Venice is unlike anywhere else: a city where streets are canals, cars are boats, and every corner hides another masterpiece. Two days is the sweet spot—enough time to see the big sights, lose yourself in quiet alleys, and discover why Venice captures the heart like no other place.
Pro tips:
- Bookmark this in your browser, you’ll want to circle back later. Trust me.
- Planning a trip to Venice? Check out our recommendations on where to stay by neighborhood!
All Venice Itineraries
Getting There & Around Venice 🚤
- Airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) — about 20 minutes by water taxi or shuttle bus to the city center.
- Train: Venezia Santa Lucia Station — direct trains connect Venice to Florence, Milan, and Rome.
- Getting Around: Venice is a car-free maze. Get around on foot and by vaporetto (public water buses).
Pro Tip: Stay near San Marco, Rialto, or Accademia to cut down on walking time between sights.
Day 1: Venice’s Golden Age
☕ 7:30 am – Coffee at Caffè Lavena
📍Piazza San Marco, 133/134, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
An elegant café on St. Mark’s Square, perfect for a quick espresso before your grand day begins.
More recs: Best Restaurants Near St. Mark’s Square
🕐 8:30 am – Venice Day Tour: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Gondola Ride
📍Meeting Point: Piazza San Marco
Skip the lines and step straight into Venice’s glory days with a guided visit to the basilica, Doge’s Palace, and a serene gondola ride through hidden canals.
👉 Book the Venice Day Tour: St. Mark’s, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride
INTERESSANTE Fact: Those two towering columns in St. Mark’s Square? They once marked the gateway for executions—a chilling reminder of Venice’s medieval justice system.
🍽️ 12:30 pm – Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere
📍Calle del Mondo Novo, 5801, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
Tiny but legendary, this seafood osteria near St. Mark’s is beloved for its daily fresh menu and cozy atmosphere.
More recs: Best Restaurants Near St. Mark’s Square
🕐 2:00 pm – Explore Dorsoduro and Peggy Guggenheim Collection
📍Dorsoduro District, Venice, Italy
Cross the Grand Canal into Venice’s quieter, artsier neighborhood—home to hidden galleries, artisan shops, and stunning canal views.
🍽️ 5:30 pm – Optional: Best Venice Food Tour
📍Meeting Point: Teatro Italia, Campiello de l’Anconeta
Taste your way through Venice’s best cicchetti and wine bars with an expert guide—no gondola ride included, just incredible food and drinks.
👉 Book our Venice Evening Food Tour in Cannaregio with Authentic Sit-Down Dinner
🍸 6:00 pm – Aperitivo at Al Mercà
📍Campo Bella Vienna, 213, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
A standing-only spot near Rialto offering the best mini-panini and spritzes in the city.
More recs: Best Restaurants Near Rialto Bridge
🍽️ 7:30 pm – Dinner at Ristorante Da Ivo
📍Calle dei Fuseri, 1809, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
A hidden celebrity favorite offering classic Venetian fine dining in an intimate, candlelit setting.
More recs: Best Restaurants Near St. Mark’s Square
Day 2: Islands and Artisan Venice
☕ 7:30 am – Coffee at Rosa Salva
📍Sestiere di San Marco, 950, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Grab a cappuccino and a pastry at one of Venice’s most beloved local bakeries before heading to the islands.
More recs: Best Restaurants Near St. Mark’s Square
🕐 8:30 am – Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lace-Making Tour
📍Meeting Point: Near St. Mark’s Square
Explore the artisan heart of Venice—watch Murano’s glass masters at work and stroll through the candy-colored streets of Burano.
👉 Book the Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lace-Making Tour
INTERESSANTE Fact: Murano’s glassmakers were once banned from leaving Venice, protecting their secret techniques from the rest of Europe.
🍽️ 12:30 pm – Lunch at Trattoria Antiche Carampane
📍Ramo de la Carampane, 1911, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Hidden gem near Rialto, famous for seafood pastas and old-Venetian recipes.
More recs: Best Restaurants Near Rialto Bridge
🕐 2:00 pm – Shopping in San Marco and Rialto District
Venice’s shopping scene isn’t just souvenirs—browse artisan paper shops, handmade masks, Murano glass boutiques, and Italian fashion houses.
🍸 6:00 pm – Aperitivo at Osteria Al Squero
📍Dorsoduro, 943-944, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Sip a spritz with a view of the gondola boatyard where Venice’s traditional gondolas are still crafted by hand.
More recs: Best Restaurants in Dorsoduro
🍽️ 7:30 pm – Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere
📍Calle del Mondo Novo, 5801, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
End your trip with another classic Venetian seafood feast in one of the city’s coziest hidden restaurants.
More recs: Best Restaurants Near St. Mark’s Square
When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Venice?
Venice shines in April, May, September, and early October with mild weather and lighter crowds. December also brings a festive glow that lights up the canals.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of ways to adjust this itinerary. Consider adding one of the tours below or chatting with our team to find the best fit for you.
Where To Stay in Venice
Venice has a rich cultural history and many iconic landmarks to explore. Plan where to stay by neighborhoods.
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