First Time in Venice: 2 Perfect Days in the Floating City
Embarking on a journey through Italy is a dream come true for many travelers. It for sure was for us! We absolutely loved our time in Venice and exploring the canals, art, food, and culture in the city, and cannot wait to share our recommendations with you!
Did you know Venice is a series of islands and every time you see a bridge it is connecting two islands together? Rumor has it there are 118 islands together making this beautiful floating city of canals filled with gondolas, cute bridges, and boats.
Sneak Preview:
Day 1: Arrive in Venice- Cicchetti, Aperol, Rooftop Views, and Local Sights
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Day 1: Arrive in Venice- Cicchetti, Aperol, Rooftop Views, and Local Sights
Vaporetto to the Hotel
Once you are there, we recommend buying a Vaporetto Pass (water taxi) as this will be your main mode of transport. Once you take the water taxi (stations pictured here) to your hotel/accommodations, check-in, and relax we have some fun activities to check out!
Cicchetti Time
As you arrive in Venice, your culinary journey begins. We highly recommend starting the day with Cicchetti.
What is Cicchetti?
It is a bite-sized bliss for Your Taste Buds! Each bite is a miniature work of art, bursting with unique combinations of flavors and textures. You will find tons of cozy bars serving this along with drinks including the famous Aperol spritz (a Venetian classic)!
If you are looking for a guided tour experience of Venice Street Food or Taste and Tradition of Venice Tour.
Join the locals, sip on a spritz, and engage in lively conversations while immersing yourself in the vibrant cicchetti culture. One of our favorites is All'Arco Venezia 436/Bar All'Arco, a charming establishment featured on the popular show "Somebody Feed Phil." Such a wide variety of delectable cicchetti and refreshing drinks with plenty of vegetarian-friendly options. If you want you can even go cicchetti hopping.
Rooftop Views
With a full belly, we are now ready to take in the beautiful views of Venice from up above. We have two amazing options for you. Do one or both!
Campanile
You can start with the Campanile, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the top. You have the option to take the elevator or climb the stairs to reach the summit, but keep in mind that there is a ticketed fee for access to the top. Check the website for details and hours.
Fondaco dei Tedeschi
Our favorite though is a hidden gem that is completely free and breathtaking. A beautiful high-end shopping mall has an amazing rooftop terrace. Climb to the rooftop terrace for free and be prepared to be amazed by the astonishing views it offers. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance to secure this unforgettable experience.
Now we will continue our journey on a whirlwind tour of some of Venice's most iconic landmarks.
Rialto Bridge
The bridge is undoubtedly a famous attraction, it tends to be overcrowded. We recommend taking a quick glimpse and then moving on to your next stop.
Be sure to check the hours, for the Rialto Market, a historical fish market located next to the Rialto Bridge. This bustling market is a feast for the senses, offering an opportunity to experience the local culture and sample fresh produce.
Acqua Alta Bookshop
For book lovers, a visit here is a must. Located just a 10-minute walk from the bridge, this enchanting bookstore is known as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world.
Tetta Palace
An architectural gem surrounded by water on three sides. Its picturesque location makes it one of the few buildings in Venice with such a captivating setting. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and capture some memorable photographs.
Gondola Ride
While in Venice, don't miss the opportunity to experience a gondola ride! It's an iconic way to explore the city's charming canals and soak in the romantic atmosphere.
If you are looking for pre-booked experiences check out guided Gondola Tours.
Alternatively, you can try the Traghetto for a shorter ride in a gondola, offering a taste of the Venetian gondola experience at a more affordable price.
Dinner
If you are looking for a recommendation, we absolutely loved Al Gobbo di Rialto! Vegetarian-friendly options are available too.
Day 2: Venice Sights: Doge’s Palace, Academia Bridge, Browse Unique Finds, and Spend the evening in Burano
Doge’s Palace
The first stop on today's itinerary is the famous Doge's Palace. We recommend booking your visit in advance to secure your preferred time slot. People tend to spend 1.5 hours exploring the palace and marveling at its grandeur.
Don't forget to cross the Bridge of Sighs, an iconic landmark with a fascinating history. History goes that as the prisoners made their way to their hangings, they passed this window and sighed taking one last glance at Venice.
If you want a guided tour, check out the skip-the-line St. Marks Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
If you are into museums, consider visiting the Museo Correr. This ticketed museum showcases a diverse range of exhibits and is located conveniently close to the Doge's Palace.
After working up an appetite, treat yourself to a delightful lunch at one of the many charming eateries in the city. Recharge your energy before continuing your adventure!
Piazza San Marco
No visit to Venice is complete without a trip to Piazza San Marco, the city's main square. The square is often hit by “acqua alta” (high water) seasonally and often floods. While there, take a moment to admire the Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower).
St. Mark's Basilica
Is another must-visit attraction in Venice. Spend time exploring the stunning basilica and consider adding on a visit to the Pala d'Oro (altar) for an additional fee. Please note that entry to St. Mark's Basilica is free for most areas, but you may need to wait in line.
Accademia Bridge
For a unique perspective of the city, make your way here. Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking views it offers, allowing you to capture Venice's beauty from a different angle. It also makes for a great sunset spot away from all the crowds!
Continue your journey through Venice by picking all or some of the below favorites:
Handmade masks
If you're intrigued by Venetian craftsmanship, a visit to Ca'macana handmade masks comes highly recommended.
Squero San Trovaso
This is a cool little square where gondolas are built and repaired. The shipyard often offers a guided tour where you can learn about traditional gondola-building techniques. Be sure to check online for hours.
As you wind your way through the streets of Venice, you can even make a stop at Calle Varisco, the narrowest street in Venice, measuring only 53 cm wide. It's a fascinating sight to behold and offers a unique experience of the city's charming alleyways.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
Another architectural gem that should not be missed. Admire the intricate details of this stunning church and take in its serene ambiance.
Constarini del Bovolo Staircase
This is a true hidden gem in Venice. Dating back to the 14th century, this majestic staircase offers a glimpse into the city's rich history. Depending on the timing of your visit, there may be a ticketed fee to access the top. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Doge's Palace and beyond.
Burano
If you have extra time to spare, consider taking a water taxi (just a 45 min ride) to the beautiful island of Burano for the evening. Known for its vibrant colors and independent artists selling their artwork, Burano offers a unique and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of Venice.
You might even consider this guided tour of Murano and Burano by private boat.
Dinner
To conclude your Venetian adventure, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Osteria La Zucca. This highly recommended restaurant offers a fresh and changing menu each day, with a focus on vegetarian options. Be sure to reserve your table in advance to secure a delightful dining experience!
Modifications/Tips:
· If you have 1 day in Venice our top 5 favorite must-do’s include: Fondaco dei Tedeschi, Doge’s Palace, Accademia Bridge, and Gondola/Traghetto Ride, indulge in Cicchetti and Aperol Spritz!
· Make sure you map out your hotel from the boat stop to avoid lugging around luggage up and down multiple staircases and winding streets.
· Stay central as always recommend to enjoy the walkability of the city.
· Take advantage of the water taxis, buying a pass for a longer time may be cost-effective depending on what you are planning to do.
Grazie (thank you) for reading!
