Day 1: Canals and Palaces
Morning: Kick off your Venetian adventure with a vaporetto (water bus) ride down the Grand Canal, the city’s main artery. This iconic waterway is lined with magnificent palaces and historic buildings, each telling a story of Venice’s golden past.
Some of the most striking palazzos along the canal include:
- Ca’ d’Oro – A Gothic palace with an intricate façade that once housed Venetian nobility.
- Palazzo Grassi – A former noble residence now home to contemporary art exhibitions.
- Ca’ Rezzonico – A grand museum showcasing 18th-century Venetian art and furniture.
Disembark at Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most famous landmarks. This majestic stone bridge, built in the 16th century, spans the Grand Canal and offers breathtaking views of passing gondolas and boats.Just steps away, the Rialto Market buzzes with activity. Locals gather here to buy fresh seafood, colorful fruits, and Venetian spices. If you want a true slice of local life, visit in the morning when the market is at its liveliest.
Afternoon: Next, head to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), the heart of Venice. This vast open space is surrounded by stunning landmarks and lively cafés.
St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square with its golden mosaics, Byzantine domes, and intricate sculptures. Inside, marvel at the shimmering Pala d’Oro, a breathtaking gold altarpiece encrusted with precious gemstones. For a spectacular view, climb to the basilica’s terrace, where you can overlook the entire square and the lagoon beyond.
Adjacent to the basilica is the Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. This ornate palace was once home to the Doges, Venice’s rulers, and housed the city’s government. Don’t miss the highlights such as The Bridge of Sighs – A legendary passage connecting the palace to the old prison cells, named after the sighs of prisoners who glimpsed their last view of Venice before incarceration and The Grand Council Chamber – A massive hall adorned with Tintoretto’s ceiling fresco, Paradise, one of the world’s largest oil paintings.
Evening: As the sun sets, experience Venice’s most romantic tradition—a gondola ride. Glide through the quiet back canals, passing beneath arched bridges and beside historic buildings reflecting in the water.For dinner, pick a restaurant with a canal-side terrace along Riva degli Schiavoni. This lively promenade offers gorgeous views of the lagoon, making it a perfect spot to unwind with Venetian seafood and a glass of prosecco.
Save Tip: Grab a fresh sandwich from a local bakery and have a picnic by the Grand Canal instead of dining at a touristy café.
Splurge Tip: Book a private gondola ride at sunset, complete with a serenading gondolier, for the ultimate Venetian experience.
Day 2: HIdden Gems and Murano
Morning: Start your day in Dorsoduro, one of Venice’s most authentic neighborhoods, home to artisans, students, and stunning waterfront views.
Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a modern art museum housed in a former Venetian palace. Inside, admire works by Picasso, Dalí, Pollock, and Kandinsky, all part of the American heiress’s private collection.Nearby, visit Santa Maria della Salute, a grand Baroque church with a majestic dome that dominates the Grand Canal’s skyline.
Afternoon: Take a vaporetto to Murano, famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Visit a glassblowing workshop and witness artisans crafting delicate vases, chandeliers, and jewelry. The Murano Glass Museum offers a fascinating look into the history and techniques behind this craft.
Evening: Hop on another vaporetto to Burano, a charming island known for its vibrant houses and lace-making tradition. Stroll through the canal-side streets, visit a lace museum, and capture postcard-worthy photos of brightly painted homes.Enjoy dinner at a local seafood trattoria, where you can try Burano’s specialty: risotto di go (goby fish risotto).
Save Tip: Needless to say Murano would be the cheapest place to buy Murano glass. Purchase a handcrafted Murano glass souvenir for a unique keepsake.
Splurge Tip: Take a private boat tour to Murano and Burano for a more exclusive visit that you can enjoy at your own pace.
Day 3: History and Scenic Views
Morning: Start your final day in Cannaregio, a peaceful, local district. Here, you’ll find the Jewish Ghetto, the oldest in the world, dating back to the 16th century. Visit historic synagogues and learn about the area’s deep cultural heritage.Stop by a pasticceria (pastry shop) to try traditional Venetian sweets like frittelle (fried dough balls).
Afternoon: Escape the crowds by visiting Giardini della Biennale, a rare green space perfect for a quiet stroll. Alternatively, explore the Castello district, where hidden courtyards and charming bridges reveal a less touristy side of Venice.
Evening: End your Venice trip with a visit to San Giorgio Maggiore, a small island opposite St. Mark’s Square. Climb the San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower for breathtaking, crowd-free views of Venice at sunset.
Save Tip: Skip an expensive sit-down dinner and enjoy Venetian cicchetti (small plates) at a local bàcaro (wine bar).
Splurge Tip: Book a private walking tour of the Jewish Quarter for deeper insights into its history, culture, and hidden stories.
Accommodations in Venice can be quite expensive especially those hotels with water views. But luckily it is a very compact and walkable city so choosing an Airbnb in a decent enough location will still be close or convenient to most places of interest.