What to do in Venice in 2 days: itinerary prepared by a Venetian
Venice , the epitome of the romantic city , is truly unique in the world. Here, the canals are the streets, gondolas act as taxis, and medieval buildings are the silent guardians of a unique and fascinating history. Welcome to my hometown!
Yes, I was born here and raised in a nearby village, so getting lost in the winding canals and cobbled alleys of Venice was part of my everyday reality. I know the city like the back of my hand and I’m excited to guide you through its best-kept secrets on a weekend itinerary . Two days aren’t enough to encompass all the magic of a place where on every corner you come across medieval palaces and churches whispering ancient tales, but at least they give you time to get to know its essence.
Let’s face it, Venice is also a tourist magnet . Iconic sites like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge are often packed for much of the day. So I’ve put together an itinerary that will allow you to explore the city’s highlights without the usual crowds. The key? Visiting early in the morning or at dusk, when the tourists have left (most are staying in nearby Mestre) and the city reveals its true charm.
What to see in Venice in two days – Day 1.
St. Mark’s Square
Let’s start our day early by exploring the magical Piazza San Marco , known as one of the most beautiful squares in the world . Dubbed by Napoleon as “ The Most Beautiful Hall in Europe ,” this square is the vibrant heart of Venice and the starting or finishing point for those exploring the city. Surrounded by architectural treasures such as the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica , the imposing Campanile , the Doge’s Palace , and the iconic Clock Tower , Piazza San Marco offers an unparalleled visual spectacle.
Although this corner is as beautiful as it is popular, it has its peculiarities. Being the lowest point in the city , it sometimes floods when the tide comes in and despite its undeniable beauty, it is vital to keep in mind that the square is often crowded with tourists and pigeons , which can be a bit overwhelming. The key to enjoying it to the fullest is to visit it early in the morning or at night, when the atmosphere is calmer and more welcoming.
Beyond the monuments, you can’t miss the historic bars with terraces offering live music. Café Florian stands out among them, although it’s good to remember that these places are known to be the most expensive in the world; a cappuccino here could cost as much as a dinner elsewhere. If you want to thoroughly explore this iconic square and its monuments, I suggest this guided tour that includes the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace .
Doge’s Palace
We begin our immersion among the emblematic buildings of St. Mark’s Square with the imposing Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). Originally built as a fortress in the 9th century, this palace was the seat from which doges directed the destiny of the city for centuries and became an indisputable symbol of Venice. The Gothic façade of the Palazzo Ducale, enriched with Renaissance touches, leaves everyone in awe. However, the real magic awaits inside, where you will immerse yourself in masterpieces by prominent Italian artists such as Titian and Bellini .
Inside the Palazzo Ducale, you can explore the dazzling Scala d’Oro (Golden Staircase), tour various rooms including the Duke’s Apartment and the Great Council Chamber , among other wonders. The experience culminates with a walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs . Please note that there are often long lines, so we recommend arriving early.
St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is a true treasure in Venice, being the most important church in the city. Although entry is free, there are often long queues. Construction began in the 9th century, much of this jewel we see today dates back to the 11th century , with some later modifications. Since 1807, this majestic building has served as the city’s cathedral. Its interior, resplendent in golden tones and embellished with impressive mosaics, will take your breath away.
If it’s your first time exploring Venice, I suggest getting to know the richness of St. Mark’s Square and its monuments with a guided tour. Discovering the history of these iconic places from an expert guide will not only make your experience more enriching, but you’ll also avoid the long lines that could cause frustration. The two best options are this offer that includes a guided tour of Venice and preferential access to the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace or this guided tour that focuses on the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace .
Campanile
The Campanile , the imposing bell tower that stands in St. Mark’s Square, is perhaps the most iconic (and copied) landmark in Venice. Originally built in the 9th century and rebuilt in the 16th, it has been a witness to the grandeur of the city. More than just a piece of history and a Venetian symbol, the Campanile offers the best view of Venice . Climbing its steps is worth the effort to enjoy the panorama of red roofs and winding canals. Secure your skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Campanile and treat yourself to the best views of the city.
Bridge of Sighs
The famous Bridge of Sighs is probably the most photographed corner of the city. Although you will surely find yourself crossing it during your visit to the Doge’s Palace, I advise you to also observe it from outside. For photography lovers, the perfect tactic is to get up a little early and avoid the crowds of tourists who, like you, seek to immortalize this emblematic bridge.
This bridge, as beautiful as it is enigmatic , evokes an aura of intimacy. However, its history is not related to romance and love, as many might think. The sighs it alludes to do not come from lovers, but from prisoners who, by crossing this bridge, breathed their last breath of free air before being imprisoned. Although characters such as Casanova managed to escape, for many others, this bridge truly represented their last breath of freedom. Discover the fascinating history behind this unique Venetian place!
Accademia Bridge, meeting with the Grand Canal
After soaking up the magic of the splendid St. Mark’s Square, it’s time to head to the Canal Grande , one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Unlike other European cities with their famous avenues, such as les Champs-Élysées in Paris or las Ramblas in Barcelona, Venice has a canal as its main avenue .
The 4-kilometer-long Canal Grande divides Venice in two and serves as a meeting point for most of the city’s charming waterways. Personally, my favorite place to take photos and marvel at the grandeur of the Grand Canal is the Ponte della Accademia .
Gondola ride
The Grand Canal is majestic, but it’s best to venture into the smaller canals . It’s time to enjoy one of the Venetian classics: a romantic gondola ride ! Although considered a somewhat touristy experience, gliding in a gondola, led by gondoliers dressed in their characteristic striped shirts and hats, is a unique experience that everyone wants to do in Venice. Plus, sailing through the charming canals will give you a unique perspective of the city. If you don’t want to miss out on this experience, book your gondola ride here to enjoy the unmistakable Venetian spirit.
Take a free tour
When you plan to discover a new city, we always suggest starting with some free tour to get started. In the case of Venice, this tip becomes even more valuable. Even for someone like me, who is from a nearby town, there are times when I get lost in the network of intriguing canals. To facilitate your first steps in this enchanting labyrinth, we kindly encourage you to book this free tour of Venice . Guided by an expert, you will not only explore the highlights of the city, but you will also immerse yourself in the fascinating Venetian history and traditions.
Fenice Theatre
After enjoying the enchanting views of Venice from the boat, we continue our journey towards the Rialto area. On this journey, we come across true treasures such as the Teatro La Fenice , an institution that exudes history and elegance. This opera house, considered one of the most beautiful and prestigious in the world, has witnessed unforgettable premieres of some of the most celebrated operas in history, such as the emblematic La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi, and other masterpieces by composers such as Rossini.
Contarini Palace of Bovolo
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a truly special building that combines Gothic elegance with refined Renaissance aesthetics. But what really stands out here are its famous spiral staircases , also known as Scala Contarini. Exploring this charming spiral staircase and reaching the top for stunning panoramic views of the city is an experience you can’t miss.
Rialto Bridge
Our next stop is the Rialto Bridge , a historical treasure that will take you back to the 16th century. It is considered the oldest bridge in the city , with its two elegant inclined ramps connected by a charming portico in the center that houses various shops. Near the bridge, you cannot miss the lively Rialto Market , full of colors and energy, especially during the mornings. Although my favorite view of the Grand Canal is from the Accademia Bridge, the panoramas from the Rialto Bridge are also worth admiring.
