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Imagine a city where every corner tells a story, where the streets are canals and the gentle hum of the gondoliers wafts through the air. Imagine strolling through narrow, winding alleyways that open onto beautiful squares, each more breathtaking than the last.
In Venice, you can gaze in wonder at the intricate mosaics of St Mark’s Basilica, cruise the calm waters of the lagoon or discover hidden gems in lesser-known neighbourhoods – a magical excursion unlike any other. This 2 days in Venice itinerary will take you through the heart of Venice, ensuring you capture the essence of this unique city and leave with unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure and get ready to fall in love with Venice, one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
To make the most of your Venice adventure, plan ahead and book your accommodations and tours in advance to avoid peak season prices. Consider to visit Venice during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for milder weather and smaller crowds. In the summer months you have a good weather guarantee, but also more tourists.
For your journey to Venice, fly into Venice Airport (VCE) and take a private water taxi or vaporetto to your hotel. Alternatively, take a train to Venezia Santa Lucia train station and walk or take a vaporetto to your hotel. If you’re driving, park at Tronchetto Parking and take a vaporetto to your hotel.
We’ll tell you more in this article: Best Ways to Get Around in Venice: Travel Guide (2024)
My recommendation is to stay in the San Marco, San Polo or Dorsoduro neighbourhoods for easy access to the most interesting sights of Venice. For a unique experience, book a hotel with a view of the Grand Canal.
Experience the magic of Venice with the Venice City Pass. This handy pass gives you access to the city’s top attractions without the need for multiple tickets or reservations. With the Venice City Pass, you can explore the Doge’s Palace, take a tour of the Grand Canal, take a gondola ride, visit the La Fenice Theatre and marvel at the exhibits in the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. With the Chorus Pass, you can also visit Venice’s most impressive churches and, as a special treat, you can book a visit to the famous St Mark’s Basilica.
Arriving in Venice has never been so easy. With your tickets already booked, you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and stunning architecture without having to worry about queues or extra costs. Enjoy the splendour of Venice stress-free and make the most of your time in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Start your day at Piazza San Marco, one of the most famous squares in the world. The Basilica of St Mark in Venice, once intended as a private chapel for the Doge, is one of Venice’s main attractions and one of the most spectacular cathedrals in Italy. The Mark’s Basilica was built to preserve the relics of St Mark the Evangelist, which had been stolen in Alexandria, Egypt. Today, St Mark’s Basilica is famous for its golden mosaics, among other things.
It’s also definitely worth getting your legs moving with a short detour to the Campanile di San Marco – the large bell tower on the corner of the square.
Next, explore Doge’s Palace. With its Venetian Gothic architecture and as the former residence of the Venetian dukes, the Doge’s Palace, also known as Palazzo Ducale, is one of the most visited sights in Venice.
The original Doge’s Palace was built in the 9th century after the inhabitants of Venice fled from the invasion attempts of the mainlanders. The building initially served as a residence for the Doge, the head of the Republic of Venice. Today’s Doge’s Palace was built in the 14th and 15th centuries and is characterised above all by its Gothic architecture. The façade of the palace is an outstanding example of Gothic craftsmanship in Venice. Numerous prominent artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese were commissioned to create paintings and decorations for the palace.
Stroll along the Riva degli Schiavoni, a bustling promenade that offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canal. Visit the Rialto Bridge, an iconic symbol of Venice and the most famous bridge, and take in the panoramic views of the bustling canal below. Don’t miss the vibrant Rialto Market nearby, where you can sample fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Rialto Market
In the afternoon, treat yourself to a quintessential Venetian experience with a gondola ride through the city’s picturesque canals, allowing you to admire the unique architecture from the water. Visit the Bridge of Sighs and learn about its poignant history as the last view prisoners had of the Venetian lagoon before their imprisonment.
Highly recommended and extremely interesting is the the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum, an exhibition showcasing Da Vinci’s life and masterpieces. Da Vinci lived in the 15th and 16th centuries and was considered one of the greatest geniuses of all time – and for good reason. Da Vinci was a man for all seasons, working as an artist, engineer, scientist and inventor.
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is located in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. For some art lovers, the Scuola San Rocco is the Venetian equivalent of the Sistine Chapel because of its many Tintoretto masterpieces – don’t miss it!
If you’re looking for a bit of decadence on your Venice itinerary, you can’t miss Gio’s Restaurant & Terrace at the St. Regis Venice! The food is sensational, a unique culinary experience and the restaurant has a terrace with breathtaking views of the Grand Canal and landmarks such as the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute or San Giorgio Maggiore.
The menu is put together by head chef Giuseppe Ricci. It offers classic dishes reinterpreted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Gio’s is also known for its unique cocktails, such as the Santa Maria Bloody Mary and the Spritz Trolley, which add to the overall luxurious experience.
Begin your second day by exploring the Cannaregio and Castello neighborhoods, known for their authentic charm and fewer crowds. Visit the historic Jewish Ghetto, the oldest in the world, and delve into its rich cultural heritage at the Jewish Museum. Wander through the picturesque streets of Cannaregio, where you’ll find quaint shops and traditional trattorias.
In Castello, visit the stunning Santa Maria dei Miracoli church, a Renaissance masterpiece adorned with intricate marble work. Stroll through Campo Santa Marina, a charming square surrounded by historic buildings and cozy cafes.
Ristorante Al Corner - The homemade gnocchi are amazing!
Attention opera fans! Take a guided tour of Teatro La Fenice, one of Italy’s most renowned opera houses, rich in history and architectural splendor. As the venue for the world premieres of Veri’s Attila or Wagner’s Ring des Nibelungen, this opera house is a must-see on your Venice itinerary. The guided tour takes place every day at 1:00 pm.
If you are only visiting Venice for a short time, a city walking tour is a good way to get an overview of the city and learn a few hidden gems from the guides. This tour is our favourite and takes place every day at 3pm.
How about relaxing a little on a boat tour along the Grand Canal, Venice’s main waterway, where you can admire the city’s iconic buildings and bridges from a unique perspective? This sightseeing tour starts at the pier of San Marco Square, takes about one-hour and allows you to admire the different architectural styles of Venice as well as the palaces on the banks of the canal.
Finish your 2 Days in Venice long the Fondamenta delle Zattere, enjoy a leisurely walk with views of the Giudecca Canal, a perfect spot for a relaxing evening and amazing sunset over the canal. The Giudecca Canal offers a breathtaking view of several important sights, including the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer (II Redentore) and the Molino Stucky, a former flour mill that has now been converted into a luxury hotel.
For a memorable dining experience in this area, I recommend Ristorante Riviera.
After 2 days of sightseeing, it’s worth taking a day trip to the islands of Murano-Burano-Torcello in the Venetian Lagoon. On Murano, visit a glass factory and learn more about the famous glass-making traditions. It is a tiny island but there is SO much to see!
Burano awaits you with colourful houses and a very chilled atmosphere.
The tour’s last stop is Torcello, which is home to ancient St. Maria Assunta Cathedral and the St. Forsa Church.
This romantic city of Verona, famous for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, is about an hour’s train journey from Venice. Verona is a charming city, you can do a bit of shopping, eat delicious food, visit Roman ruins, stroll through the historic centre and visit the Roman Arena.
I hope these recommendations have inspired you a little and awakened your desire to travel! No matter when, where and with whom you are travelling, I wish you a wonderful holiday!
