CANALS, GONDOLAS AND SOARING steeples of religious monuments form the heart of Venice, a city inundated with visitors but still somehow able to retain the charm that keeps travelers coming to gape at its storied beauty. The Italian city of more than 400 bridges presents its old-world elegance and awe-inspiring architecture to passengers aboard the bevy of cruise ships that dock at its port, with opportunities for leisure from sunrise to tramonto.

While other visitors traipse among the city’s crowded streets and across rising bridges, opt instead to take a ferry across the water to Murano, an island known for its glass production, where you can sit in on a free demonstration and watch the artisans at work. Upon exiting, pass through the shops to peruse the handmade glass statues, jewelry and home décor. Brush up on the island’s history of glassmaking by visiting the Museo del Vetro to learn more about this tradition dating to the late 13th century. Or catch another ferry across the Venetian Lagoon to the neighboring island of Burano, where brightly colored buildings line narrow canals and where lacemaking thrived once upon a time. Browse modern-day machine-made lace clothing before heading back to the passenger ferry.

Whether you’re docked for one night or two, you may find yourself on the hunt for a classic Venetian mask. You can find some of the larger collections of the papier-mâché souvenirs at Atelier Marega, La Bauta and Ca’ de Sol. The latter hosts five-day mask-making workshops for those for whom Venice is a first or final stop.

Before wandering back to the ship, treat yourself to an authentic Venetian meal at Ristorante Alle Corone — just a stone’s throw from the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Fava — where seasonal menus feature Italian favorites from the sea like grilled prawns, fried sardines and ricotta-stuffed ravioli with a red mullet sauce. Cap off the evening with a few scoops of the city’s illustrious gelato at Gelateria Al Sole, which serves a few vegan selections, as well.

Travelers with an extended stay can seek out some of the city’s vibrant nightlife spots such as gay-friendly Porto de Mar in the Marghera district, where €5 (about $5.85) grants entry into the bar and patio area, both open until 4 a.m. For an aperitif with water views, head to Cannaregio where quieter canal-side bars and trattorias, like Dodo Caffè, serve as a more tranquil setting for a nightcap.