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The Best Ice Cream Shops in Venice: 10 Places to Try Authentic Italian Gelato
The Best Ice Cream Shops in Venice: 10 Places to Try Authentic Italian Gelato
Visiting Venice is all about wandering along canals, crossing bridges without quite knowing where they lead, and stumbling upon charming squares that were never on your itinerary. But there is another classic experience that every trip needs: stopping for a proper Italian gelato.
And no, not all ice cream in Venice is the same.
In such a popular city, you will see gelato shops everywhere. If you want to enjoy genuine Italian ice cream during your trip, it helps to know where to go. At DoYouItaly, we have put together a list of the best ice cream shops in Venice, from famous spots near the Rialto Bridge to small gelaterias in quieter areas like Cannaregio and Dorsoduro.
If there is one ice cream shop you have probably seen on Instagram or in travel guides for Venice, it is Suso Gelatoteca.
Located just a short walk from the Rialto Bridge, it is one of the most popular choices in the city. You will find all the classic flavours here, alongside a few unique combinations if you fancy trying something a bit different.
Its central location makes it very easy to stop by while exploring the historic centre. However, because it is so well known, expect a bit of a queue at peak times.
Just a few minutes from St Mark’s Square, Gallonetto is a small ice cream shop with a great reputation for serving top-quality Italian ice cream in the heart of Venice.
It is a great option for a quick break after visiting the city’s main sights. Their pistachio is always a standout favourite among visitors.
It is also worth a visit if you want to try ice cream the Sicilian way, served inside a soft brioche bun.
One of the best things about visiting Venice is escaping the busiest tourist spots for a while, and the Dorsoduro district is ideal for that.
That is where you will find Il Doge, a fantastic stop if you want to enjoy an ice cream while exploring a neighbourhood with a much more relaxed vibe than St Mark’s or Rialto.
Once you have your ice cream, you can carry on strolling around Campo Santa Margherita. It is a simple highlight that often ends up being one of the best memories of the trip.
Cannaregio is a lovely area to explore at a gentle pace, and Bacaro del Gelato gives you the perfect excuse to pause for a treat.
They serve a wide range of traditional flavours alongside a few house specialities. If you usually stick to classics like chocolate, pistachio, or hazelnut, this is a great place to go.
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If you enjoy unusual flavours, Gelato Fantasy is one of the most fun stops on this list.
Alongside the classic options you expect from any good Italian ice cream shop, they offer plenty of fun and creative choices. It is a great option if you are travelling with kids or simply want to try something different.
Pistachio is always wonderful, but a holiday is the perfect time to experiment a little.
Gelateria S. Leonardo is another great spot in Cannaregio and often comes recommended for a good ice cream in Venice.
It fits easily into any walk through the neighbourhood. If you want to explore a quieter part of the city at a more relaxed pace, this is the perfect place to pause for a break.
Sometimes the best plan in Venice is simply that: wandering around, stopping whenever somewhere catches your eye, and enjoying the city as you go.
Dorsoduro makes another appearance on this list with Gelateria Nico, famous above all for its setting right by the water.
Here, the experience is as much about the location as the ice cream itself. Sitting by the canal with a gelato is a fantastic way to rest your feet after a few hours of walking.
If you are exploring this part of Venice, it is well worth adding to your list.
Grom is one of the most famous Italian ice cream chains, making it a reliable choice if you want classic flavours done well.
While it might lack the charm of a small independent shop, it remains a popular pick with visitors. It is a great option if you already know the brand or simply want a safe bet with familiar flavours.
If you decide to visit Murano during your trip, you will also find plenty of opportunities to carry on your ice cream tasting.
Murano is world-famous for its glassmaking traditions, but after exploring its workshops and canals, an ice cream is often just what you need. Murano Gelateria Artigianale is one of the best spots to consider while you are there.
A good tip is to use the trip as a chance to try a different flavour from the ones you would usually go for back in central Venice.
We finish this list with a trip to Burano.
Famous for its colourful houses, this island is one of the most picturesque spots in the Venetian Lagoon and a wonderful place to enjoy an ice cream while strolling along its streets.
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Gelateria Crema is a popular stop for a sweet treat. Afterwards, all that is left to do is keep walking and soak up one of the prettiest views in the whole lagoon.
While you cannot drive through the historic centre of Venice itself, hiring a car is still a brilliant idea for your trip.
If you plan to explore the wider Veneto region or carry on traveling around Italy, having a hire car gives you total freedom. You can drive to Venice, leave your vehicle in a secure car park, and spend a few days exploring the city on foot and by water bus (vaporetto). Once you are ready, simply pick up your car and head off to your next destination.
If you are heading straight into the city, you can check out our car hire in Venice. If you are landing at Marco Polo, you can also book in advance through our car hire at Venice Airport.
Alternatively, picking up a car on the mainland is another very practical choice, take a look at our car hire at Venice Mestre train station.
Before hitting the road, it is worth reading our guide on what to know before hiring a car with DoYouItaly. You will find plenty of practical tips on pick-ups, drop-offs, and managing your booking.
Finally, if you are driving to Venice, make sure you plan where to leave your vehicle in advance. Our guide on where to park in Venice covers all the best parking options before you enter the city.
Prices vary depending on the shop, the size you order, and the location. As with most things in Venice, spots right next to major tourist landmarks tend to charge a bit more than those tucked away in quieter neighbourhoods.
Suso is easily one of the most famous and popular ice cream shops in Venice, largely thanks to its location near the Rialto Bridge and its social media popularity.
Gallonetto is a fantastic choice if you are exploring the area around St Mark’s Square.
Yes, absolutely. Neighbourhoods like Cannaregio and Dorsoduro are full of brilliant local spots, including Bacaro del Gelato, Gelateria S. Leonardo, and Il Doge.
Definitely. If you are taking a day trip out to the islands, it is well worth stopping for a sweet treat at one of their local ice cream shops while taking in the views.
Choosing the best ice cream shop in Venice is no easy task. It all comes down to your favourite flavours, which neighbourhood you are exploring, and how many scoops you are willing to pack into your trip.
Our best advice is not to stick to just one. Make the most of your walks around Venice by trying different spots and flavours along the way: a pistachio in Cannaregio, a classic cream near Rialto, or something a bit more adventurous elsewhere in the city.
Once you have finished discovering Venice, it might be time to take your trip even further. Having a hire car lets you carry on exploring Italy at your own pace, heading off to all those places off the usual tourist track.
Because let's face it: any road trip is instantly better with a good ice cream in hand.
