Venice Italy 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Venice

  • Morning: Start your day at the iconic Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). Admire St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile. Don’t forget to visit the Bodoni Treasury inside St. Mark’s Basilica for a stunning collection of ecclesiastical artifacts.

  • Lunch: Head to nearby Ristorante Al Cappello Veneto & Associati. Known for its fresh seafood and traditional Venetian dishes, it offers a great lunch spot with beautiful views.

  • Afternoon: Take a water bus (Vaporetto) from St. Mark’s Square to the Island of Murano. Witness the art of glassblowing and explore this charming island.

  • Evening: Return to Venice, have dinner at Osteria alle Zattere offering stunning views of the Grand Canal.

  • Accommodation: Consider staying at Hotel Ca’ Sagredo, a luxurious hotel with an art nouveau style, or Locanda Orseolo, a charming B&B in the heart of Venice.

Day 2: Discovering Hidden Gems

  • Morning: Visit the Rialto Bridge and explore the bustling Rialto Market. Then, take a walk along Canale Grande.

  • Lunch: Try Trattoria da Remigio for some authentic Venetian cuisine.

  • Afternoon: Explore lesser-known areas like Cannaregio and Castello. Discover the Jewish Ghetto, the Fondamenta Nuove, and the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

  • Evening: Take a gondola ride at sunset. It’s a romantic and unforgettable experience. For dinner, dine at Osteria al Portego, famous for its Venetian dishes and wine list.

Day 3: Island Hopping

  • Morning: Take a water bus to the Island of Burano. Known for its colorful houses and lace making, it’s a photographer’s paradise.

  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Trattoria al Gatto Nero, offering traditional Venetian dishes with a view of the canal.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Island of Torcello. Visit the ancient Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and explore the solitude of this peaceful island.

  • Evening: Return to Venice, have a farewell dinner at Osteria Enoteca al Merca’, where you can taste regional wines and dishes.

Things to Know:

  1. Venice is mainly walkable but also uses water buses (Vaporetto) as its primary public transportation. Buy a multi-day pass for unlimited travel.
  2. Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge.
  3. Venice can get very busy with tourists, so consider visiting during off-peak hours or during the shoulder seasons (April to June and September to October) for a more authentic experience.
  4. Many restaurants offer tourist menus (menù turistico), which are often overpriced. Instead, opt for the daily specials (piatti del giorno).
  5. Respect local customs: Shirts should be worn at all times, and shorts are generally only acceptable in the summer months.
  6. Venice is built on water, so you’ll find many bridges instead of streets. Be mindful when walking and avoid leaning on bridge railings to preserve them.