Venezia
Explore
Churches
A good way to see churches, especially San Marco which has long queues every day, is to check out the mass times and turn up for mass. San Giorgio dei Greci have a very long mass on a Sunday morning during which people come and go, so you could pop in to hear the singing and admire the beautiful church. You can view mass times at various churches here.
There are little surprises in many buildings. For instance there is a gorgeous Rubens drawing in Santa Maria del Giglio and a wonderful Titian in the Gesuiti. You will discover your own in the many guidebooks in the flat and online.
Visit
Museums & Exhibitions
You can book most big things online including tours of San Marco, the Doge’s Palace and the Orologio and the museums. Click here to visit a good site to view and book these major attractions. Some of the churches are run by Chorus and charge entry but not so many that it’s worth buying a season ticket IMO.
Big contemporary art exhibitions are often staged over two sites: the Palazzo Grassi (near Accademia) and the Dogana. The Fortuny Museum is a charming building near Santo Stefano but only open when there is a temporary exhibition.
Listen
Music
You can find a good list of classical concerts on the Classic Tic website. Many churches have concerts now and again — look out for posters.
The Musica a Palazzo is delightful although the voices vary in quality. Likewise the Fenice, where there is no resident company but sometimes they have very good visiting productions. The theatre (rebuilt after a fire) is spectacular.
Celebrate
Festivals
All of the below have their own websites or can be researched online for more information. Most are community occasions, no ticket needed — turn up and watch and buy food, and maybe wear a costume if you feel like it.
