Venice Italy 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Venice

Morning:

  • Arrival at Marco Polo Airport, Venice.
  • Check-in at Hotel (recommendations: Hotel Ca’ Sagredo, Hotel Danieli or Hotel L’Olimpo) - Located in the historical center of Venice.
  • Breakfast at the hotel or a local café nearby.

Mid-Morning:

  • St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) - Explore the stunning square, visit Doge’s Palace, and climb the Campanile di San Marco for panoramic city views.

Afternoon:

  • Walk to Rialto Bridge - Cross over to visit the bustling Rialto Market where you can find fresh seafood, local produce, and souvenirs.
  • Gondola Ride - Experience a classic Venetian tradition with a gondola ride through the city’s canals. (Note: it’s cheaper during off-peak hours)

Evening:

  • Dinner at Trattoria da Remigio or Osteria alla Testiera - Both offering traditional Venetian cuisine in cozy atmospheres.
  • Return to hotel for a good night’s rest.

Day 2: Hidden Gems and Island Hopping

Morning:

  • Breakfast at the hotel or a local café nearby.
  • Murano, Burano & Torcello - Take a day trip to these charming islands by vaporetto (water bus). Marvel at the glassmaking in Murano, enjoy the vibrant houses of Burano, and explore the early Christian Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello.

Afternoon:

  • Return to Venice. Lunch at All’Arco or Ae Oche - Both serve delicious cicchetti (Venetian tapas) perfect for a late lunch.
  • Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection - A modern and contemporary art museum located in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Osteria al Bacareto or La Zucca - Both offer great local dishes and a laid-back atmosphere.
  • Stroll around Dorsoduro neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and art galleries.
  • Return to hotel for the night.

Things to Know:

  1. Venice is built on water, so you’ll be using water buses (vaporetti) and boats to get around most of the city. Single tickets are available, but consider buying a 24h or 72h travelcard for unlimited rides.
  2. Venice can get quite crowded during high season (June - August). It’s best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
  3. Be mindful of your belongings, especially in touristy areas like St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge.
  4. Tip for service is appreciated but not expected. Rounding up the bill is common practice.
  5. Dress code: Venice can be quite humid and windy, so pack layers. Also, consider comfortable shoes since a lot of walking will be involved.
  6. Stay hydrated! Tap water in Venice is safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available as well.