircase to enter the sumptuously decorated salons: Tiepolo frescoes, Murano glass chandeliers, period furniture... simply sublime!
Your visit also includes the ballroom. Much more than that, it's a true masterpiece, with its ceiling adorned with mythological allegories. And that's not all! On the third floor, the reconstruction of an 18th-century pharmacy offers a fascinating insight into the medicine of yesteryear.
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10. What to do in Venice when it rains Concert of Vivaldi's Four Seasons
When it's raining in Venice, why not take advantage of an unforgettable musical experience? Attend a concert of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, performed by the orchestra I Musici Venezianiis a magical experience. The show takes place in the sumptuous setting of the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro, where the musicians, dressed in period costumes, transport you back to the 18th century. Vivaldi's notes come to life, evoking birdsong, summer storms and winter chills. To extend the experience, you can also visit the Museo della Musica, located in theSan Maurizio church, which exhibits a collection of antique instruments. An ideal evening to discover Venice in a different way, in the rain but to the rhythm of Baroque music!
Tempted? Click here to book your concert of Vivaldi's Four Seasons at the Vivaldi Church.
11. Take an artistic break at the Galleria dell'Accademia
If you love painting (or if you're just curious to see real masterpieces without the crowds of the big Parisian museums), the Gallerie dell'Accademia is a nugget not to be missed. Here you'll find the world's largest collection of Venetian art, with over 800 paintings! Titian, Veronese, Bellini, Canaletto, Tintoretto... the great artists are all here. All housed in a charming old religious complex. Here you can admire religious scenes, luminous portraits, ultra-detailed landscapes... and even Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man (on occasional display). The visit is fluid, the atmosphere calm and the natural light makes the works even more striking. In short, it's an ideal place to slow down the pace a little while you wait for the sun to return, while immersing yourself in centuries of Venetian history and creativity!
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Now you've got plenty of good ideas for visiting Venice when it's raining! All you can do now is hope that it won't be the same during the next Venice Carnival... You've covered all the things to do in Venice when it's raining, but it's still raining? Good news! Among the many things to do in Padua, 38 km away, you'll find plenty of ideas for indoor visits. This is also an idea to keep in mind if you're spending 4 days in Venice, in addition to visiting Murano or Burano.
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