What to Do in Venice (Italy) in 2 Days

In this guide, we'll navigate through the must-see sights and hidden gems of Venice, offering you a meticulously planned itinerary that maximizes your time while diving deep into the heart of this enchanting city. From the iconic splendor of St. Mark’s Square to the quaint backstreets that only locals frequent, we will cover all you can enjoy over two fulfilling days.

Table of Contents

• Day 1: Immersing in Venetian Grandeur
• Day 2: Discovering the Soul of Venice

Day 1: Immersing in Venetian Grandeur

1. Morning:St. Mark’s Square – The Cultural Heartbeat of Venice

Start with an Italian Breakfast: Begin your day the Venetian way with a coffee and pastry at a local café near St. Mark’s Square. This will give you the energy to explore and enjoy the vibrant morning atmosphere of Venice.

Explore St. Mark's Basilica: Visit this architectural wonder St. Mark's Basilica as early as possible to avoid the long queues. Admire the stunning mosaics and the rich history contained within the walls of this iconic church.

• Location: Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
• Schedule: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Cost: Free entry; Skip-the-line and guided tours around €3 to €11
• Features: Iconic Byzantine architecture, golden mosaics, Pala d'Oro, treasury of sacred relics.

Doge's Palace Tour: Step inside the former political and judicial hub of Venice to see its grand rooms and historic art. Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace to the old prisons.

• Location: Adjacent to Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
• Schedule: Accessible during Doge's Palace opening hours
• Cost: Included with Doge's Palace ticket
• Features: Enclosed limestone bridge, poignant history, views over the canal and prison.

Climb St. Mark’s Campanile: Take the elevator up to the top of the bell tower for panoramic views of the city and the lagoon. This is the perfect spot for capturing memorable photos of Venice.

• Location: Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
• Schedule: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Cost: €8 for elevator access
• Features: Tallest structure in Venice, panoramic views of the city and lagoon.

2. Afternoon: Rialto and the Surrounding Wonders

Gondola Ride: Opt for a gondola ride from St. Mark’s to the Rialto area, experiencing the city’s beauty from its canals. Choose between a private tour or a shared ride as a more budget-friendly option.

• Location: Various points, popular from St. Mark’s to Rialto
• Schedule: Generally available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Cost: Approx. €80 for 30 minutes; shared rides are cheaper
• Features: Traditional Venetian gondolas, unique canal navigation, historic route insights.

Lunch by the Grand Canal: Enjoy traditional Venetian dishes at a restaurant overlooking the Grand Canal near the Rialto Market. This area is bustling with energy and offers some of the freshest seafood in town.

Rialto Bridge and Market:  Explore the Rialto Market where locals shop for seafood and produce. The Rialto Bridge itself is a photogenic spot that provides insight into the commercial heart of historic Venice.

3. Evening: Aperitivo and Ambience

Leisurely Evening Stroll: After the sun begins to set, take a leisurely stroll through the less crowded streets and alleys. Discover hidden squares and charming bridges as the city lights start to twinkle.

Aperitivo Time: Partake in Venice's lively aperitivo culture with a visit to a local bacaro (wine bar). Sample cicchetti (Venetian tapas) paired with a spritz, soaking in the local atmosphere.

Dinner with a View:Conclude your day with a dinner at one of Venice's fine restaurants, perhaps in the Dorsoduro district, where you can enjoy both excellent food and serene views of the illuminated city.

Day 2: Discovering the Soul of Venice

1. Morning: Grand Canal Adventures and Literary Landmarks

Start at Rialto Bridge: Begin your second day with a visit to the Rialto Bridge, an iconic symbol of Venice. Enjoy the early morning light as it shines on the marble steps and shops, providing a quieter moment before the crowds arrive.

• Location: Rialto, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
• Schedule: Quieter in early morning hours
• Cost: Free
• Features: Marble structure, panoramic views, vibrant morning market scenes.

Morning Cruise on the Grand Canal: Board a vaporetto (water bus) at the Rialto stop and take a ride along the Grand Canal. This is the perfect way to see the palazzos and museums lining the canal, each telling their own story of Venice's opulent past.

Libreria Acqua Alta: Disembark near this famous bookstore, known for its creative storage of books in bathtubs and gondolas, and its charming staircase made of old books. It’s a haven for book lovers and a unique spot for some memorable photos.

• Location: Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
• Schedule: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Cost: Free entry; books and souvenirs for purchase
• Features: Quirky bookstore setup with gondolas and bathtubs filled with books, picturesque book staircase.

Coffee Break at a Canal-Side Café: After exploring the bookstore, relax at a nearby café. Enjoy a cappuccino or an espresso paired with a Venetian pastry, taking in the sights and sounds of the canal life.

2. Getting Around Venice

Walk and Explore: The best way to experience Venice is on foot. The city is compact, and many of its treasures are hidden in narrow alleys and behind unassuming facades.

Vaporetto (Water Bus): Purchase a 1- or 2-day travel card for unlimited rides on the vaporetto. This is particularly useful for longer distances and offers a scenic way to navigate the city.

3. Accommodation Options

Choose the Right District: Popular areas for tourists include San Marco for its proximity to major sights, Cannaregio for a more local feel, and Dorsoduro for its artsy vibe and nightlife.

Book in Advance: Venice is a highly popular tourist destination, so booking your accommodation well in advance can secure better rates and locations.

4. Dining and Shopping

Avoid Tourist Traps: Eat where the locals eat; the backstreets of Venice offer numerous osterias and trattorias that serve authentic Venetian cuisine at reasonable prices.

Local Markets: Visit the Rialto Market or the local markets in less touristy neighborhoods for fresh produce and unique souvenirs.

Water: Always carry a reusable water bottle as Venice has several public fountains with drinkable water, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.