2 Days in Venice: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Timers
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With just 2 days in Venice, you might feel like youโre 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 canโt 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, youโll find the best things to do in Venice, where to eat, where to stay, and some must-know travel tips!
2-Day Venice Itinerary: Summary
Short on time? Hereโs a quick summary of my 2-day Venice itinerary. Read on for all the details!
Day 1 in Venice:
- Go on this tour of St. Markโs Basilica & Dogeโs Palace – book “early access” at 8 AM!
- Explore the San Marco, see the Grand Canal, and cross the Rialto Bridge
- Try traditional Venetian tapas (cicchetti) at Cantina Do Mori
- Explore the Rialto Market and stroll through San Polo
- Have lunch at Trattoria Bar Pontini or Al Mariner
- Venture into Cannaregio, the quieter side of Venice
- Explore “the real hidden Venice” with a local guide
- Enjoy a Venetian-style dinner at Il Paradiso Perduto
- Sip natural wine canal-side at Vino Vero
Day 2 in Venice:
- Take a half-day trip to the colorful islands of Murano & Burano – I loved this tour!
- Go for cicchetti at Osteria Ai Promessi Sposi, Bar Ai Santi, or Cantina Do Spade
- Grab artisanal gelato at Gelatoteca Suso
- Roam around Castello or visit Grand Canal attractions like the San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower
- Go on this Venice โeat like a localโ food tour for dinner – a must-do!
- Enjoy a gondola ride at sunset
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. Markโs 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.
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!
Tour of St. Markโs Basilica & Dogeโs 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. Markโs Basilica, constructed in the 9th century, is one of the most over-the-top cathedrals Iโve 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.
The special-access panoramic view of St. Markโs Square from St. Markโs Terrace was just the cherry on top of this tour!
In the Dogeโs Palace, built in 1308, we strolled through the palaceโs 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.
Must-Know Tips for the Basilica & Palace
- Book the โExclusive Entry Doge’s Palaceโ option at 8 AM to enter Dogeโs Palace an hour before it opens! Youโll see the palaceโs 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. Markโs Basilica! Ladies, I suggest bringing a light scarf or a light linen shirt to cover your shoulders and wearing a long flowy dress!
St. Markโs Bell Tower
If climbing up St. Markโs 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 โฌ12 (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. Markโs Terrace, so I donโt 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 โฌ14, you can climb the clocktower. Make a reservation to guarantee your spot or try to visit last-minute.
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.
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 birdโs-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!
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 standingโฆ 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 โEat Like a Localโ Venice Food Walking Tour is on your agenda!
Visit the Rialto Market
Around the corner from Cantina do Mori and the Rialto Bridge, youโll 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: Itโs closed on Sundays!
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 itโs 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 canโt 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 heโd 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 Frari – the largest church in Venice.
HOT TIP: Go on this โReal 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.
Dinner in Cannaregio
Itโs time for dinner! And Il Paradiso Perduto is the perfect place. (Well, as long as you made a reservationโฆ Hint, hint.)
At this lively, traditional Venetian restaurant, itโs all about seafood. The daily menu is only printed in Italian (which I love!), so I hope youโve 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.
Youโre going to love this place as much as I do! Itโs always busy, though, so donโt expect the quickest service.
Wine at Vino Vero
Down the street, youโll 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 youโve 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!
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, itโs 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…
Stop by Libreria Acqua Alta
One of my favorite spots in Castello is Libreria Acqua Alta. The self-proclaimed โmost 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 Castelloโฆ
- Bar Ai Santi is a great local spot in charming Campo Santi Apostoli. The spritzes are just โฌ4 eachโฆ 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.
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 โฌ9.50.
- 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.
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 โฌ8 (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 โฌ4 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 โฌ15 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 didnโt eat too much this afternoon. Itโs 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, youโll 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 itโs 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, itโs too hot to enjoy a gondola ride between 10 AM and 4 PM from June through September. Youโll just sit there sweating.
In 2025, the official, fixed price for a 30-minute gondola ride is โฌ90 (per group, up to 5 people). After 7 PM, the price goes up to โฌ110 per 30 minutes. Cash only! These official prices are non-negotiable.
Simply type โgondola 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
Where to Stay in Venice
San Marco
With only two days in Venice, itโs 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 โhighlightsโ and best hotels are. Itโs also where most guided tours begin.
Cannaregio
If you donโt mind a little extra walking, my favorite neighborhood is Cannaregio! Itโs peaceful in the daytime and home to some of the cityโs coolest bars, best restaurants, and vibrant, local nightlife. Plus, itโs way more affordable!
Best Hotels in Venice
Affordable Luxury ($$$)
- NH Collection Grand Hotel Palazzo dei Dogi (in Cannaregio)
- Ai Patrizi di Venezia (in San Marco)
- Palazzo Pianca (in San Marco)
- San Teodoro Palace Luxury Apartments (in San Marco)
Mid-Range ($$)
- Carnival Palace (in Cannaregio) – this is my top pick!
- Hotel Gorizia a La Valigia (in San Marco)
- Hotel Bartolomeo (in San Marco)
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.
Hereโs 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 Alilagunaโs lines map and timetable. Itโs โฌ18 for a one-way ticket, or โฌ32 roundtrip. You can purchase your tickets online (recommended) or at the kiosk. Once you arrive at the water bus stop closest to your hotel, youโll walk the rest of the way.
- Water taxi: If you want a no-fuss option, hop on a private water taxi. Itโll drop you off as close to your hotel as possible. This is the most expensive, fast, and comfortable option. Expect to pay at least โฌ130 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 donโt recommend either, since youโll probably still need a water bus or water taxi when you arrive at Piazzale Roma.
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 โฌ10.
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!
2-Day Venice Itinerary: FAQs
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!
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!
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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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!
Can you please tell me what camera you used for these pics? I am looking for a new one for my own trip and I love how beautiful yours are!