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In just 2 days in Venice, you can immerse yourself in the city’s most iconic attractions while enjoying the local culture and cuisine. Experience a gondola ride through the stunning canals and visit landmarks like Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. This 2-day itinerary for Venice will ensure you make the most out of your brief visit to this enchanting city.
Venice is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, featuring vibrant buildings and meandering canals. Rich in history, culture, and culinary delights, it stands out as one of the world’s most desirable travel destinations. The City of Canals offers a plethora of experiences, from a once-in-a-lifetime gondola ride to exploring Doge’s Palace and the renowned Piazza San Marco.
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Venice Quick Guide
Planning your Venice trip? Here’s everything you need:
Top-Rated Tours and Day Trips in Venice:
– Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour
– Boat Trip: Visit Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands
Recommended Accommodations in Venice:
- Hotel Al Codega: Conveniently located near St. Mark’s Square.
- B&B Bloom Settimo Cielo: Centrally located for easy access to attractions.
- Hotel Ai Reali – Small Luxury Hotels of the World: One of the finest hotels in Venice.
Two Days in Venice: Where to Stay
During your 2-day trip to Venice, it’s ideal to spend at least one night here, though I highly recommend staying for two nights to experience everything fully. Below are some excellent hotel choices, all centrally located to maximize your stay.
Hotel Al Codega: Highly rated and perfect for art and culture lovers. It boasts an excellent location and standard amenities like heating, flat-screen TVs, and more. Check out current prices and details here.
Hotel Rio: Located in the heart of Venice, this hotel is near the Rialto Bridge and the Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station, making it ideal for shopping. Amenities include satellite TV, WiFi, toiletries, and hairdryers. Check out current prices and details here.
B&B Bloom Settimo Cielo: Beautifully romantic and architecturally outstanding, this hotel is a favorite among guests. It features stunning architecture and all the essential amenities, located in Campiello Santo Stefano. Check out current prices and details here.
Hotel Ai Reali – Small Luxury Hotels of the World: This hotel showcases exquisite Baroque and neoclassical architecture with marble details and is just a 3-minute walk from St. Mark’s Basilica. All rooms are well-furnished with modern amenities. Check out current prices and details here.
Is 2 Days in Venice Sufficient?
Venice is a truly enchanting city, reminiscent of a film set or a fairy tale. There’s a wealth of things to see and do in the City of Canals, and two days offer just enough time to experience its highlights.
With two full days, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Venice, visit iconic sites such as St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, wander through Piazza San Marco, admire stunning art, take a gondola ride, and much more!
How to Spend 2 Days in Venice: Things to Do and See
Map for Your 2-Day Venice Itinerary
2 Days in Venice: Day One
Climb Up the Campanile di San Marco
The Campanile di San Marco, which stands at 325 feet tall, oversees Piazza San Marco. Constructed in the 12th century, this tower once functioned as a watchtower for the city. At the top, you’ll find the iconic Gabriel weathervane that indicates wind direction above the lagoon. For spectacular views of the piazza, climbing the tower is a must.
Explore St. Mark’s Basilica
Just a short stroll from St. Mark’s Campanile lies the historic St. Mark’s Basilica. Originally built in the 9th century, this remarkable cathedral has undergone various renovations over the years. Officially the Cathedral of Venice since 1807, its design features stunning domes, intricate carved marble, and mesmerizing mosaics, some adorned with 24-carat gold.
As you explore the interior, you’ll find beautiful frescoes, artifacts, and the Cupola of the Prophets, which houses St. Mark’s tomb. Admission is free, although a fee is required to view specific artifacts, including the dazzling Pala d’Oro (a golden altar embellished with rare gems).
Tip: Consider a 3-hour guided tour that includes visits to St. Mark’s Basilica and its terraces, as well as Doge’s Palace.
Stroll Through the Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is Venice’s main square, steeped in history. This bustling area once served as a gathering place for influential Venetians during the city’s heights as a maritime power, where discussions on trade and politics took place. Take a moment to admire the exterior of historic buildings like Doge’s Palace and watch gondolas glide across the lagoon.
Numerous cafes, such as Gran Caffè Lavena, are located in the piazza, offering a delectable array of meals, cocktails, coffees, and sweets. Enjoy your refreshments while soaking in the atmosphere, complete with the cooing of pigeons and the pealing of nearby church bells.
Visit Doge’s Palace
Locally referred to as Palazzo Ducale, Doge’s Palace was constructed in the 14th century and is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. It now operates as a museum that features various art exhibitions and tours. A special tour is available for those interested in exploring the palace’s hidden spaces, such as its attic, courtyards, and secret chambers.
If you plan to visit both St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, this skip-the-line 3-hour walking tour can save you time and money.
Discover the Gallerie dell’Accademia
Located in a former church, the Accademia Galleries houses an impressive collection of pre-19th century art, featuring works by local artists like Tintoretto and Guardi. You can explore the galleries or check out other exhibitions they host.
After your visit, be sure to stop by the bookstore, where you can find books detailing the history of the artworks you encountered. Reservations are recommended, as entry might be limited.
Visit the Rialto Bridge and Market
As your first day in Venice comes to an end, traverse one of the city’s oldest bridges, the Rialto Bridge, completed in 1588. This iconic structure features three walkways that provide different vantage points of the canal and city. After enjoying the views, be sure to visit the nearby Rialto Market, where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish.
2 Days in Venice: Day Two
Explore the Peggy Guggenheim Museum
This museum, located along the Grand Canal, used to be the residence of Peggy Guggenheim, a prominent patron of modern art. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of modern art pieces and interesting exhibits, including a lovely sculpture garden.
Click here to book your skip-the-line museum tickets.
Take a Grand Canal Cruise to Murano, Burano, and Torcello
A Grand Canal cruise to the enchanting islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello promises to be a memorable experience. Purchase a ticket for a Vaporetto (waterbus) to explore these stunning islands. In Murano, you can witness glassblowing demonstrations and visit a church believed to house the bones of a slain dragon.
Onward to Burano, marvel at the vividly colored fishermen’s houses, highlighting the island’s rich tradition of seafood cuisine and lace-making. Torcello provides a calmer atmosphere, where you can appreciate ancient mosaics and historic structures.
For more information and to book your cruise to Murano, Burano, and Torcello, click here.
Visit Campo Santa Maria Formosa and the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Campo Santa Maria Formosa is another beautiful square in Venice, home to the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, also known as San Zanipolo. Completed in 1430, it is one of the largest churches in the area.
Take a moment to admire its spectacular architecture, grand pillars, and remarkable mosaics. Inside, you may find the urn believed to hold the remains of Marco Antonio Bragadin, a 15th-century Venetian general.
Enjoy a Gondola Ride or a 1-Hour Boat Tour of the Grand Canal
Depending on your preference, consider opting for either a gondola ride or a one-hour boat tour of the Grand Canal. A gondola ride offers a romantic way to see the city as a gondolier navigates you through its winding canals, giving you a unique perspective of Venice.
Gondola pricing: Opt for either a private or shared experience, with an opportunity to pay extra for live singing by your gondolier. Standard rides last about 30 minutes, although longer options are available. Evening rides cost slightly more due to high demand.
The city regulates fares at 80 euros for a 40-minute ride, increasing to 100 euros after 7 PM, although these fees may not directly reflect the final price charged to you.
It’s advisable to pre-book a gondola ride with a fixed rate, such as this option. However, if you wish to be spontaneous, always negotiate your price before boarding.
A one-hour boat tour of the Grand Canal lasts about 60 minutes, providing a guided view of the city’s attractions, historic bridges, and more.
Wander the Streets
Before your trip concludes, take a moment to wander the charming streets of Venice. You’ll discover quaint shops, beautiful bridges, and stunning city views.
Don’t miss out on the local eateries and gelato shops! Keep in mind that the streets can be a bit tricky to navigate, so pay close attention to signage.
Consider reading: How many days do you need in Venice?
Practical Tips for Your 2-Day Venice Itinerary
Getting to Venice
Venice is easy to reach by air, train, or car.
The main train station is Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia, with direct trains available from major Italian cities—Rome, Milan, Naples, Bologna, and Florence.
If you’re driving, be prepared to park at the edge of the city, as cars are not allowed within Venice’s historical center. Tronchetto Parking is a large garage located in Santa Croce that accommodates 4,500 vehicles and is typically not fully booked.
If you’re taking a flight from an international location, you will most likely arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Arriving and Departing from the Airport
When flying into the city, you will land at Venice Marco Polo Airport, conveniently located just 6 miles from the city center. Several transportation options are available:
By Bus: This is the quickest and most affordable way to reach the city center. You can choose between:
- Venice Airport Bus Shuttle (ATVO): The journey takes around 20 minutes and costs 8 euros, with regular departures every 20 minutes. Check this option here.
- Aerobus N° 5: Operated by the ACTV, this bus takes about 25 minutes and costs 8 euros, with departures every 15 minutes.
By Steamboat (“Vaporetto”): Experience authentic Venice with the Alilaguna service that connects the airport to the city center and surrounding islands. There are three lines (blue, orange, and red) based on your destination. Note that it’s a 10-minute walk from the airport to the dock, and costs range from 8 to 15 euros. Consider purchasing a 24-hour or 72-hour ticket for 30 or 65 euros, respectively.
By Water Taxi: Various local companies offer this service, providing pickup from the arrivals hall of the airport, shuttle transfer to the dock, and a private boat ride to your destination. A water taxi costs around 100 euros for a 30-minute ride. Alternatively, you can share a water taxi for about 30 euros, find out more here.
By Traditional Taxi: Request a flat fare of 40 euros to reach Piazzale Roma.
If you land at another airport: Treviso is another option near Venice. You can catch a shared shuttle bus to Venice in under an hour for just 12 euros.
Additionally, you might want to read about: How to get to Venice from Marco Polo Airport.
Getting Around Venice
The best way to explore the city is on foot, navigating its narrow alleys (called “calli”), taking in views of the unique architecture. If you prefer public transportation, trams and steamboats are the most effective options.
- Tramways: The T1 line is particularly useful for tourists. Tickets cost 1.50 euros, or you can purchase a cumulative ticket valid for 10 rides for 14 euros, or opt for 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour unlimited ride tickets.
- Steamboats: These are the most popular mode of transportation, with numerous stops throughout the city. The main lines for tourists are 1 and 2, with tickets priced at 7.50 euros per ride. Although it’s somewhat expensive, a steamboat ride offers fantastic photo opportunities from the canals. To save money, consider getting a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour ticket, or check this option. You can find a map of the steamboat routes as well.
