7 things to do at Easter 2025 in Venice to enjoy it at its best

Winter is not yet over, but spring is already showing itself, with its gentle breeze and the sun warming the skin. This increases the desire to be outdoors, to stroll and enjoy the lengthening days.

The spring of 2025 not only brings with it a desire to travel and discover new destinations but also coincides with an event of great spiritual significance: the Jubilee 2025. This Holy Year, which began on 24 December 2024 with the opening of the Holy Door in St Peter's Basilica, offers the faithful the opportunity to renew their faith through pilgrimages and special celebrations.

For us at Visit Italy, spring represents the reborn desire to travel, to explore those places that crowds and the summer heat do not allow us to fully enjoy: so why not take advantage of the Easter holidays to visit Venice at leisure? Here are 5 things you can do to experience Venice at a slow pace.

After the great celebrations of Carnival, Venice relaxes and prepares for the beautiful season. Spring is indeed the ideal season to visit the Serenissima calmly, enjoying the scents and colours emanating from its many gardens and the warmth of the sun.

All major Italian cities have organised events for the Jubilee 2025, so Venice is also actively participating in the Jubilee year celebrations. In Venice, in fact, Jubilee itineraries have been organised that combine art and faith, offering spiritual and catechetical routes among the city's artistic wonders. These pilgrimages, designed for different age groups, represent a unique opportunity to experience the Holy Year through the beauty and history of Venice

Easter week, which runs from Thursday 17 to Monday 21 April,  adds an extra touch of magic to this period of awakening: in fact, as early as Holy Thursday the doors of the churches are left open and candles are lit, giving the evening strolls a surreal atmosphere.

The list you will find here contains tips and outdoor activities to enjoy the wonderful spring weather in Venice, and also some ideas to escape from the crowded places during the weekend. Accompanying you to museums, historical palaces and art galleries is the Venice Pass, the tourist pass that gives you free access to the main attractions and discounts and concessions on guided tours. The Venice Pass also allows you to use public transport for 1, 2 or 5 days and easily organise your itinerary through its handy app, whose map contains up-to-date information sheets for each attraction, including their history, opening and closing times, costs and directions on how to get there.

Discover the Venice Pass

While Easter celebrations in Venice today may seem modest compared to other more glamorous events, in the time of the Doges, Christian Easter was an occasion for sumptuous events, which were concentrated in St Mark's Cathedral. The Golden Cathedral, so called because of its interior, was decorated with rich banners and the rich Treasury and Pala d'Oro were displayed inside.

Today you can enjoy the splendour of the historical festivities by entering the Basilica, which even without decorations will leave you breathless, and see the Pala d'Oro completely covered in gold, silver, precious stones and enamels, created by the Venetian goldsmith Giovanni Paolo Boninsegna in the 14th century.

Given the sacrality of the place, we advise you to book your ticket and choose the skip-the-line option, which will also give you access to the beautiful panoramic terrace.

Discover San Marco Cathedral

'No xè Pasqua sensa fugassa' (there's no Easter without focaccia), the Venetians say: and indeed, you cannot celebrate Easter in Venice without tasting this typical cake. Round like the sun, soft and sweet, fugassa was the food used to celebrate the end of Lent and is so delicious that it could even be found at weddings.

If dessert isn't enough for you, you can try a Spritz with the famous cicchetti (italian tapas) or immerse yourself in the tradition of street food with a tour that will take you to the best places to savour Venetian culture.

Discover the culinary tour in Venice

The city of Venice, due to its conformation, should undoubtedly be explored on foot. From the narrowest calli of the historic centre, at whose corners you may encounter something special, such as a gondola workshop or an ancient palace, to the wider and less crowded calli of Dorsoduro or Castello, every glimpse will amaze and leave you breathless.

An alternative outside the historical centre is a walk along the Fondamenta delle Zattere, whose name derives from the tree trunks, which were used by the craftsmen of Venice, and which arrived here in the lagoon transported along the rivers by rafts. Starting from the San Basilio Maritime Station you will arrive at Punta della Dogana, enjoying a magnificent view of the Giudecca Island.

Discover the unusual gondola tour

If you are staying in Venice for the Easter holidays, you cannot miss a visit to the beautiful lagoon and its islands. Murano and Burano are undoubtedly the most famous, small gems set in the blue Venetian waters and small centres of historical craftsmanship.

Murano is one of the most populous centres in the lagoon, whose Romanesque basilica contains a unique mosaic floor inside. But Murano is certainly world-famous for its glassmaking: this activity originated in the 13th century and the tradition and creativity of the master glassmakers has survived to the present day.

Burano, on the other hand, is known as 'the island of colours' for its brightly coloured houses. It is said that each colour corresponds to a family and that the fog forced the fishermen to colour their houses with strong colours in order to recognise them quickly. Burano is also famous for the art of lace-making, renowned throughout the world.

Discover the tour of the islands

Easter Monday in Italy can be celebrated with a barbecue, a picnic or a beautiful nature excursion: if you are in Venice, in only half an hour you can reach the Natural Park of the Sile River, five thousand hectares of greenery enclosing eleven villages all worth visiting.

You can lose yourself in its magnificent views on foot or by bicycle, following the numerous paths, such as the Via dei Mulini or the Anello dei Borghi fluviali.

The Doge's Palace is one of the most fascinating wonders of Venice, a symbol of the power of the Serenissima. Once the residence of the Doge, it is now a museum telling the political and artistic history of the city. Its imposing Gothic facades and elegant arches make it a unique architectural masterpiece. Inside, rooms frescoed by masters such as Tintoretto and Veronese narrate the glorious past of the Venetian Republic. The famous Bridge of Sighs connects the palace to the Prigioni Nuove, offering a glimpse of Venetian justice at the time. To walk through its rooms is to immerse oneself in a world of splendour and power. The inner courtyard, with its Giants' Staircase, is a must-see for history lovers. During your visit, you can admire the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, one of the largest in Europe. Easter 2025 in Venice is the perfect opportunity to discover this treasure of the Serenissima. The Doge's Palace is not just a museum but a journey into the greatness of Venice.

Visit the Doge's Palace in Venice

A gondola ride is the most iconic experience in Venice, especially at Easter time. Gliding through the city's canals on board this historic vessel is a romantic and evocative experience. In their traditional uniforms, the gondoliers skillfully steer through the most picturesque canals. The ride can take you under the famous Rialto Bridge, one of the symbols of the city. Navigating along the Grand Canal offers a unique perspective on the facades of the historic palaces. Passing through the most hidden canals, you discover secret corners of Venice that would otherwise go unnoticed. At sunset, the golden light reflected on the water makes the atmosphere even more magical. During the Easter period, the city comes alive with events and decorations that make the trip even more special. A gondola tour is perfect for a couple looking for romance or for a family that wants to experience authentic Venice. Treat yourself to a timeless experience, lulled by the waters of La Serenissima. Enjoy Venice with a gondola ride