A One Day in Venice Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal
Last Updated on 14th January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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As one of the most famous cities in Europe, let alone in Italy, it can be hard to decode exactly how to spend your time if you only have a short amount of time in the floating city. Here’s your ultimate guide to spending the perfect one day in Venice itinerary.
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Is one day enough time to see Venice?
If you’re wondering whether one day is enough to enjoy Venice, then the short answer is yes, but the longer answer is no. You see, if you want to see all of the major attractions in the space of a day, then it’s definitely possible, though your day will be very crammed!
However, if you want to see the place without the crowds, then it’s better to stay overnight, so that you can enjoy Venice without the day trippers.
Furthermore, if you want to get a feel for the more local spots in the city and discover some of the more off the beaten path spots, then you’ll want to stay two or three days in Venice.
Getting around Venice
Getting around the city is best done on foot. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as there are plenty of steps and cobbled lanes- this is not the place to break in new shoes, nor is it the destination where you want to bring your new high heels. Be sure to bring some snacks and bottles of water, as the city can get very hot in the summer months.
Suggested itinerary for spending one day in Venice
Bridge of Sighs
Start your day at one of Venice’s most famous spots, the Bridge of Sighs. This bridge is so-called because, during the Middle Ages, the bridge spanned the street over a building which served as a prison and another that served as an execution site.
When it came to their execution date, they would have been led over the bridge to the execution spot, hence the name ‘sigh’ (one last sigh). Despite its rather macabre history, the Bridge of Sighs is considered by many to be one of the most romantic places to visit in Venice.
As a result, many couples choose to get engaged there (so don’t be surprised if you see a proposal or two during your Bridge of Sighs visit). Visit the Bridge of Sighs first thing so as to see this iconic location with as few crowds as possible.
Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace will take up to 3 hours to visit, so I’ve added this activity first thing, just after the Bridge of Sighs, so that you can get one of the more tiring things in Venice out of the way, while you still have plenty of energy.
Over the course of 1100 years, there were 120 Doges. The building you see in St Mark’s Square today was constructed by the Duke of Venice in 1340 so as to show off his wealth and has since been transformed into a museum.
Today, the museum contains all kinds of treasures and exhibitions detailing the history of Venice. If you’re planning on visiting St Mark’s Basilica as well (and want to do a guided tour), consider purchasing this Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour.
Saint Mark’s Square
Saint Mark is the patron Saint of Venice, and also happens to be the Patron Saint of lions, lawyers, notaries, opticians, pharmacists, painters, secretaries, interpreters, prisoners, and people dealing with insect bites, among other things.
In 828, Venetians stole St Mark’s relics from Egypt and smuggled them to Venice, where they are alleged to still be to this day. The symbol of St Mark is the winged lion and so winged lions are as emblematic of Venice as the water itself.
The city’s main illustrious square is named for Saint Mark and highlights of the pretty piazza include Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile San Marco (which you can queue and climb if you want an amazing view of Venice), and Museo Correr, an often overlooked history and art museum.
Just don’t get a coffee here at Saint Mark’s Square. Sitting at a café is something of a veritable tourist trap and unless you are prepared to pay eye watering prices, we recommend skipping out on this particular activity.
With this being said, it may be of interest to know that most famous coffee house on St. Mark’s Square is Caffè Florian, which was established in 1720 and may well be the oldest café in the world! The coffees here are truly overpriced and the cover charge (known as the coperto in Italian) is equally high.
Saint Mark’s Basilica
Ornate, golden, and carved, the true crown jewel in the heart of Saint Mark’s Square is Saint Mark’s Basilica, an ecclesiastical building which was founded in the 11th-century and has been added to over the years.
The façade of the cathedral of the Patriarchate of Venice is covered in gold mosaics, sculptures, columns, and other carvings which were pillaged during Venice’s raids of other civilisations on the Mediterranean.
Get lunch
Do not go for food in St Mark’s Square, but instead head to another part of the city. One of the top rated places to eat on the floating city that is not far from the next stop of the day (the Rialto Bridge) is Baci & Pasta. This classic restaurant serves up tasty Italian dishes such as gnocchi, tiramisu, and tortellini. Though a little further out away, La Tecia Vegana offers all vegan meals.
Ponte di Rialto
The beautiful Ponte di Rialto is as famous to Venice as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. This is yet another can’t miss attraction, even if you only have a short amount of time in the city, and is another spot that is popular for couples looking to get engaged.
The Ponte di Rialto is the oldest of four main bridges that cross the Grand Canal and is situated in Rialto, which is a commercial district of Venice. The bridge you see today was constructed during the latter half of the 16th-century, though here has been a bridge on site since the 12th-century.
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
It’s a fairly long walk betwen the Ponte di Rialto and your next stop, the bridge of Ponte dell’Accademia, but luckily there’s a beautiful building mid-way along the walk which is most definitely worth stopping off at.
The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a spiral staircase and associated building date back to the 15th-century. Today, visitors can climb the spiral staircase, enjoy a gorgeous view of Venice, and enjoy a small gallery on one of the floors.
Ponte dell’Accademia
Thanks to its many waterways, there is no shortage of beautiful bridges in Venice, and after a long walk from the Ponte di Rialto, you’ll be rewarded by seeing the Ponte dell’Accademia. This bridge is one of only four bridges which span the Grand Canal in Venice and offers one of the best views of the city.
Gallerie Dell’Accademia
Optionally, if you are not too tired from your day in Venice so far, then you can head to the Gallerie Dell’Accademia (depending on how long the rest of the Venice tour has taken you).
Those who love art can most certainly not miss out on the Gallerie Dell’Accademia which is an art museum featuring Venetian works that date back to pre 19th-century.
Artists whose works feature inside include Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Canaletto. For an extra special occasion, consider booking this Private Accademia Gallery and Dorsoduro Tour.
Take a Gondola ride
There are a few ways to enjoy Venice’s waterway, though taking a Gondola ride is undoubtedly the most famous. During my first trip to Venice at the age of 19, I opted to take a gondola ride, and honestly I’m so glad I did!
Gondola rides will set you back a pretty penny and the city has capped the rates for a gondola ride (the people who captain a gondola are known as gondoliers and there are around 400 who operate in Venice today) at 80 euros for 40 minutes or 100 euros if taken after sunset.
Visitors to Venice should note that the price is per Gondola as opposed to per person. Book your Private Gondola Ride along Canal Grande here in advance.
Enjoy an aperitivo
End your busy day in Venice by indulging in a favourite Venetian pastime: aperitivo. This activity involves friends, drinking and enjoying some cicchetti (snacks) and is the perfect way to relax after a busy day of exploration.
The most traditional liqueurs drunk at an aperitivo are campari or aperol and these are consumed as a spritz or as a negroni. If you want to make more of an experience of it, consider purchasing this Venetian Aperitif on the Lagoon.
A map for spending one day in Venice
If you have more time…
If you have more than 24 hours in the city, then it’s worth noting that there are plenty of things to do in Venice, including indulging in local food and even taking a day trip from Venice. Some of our top activities include:
Visiting Murano
Murano is one of the many islands in the Venetian Lagoon and is easily reached via ferry from Venice itself. The island is best-known for its glass production, and a little glass souvenir makes for the perfect souvenir from your trip to Italy.
Even though Venice is one of the most visited places in Europe, there are a surprising number of hidden gems. One of my favourites is that Venice is actually home to one of the narrowest streets in Europe.
Calle Varisco (also known as Ramo Varisco) ironically has some very tall tales to tell. According to legend, if a murderer walks down this narrow and dead-end street (the street leads only to another canal and is not a through passage), then they’ll be instantly crushed by the close together walls.
Libreria Acqua Alta
For one of the best hidden gems of bookshops in Europe, you simply need to visit Venice. World-famous thanks to its meandering canals, a wealth of bridges, and stunning architecture, the Libreria Acqua Alta is unusual in that it stores its books in bathtubs and boats! For more literary inspiration, be sure to check out the best bookshops in Europe.
Where to stay in Venice
Budget: If you’re in search of an affordable option when it comes to staying in Venice, then this hostel offers private rooms and single-sex dorms set against the backdrop of a waterfront granary-turned-hostel.
Please note that anywhere to stay in Venice is quite expensive, and if you truly want to save some money, then you should opt to stay off the island of Venice and instead on the mainland. Check prices and availability here.
Mid-range: This charming accommodation is located under a 10 minutes walk from St Mark’s Square and is set within a restored 17th-century property overlooking a canal. Check prices and availability here.
Luxury: For those looking for the ultimate luxury experience, this five-star hotel boasts amenities such as a spa, room service, and breakfast buffet. Check prices and availability here.
Fee to visit Venice
In the spring of 2024, the city of Venice will implement a daily tourist fee for a trial period of 30 select dates just for visiting the city in a bid to combat over-tourism. You can read more about the fee here.
Tickets will cost €5 per day per visitor depending on how busy Venice is expected to be that day and will have to been booked online ahead of the visit to Venice.
There will be a number of exceptions, including for those visiting family, overnight guests, homeowners, and children under six, among others.
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