What to do in Venice when it rains: 5 great ideas

Venice in the rain: what to do? It’s just as easy to pass the time when it’s raining in Venice as it is on a sunny day, and today we’re sharing some of our favourite ideas for rainy days in this magical city.

1. Ca’ Rezzonico

Take refuge from the rain by discovering 18th century Venice at this fantastic museum, housed in one of the city’s stunning palazzos right on the Grand Canal. Renowned as one of the best museums in Venice, Ca’ Rezzonico houses an incredible collection of Venetian works of art that includes furniture, paintings and sculpture. You’ll find masterpieces by Canaletto, Guardi and Piazzetta, among others – the perfect excuse to duck inside out of the downpour.

2. Peggy Guggenheim Collection

If your taste in art is more modern, you might prefer to peruse the works on display at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, also to be found along the Grand Canal and housed in the 18th century Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. Once Peggy Guggenheim’s home, it’s now one of Venice’s most popular attractions thanks to its unmissable collection of painting and sculpture that includes the likes of Jackson Pollock, Mondrian and Dali.

3. Teatro la Fenice

If opera and classical music are your cup of tea, there’s no better way to spend a rainy evening than watching a performance at the legendary Teatro la Fenice (the Phoenix). Once the setting for opera premieres by composers such as Verdi and Rossini, it’s still the place to go in Venice if you’re in the mood for some culture. Whether you love ballet or can’t get enough opera, there’s sure to be a concert to tempt you out of the rain and into this world-renowned venue.

4. Wine tasting in an enoteca

Still wondering what to do in Venice when it rains? Wonder no more: if the heavens open, make for the nearest enoteca (wine bar) and take advantage of the weather to get cosy with a spot of wine tasting. From Prosecco to Chianti, Italy more than gives France a run for its money in the wine stakes. Italian wines are plentiful and incredibly affordable, so find your favourite by trying a few different varieties with some delicious Italian snacks while you wait for the rain to stop. Try Vino-Vero or Cantinone Già Schiavi for starters.

5. Stroll in the rain

You’ve just arrived in Venice in the rain: what to do? You probably want to get out and explore, rather than stay indoors. The good news is that Venice is just as romantic and atmospheric when the rain starts to fall, so why not huddle together under an umbrella and take a stroll in the rain through the empty Venetian alleyways?