April is the perfect time to visit Venice if you’re looking for somewhere packed with culture, blessed with charming weather, and free from dense crowds. At this time of year, this ancient city enjoys highs of around 63°F (17°C) with only a small chance of rain. Better still, the sun sets around 8 pm, giving you plenty of time for sightseeing, dining al fresco, and sipping prosecco canalside.  

Venice in spring is pretty quiet, so you won’t waste hours waiting in line for Doge’s Palace and you’ll get to snap stunning pictures of St. Mark’s Square without big groups of tourists. Although the city’s spectacular Easter attractions do draw a lot of people, they’re mostly locals and reward you with the opportunity to experience a traditional holiday in a new way.

With so many fun things to see and do, it can be hard just getting started. To help you out, here’s a list of the best things to do in Venice in April. From digging into authentic creamy gelato to gazing at the sunset from the Rialto Bridge and watching glass-blowing experts show off their skills, there’s loads to do in this enigmatic city at this time of year!  

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The 10 Best Things to Do in Venice in April

1. Enjoy a Gondola Ride on the Backstreet Canals

There are so many reasons that spring in Venice is an amazing time for a gondola ride. Because the city is pretty quiet at this time of year, gondoliers are often happy to make deals and it’s very unlikely you’ll have to ride with anyone else. This makes it a great opportunity for a romantic trip that’s cheaper than any other time of year!

Most gondoliers will try to convince you to take a ride on the Grand Canal. I suggest you politely decline and ask them to take you through the backstreet canals instead. These are much quieter and calmer than the Grand Canal, creating a more peaceful and authentic experience. 

2. See Blooms at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is worth visiting at any time of year, but especially in spring. Throughout April in Venice, the museum’s sculpture garden becomes more enchanting than usual, as the shrubs and flower gardens are in full bloom. 

Because it’s so beautiful, this spot can get very busy. To avoid the crowds, try and get there as soon as it opens at 10 am.

The rest of the museum is set inside an unfinished palace that was transformed into an art gallery in 1949. The vast collection covers many examples of 20th-century cubism, surrealism, and abstract expressionism. Take a look around and you’ll discover famous pieces from the likes of Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí.

3. Be Amazed by the Benedizione del Fuoco

If you’re planning on being in Venice for Easter, then you’re just in time for the Benedizione del Fuoco. This spectacular event takes place on Maundy Thursday in St. Mark’s Basilica, when the building is transformed into a place filled with mystery and enchantment. 

All the lights throughout the cathedral are turned off and a huge fire is lit at the entrance. This gives all of St. Mark’s Square an indescribable energy you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Everyone is invited to attend mass on this special night, but it often gets incredibly crowded. It’s still worth visiting the church after sunset for the chance to watch the blessing of the four elements, which takes place at the entrance. 

4. Cool Off with Creamy Gelato

Temperatures can get somewhat high in Venice in April. When you need to cool off, find the nearest spot that does gelato and order yourself a cone! 

La Mela Verde on the Rio di San Provolo canal is my favorite spot for the frozen treat. This gelato place serves around 12 different flavors each day, each of which is made using whole Italian milk for an ultra-creamy texture. 

If you’re looking for a plant-based option, check out Gelato Fantasy. This artisanal ice cream shop has two locations in the city and offers vegan ice cream cones, as well as loads of different plant-based flavors each day.

5. See the Pastel-Colored Houses in Burano

Every inch of Venice in spring is beyond beautiful. But if you work your way to Burano, you’ll be left truly speechless by just how stunning the island is. 

Burano is pretty remote – you’ve got to take a 45-minute Vaporetto ride from the center of the city to get there. But its secluded location means that it’s rarely full of tourists and hardly ever feels crowded.

Here you’ll find tranquil canals lined by stunning candy-colored cottages. Make sure you seek out Casa di Bepi Suà. It’s a spectacular red and blue house decorated with bold, geometric shapes. You really can’t miss it! There’s also the Museo del Merletto, where you can learn about the island’s ancient lace-making tradition. 

When you’re feeling hungry, I recommend stopping by the family-run Trattoria al Gatto Nero for their signature antipasto!

6. Admire the View from the T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace

For some of the best views in Venice, head to the T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace shopping mall and make your way up to the roof. Here you’ll find a simple terrace with fabulous views that stretch across the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, and all the way out to sea.

One of the best things about the T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace is that it’s completely free to enter. The only catch is that you have to book your space online in advance. If you’re visiting Venice in April, you shouldn’t have any problem booking at the last minute – unless you’re visiting over Easter.

When you’re done checking out the view and snapping pictures, head downstairs for some luxury window-shopping. There are some wonderful cafes where you can relax and people-watch, too.

7. Celebrate the City’s Saint with Red Roses

Easter isn’t the only holiday celebrated in April in Venice. Each year on April 25, locals celebrate St. Mark and throw a giant party that touches every corner of the city. The events program changes every year, but it usually includes a gondolier regatta and religious commemorations at St. Mark’s Basilica.

Locals wearing green and red gather in St. Mark’s Square and form the shape of a giant rose and stem! Although you can’t really see the flower from the ground (if you’ve got a drone, this is the time to use it), it’s pretty cool to see live art come together in front of your eyes.

Traditionally, men give their partners a red rose on this day. So act like a local and surprise your travel buddy! You’ll find individual roses available to buy from stalls throughout the city. 

8. Watch the Sunset on the Rialto Bridge

The sunsets during spring in Venice are arguably the most sensational of the year. If you’re looking for somewhere magical and romantic to watch the day turn into night, head to the Rialto Bridge around an hour before sunset.

The place is hugely popular at this time, so you really do need to arrive an hour before. Grab some drinks and some nibbles to enjoy while you wait. The nearby Antico Forno Venezia does amazing pizza by the slice and craft beer to take away.

As the sun slowly dips into the horizon, the houses lining the canal become bathed in ethereal shades of gold and crimson. It’s a spectacular natural show that you’ll never want to end. 

9. Try 25 Different Kinds of Tiramisu

I Tre Mercanti is an absolute must-visit during your trip to Venice. This delicious spot was founded in the 1960s and has been serving a gourmet selection of tiramisu, wine, and epicurean delicacies ever since.

If you’ve never been keen on tiramisu before, this is the place to go to change your mind. Here you’ll find 25 different fusion varieties of the Italian dessert, with everything from bellini and passion fruit to limoncello and pistachio. They all come in individual tubs, making them a great takeaway option. I love the classic tiramisu, but if you want to try something new, opt for the amaretto and almond milk version.

There are only 3-5 different flavors each day. So, if you want to try all 25, you’ll have to pop back throughout your vacation.

10. Be Wowed by the Murano Glass Museum

Looking for some unique souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home? Take a trip to Murano and stop at the local glass museum. This fascinating place is bursting with gorgeous glass sculptures of all shapes and sizes made by hand by locals. Plus, you won’t have to contend with the summer crowds.

Although the museum itself doesn’t actually have a gift shop, the surrounding area is full of artisan stores and street stalls selling delicate glasswork. I definitely suggest upgrading your ticket for the museum so it includes a visit to the furnace and showroom. 

For just a few euros, you’ll have the chance to watch remarkably skilled people create all sorts of phenomenal objects and sculptures through glass blowing and shaping. 

There you have it! The 10 best things to do in Venice in April. What’s your favorite thing to do in Venice at this time of year? 

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