Venice: 5-Day First Visit Plan
Five days lets a first-timer cover the whole city without ever hurrying. The plan keeps two sights a day at most, adds the quiet Castello district, and builds in real wandering time, which is where you actually fall for Venice. Prices are 2026 figures, so treat each as verify on site.
Day 1: the city core
Piazza San Marco early: St Mark’s Basilica on a timed slot (nave free, dress code enforced), then the Doge’s Palace (about EUR 30 to 35), booked ahead. Bacaro lunch, then the Rialto Bridge and a slow afternoon nearby.
First-timer tip: book both big sights in advance so nothing on day one involves a queue.
Day 2: Dorsoduro
Line 1 down the Grand Canal (EUR 9.50) to Dorsoduro; one museum only, the Accademia or the Peggy Guggenheim, then the Zattere and Campo Santa Margherita in the evening.
First-timer tip: a 3-day vaporetto pass (about EUR 45) is worth it from here if you plan to ride often.
Day 3: Cannaregio and the Ghetto
A relaxed day in Cannaregio: the Jewish Ghetto (founded 1516), the Strada Nova and the northern Fondamente at sunset.
First-timer tip: this is the best evening to eat away from the tourist strips.
Day 4: the lagoon islands
An early ferry from Fondamente Nove to Burano, then Torcello’s ancient cathedral, then Murano’s glass on the way home. The islands are exempt from the access fee.
First-timer tip: take snacks for Torcello, which is quiet and has few cafes.
Day 5: Castello and a wander
Explore quiet Castello, the Arsenale and the Biennale gardens, then cross to San Giorgio Maggiore for the bell-tower view. Keep the rest of the day free to drift.
First-timer tip: use this last day for the corners you spotted earlier and wanted to go back to.
Read more: the 6 day Venice itinerary adds Giudecca and the Lido, the main Venice guide covers the sights, and the St Mark’s Square page expands on day one.