3 day itinerary for Venice

I spent a lot of time prior to our trip to Venice looking into what to do when we’re there and came up with an Itinerary, so I wanted to share it with you and give you a guide for your upcoming trip

 

A few things to know in general about Visiting Venice:

 

  • If you are flying into Venice like we did, you will most likely fly into Marco Polo airport- which is located in mainland Venice and you will need to get to the historic canal area. There is a water taxi that can take you or if you want a more cost-sensitive option then you can take the bus (it’s about a 40-minute ride).

 

  • Getting around Venice: itself you can walk (but be prepared for your legs to hurt after the first day), you can also take a water taxi (however, the cost is hefty), or you can use the vaporetto.

For the vaporetto- you can pay for each ride or purchase the unlimited ride card- which I highly recommend. It’s nice not to worry about paying each time (which means avoiding lines) and especially if you plan on visiting any of the local islands, it’ll add up and the pass will end up saving you money.

Day 1:

You’ll probably be a bit jet-lagged and tired this day, so I highly recommend taking it easy and saving up energy for the next day (this really makes this a 3.5 day itinerary, but if your time is limited you can skip it and start with Day 2)

We walked around Venice,  explored the waterways, bridges and tiny walkways. We had only one main spot to get to for the first day and I highly recommend you visit it.

Libreria Aqua Alta is a beautiful bookshop and a hidden gem, it’s a small store overfilled with books. So overfilled that they have them in bathtubs and gondolas and even used books to build a staircase and walls around a sitting area.

 

Day 2:

Today focus on exploring the area of St. Marks square and I suggest starting early as the area gets very busy.

Stop by the Basilica di San Marco (you can visit it inside or climb to the Campanile for views of St. Marks square (the lines to enter inside get long, so either get here super early to beat the crowds or buy tickets)

Also make sure to visit Doges palace, which was once the residence and the seat of Venetian government (it’s beautiful to walk around, has so much history to learn about and this is where you can walk over the famous bridge of sighs.

After spending some time walking around the square make sure to visit the small island (which many don’t know about right across from the square, and just a quick vaporetto ride over)- San Giorgio Maggiore.

This small island has a tower which can be climbed for a view of St. Marks (just make sure to bring cash for the pass).  Walk around the island, explore the waterfront filled with yachts, check out the park which has an amazing glass sculpture and if you walk further past the park you end up at the other side of the island with a park and quiet area to relax.

By now you’ll probably be exhausted, so take the vaporetto back and enjoy the sunset ride.

Day 3:

You explored the major tourist hub yesterday by visiting the St. Marks area so today its time for a day trip to the islands surrounding Venice.

Murano (known for its glass work) and Burano (known for its silk) are something not to be missed if you’re in Venice. Click the links to read my posts about visiting each one.

Before heading out to the vaporetto to visit the islands take a stop by the Rialto Bridge- it’ll be less busy in the morning.

Also, right by the bridge is the mall- T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi (which has a viewing area on the top floor with amazing views overlooking Venice)- you can reserve your time slot prior to visiting so you don’t have to stand in line.

 

Day4:

Ready for another day trip? you should be.

In the summer months Italy gets hot, so on your last day, when you’re exhausted from all the walking its a perfect day to take a trip to the beach. Lido island off of Venice is a perfect spot for a day trip to the beach. Lido has many beaches but with only a few hours to visit you’re best off going to the public beach (which is only about a 10 minute walk from the vaporetto stop- once you’re off the vaporetto keeping walking forward, past the traffic circle and continue down the street and in a few blocks you’ll be by the water).

On the way back stop by this shop to get some gelato- this was one of my favorite gelato spots in Italy- the strawberry is amazing!

Take the vaporetto back and since it’s your last night in Venice, it’s the perfect time for a ride on the Gondola. Sit and take in the views of this Magical city.

 

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