2 Days in Venice: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Timers

With just 2 days in Venice, you might feel like youโ€™re cutting it close… Can you really get to know this magical city in just 48 hours? Will you have enough time to find the best restaurants? To wander the quiet, authentic corners of Venice? And to grab a canal-side table at a local bar, sip on a Select spritz, and savor it?

Well, with this Venice itinerary at your fingertips, the answer to all those questions is yes.

After many successful trips to Venice, I’ve curated the ultimate guide! From the best neighborhoods to explore, authentic bacari (Venetian bars) for cicchetti (Venetian tapas), and the most delicious seafood restaurants, to guided historical tours you canโ€™t miss, the coolest wine bars, and plenty of hidden gems, this 2-Day Venice Itinerary has it all.

Ready for a quick but incredible trip to Venice? Below, youโ€™ll find the best things to do in Venice, where to eat, where to stay, and some must-know travel tips!

A colorful street on the island of Burano; a boat tour to Burano and Murano is a must add to your 2 days in Venice itinerary!

2-Day Venice Itinerary: Summary

Short on time? Hereโ€™s a quick summary of my 2-day Venice itinerary. Read on for all the details!

Day 1 in Venice:

Day 2 in Venice:

Where to Stay in Venice:

Stay in San Marco (very central, but busy and expensive) or Cannaregio (less convenient, but quiet, authentic, and more affordable). Venice hotels are expensive. Book your hotel 6+ months in advance to get a great deal and location! I recommend Ai Patrizi di Venezia, Palazzo Pianca, or Carnival Palace.

Must-Know Tips for Venice:

  • ACCESS FEE: Venice charges day visitors an access fee on specific travel dates. If you’re staying overnight in a Venice hotel/vacation rental, you must apply for a fee exemption. Learn more here.
  • WATER BUS: Planning to use the water bus (vaporetto) system? Use this lines map and timetable.
  • DRESS CODE: Your shoulders and knees must be covered to enter St. Markโ€™s Basilica and other religious sites, so plan accordingly.
  • PHONE DATA: Install an eSIM for easy access to mobile data so you can use Google Maps, etc.

2-Day Venice Itinerary: Interactive Map

I made this handy Venice map just for you! To save it in your Google Maps app and use it as you explore:

  • Click the star (in the heading) to save this map to your Google account.
  • Open your Google Maps app, select “Saved” and go to “Maps.” Find the Venice map listed there.
  • Click the tab in the top left corner to see my pinned locations and turn on/off map layers and walking routes.
The colorful grand canal of Murano with a boat floating by

Day 1 of 2 Days in Venice

This Venice itinerary assumes you arrived the evening before, ready to kickstart your first full day in Venice by 8 AM. Feel free to reshuffle it accordingly!

Here are the best things to do in Venice in 2 days! 

St. Mark's Square, early in the morning, without anyone around
St. Mark’s Square, empty, at 8 AM!

Tour of St. Markโ€™s Basilica & Dogeโ€™s Palace

Ready to dive deep into Venetian history and explore two of Venice’s most magnificent structures? Kick off your first day in Venice with this skip-the-line tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.

St. Markโ€™s Basilica, constructed in the 9th century, is one of the most over-the-top cathedrals Iโ€™ve ever seen.

The millions upon millions of gold mosaic tiles, captivating tessellated tile floors, five-domed ceiling, and priceless Byzantine treasures (like the four bronze horses!) – and the stories behind them – blew my mind.

Maddy overlooking Doge's Palace and the Venetian Lagoon from the terrace of St. Mark's Basilica

The special-access panoramic view of St. Markโ€™s Square from St. Markโ€™s Terrace was just the cherry on top of this tour!

In the Dogeโ€™s Palace, built in 1308, we strolled through the palaceโ€™s many opulent rooms, as our guide told us all about them.

Plus, we crossed the iconic Bridge of Sighs into the prisons; learned all about who the Doges were; and began to understand how the Republic of Venice became one of the most powerful city-states of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. 

Click here to book your skip-the-line tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.

The gilded ceiling within St. Mark's Basilica

Must-Know Tips for the Basilica & Palace

  • Book the โ€œExclusive Entry Doge’s Palaceโ€ option at 8 AM to enter Dogeโ€™s Palace an hour before it opens! Youโ€™ll see the palaceโ€™s opulent chambers, quiet hallways, stunning frescoes, and creepy prisons – and walk through the Bridge of Sighs – without any crowds. In my opinion, it was worth the extra cost!
  • Your shoulders and knees must be covered to enter St. Markโ€™s Basilica! Ladies, I suggest bringing a light scarf or a light linen shirt to cover your shoulders and wearing a long flowy dress!
Looking up at St. Mark's Bell Tower and a cloudy sky from below

St. Markโ€™s Bell Tower

If climbing up St. Markโ€™s Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco) is on your to-do list, then hop in line right after your tour. It’s open daily between 9:30 AM and 9:15 PM, tickets cost โ‚ฌ12 (kids ages 0 to 6 enter free).

As mentioned, your St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace tour includes an incredible view from St. Markโ€™s Terrace, so I donโ€™t think you need to do both! The choice is yours.

HOT TIP: Want a less-visited tower option? Look out for the Torre dell’Orologio in Piazza San Marco. This astronomical clock dates back to 1496; it’s adorned by the Lion of St. Mark, a statue of the Madonna, and the Two Moors Bell. Try to be there for the hourly chimes. For โ‚ฌ14, you can climb the clocktower. Make a reservation to guarantee your spot or try to visit last-minute.

The busy Grand Canal in Venice with boats and gondolas going in all directions

See San Marco & the Grand Canal

Next up, make your way from St. Mark’s Square through the busy streets of the San Marco neighborhood.

Go slowly… Check out the souvenir shops, take in your surroundings, and people-watch. Pop into a bakery. Enjoy it. Even though it’s busy, it is beautiful.

Eventually, you’ll reach the Grand Canal – the wide, busy canal that snakes its way through the center of Venice.

Rialto Bridge, a must-see during your 2 days in Venice

Cross the Rialto Bridge

What’s all the fuss about this bridge? The Rialto Bridge?

Built in the 16th century, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal. A grand feat of engineering from the Renaissance era, the Rialto is Venice’s most famous (and busiest) arched bridge.

Halfway across, stop to watch the chaos unfold below, and snap a photo or two. This birdโ€™s-eye view of the narrowest part of the Grand Canal is pretty epic!

Hungry yet? Cross the Rialto Bridge and you’ll find yourself in the San Polo neighborhood. The crowds will begin to thin, and you’ll be on your way to a traditional, tasty Venetian snack!

Traditional cicchetti in Italy

Try Cicchetti

Next up on your 2-Day Venice Itinerary, it’s time to try cicchetti.

Cicchetti are little snacks served in traditional Venetian bร cari (bars). You eat cicchetti with your fingers, alongside a glass of wine, and usually, while standingโ€ฆ Yes, kind of like Spanish tapas!

Let’s visit one of my favorite cicchetti bars, shall we? Stroll through San Polo until you find Cantina Do Mori (closed on Sundays). Open since 1462, this is one of the oldest and most traditional bars in Venice! Walk up to the counter, point to what looks best, and order a glass of local wine too. 

This is just a pre-lunch snack, though. Okay? Save some room!

NOTE: Is discovering authentic Venetian food is at the top of your list? Maddy’s Avenue guides are always packed with foodie recommendations. Plus, tomorrow night, this โ€œEat Like a Localโ€ Venice Food Walking Tour is on your agenda!

Staff and patrons at the Rialto fish market in Venice - stopping by here is a must on your 2 days in Venice itinerary

Visit the Rialto Market

Around the corner from Cantina do Mori and the Rialto Bridge, youโ€™ll find the Rialto Market (Mercato di Rialto). 

This bustling, centuries-old fish and fresh fruit market is one of my favorite places in San Polo. It’s a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and smells, popular among locals and travelers alike.

Note: Itโ€™s closed on Sundays!

Delicious spaghetti di scampi alla busara and spaghetti allo scoglio with an Aperol sprotz and a negroni. Eating amazing seafood in Venice is one of the best things to do in 2 days in Venice.

Lunch at a Traditional Venetian Restaurant

Ready for a delicious Venetian-style seafood lunch? By now, it should be around 1:30 PM, which means itโ€™s time to eat (again)!

Slowly meander your way through San Polo, and over to the quaint neighborhood of Cannaregio. Then, choose between Trattoria Bar Pontini and Al Mariner. Either way, you canโ€™t go wrong! I love both.

I always start with a mixed seafood antipasto platter. Then, I dive into a traditional Venetian seafood pasta, like spaghetti alla bรนsera or spaghetti with black cuttlefish ink! Of course, a Select spritz (which is from Venice!) or an Aperol spritz is a must too.

My husband claimed that his spaghetti allo scoglio (with fresh tomatoes, garlic, mussels, clams, and prawns) at Pontini was the best seafood dish heโ€™d had in six months.

Roam the Quieter Side of Venice

You’ll quickly grow tired of the crowds in the touristy parts of Venice. (I do anyway.) Rather than heading back to San Marco, explore the quieter, more authentic districts.

In particular: Cannaregio and the edges of San Polo.

Roam the quaint streets. Take lots of photos! Check out the vintage shops and discover the workshops where artisans still craft Venetian Carnival masks and gondolas the traditional way, by hand. Explore the 16th-century Jewish Ghetto. Then, choose one of the many local bars lining the quaint streets, find a table in the sunshine, and enjoy a chilled glass of local white wine.

Plus, don’t miss the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frarithe largest church in Venice.

HOT TIP: Go on this โ€œReal Hidden Veniceโ€ guided walking tour to discover some of Venice’s hidden gems and most authentic neighborhoods. You’ll learn about the history of the Jewish Ghetto, Cannaregio, and San Polo as you explore quieter canals. Click here to book it.

A colorful and delicous-looking mixed platter of fresh seafood in Venice. Dining at Il Paradiso Perduto is a must-add to your 2-day Venice itinerary.

Dinner in Cannaregio

Itโ€™s time for dinner! And Il Paradiso Perduto is the perfect place. (Well, as long as you made a reservationโ€ฆ Hint, hint.)

At this lively, traditional Venetian restaurant, itโ€™s all about seafood. The daily menu is only printed in Italian (which I love!), so I hope youโ€™ve been studying your food vocabulary.

Last time, we ordered the antipasto misto di pesce to start. Then, two plates of homemade bigoli pasta; one spicy scampi alla busara and one nero di seppia.

Youโ€™re going to love this place as much as I do! Itโ€™s always busy, though, so donโ€™t expect the quickest service. 

Wine at Vino Vero 

Down the street, youโ€™ll find Vino Vero, the coolest natural wine bar in Venice. I love the lively atmosphere, the music, and the amazing local wine here…

Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if you came here more than once during your two days in Venice!

After youโ€™ve ordered a glass (ask the bartender for recommendations!), snag a seat at an al fresco table, or find a spot along the canal to sit/stand, and enjoy!

Maddy standing on a bridge overlooking a colorful street in Burano, Venice, Italy. Visiting Burano is one of the best things to do during 2 days in Venice!

Day 2 of 2 Days in Venice

Ready for your second day in Venice? Today, sail over to the vibrant islands of Murano and Burano, have some cicchetti, explore more of Venice, go on a food tour, and finish with a gondola ride!

Explore the Venetian Lagoon: Murano & Burano

You know those super colorful islands near Venice that you’ve seen on Instagram? Well, you’re about to explore them in real life on this Murano & Burano Islands Small Group Tour by Boat

During this fun half-day tour, we cruised the Venetian Lagoon in a private boat (just for our small group) to reach two of the region’s most quaint and colorful islands: Murano and Burano

Both islands are home to unique cultures, laid-back vibes, and ridiculously vibrant streets. We had the best time roaming around, popping into galleries, and taking dozens of photos.

In Murano, we watched glass-blowing masters employing centuries-old techniques to craft some of the most impressive glass art I’ve ever seen (yes, seriously, itโ€™s jaw-dropping). We also had time to explore the island and visit some glass shops.

And in Burano, we saw nonne (grandmas) making the most beautiful lace, painstakingly, by hand. Truth be told, this is a dying art and an honor to witness. After, we had free time to roam the colorful canals.

Click here to book your Murano & Burano Islands Tour.

HOT TIP: Book the earliest option possible to maximize your day! Ideally, at 8 AM. It’s 5 hours long, so you’ll return to Venice around lunchtime.

READ MORE: How to Visit Murano and Burano from Venice: The Ultimate Guide

Roam Around Castello (option 1)

Once your boat docks back in the Castello neighborhood, roam without a map. Get lost along the picturesque canals and quiet backstreets. Relish the magic around every corner. Take lots of photos. And pop into some shops.

Want specific ideas of what to do in/around Castello? I’ve got you covered…

Colorful books stacked high in an old narrow Venetian courtyard

Stop by Libreria Acqua Alta

One of my favorite spots in Castello is Libreria Acqua Alta. The self-proclaimed โ€œmost beautiful bookshop in the worldโ€ is worth adding to your Venice itinerary.

It’s filled to the brim with newly published books, rare volumes, ancient editions; and used books; friendly cats; bookshelves made from old gondolas; and even stairs and alleyways made from flooded and recycled books (that make amazing photo ops!).

Go for Cicchetti 

Time for some quick cicchetti and a spritz? Here are some more of my favorite bars in and around Castelloโ€ฆ

  • Bar Ai Santi is a great local spot in charming Campo Santi Apostoli. The spritzes are just โ‚ฌ4 eachโ€ฆ So, enough said!
  • Osteria Ai Promessi Sposi is a local joint with lots of scrumptious cicchetti offerings.
  • Osteria al Ponte is a great little bar across the bridge from the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo.
  • Cantina Do Spade is, according to some, the second-oldest bar in Venice. A delicious, must-visit! 

Don’t eat too much! You’re going on this “Eat Like a Local” Walking Food Tour tonight for dinner.

Two cones of colorful gelato with a canal in the background in Venice

Get Gelato

Hot or cold weather, who cares? It’s time for a quick gelato stop. Years ago, I found a little gelateria called Gelatoteca Suso, which will always be my go-to gelato shop in Venice. It’s so good. Since then, it’s become very popular. You might have to wait in line, but it’s worth it!

Sight-see on the Grand Canal (Option 2)

Want to pack in more sightseeing (art, churches, etc.) after your Murano and Burano boat trip? Follow this route:

  • Get a 75-minute water bus ticket for โ‚ฌ9.50.
  • Take water bus Line 2 from San Marco-San Zaccaria “F” to San Giorgio. Visit the San Giorgio Maggiore Church and climb the Bell Tower. Allow 30 minutes to have enough time for the next leg of the journey.
  • Return to San Marco-San Zaccaria “F” and walk to the adjacent San Marco-San Zaccaria “E”. Take Line 1 for two stops to Salute.
  • On foot, you can visit the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Then, walk across the Ponte dell’Accademia back to San Marco neighborhood.
Aerial view of Venice's landscape

San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower

Want to see the best panoramic view of the Grand Canal with San Marco in view? Take the water bus to San Giorgio Maggiore Church and ride the elevator to the top of the bell tower!

The basilica is free to visit. The bell tower costs โ‚ฌ8 (cash only). Access the bell tower (from inside the basilica) daily from roughly 10 AM to 6 PM.

Basilica Santa Maria della Salute

This imposing building stands out from the Grand Canal! Construction of this masterpiece, by Venetian architect Baldassare Longhena, began in 1631. It costs โ‚ฌ4 to visit the sacristy behind the altar, but Titian’s artwork is worth it!

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of Italy’s top modern art collections. It’s housed in collector and New York City socialite Peggy’s former home – which happens to be an 18th-century palace! Tickets cost โ‚ฌ15 and reservations are not required. An hour is enough time here.

Go on a Foodie Tour for dinner

Despite what I just said… I hope you didnโ€™t eat too much this afternoon. Itโ€™s time for your Eat Like a Local: 3-hour Venice Small-Group Food Tasting Walking Tour!

During my tour, we stopped at eight local establishments to taste countless Venetian dishes and delicacies like:

  • Coffee and pastries
  • Seafood cicchetti
  • Mixed fried seafood
  • Sarde in soar (a sweet and sour sardine dish)
  • Homemade pasta with shrimp
  • Tramezzini (little sandwiches)
  • Red wine from Veneto
  • Artisanal gelato
  • And so much more…

Along the way, our local guide, Martina, told us about Venetian food, culture, and history, pointed out interesting sights, and shared her palpable love of Venice with us.

This foodie tour will be a highlight of your Venice trip. Click here to book it!

Note: Book the latest available food tour (either the 5 or 5:45 PM). That way, youโ€™ll have time to fit everything else in!

Take a Sunset Gondola Ride

I saved one of the most iconic (read: touristy) things to do in Venice for last! If itโ€™s your first time, a gondola ride in Venice is a must-do. 

If you want to experience this quintessentially Venetian activity, plan to hop aboard after your food tour, between golden hour and dusk; this is the most magical – and most expensive – time to go for a gondola ride.

In my opinion, itโ€™s too hot to enjoy a gondola ride between 10 AM and 4 PM from June through September. Youโ€™ll just sit there sweating.

In 2025, the official, fixed price for a 30-minute gondola ride is โ‚ฌ90 (per group, up to 5 people). After 7 PM, the price goes up to โ‚ฌ110 per 30 minutes. Cash only! These official prices are non-negotiable.

Simply type โ€œgondola stationโ€ into your Google Maps app to find the closest boarding point.

READ MORE: Is a Gondola Ride in Venice Worth it? 2025 Costs + Helpful Tips

View of the Grand Canal in Venice

Where to Stay in Venice

San Marco

With only two days in Venice, itโ€™s wise to stay in the San Marco area. Even though San Marco is the busiest, most touristy district, it offers an easily accessible, central location for a hassle-free trip. San Marco is where the city’s main โ€œhighlightsโ€ and best hotels are. Itโ€™s also where most guided tours begin. 

Cannaregio

If you donโ€™t mind a little extra walking, my favorite neighborhood is Cannaregio! Itโ€™s peaceful in the daytime and home to some of the cityโ€™s coolest bars, best restaurants, and vibrant, local nightlife. Plus, itโ€™s way more affordable!

Best Hotels in Venice

Affordable Luxury ($$$)

Mid-Range ($$)

HOT TIP: Most hotels in Venice are small and sell out way in advance. Book now! Most hotels on this website offer free cancellation.

How to Get to Venice

Transportation in Venice can be busy, hectic, and confusing, especially during peak season. Not to mention, Venice itself is a maze. So, before you arrive, make a plan. 

Hereโ€™s some quick, must-know information to get you started. 

Arriving Via Airplane

Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the closest, most convenient airport. Once you land, I recommend taking either the water bus or a water taxi. Note, there is no train station at the airport.

  • Water bus: Boarding a water bus (or vaporetto) operated by Alilaguna is my preferred way to get from the airport to Venice! There are three different lines to choose from, servicing the islands of Venice, Lido, Murano and Burano, and beyond. Research the timetables and your ideal route in advance. Here are Alilagunaโ€™s lines map and timetable. Itโ€™s โ‚ฌ18 for a one-way ticket, or โ‚ฌ32 roundtrip. You can purchase your tickets online (recommended) or at the kiosk. Once you arrive at the water bus stop closest to your hotel, youโ€™ll walk the rest of the way. 
  • Water taxi: If you want a no-fuss option, hop on a private water taxi. Itโ€™ll drop you off as close to your hotel as possible. This is the most expensive, fast, and comfortable option. Expect to pay at least โ‚ฌ130 to the city center, for up to 4 people; the more luggage or people, the higher the price. (Up to 8 people, with luggage, can fit in a water taxi.)
  • Land taxis and buses: Car taxis and buses to Piazzale Roma (a station in Venice accessible by ground motor vehicles) are available from the airport. I donโ€™t recommend either, since youโ€™ll probably still need a water bus or water taxi when you arrive at Piazzale Roma.
A view overlooking the Grand Canal at Sunset - many tourists are milling about on the side street, while  many boats and gondolas flat along the canal

Arriving Via Train

Some of the most popular direct train routes into Venice include Verona, Milan, Bologna, Florence, and Rome. Direct train fares can be as low as โ‚ฌ10. 

When booking your train tickets, choose Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia as your final destination (not Venezia Mestre). Venezia Santa Lucia is on the island of Venice; from there, you can take a water taxi or water bus, or walk, to your hotel.

I recommend booking your train tickets directly through the Trenitalia website or app.

HOT TIP: Download the Google Maps app on your phone and “save” your hotel’s location so you can find it when you arrive. It will show you your location, even if you don’t have cell service. I also recommend getting an eSIM for your phone, so you have cheap mobile data throughout your Italy trip!

Maddy sitting on the canals in Venice

2-Day Venice Itinerary: FAQs

Is 2 days enough in Venice?

2 full days is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Venice! Between gondola rides, strolling the Venetian canals, eating delicious food, and visiting the historical highlights (like Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco, Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Rialto Bridge), you are going to be very busy… But you will have time to do it all! In fact, with two days in Venice, you’ll even have time to squeeze in a visit to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano, and maybe even take a walking tour or food tour! With 2 days in Venice, there won’t be much time to kick back and relax, but you will have lots of fun! If you have 3-4 days, even better!

Is Venice, Italy walkable?

Yes, Venice is a very walkable city! Though navigating the many canals, bridges, and little alleys can feel a bit like walking through a maze, there’s an amazing view or stunning old building around every corner. Make sure you have your Google Maps app downloaded and handy! It’s a good idea to stay in the San Marco district so that most of Venice’s highlights are nearby! If you get tired of walking – or if you want to go further afield, exploring other districts of Venice and the Venetian lagoon – then the public water buses (vaporetti) and private water taxis can get you where you need to go!

What is the best month to visit Venice?

The best months to visit Venice are April, May, September, and October. During these months, you will enjoy lower prices, less crowds, milder weather (in early April and late October, you should pack a jacket!), and an overall more authentic experience. If I had to choose, I’d say that October is the best month to visit Venice.

If possible, choose to visit Venice (and Italy, in general) outside of the peak season of summer: June through August. Everything is exponentially more expensive during this time, from hotel rooms to gondola rides. There are hordes of tourists… Like you’ve never seen before! And it’s HOT and humid.

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With just 2 days in Venice, you might feel like youโ€™re cutting it close... Can you really get to know this magical city in just 48 hours? Find the best restaurants? Have time to wander the quaint canals and colorful corners of Venice? To snag a canal-side table at a local bar, sip on a Select spritz or glass of Valpolicella, and simply enjoy it? Well, with this Venice itinerary at your fingertips, the answer to all those questions is yes.

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24 Comments

  1. Very well done blog! Chuck full of good information with beautiful pictures. A perfect primer for our future trip to Venice! Thank you very much!

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