If you are planning a visit to Las Vegas, you must definitely make time to visit the Venetian Resort Las Vegas on the Vegas Strip.
Unquestionably one of the top resorts in Las Vegas, the Venetian is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture inside and out, a wealth of art, and an ambience that’s hard to beat.
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While it does have a casino if gaming is on your list, there is so much more to see and do in the Venetian. The resort also boasts many topnotch eateries and lots of entertainment options.
Exploring the many things to do at the Venetian Resort is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Vegas!
And if you are looking to explore more of the resorts in Vegas, we also have guides to the best things to do at the Cosmopolitan and the top things to do at the Bellagio.
And now, let’s dive into the best things to do at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas!
Best Things to Do in the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas
The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas has one of the best interiors on the Las Vegas Strip. And you can go inside and walk around to admire the art and architecture for free.
1. Take a Gondola Ride at the Venetian Las Vegas!
One of the best things to do at the Venetian is to take a gondola ride, just like in Venice!
The ride is pricey, but if you are looking for a romantic experience in Vegas, a gondola ride at the Venetian definitely fits the bill.
A gondola ride is also a fun family activity if you are planning to visit Vegas with kids.
You’ll glide under bridges and balconies and alongside the walkways of the Grand Canal Shoppes. Your gondolier will even serenade you, just like in Italy. Our gondolier sang in Italian!
You can opt for an indoor gondola ride or an exterior ride, if the lagoon is filled and operating when you visit.
We’ve done both, and enjoyed both experiences. The outdoor ride is fun if you do it when the weather is pleasant. If you are planning to do it in the middle of the afternoon, I would opt for the indoors ride; it’s much cooler indoors.
Gondola rides are offered starting at 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. outdoors, and until midnight indoors (Friday and Saturday) and 11 p.m. other days of the week. Holiday hours may vary.
>> Get entry to the fun Madame Tussauds Museum along with a gondola ride with this combination ticket.
2. Photograph the exterior of the Venetian Resort
The Venetian has one of the most beautiful facades on the Las Vegas Strip.
You’ll see the replica of the Doge’s Palace from Venice, as well as the Campanile of Venice, the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal, and the column with the winged Venetian lion.
If you’ve been to Venice, Italy, it’s fun to wander the exterior and try to spot the famous Venetian landmarks.
You’ll find lots to admire and many great photo spots as you walk the outside of the resort.
At our most recent visit to Vegas, just prior to the Formula One event, the exterior canal had been drained and gondola rides were not operating, so if that’s on your wish-list, call the resort before you book your dates, to make sure the outside lagoon is filled.
First time in Vegas? Consider an evening helicopter ride over the iconic Las Vegas Strip to see the lights (and sights!) in all their illuminated glory!
>> Check price and availability on a Las Vegas Strip helicopter flight now!
3. Stroll The Grand Canal Shops in the Venetian
With the faux sky, the lovely facades, arches, and old-world lampposts, and the “cobblestoned” floors, walking the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian does feel a little like strolling along the canals in Venice, Italy.
You even have the Grand Canal running alongside the walkway for about a quarter of a mile, with gondolas floating down the waterway.
The shopping complex is huge, with several dozen shops and many eateries. Look for art galleries, apparel stores, shoes, souvenirs, watches, jewelry, and a lot more.
While the shops are fun to browse, be sure to notice the architectural details as you stroll. We usually stop every few feet to take yet another photo because the setting looks so lovely!
4. Admire the LOVE Sculpture
The striking red LOVE sculpture will bring you to a stop as you walk the Venetian Resort!
Designed by sculptor Laura Kimpton as part of her Monumental Word series, the LOVE sculpture features 12-foot-tall letters.
The bird stamps in the letters, according to the creator, represent the freedom to follow your dreams.
The LOVE sculpture is set at the base of the tall waterfall in the Palazzo Waterfall Atrium. It is a super popular photo spot, and unless you visit in the early morning, you are unlikely to get photos without other people.
5. Pose for a Photo with the Sparkly Wishing Tree
Located on the second level in the Palazzo Tower, the Wishing Tree sculpture is yet another popular photo spot at the Venetian Resort.
At 20 feet tall, the tree is a statement piece that adorns the luxury wing of the Grand Canal Shoppes.
The tree is placed under a faux sky and features greenery around the trunk for a garden-like setting.
A seat goes all around the bottom if you want to pose for a photo with the tree.
Designed to resemble an olive tree, the sculpture features beautifully sparkling brass leaves. Be sure to look for the little glass birds hidden among the leaves.
As you come close to the tree, scan a QR code on your phone. vocalize a wish into an Instagram filter, and watch your wish settles into the leafy canopy of the Wishing Tree!
6. And Browse the Luxury Shops
Every Las Vegas resort boasts multiple shopping areas and the Venetian is no different.
Around the Wishing Tree in the Palazzo Tower you’ll find a number of stores that form the luxury wing of the Grand Canal Shoppes.
Look for brands like Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Ferragamo, Cuadra (boots for men and women), Jimmy Choo, Tumi, and more.
If you collect rare books, be sure to step into Bauman Rare Books for many first editions and autographed books.
7. Snap a Photo of the Armillary Sphere
The Armillary Sphere is one of the most popular photo spots at the Venetian. The statement sculpture is large and will draw your eye as soon as you enter!
An armillary sphere was used as a representation of celestial bodies and served as a navigational tool in times past. The sphere in the Venetian lobby is an impressive recreation.
The large gilded sculpture, made by New York artist Toland Grinnell, stands next to the front desk, under the frescoed ceiling. A water feature surrounds the sculpture, and memaids hold up the sphere.
To get photos of the Armillary Sphere without lots of people, visit early in the day!
8. And Marvel at the Frescoes in the Grand Hall
The Grand Hall that connects the lobby of the Venetian to the casino is, simply put, grand. Strolling this rich corridor is an event in itself!
The richly-frescoed ceiling is reminiscent of the ceiling at the Doge’s Palace in Venice or the ceiling in the Gallery of Maps at the Vatican Museums. The frescoes are reported to be hand-painted.
The columns in the Grand Hall, large paintings, and the geometric-patterned marble floor all contribute to its majesty.
9. Take in the Beauty of “St. Mark’s Square”
With its lovely architecture and faux sky, Saint Mark’s Square at the Venetian Las Vegas is a place to stroll, have a drink or a gelato, or eat, just like the real deal in Venice!
Snap photos of the facades: you’ll find lots of great details to admire. Walk over the little bridges. Browse the shops on the periphery.
Enjoy quality Italian cuisine and wine at Canaletto or Brera Osteria. Both restaurants offer outside seating in the square, perfect for people watching.
The Mercato Della Pescheria is another fun place to eat: it’s a combination fish market and eatery, with cured meats hanging from the rafters and the aroma of charcoal-grilled delicacies.
Not visiting at meal time? Grab a drink and sit at an outside table on the square for a spot of people watching!
10. Indulge in a Delicious Doughnut at Donutique
If you are in the mood for an exquisitely dressed-up doughnut while in Las Vegas, be sure to visit Donutique at the Venetian!
Located near the LOVE sculpture at the Palazzo Tower, Donutique offers a few seats where you can sit down to have your sweet treat, or you can get your treat to go.
Donutique’s handcrafted doughnuts are decorated with flair and you can choose from a variety of flavors, from tiramisu and truffle honey to matcha latte and strawberry cheesecake.
At our most recent visit, we tried the blueberry yuzu flavor, and the chocolate, and both were delicious!
They also serve coffee, both hot and cold.
11. Enjoy Neverending Sunday Brunch at Lavo
Located in the Palazzo Tower, Lavo is an Italian restaurant known for its Saturday Party Brunch and Sunday Endless Brunch.
On Saturdays, the ambience is electric, and you can party in the daytime, in the dining room and on the terrace overlooking the Strip. There’s bubbly, great food, a DJ, and even dancing on tables!
The champage party brunch runs from fall until spring. Reserve ahead!
On Sundays, you can enjoy never-ending brunch in a more sedate dining room. The food is varied and delicious, and you can add a bottomless beverage package.
The Lavo endless Sunday brunch is pricey. It is currently $54.99, about the price of a high-end brunch buffet. We thought it was worth the price.
Dishes we thought were exceptional included the tuna tartare, pizza with mushrooms and truffle, the sweet waffles, and the truffle fries.
We loved the dressing in the mixed greens salad and the greens were fresh and crisp. The asparagus was lemon-y and very tasty. The pasta was surprisingly ho-hum.
Of course the offerings may be different when you go.
The desserts were great for the most part — they bring you a selection, including chocolate from the chocolate fountain and fruit to dip in it.
Sunday brunch runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
12. Try the Delicious Confections at Dandelion Chocolate
The Venetian is full of delightful eateries, and Dandelion Chocolate is a must-visit for chocoholics. You’ll find the shop in the Grand Colonnade, near the lobby.
The San Francisco bean-to-bar chocolate company has just two ingredients in their chocolate: cocoa beans and organic cane sugar. It can’t get better than that for chocolate purists!
Pop into the store to enjoy chocolate tastings or to try the decadent chocolate drinks and pastries. They have frozen hot chocolates, horchata, coffee with chocolate and more.
You can also shop for chocolate bars and boxes to take home.
The cafe is tiny, with seating only for about a dozen people, so visit in the morning to get a seat easier.
13. Have a Drink at the Minus5 Bar
One of the coolest things you can do at the Venetian Las Vegas is the Minus5 Ice Experience!
The ice bar is set in a magical winter wonderland, with ice sculptures to admire.
Everything inside the bar is made of ice! The walls, tables, seats, and even the glasses from which you drink are all ice.
As a part of the package you purchase, you are furnished with parkas (or faux fur coats!) and gloves. Then you enjoy your drinks in the fun setting, with lights and music.
Minus5 is located on the second level of the resort, in the Grand Canal Shoppes and is open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Children 7 and up are allowed until 9 p.m., so check out Minus5 if you are looking for things to do in Vegas with kids! Note that minors must be accompanied by adults.
14. Try a Crazy Shake at Black Tap
The Venetian has so many quality eateries that you’ll be spoiled for choice on where to eat.
But Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is worth a visit just for their crazy shakes, especially if you are looking for photos to wake up your Instagram account.
The over-the-top treats start as regular milkshakes but are then decorated extravagantly. A slice of cake, cookies, cotton candy and other toppings add loads of color and a unique look to every crazy milkshake here.
We thought the burgers at Black Tap were delicious too, and the restaurant features cool decor and a very lively vibe.
15. Catch the Gondolier March
Everyday at 9.45 a.m. and 4.20 p.m., the Venetian gondoliers march in line alongside the indoor canal in the resort as they arrive for their shifts.
Attired in traditional gondolier costumes, they also sing as they arrive, and it makes for a wonderful spectacle to watch if you are in the resort around that time.
We caught the tail end of the performance at our last visit, and it was fun!
The march starts at the gondola turnaround in the Grand Canal Shoppes.
16. Experience the Atomic Saloon Show
The adults only Atomic Saloon show is a Spiegelworld presentation: they are also behind Absinthe at Caesars Palace and OPM at the Cosmopolitan.
The high-energy show is described as “riotous and raunchy,” with a Wild West saloon setting.
A combination of circus, comedy, and variety, Atomic saloon features talented cowboys, showgirls, lawmen, and more.
While it isn’t for everyone, if you are up for it, it makes for a great couples’ night out in Vegas.
There are two showings nightly, at 7.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The show runs for 75 minutes with no intermission.
>> Check pricing and availability for the Atomic Saloon show now!
17. Visit the Madame Tussauds Museum
A world-renowned wax museum, Madame Tussauds has many locations from San Francisco to Sydney, and a 200-year history.
The Vegas location of the museum is an interactive experience featuring dozens of waxwork celebrities. A self-guided tour through the museum takes about 60 to 90 minutes and is fun for the whole family.
You can fight alongside your favorite Marvel superheroes or party with music icons and Hollywood celebrities.
It’s a great spot for some epic vacation photos!
Get the combined ticket to enjoy the museum as well as a gondola ride!
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas makes for one of the most exciting USA weekend trips, no matter what time of the year you go.
Check out our guide to the best things to do in Las Vegas, with activities on and off The Strip (besides gambling), plus places to explore near the city, like Red Rock Canyon and the spectacular Valley of Fire State Park.
We also have an article on the best things to do on the Las Vegas Strip, the heart of the city and the place where you’ll likely spend quite a bit of your time on your first visit.
Also be sure to check out our articles on the best things to do at the Bellagio and the top attractions at the Cosmopolitan.
And if it’s your first time in Sin City, we have an article on the best Vegas travel tips that you’ll want to bookmark and reference as you plan!
If you will spend a few days in Las Vegas, check out our round-up of the best day trips from Vegas you can take. We also have a guide to the most amazing weekend getaways from Las Vegas!
Also discover how to visit Valley of Fire from Vegas, and read about all the best things to do in the park. In our opinion, Valley of Fire is one of the top state parks not just in Nevada but in the US.
Love the outdoors? You’ll want to check out all the US national parks near Vegas you can visit, from the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Zion and Bryce in Utah.
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