Venice just might be one of the most magical places I've ever been.
It’s a city that feels preserved as if by a time capsule and has managed to maintain its quaintness despite its popularity as a tourist destination.
It can be pretty daunting to figure out how to spend just 3 days in Venice. From museums and galleries to seemingly hundreds of must-see attractions, it can feel impossible to do it all. And that’s true, sort of. While you’ll never be able to see everything in Venice, three days is the perfect amount of time to really see the city. You’ll be able to visit many of the top attractions and enjoy some of the best pasta you’ll ever eat.
To help you plan your trip to Venice and figure out what to do, where to go, what to eat, and where to stay, here’s my suggested itinerary for your three day trip to Venice.
Day 1
Saint Mark's Basilica
Start your first morning in Venice by waking up early to visit St. Mark's Basilica. The church was founded in the 9th-century to house newly acquired (reportedly by stealing) relics of patron saint Mark from the city of Alexandria. Saint Mark was named the city's protector and his symbol of the winged lion later became the official symbol of the Venetian Republic. Now that you know, you'll see the winged lion all over Venice.
The architecture of the church is Byzantine, and the basilica has become increasingly extravagant with new mosaics, objects, and sculptures added over the centuries. The famous four bronze horses from the west facade are on display in the basilica's museum, and replicas can be seen on the current west facade.
Regardless of how you spend your 3 days in Venice, St. Mark's is an absolute must-see! There is also so much fascinating history about the basilica that I recommend visiting the official website to learn more before your visit.
I went for the first time during off-season in March and arrived about 15 minutes before the basilica opened for the day, and there was already a massive line. I can't even imagine how busy it must get in the summers. I'd suggest arriving at 9am, half an hour before it opens, to ensure you don't spend your entire morning waiting in line.
Address: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy.
How to get there: Take ACTV vaporetto lines 4.1/4.2, 5.1/5.2 or line 2 to get to the square. Avoid line 1 since it makes every stop on the grand canal and would take forever.
Hours: Open daily from 9:30am-5:15pm (last admission at 4:45pm).
Cost: Tickets are €3, and free for children up to 6 years old. Supplemental tickets for the Pala d’Oro are €5 (the high altar retable) and the Loggia dei Cavalli museum is an additional €7. On Sunday mornings from 9:30am to 2pm only the museum is open. On Saturdays and Sundays, due to current covid restrictions, tickets must be purchased at the San Basso ticket office (just around the corner to the northern side of the basilica).
Other tips: St. Mark's is a catholic church, so remember to cover your knees and shoulders so you don't get turned away. If it's too hot to wear long pants, bring a scarf to tie around your legs! They also don't allow backpacks or luggage, so you can drop bags at the official luggage drop if need be.
It's also much faster to have €3 in coins ready when entering the basilica so you don't have to fuss with the card machine or hold up the line. When I went it was not possible to buy regular tickets (without a guide) in advance.
St. Mark's Campanile
After the basilica, consider going up the almost 99-meter bell tower, St. Mark's Campanile. The original was built in the 12th-century and likely served as a watchtower. However, the version we see today was built in the 16th century and remains the tallest building in Venice. The bell tower collapsed in 1902 and destroyed four out of five of the original bells - only the largest survived. The tower was rebuilt ten years later to match its previous form.
St. Mark's Campanile has wonderful views of the city and surrounding lagoon and is worth a trip to the top. But if you prefer, I recommend a (free) alternative to this at the end of day one for equally amazing views!
Hours: From April to October: daily from 8:30am-9pm. November to March: daily from 9:30am-5:30pm. April 1st-15th: daily from 9am- 5pm. Hours seem to change frequently, be sure to check their website.
Cost: Reserved entrance tickets are €15 when purchased in advance online, as opposed to €10 in person. Children under age 6 are free. It is well worth the little extra to have a timed ticket that allows you to skip what could have been hours of waiting in line.
St. Mark's Square & Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower)
Be sure to take a moment to soak in the magnificence of St. Mark's Square itself. The square is nestled between Doge's Palace and the Jacopo Sansovino Library. Walk along the covered archways on the ground floor of the library to see the shops and cafe. If you're looking to stop for a mid-morning coffee, there's no place better than the Caffè Quadri.
While you sip your drink, be sure to take note of the Torre dell'Orologio, the Renaissance tower from 1499. It features a mechanical clock that, besides telling time, shows the lunar cycle and the sun's movements through the zodiac signs.
Bridge of Sighs
From San Marco's Square, head around the corner to get a gorgeous view of the Bridge of Sighs. Back in the day, the enclosed limestone bridge connected the interrogation rooms in Doge's Palace to the prison. It's said that prisoners would sigh as they went over the bridge into the prison, knowing it was the last time they'd see the spectacular city of Venice.
Address: Ponte della Paglia, 30124 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy.
Waterside promenade & Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
Next, keep walking east on the Riva degli Schiavoni to get some gorgeous views of the water. On your way, take note of the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. It was built to honor the Kingdom of Italy's first king back in 1887.
Church of San Zaccaria
From the waterfront, depending on time and interest, I'd recommend looping into at least one of the nearby churches. They're all spectacular and filled to the gills with extraordinary works of art. Personally, I would suggest visiting the Church of San Zaccaria. Constructed in the 15th-century, this Gothic-Renaissance church touts a famous altarpiece by Giovanni Bellini, the Italian Renaissance painter.
Address: Campo S. Zaccaria, 4693, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10am-12pm and 4pm-6pm. Sunday from 4pm-6pm.
Cost: Free admission. To access the crypt beneath the church is €1.50.
Other tips: You may want to briefly stop into other churches as you walk around Venice. I'd recommend having lots of €1 and €2 coins for small church entrance fees, which usually range from one to three euros.
Campo Bandiera e Moro
Back by the waterfront, continue walking over to the Campo Bandiera e Moro, the scenic historical square with a coffee shop.
Address: Calle de la Pietà, 3723, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.
Lunch!
Assuming you got up early to make the most of St. Mark's, by now it should be about lunchtime. And if you're anything like me, your feet probably hurt from all the standing and walking around. Never fear! One of the best parts of figuring out what to do in Venice is figuring out what to eat. I had the absolute best lunch at Ristorante Antica Sacrestia, which is an easy walk from the Campo Bandiera e Moro Square.
This traditional Italian restaurant has a private garden courtyard, so you can eat outside and still be shielded from much of the city noise. The staff was friendly and very helpful. I had the carbonara pasta and tiramisu for dessert. Both were excellent.
Address: Calle de la Corona, 4463, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 11:45am-2:30pm and 6:30pm-10:15pm. Closed Monday.
Other tips: Don't stress about trying to speak Italian. I heard my server speak English, Italian/Venetian (I'm not sure which), and French while I was eating. I meant to ask her if it was a requirement of working there, but I never got the chance. Needless to say, you will feel well taken care of by the staff.
Doge's Palace
After a long refreshing lunch, head back over to St. Mark's Square to visit Doge's Palace. This may seem a little strange to backtrack, but it would personally be too much for me to do St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace back-to-back. It'd be too much standing around, and after St. Mark's I wanted to spend the rest of my morning out exploring Venice while the city was still relatively quiet. Fortunately, the palace is made up of massive rooms that make a crowd seem small, so my afternoon visit worked out.
Doge's Palace, known locally as Palazzo Ducale, was originally built as the home for Venice's Doge, or leader of the Republic in 1340. The palace was designed in Venetian Gothic style and used to be the center of political life in Venice. It housed the seat of government, apartments, courtrooms, and even a jail (arguably the coolest part). Today, it's a museum.
Just like St. Mark's Basilica, there is so much interesting history about the palace. If you want to learn more their website has a great brief history, and it also includes a downloadable PDF for even more information.
Address: Palazzo Ducale e altri 10 musei di Venezia, P.za San Marco, Venezia VE, Italy.
Hours: Open daily from 10am-6pm with the last admission at 5pm.
Cost: €36 full-fare for adults, €19 for students. Family discounts, over 65s, and Rolling Venice discounts are also available. You can buy your ticket in advance online, which I'd recommend doing in and around summer.
Exploring
Once you're done at Doge's Palace, head west and allow yourself to get a little lost as you stumble upon narrow bridges and ancient buildings. Of course, there's still lots to see in this area. There's the church of Santa Maria del Giglio, the church of St. Stephen, Santo Stefano Square, and several gallery spaces. But I had the most fun spending my late afternoon just getting a feel for the city by wandering a bit.
Address: Campiello Morosini, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy.
Rialto Bridge
I'm a fan of oriented wandering (yes, I just made that up), where I'm mostly walking around aimlessly but still want to end up in a certain general direction. In this case, try to direct your afternoon wanderings up towards the Rialto Bridge as it gets closer to sunset.
The bridge will be bathed in gorgeous warm light, and it makes for wonderful photos. The Rialto Bridge is a 16th-century stone bridge and the oldest of four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. Climb to the top of the bridge for an impressive view and to watch the boats pass under the bridge.
Address: Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venezia, Italy, Venice.
T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace
I've saved the best for last. To end an incredible first day in Venice, book a spot on the T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace for sunset. There isn't a better view of Venice! From the observation deck, you'll be able to see the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Cathedral Tower, and on a clear day, the Dolomite Mountains in the distance!
Address: Rialto Bridge, Calle del Fontego dei Tedeschi, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy.
Hours: Open daily from 10am-6:30pm.
Cost: FREE! However, this is a VERY popular spot, and you probably won't be allowed up for sunset any time of year without booking a ticket in advance. Several people were turned away when I visited. Tickets are timed and sessions are 15 minutes.
Other tips: When you get to the mall, take the escalators all the way up and follow signs for the observation deck. When you arrive, show the person in charge your ticket. You'll be queued up with everyone else with the same timed ticket, and you'll all be let up as a group.
Also, don't be shy to ask strangers to take your photo! I think I took family portraits of just about everyone up there, and they happily returned the favor.
Day 2
Gallerie dell'Accademia
Your second day in Venice is all about visiting the artistic, religious, and cultural jewels of the city.
To begin, visit the Gallerie dell'Accademia right when it opens. The museum is home to 13th to 18th-century Venetian artwork. For those art nerds out there, the gallery has works from pretty big names like Bellini, Tintoretto, and Titian. I had such a great time here. Some of the paintings are several meters long (why can't art still be like that?!), and fortunately the exhibit labels are translated to English. Generally speaking, works were arranged chronologically.
Address: Campo della Carità, 1050, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy.
How to get there: Take ACTV vaporetto line 2 to Accademia.
Hours: Monday 8:15am-2pm (last entrance at 1pm). Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15am-7:15pm (last entrance at 6:15pm).
Cost: Tickets are €12. For EU visitors aged 18-25 tickets are €2. Anyone under 18 is free.
Other tips: You can find a helpful museum map on their website. Due to covid, they're not currently giving out paper maps.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
After the museum, walk over to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, built in 1631 to commemorate the end of a horrible plague that begin the year prior. About a third of the local population was lost to the plague. The basilica was dedicated to Our Lady of Health ("salute" in Italian).
Address: Dorsoduro, 1, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy.
Hours: Open daily from 9:30am-12pm and 3pm-5:30pm.
Cost: Free entrance.
The Caffe Rosso
Next up, walk up through the narrow streets to The Caffe Rosso for a snack and a mid-morning coffee. This is a popular spot with locals and tourists. Funny enough, sitting is more expensive than standing in Venice! For example, having a cappuccino standing is €1, but sitting it's €1.70. Your call, but I'd happily pay 70 cents to rest my feet.
Address: Sestiere Dorsoduro, 2963, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy.
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 7am-1am. Closed Sunday.
Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Since you'll be nearby, pop into the Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. You may not be as much of an old church person as I am, but this one is really not to miss. It's a Gothic church from the 14th-century home to two works by Titian - and his tomb.
Address: San Polo, 3072, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9am-7:30pm. Friday 9am-11pm. Saturday 9am-6pm. Sunday 1pm-6pm.
Cost: Full-fare tickets are €5, and €2 for students and people under 30 with ID card proof. For anyone over 65 tickets are €3, and children up to 11 are free as are disabled travelers.
Lunch
For lunch, I'd recommend eating at Trattoria Dona Onesta. Located just a few minutes away from the Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, the traditional restaurant serves Venetian cuisine with pasta, meat, and seafood options. They have tables on their balcony that overlook the canal! Oh, and free Wi-Fi.
Address: Dorsoduro, 3922, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy.
Hours: Thursday to Tuesday 12pm-3pm and 6pm-10pm. Closed Wednesday.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco or the Jewish Museum
After lunch, you can head either to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco or the Jewish Museum.
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a 16th-century art museum dedicated to the Renaissance artist Tintoretto. The building itself is incredibly ornate. Art lovers like myself will have a great time.
Address: San Polo, 3054, a, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.
Hours: Open daily from 9:30am-5:30pm (last entry at 5pm).
Cost: Full-fare is €10. For people under 26 or over 65 tickets are €8. Under 18s and disabled people are free.
Alternatively, work your way up to the Cannaregio neighborhood to visit the Jewish museum. Venice has a complicated and turbulent history with its Jewish residents, which is detailed in the museum. It's small, but tickets also include access to the garden and guided synagogue tours.
Address: Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, 2902, b, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy.
Hours: Sunday to Friday 10am-5:30pm. Closed Saturday.
Cost: Full-fare tickets are 12€, reduced prices are €10.
Jewish Neighborhood
Regardless of where you spend your afternoon, you should still walk around the Cannaregio neighborhood. Be sure to visit the Jewish neighborhood surrounding the Jewish museum. It's a super lively area.
Address: Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy.
Alternative late afternoon adventure: Lido!
Tired of museums or prefer to get away from the crowds? Head to the beach on the island of Lido! I visited Venice in March and was enthralled by the idea of going to the beach. After visiting the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, I spent several hours laying on Bluemoon Beach in Lido.
It only takes about 35 minutes to get there on the vaporetto, and then simply walk straight across the narrow island to the other side where you'll find the beach!
Several beaches on Lido are private, but Bluemoon Beach is free for the public. The sand is soft and not rocky, so you won't need water shoes if you'll be swimming. The facilities weren't open when I was there in the off-season, but in peak season they have umbrellas and chairs for rent, bathrooms, and a restaurant and bar.
Address: di, Piazzale Bucintoro, 1, 30126 Lido VE, Italy.
How to get there: Take ACTV vaporetto line 1 to Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta (S.M.E.).
Other tips: If you're not going in the summer, I'd dress warmer than you think you need to. The wind can be quite cold!
Day 3
Murano
Day three in Venice isn't actually in Venice. Instead, you'll be exploring nearby islands. Start your morning by taking the vaporetto to the island of Murano. Murano is known for their traditions of glassmaking. They have several glass factories, shops, and a museum.
If glass is your thing, definitely spend the time to walk through the glass museum. Murano is also the perfect place to bring back glass souvenirs (don't worry about how to get your selections home - most shops offer international shipping).
In addition, take some time to explore the island. Don't miss the Basilica of Saint Mary and Saint Donatus. The church was built in the 7th-century, making it one of the oldest in the Venetian lagoon. It's known for its 12th-century Byzantine mosaic pavement.
How to get there: Take ACTV vaporetto line 4.1 from Fondamente Nove and get off at Murano Colonna C.
Mazzorbo
Next up is the quiet island of Mazzorbo, which neighbors the more famous, colorful island of Burano. Mazzorbo is known mostly for its vineyards and orchards. However, getting off at Mazzorbo allows you to first take a stroll through a public vineyard belonging to the Venissa Estate. The walled vineyard is quiet, green, and the perfect escape. They grow Venice's prized dorona grape, which was once almost eradicated after the great Venetian flood (known as "acqua alta" aka "high water") of 1966. You can also visit their vegetable gardens.
How to get there: Walk to the ACTV vaporetto station Murano Faro A and take line 12 to Mazzorbo.
Burano
Mazzorbo is linked by a small footbridge to Burano, which is your next stop. The bridge is located just behind the vineyard.
Burano is perhaps the most well-known island in the Venetian lagoon aside from Venice itself. The main thing to do here is to walk around and explore. Every corner offers a spectacularly colorful scene. It's truly a photographer's paradise. Take your time, and be sure to get some photos of yourself here!
How to get there: Cross over the footbridge connecting Mazzorbo and Burano, no need to take the vaporetto!
Lunch
I arrived on Burano a little too early for lunch, so I stopped to take a rest and grab a coffee along the street Via Baldassare Galuppi to people-watch before walking around to explore the island and had lunch afterward. If you spent more time at some of the morning spots, you'll definitely want to eat once you arrive in Burano and explore afterward.
I had good luck finding lunch on the street Fondamenta S. Mauro, which runs along the water at the center of the island. There are several northern Italian and pizza restaurants. I ended up at a place called Ristorante Pizzeria Principe, but mostly I looked for a place with available outdoor seating! You'll be in good hands wherever you end up; I couldn't find a place in this area with bad reviews.
Torcello
The last stop for the day is Torcello, all the way up at the northern edge of the Venetian lagoon. The swampy island was settled in the year 452. It's known as the parent island from which Venice was eventually settled.
The island used to have several medieval palaces until the Venetians tore them down to reuse the building material. Today there is only one remaining, which includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Church of Santa Fosca, and a campanile. There's only one street that will take you through the whole island. Simply follow it until you reach the basilica. On your way, you'll notice a few private residencies. Once a wealthy and bustling island, today very few people live there.
All the same, the island offers fascinating ruins and great views of the lagoon.
How to get there: Take the ACTV vaporetto line 9 from Burano A one stop to Torcello.
Getting back to Venice
When you're ready to head back to Venice, first take the ACTV vaporetto line 9 one stop from Torcello to Burano A. Next, walk over to the Burano C station, where you'll take line 12 all the way back to Fondamente Nova A in Venice.
Best dinner spots in Venice
- La Zucca - This vegetarian-oriented restaurant features seasonal Venetian dishes, a cozy setting, and canal views. Sestiere Santa Croce 1762.
- Il Paradiso Perduto - A traditional neighborhood tavern serving Venetian food and often has live music. della Misericordia, 2540, Fondamenta Cannaregio.
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Osteria Alla Staffa - Seafood dishes, pasta, and meat options in a small but relaxed atmosphere. Calle Ospedaletto, 6398.
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Cantina do Mori - Cantina do Mori is one of the oldest bars in Venice. It's a bit of a local hangout. Note that it has no tables, but a hell of a lively atmosphere and a cicchetti menu. Calle Do Mori, 429.
I found three days in Venice is the perfect amount of time for a first trip, but there will always be more to see. The city is over 1,200 years old, and it has a rich and complex history with seemingly endless attractions. Even so, in three days you'll be able to see the highlights and get a feel for one of the most magical cities in the world.
One last thing... remember to take this itinerary and make it yours! I'm a person that likes to get up early and see it all, but remember to take on a bit of the Italian spirit. Enjoy long lunches, stroll along the canals in the evenings, and soak up the mesmorizing architecture. Venice is meant to be savored!