Venice: 4-Day Itinerary with Islands
Four days lets you cover the core of Venice and add real time in the quieter sestieri before a full island day. The plan runs city-centre first, then the museums, then Cannaregio, then the lagoon. Prices are 2026 figures, so treat each as verify on site.
Day 1: San Marco and the Rialto
Reach Piazza San Marco before 9am. St Mark’s Basilica on a timed slot (nave free, Pala d’Oro about EUR 5, dress code enforced), then the Doge’s Palace next door (about EUR 30 to 35) through to the Bridge of Sighs. Bacaro lunch, then the Rialto Bridge and market side, and a spritz to finish.
Tip: book the first Basilica slot so both big sights are done before the crush.
Day 2: Dorsoduro and the Grand Canal
Ride vaporetto Line 1 down the Grand Canal (EUR 9.50), then spend the day in Dorsoduro: the Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the Zattere waterfront, ending at Campo Santa Margherita for an evening drink among locals.
Tip: the Accademia is quietest at opening; go there first and save the Guggenheim for the afternoon.
Day 3: Cannaregio and the Ghetto
Explore Cannaregio, the Jewish Ghetto (founded 1516, the origin of the word), the Strada Nova and the northern Fondamente. Cross to San Polo for the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and its Tintoretto cycle (about EUR 10), one of the great quiet sights.
Tip: eat lunch in Cannaregio rather than near the station, where the prices and the crowds both drop.
Day 4: the lagoon islands
Buy a 24-hour vaporetto pass (about EUR 25) and go early from Fondamente Nove: Burano first, then Torcello’s cathedral, then Murano’s glass on the way back. The islands are exempt from the access fee.
Tip: do Murano last, when you are tired, since it is the shortest hop home.
Read more: the 5 day Venice itinerary adds Castello and San Giorgio, the main Venice guide covers the sights in depth, and the quiet corners guide expands on day three.