What to Do in Venice for 3 Days

Welcome to Venice, the city of canals, where the past and present blend seamlessly against a backdrop of stunning architectural marvels and serene waterways. Known for its rich history, art, and unique urban design, Venice stands out as one of the world's most enchanting travel destinations. As you prepare to immerse yourself in this floating city, this guide will help you navigate its narrow alleys and broad canals, ensuring you experience the best of Venice in just three days.

Table of Contents

• Day 1: The Historic Heart of Venice
• Day 2: Venice's Islands and Hidden Gems
• Day 3: Art and Culture in Venice

Day 1: The Historic Heart of Venice

1. Morning: Iconic Landmarks of San Marco

Breakfast in San Marco: Start your first day in Venice with a delightful breakfast at one of the charming cafés around St. Mark's Square. Enjoy a cappuccino paired with a freshly baked pastry as you prepare for a day of exploration.

St. Mark's Basilica: Visit this architectural jewel early to avoid the crowds. Marvel at its golden mosaics and the rich history that permeates its walls. Consider a guided tour to fully appreciate its art and architecture.

• Location: Piazza San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
• Schedule: Open daily 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Sundays and holidays 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
• Cost: Free entry; Skip-the-line tour: approx €20

The Campanile: Climb up or take the elevator to the top of St. Mark’s Bell Tower for breathtaking views over the city and the lagoon. It's the perfect vantage point to see the layout of the islands and the grandeur of the Doge's Palace.

• Location: Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
• Schedule: Open daily 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Cost: €8 for elevator access

2. Afternoon: Cultural Exploration and Canal Adventures

Lunch Options: Enjoy lunch at one of the nearby restaurants offering Venetian specialties. Whether you prefer seafood risotto or traditional cicchetti, San Marco offers a variety of dining experiences.

Doge's Palace: Step inside the former political and judicial hub of Venice. Explore its opulent rooms, eerie prisons, and the infamous Bridge of Sighs.

Gondola Ride: No visit to Venice is complete without a gondola ride. Start from a quiet canal near the Doge's Palace and meander through the serene waterways, under bridges, and past historic buildings.

3. Evening: Rialto and Beyond

Dinner Recommendations: Dine in either San Marco or venture to the vibrant Dorsoduro district for a meal alongside locals. Options range from high-end restaurants to cozy trattorias.

Exploring Rialto: After dinner, explore the bustling Rialto area. The Rialto Bridge offers stunning nighttime views of the Grand Canal, and the surrounding markets are lively spots for an evening stroll.

• Location: Rialto, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
• Schedule: Open 24/7
• Cost: Free

Optional Cultural Activities: If you're up for more, consider catching a performance at La Fenice Theatre, one of Italy’s most famous and renowned opera houses.

Day 2: Venice's Islands and Hidden Gems

1. Morning: Island Hopping in the Venetian Lagoon

Early Departure: Start your day early by catching a vaporetto (water bus) to the famous glass-making island of Murano. Witness firsthand the skilled artisans as they create intricate glass artworks, a tradition that dates back centuries.

• Features: Famous for glassmaking
• Location: Island in the Venetian Lagoon
• Schedule: Glass factories usually open from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Cost: Free to visit; factory tours may vary, often free but glass items for purchase

Visit to Burano: Next, head to Burano, known for its brightly colored fishermen's houses and its lace-making. Stroll through the picturesque streets, and perhaps purchase some handmade lace as a unique souvenir.

• Features: Known for lace-making and brightly colored fishermen's houses
• Location: Island in the Venetian Lagoon
• Schedule: Open daily
• Cost: Free to visit; lace items vary in price

Exploration of Torcello: Conclude your morning tour with a visit to Torcello, the least populated and one of the oldest inhabited islands in the lagoon. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta to see stunning Byzantine mosaics.

• Features: Known for its ancient cathedral and serene atmosphere
• Location: Island in the Venetian Lagoon
• Schedule: Cathedral open 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
• Cost: Cathedral entry approx €5

2. Afternoon: Cultural Immersion and Relaxation

Lunch on Burano: Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria on Burano, where you can try traditional dishes such as risotto de go (fish risotto) or the island's famous grilled fish.

Return to Venice: Take the vaporetto back to Venice in the early afternoon. Explore the Castello district, known for its authentic Venetian atmosphere, away from the main tourist paths.

Visit the Jewish Ghetto: Walk through the historic Jewish Ghetto, one of the first in the world, learning about its history and significance. Visit the museums and synagogues, and perhaps stop at a local bakery for some traditional Jewish-Venetian pastries.

3. Evening: Discovering the Local Venice

Dinner in Cannaregio: For dinner, choose a restaurant in Cannaregio and sample some cicchetti, Venice’s answer to Spanish tapas, alongside a glass of local wine.

• Features: Residential district known for authentic Venetian life and cuisine
• Location: Venice, Italy
• Schedule: Open 24/7
• Cost: Free to explore; dining and shopping costs vary

Jazz Club: If you're interested in music, check out a jazz club in Dorsoduro for some live performances.

Wine Bars: Alternatively, visit one of the intimate wine bars in the area to taste regional.

Day 3: Art and Culture in Venice

1. Morning: Delving into Venetian Art

Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Begin your day at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal. This museum boasts an impressive array of modern art, featuring works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dali, among others.

• Location: Dorsoduro, 701-704, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
• Schedule: Open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays
• Cost: €15 for adults

Gallerie dell’Accademia: Next, visit the Gallerie dell'Accademia, which offers a rich collection of Venetian painting up to the 18th century, highlighting masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.

• Location: Campo della Carità, 1050, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
• Schedule: Open 8:15 AM - 7:15 PM, closed on Mondays
• Cost: €12 for adults

2. Afternoon: Exploring Venice’s Lesser-Known Gems

Lunch in Dorsoduro: Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the artsy district of Dorsoduro, where you can find a mix of traditional eateries and chic cafés.

Santa Maria della Salute: After lunch, visit the majestic Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, a striking example of Baroque architecture with a stunning interior.

Artistic Exploration: Spend the afternoon exploring lesser-known museums and churches, such as the Ca’ Rezzonico, which showcases Venetian baroque interior design, or the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, famous for its Tintoretto paintings.

3. Evening: Cultural Immersion and Reflection

Aperitivo in Campo Santa Margherita: As evening approaches, join locals for an aperitivo in Campo Santa Margherita, a lively square popular with students and artists.

Final Night Dinner: For your last dinner in Venice, choose a restaurant that offers views of the canal or a secluded garden setting, indulging in dishes that reflect the season and the region’s culinary traditions.

Optional Nighttime Gondola Ride: Conclude your visit with a romantic gondola ride through the quieter canals of Venice under the stars, a perfect end to your art-filled day and your stay.