How To Spend One Day In Venice: The Perfect Itinerary

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There is no such thing as a metropolis on the earth extra enchanting than Venice. It’s a metropolis the place time appears to face nonetheless, and each nook holds a hidden story. 

It’s one of the visited cities on the earth and is known for its labyrinth of canals and historic structure, in addition to the sobering undeniable fact that town is slowly sinking annually, giving it the nickname “The Floating Metropolis.”

However should you solely have in the future in Venice, it’s simple to grow to be pissed off with what to do and see in such a brief period of time.

However don’t fear, we’re right here to alleviate that headache from you, as we’ve ready the very best itinerary for 1 day in Venice, from exploring the enduring St. Mark’s Sq. to getting misplaced alongside the charming canals of Dorsoduro – this itinerary encompasses all the wonder, historical past, and tradition of this distinctive vacation spot. 

We lately solely spent in the future in Venice on our European summer season journey. We visited from the close by city of Verona, catching the early practice in.

 We’re sharing our suggestions with you on how we spent our day in Venice, as we really feel we did the very best of Venice, combining the highest points of interest combined with a contact of quieter native. 

So, lace up your strolling sneakers, and let’s dive into the magic of Venice in simply in the future!

Is One Day in Venice sufficient?

Earlier than we get into all of the issues to see in Venice in in the future, you could be questioning if in the future is absolutely sufficient to discover Venice? 

The reply is not any, in the future just isn’t sufficient to see the whole lot in Venice. You’ll need to get up early and spend a full day exploring to see all of the highlights, and even then, you will have to be snug lacking some spots.

Personally, I feel Venice is just a little overrated. That is my second go to to Venice, and on each instances, I solely spent a day right here. 

BUT I do completely suppose Venice is price a go to as it’s so distinctive. I really loved it extra on this go to as I really feel I dug just a little deeper into Venetian life, and on my earlier go to 20 years in the past, I used to be a broke backpacker and couldn’t do a lot.

So, should you’re just a little ho hum about Venice, or on the fence, then in the future ought to be sufficient. 

For those who suppose will probably be the place of your desires, then ideally, you must put aside three full days in Venice to have the ability to discover it correctly and extra leisurely, nevertheless we all know that not everyone seems to be blessed with time.

So, should you solely have in the future in Venice, then under is the very best itinerary for 1 day in Venice, masking the largest points of interest and issues to do.

To protect time, ensure you buy Skip the Line tickets for points of interest, and take into account the Venice Move, and strolling excursions (see under) for spotlight overviews. I’ve included ticket and tour choices with every major Venice points of interest listed under.

I even have a Venice map on the finish of the publish you may copy that has strolling instructions and prime points of interest and food and drinks plotted.

Methods to Get to Venice & Round

First off, fly into both Venice Marco Polo Airport or Treviso Airport, relying in your choices. 

From Marco Polo, hop on the Alilaguna waterbus for a scenic experience into the center of town – it’s like a prologue to your Venetian journey.

Coming in by way of Treviso? No sweat – there’s a shuttle that zips you proper to Piazzale Roma. And voila! You’ve arrived within the land of canals and gondolas. Simple peasy, proper? Benefit from the experience and soak in these dreamy Venetian vibes!

If you’re coming to Venice for the day, you might be greater than doubtless a practice journey away or visiting on a day tour. 

If arriving by practice, the Venice Santa Lucia practice station is true on the Grand Canal, giving you quick access to town. From there, you may both catch the waterbus or stroll the slim streets into St Mark’s Sq. (about 30 minutes). 

It’s very easy. We caught the primary practice out from Verona, which was simply over an hour. We booked our tickets prematurely by way of Omio. We then walked into Venice metropolis so we might use that as a chance to discover extra. 

After all, you’re in Venice, getting round by water is the norm. So, take into account vaporetti’s (ferries), non-public taxis, and gondolas. Buses don’t function on the primary Venice islands – no car zone!

Venice One Day Itinerary

Whether or not you’re into historical past, tradition, delving into the native delicacies, or need to expertise some hidden gems, under is an itinerary that mixes all of this and extra! It can save you on entry into Venice’s prime 4 points of interest with a Venice Move.

Cease 1: Get an early morning espresso and pastry

Because you solely have in the future in Venice, you’re going to need to stand up early to begin exploring. 

Get up when the solar wakes up and get your self a morning espresso and a pastry to begin your day.

We arrived in Venice by 7:30am and virtually had town to ourselves. It was a uncommon Venice deal with. I cherished strolling from the station with native Venetians on their method to work. Have your maps open so yow will discover your method to St Mark’s Sq. – you’ll get misplaced (which is a part of the enjoyable).

Beginning your day in Venice with a espresso and pastry isn’t just a method to get vitality and substance for the day however can be a cultural expertise that immerses you within the metropolis’s wealthy traditions. 

Venetians take their espresso critically, and also you’ll discover a number of historic cafes in Venice which were serving fragrant brews for hundreds of years. 

Sipping on a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino (cappuccino is reserved for breakfast in Italy) whereas having fun with a flaky Bussolà Buranelli units the proper tone for a day of exploration. 

We popped right into a espresso bar in Venice we walked previous that was busy with locals standing on the bar taking their espresso shot and operating again out! 

Cease 2: Stroll over the Rialto Bridge

Maybe one of the well-known landmarks in Venice, if not all of Italy, is the Rialto Bridge.

One of many advantages of beginning your day in Venice early is you’ll get to be one of many few folks on Rialto Bridge. You may take all of the pictures you want and have uninterrupted views of the Grand Canal. 

Come any time after 10am and will probably be jam filled with vacationers! 

The Rialto Bridge dates again to the twelfth century and is the oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal. 

It was initially constructed as a picket construction, nevertheless it collapsed twice earlier than being reconstructed in stone between 1588 and 1591 by Antonio da Ponte. 

Serving as a central crossing level within the bustling metropolis, the Rialto Bridge performed a significant position within the day by day functioning of the Republic of Venice. 

Its iconic design and architectural magnificence have made it an emblem of Venetian satisfaction and a must-visit landmark for anybody visiting Venice.

Cease 3: Head to St Mark’s Sq.

Subsequent cease is one other iconic setting in Venice, St Mark’s Sq., or Piazza San Marco. This iconic sq. holds a wealthy historical past that has made it an iconic image of town. 

It was established within the ninth century, however the sq. reached its present measurement and kind in 1177. It turned the center of Venetian political, social, and spiritual life, housing the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. 

The sq.’s structure showcases Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance influences, charming folks with its gorgeous domes, turrets, and complex gold mosaics. 

Past its architectural magnificence, St. Mark’s Sq. represents the wealth, energy, and cultural heritage of Venice all through the centuries. 

It’s additionally the place lots of Venice’s prime points of interest are situated, so that you’ll end up right here regardless of should you’re on the lookout for it or not.

Once more, arriving right here after 10am may have you combating via crowds. Our 8:45 am arrival had us wandering round freely with little folks beside us. 

To be sincere, I discovered St Mark’s Sq. just a little boring. I don’t know what all of the fuss is about. We did have plenty of the world taken over by the establishing of a pageant. There are some stunning architectural buildings to take a look at, however I nonetheless discovered it uninteresting. 

Cease 4: Tour Doge’s Palace & Bridge of Sighs

The Doge’s Palace is an unmissable attraction in Venice, and it takes some time to see all of it, which is why we suggest you guide your self on the primary tour of the day, beginning at 9.00am.

Touring the Doge’s Palace is a charming journey via town’s wealthy historical past and one of the spectacular architectural marvels. 

The palace is a masterpiece of Gothic structure and was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of political energy for hundreds of years. 

As we had been visiting St Mark’s Basilica on our guided strolling tour within the afternoon with skip the road privileges, we bypassed the lengthy line of individuals ready to get into the basilica and as a substitute walked as much as the Doge’s Palace with our skip the road tickets for 9am.

WOW! That is the way you do it. Identical to the Corridor of Mirrors in Versailles, we had the grand ballroom and a lot of the different rooms within the magnificent palace all to ourselves. I’ve heard crowds may be intense right here, so guide the earliest tour. 

Consequently, the Doge’s Palace was my favourite factor to do in Venice. 

Inside, you may discover opulent chambers, grand halls adorned with frescoes, and the well-known Council Chamber. 

Subsequent, the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace to the prisons, which earned its identify from the melancholic sighs of prisoners as they caught their final glimpse of Venice. 

The self-guided tour will take you over the Bridge of Sighs after which down into the jail cells, so you may actually get a way of what that journey should have been like for them. It then brings you again over the Bridge of Sighs.

How lengthy you spend right here is absolutely depending on how lengthy you need to spend absorbing all the main points. We had been content material with an hour., however we didn’t have crowds slowing us down.

Cease 5: Bridge of Sighs from the Exterior

We then had time after our palace tour, to take a look at the Bridge of Sighs from the surface. So, ensure you do this. There will probably be crowds lining up for the views. We didn’t have to attend lengthy for an area to open up for a very good take a look at the place we had simply been!

The Bridge of Sighs at Oxford College within the UK is falsely believed to be a duplicate of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. Nonetheless, this isn’t the case because the bridge extra carefully resembles the Rialto Bridge.

Cease 6: Saint Mark’s Basilica 

Visiting St Mark’s Basilica in Venice is a prime attraction you don’t need to miss. But it surely doesn’t must be a long-winded expertise. A fast look inside on the unbelievably gorgeous gilded domes is completely price it. 

I used to be very glad to have our tour of St Mark’s Basilica as a part of our afternoon strolling tour with Walks of Italy (extra under). I cherished having a information level out a very powerful options and sharing the historical past of Italy’s second most essential church to us. 

St. Mark’s Basilica is one other awe-inspiring Byzantine masterpiece, showcasing intricate mosaics, gilded domes, and beautiful relics. 

If you don’t do the strolling tour, and go to the basilica by yourself, I extremely suggest you purchase skip the road tickets. The road right here was lengthy all day from 8:30am. 

For those who skip the road tickets, it gained’t actually matter what time you go in. I’d do the Doge’s Palace first, just because the Basilica is busy all day lengthy, so that you’ll at all times have crowds, whereas with Doge’s Palace you could have a very good probability to skip the crowds should you do the very first tour. 

Cease 7: Have a late morning cicchetti and occasional

We solely spent an hour within the palace. That was greater than sufficient for us – even with taking plenty of pictures. For those who wish to learn each single info board and see each piece of artwork, it could take you longer. 

We had been prepared for a mid-morning snack after our tour. It’s Italy, espresso photographs are welcome any time of the day! 

This was the proper time to wander the slim alleyways and discover a espresso bar and check out considered one of Benice’s hottest snacks: Cicchetti. 

A cicchetti is a small, bite-sized venetian snack or appetizer which are generally discovered within the bars and bacari (wine bars) of Venice. 

Just like Spanish tapas, cicchetti are delectable treats that may fluctuate in kind and taste, starting from crostini (toasted bread with varied toppings) to fried seafood, meatballs, and cheese-filled pastries. 

They’re usually loved alongside a glass of wine or aperol spritz and are a well-liked culinary custom in Venetian tradition.

We tried a few variations: topped with creamy smoked fish and a ham. 

That is additionally a very good alternative to place your toes up for a bit after the tour, however don’t get too cozy, as there may be nonetheless rather a lot to see!

Cease 8: Go to the Secret Bookstore, Libreria Acqua Alta

The Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore was as soon as a hidden gem, however due to the rise in social media, it’s grow to be one of many prime issues to do in Venice.

This quirky bookshop is known for its backyard, which has a staircase made out of books, which takes you as much as look over the canal under.

It gained’t take you too lengthy to snap some cool pictures and get a really feel for this inventive retailer. It’s additionally an excellent place to get some postcards and prints to take dwelling as souvenirs.

I didn’t get pleasure from this as a lot as I believed I’d. I LOVE the Final Bookstore in Downtown LA, and although it could be just a little like that. The staircase was cool, however just a little haggard from everybody strolling over it. 

The traces began getting lengthy proper after we completed with our flip to stroll and take pictures. My annoyance began then with the various impolite individuals who simply ignored the affected person folks lining up and jumped the queue.

After which there have been wannabe Instagram stars taking up the entire place for a photoshoot with out honoring the indicators saying to observe a 2-minute restrict! 

For those who’re brief on time, I’d skip it, or go early to flee the nonsense. 

Cease 9: Go Chocolate Tasting 

One other tasty deal with that Venice is understood for is chocolate. Town affords a pleasant array of chocolatiers and specialty outlets that showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of chocolate-making. 

Venetian chocolate is famend for its wealthy flavors, clean textures, and inventive combos. From conventional darkish goodies to luscious truffles, there’s something to fulfill each candy tooth. 

Venetian chocolatiers typically incorporate native substances like almonds, hazelnuts, and spices, including a singular twist to their creations. 

Set an hour apart within the afternoon to style Dragées, chocolate covers, pralines, truffles, and chocolate beans, or perhaps a scorching or chilly chocolate drink, relying on while you go to.

Not removed from the bookstore is Vizio Advantage Cioccolateria which is the place we sampled chocolate with none crowds.

We tried a Goldoni chilly chocolate drink which has been a Venetian recipe made since 1750. It was very thick and spicy with an uncommon taste. I type of preferred it however then didn’t! Apparently outdoors of summer season you may have it scorching which I feel I’d have loved higher. It was a NO for the women.

You may be part of this 40-minute chocolate tour which takes you to a number of the greatest chocolatiers within the metropolis.

Cease 10: Venice’s Finest Gelato

There’s nothing mistaken with following up Venetian chocolate with the very best gelato in Venice. They’re proper close to one another, which is why we did them proper after one another. 

Our timings had been spot on in Venice, as proper after we ordered, all of the crowds arrived for a scoop of gelato. 

What’s nice about Suso gelato is that they serve their ice cream in edible cups with edible spoons – doing their it for the surroundings one scoop at a time. 

This was a somber second for us – our final gelato in Italy as we had been flying out the subsequent day for our Danube River cruise. 

We actually savored the flavors of this scrumptious Venetian gelato. 

Cease 11: Wander the Streets & Lunch Break

Now that you simply’re filled with sugar vitality you could have time to maintain wandering the streets of Venice. I cherished getting misplaced in its winding alleyways that arrive to open squares, or campos, with folks having fun with espresso and lunch in eating places lining the squares.

Not removed from St Marco Sq. are the irregular and exquisite buildings lining campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of many liveliest squares in Venice.

As you wander, you may take time for procuring if that’s your factor or get pleasure from a sit-down lunch. There are many choices. We discovered Al Vapiretto Trattoria, that served scrumptious pasta and pizza at an affordable value.

We additionally loved stumbling upon this excellent multi-arch spiral staircase referred to as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo hooked up externally to the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, a small palazzo in Venice. It’s an ideal mixing of Renaissance, Gothic and Venetian-Byzantin architectural kinds.

The view of Venice from the Belvedere on the prime is claimed to be stunning. You may see the domes and the Campanile di San Marco, the Basilica di Santi Giovanni e Paolo, and even the Teatro la Fenice. We didn’t have time to go up and see. (Right here is the place you reserve the entry ticket to the staircase and palace)

Keep watch over the time and maps so you know the way to get again in time on your subsequent Venice exercise – a information strolling tour.

Cease 12: Guided Strolling Tour: Welcome to Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica & Gondola Trip

For those who’re able to dive into the enchanting vibes of Venice with out getting misplaced in a sea of maps, this guided strolling tour with Walks of Italy is for you. In simply three hours, you’ll go from being a vacationer to a Venice insider, all due to your native information’s ardour and know-how.

We began our tour with an area information, Paola, outdoors Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, a gothic church courting again to 1071. This space proper close to the Rialto Bridge is among the most essential areas in Venice.

Paola guided us away from the crowds on the Rialto Bridge to the opposite quieter facet with a view simply as fairly – with nobody blocking it! 

She guided us via the native markets sharing rather a lot about native Venetian life permitting us to see a distinct facet from the traditional vacationer locations. 

This continued as we wandered slim alleyways, visited the positioning of Marco Polo’s home within the quarter of San Giovanni Crisostomo. The explorer and service provider lived right here for the final 25 years of his life, till January 1324. We realized rather a lot about his life as we stood on this sq..

The unique home sadly burnt down in 1596. All that is still is a superb archway with a gorgeous Veneto-Romanesque arched lintel and on the foundations of this large home, in 1678, the precise Malibran theatre was constructed.

A few of the gondola rides will cross by it. I did on my first go to to Venice, however our gondola experience this time didn’t. Our tour proceeded on the opposite facet of hte constructing for views from the canal.

We winded via extra alleyways, studying extra about Venitian life to the a lot quieter Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, for an espresso break. 

It’s one of many largest squares in Venice and is the place you’ll discover Santi Giovanni e Paolo, one of many largest church buildings within the metropolis. It’s named after st John and Paul the protectors has the standing of a minor basilica. Twenty-five doges are buried in right here.

Paolo additionally informed us extra in regards to the Scuola Grande di San Marco hospital on the sq., which was once the house for the brotherhood fraternity.

Right here you may pay €1.50 to make use of the restrooms or purchase an espresso for similar value or much less and use their amenities with it. #nobrainer

However as this was a highlights tour, we additionally visited just a few of these prime points of interest as properly, I’ve talked about in their very own separate sections on this Venice itinerary information. 

Our VIP entry to St Mark’s Basilica allowed us to walk previous these traces for an up-close take a look at the golden mosaics on the ceiling. 

And we wrapped up a incredible Venice highlights tour gliding via the dreamy waterways on a gondola, soaking within the cityscape that was actually designed for this precise view. 

Cease 13: Take a Gondola Trip

One of the best time to take a gondola experience is late afternoon to early night, simply because the solar hit golden hour. 

That is the time when the Venetian structure and quaint canals are awash in golden mild, illuminating their finer particulars and complex designs.

We completed our guided strolling tour with the 30-minute gondola experience. It was a part of the tour, which meant we might skip the traces! 

Taking a gondola experience in Venice is like stepping right into a dream. As you drift alongside town’s labyrinthine canals, you’ll be transported again to a time of romance and class. 

The gondolas, with their modern black hulls and iconic form, glide via the water, carrying passengers on an unforgettable journey. 

Initially, gondolas had been used as transport for the frequent folks for the reason that eleventh century, however quickly moved on to grow to be an emblem of standing and wealth. There are 400 gondolas in Venice, and practically all of them are used for touristic functions.

The gondoliers, wearing conventional apparel, might typically serenade you as you meander across the canals. It’s a serene and intimate expertise that means that you can immerse your self within the timeless great thing about this enchanting metropolis.

It is extremely touristy, however a should when in Venice. Make sure you put the cellphone down and benefit from the expertise. It’s simple to need to seize the whole lot however you’ll miss the in-the-moment romance of it. 

Our ladies actually loved the gondola experience in Venice – it’s at all times a certain signal once they begin taking plenty of pictures. Fortunately, they sat and regarded greater than they took footage. 

Take a look at this gondola experience tour right here.

Cease 14: Go to Accademia Bridge

The Accademia Bridge, or Ponte dell ‘Accademia, is a must-visit attraction for its historic significance and breathtaking views. 

As considered one of solely 4 bridges spanning the Grand Canal, it holds a particular place within the metropolis’s architectural panorama. 

Initially constructed as a picket construction in 1854, it connects the Dorsoduro and San Marco areas of Venice. 

The bridge affords guests two distinctive vistas alongside the Grand Canal, showcasing iconic landmarks such because the dome of Santa Maria della Salute. 

Stepping onto the Accademia Bridge means that you can immerse your self within the timeless great thing about Venice whereas capturing unforgettable panoramic views of this enchanting metropolis.

Cease 15: Head to the Dorsoduro for Dinner 

Dorsoduro is considered one of six districts within the historic heart of Venice and holds a wealthy historical past and vital enchantment for individuals who go to. 

The identify “Dorsoduro” interprets to “laborious again” in Italian, referring to its steady and rocky land. 

This district contains elevated areas and islands like Giudecca and Isola Sacca Fisola. 

Dorsoduro’s strong floor allowed for the development of magnificent buildings, iconic church buildings, and picturesque squares. At the moment it stands as an artwork and cultural hub, and is dwelling to quite a few galleries, museums, eating places, and bars. 

Exploring Dorsoduro affords an opportunity to immerse oneself within the extra modern-day Venice, in addition to benefit from the traditional serene canals, shady squares, and the inventive ambiance that defines this charming district. 

I loved wandering round this a lot quieter facet of Venice within the early night. 

We discovered an excellent restaurant, Da Fede on the Campo Margherita (less expensive than within the vacationer a part of Venice). As I used to be fairly filled with a day of indulging, I settled for a easy octopus’ salad which was bursting with taste – the proper dish to finish an impressive two weeks in Italy! And naturally, it was washed down with an affordable (€5) aperol spritz! 

Remaining Ideas on a Day in Venice

This concludes our itinerary for in the future in Venice, and I’m certain by the tip of it you’re fairly worn out and really feel such as you’ve seen all of it.

It’s an action-packed day that’s for certain, nevertheless it does embrace the very best locations to go to in Venice in 1 day and covers the whole lot that makes this metropolis particular.

We hope this itinerary offered you with some inspiration and gave you concepts for tips on how to spend 24 hours in Venice!

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