Venice has lengthy captured the creativeness of vacationers, inspiring visions of intrique and maybe romance. A lattice-work of 400 bridges connecting 118 small islands in a shallow lagoon between the Po and the Piave rivers. Italian, however nonetheless holding on to its impartial historical past and dialect with a mesh of Byzantine and Italian Gothic structure, Venice is one-of-a-kind.
A go to to Venice is on many bucket lists, and shouldn’t be missed when planning a visit to Italy. Whereas it’s doable to “do” Venice in lower than two days, I might suggest spending 3 days in Venice. And if you’re questioning easy methods to spend three days in Venice, learn on for my full 3 days in Venice itinerary.
My husband and I first visited Venice 20 years in the past and to be trustworthy, we didn’t like it. All of my fanciful imaginings of romantic Venice have been overshadowed by the fact of throngs of cruise ship passengers, relentless avenue hawkers, and overpriced meals. I swore that if I ever gave Venice a second probability, it could must be within the off season. And that’s precisely what we did.
For my daughter’s spring break and highschool commencement journey, we deliberate an epic European journey. We spent a beautiful six nights in Paris, adopted by three nights in Venice, to be capped off with 5 nights in Florence. However what they are saying about the most effective laid plans?
Sadly, our journey didn’t go precisely as deliberate as my husband picked up an additional memento in Paris and after we arrived in Venice he grew to become symptomatic with COVID. He rapidly remoted and my daughter and I did our greatest to finish the primary two days of our Venice itinerary, whereas additionally caring for him, getting him located in quarantine lodging, after which determining a method for us to chop our journey brief whereas we have been testing adverse and get house.
However since I spent a lot time researching and planning our journey to Venice, I needed to nonetheless share our 3 days in Venice itinerary — each the components we have been in a position to get pleasure from and those we might want to save for an additional time. I hope it’s useful and that you’ve got higher luck having fun with your time in Venice!
Get to Venice
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There are a selection of direct flights from america to Venice, though some could also be working seasonally from Might via October. United, Delta, and American supply direct flights from New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), and Philadelphia (PHL). The worldwide airport is Marco Polo Airport (VCE).
It’s also possible to join via Paris, Rome, or different European cities. Nevertheless, likelihood is Venice is simply going to be one cease in your Italy itinerary. If you’re spending a few weeks in Italy, you might need to fly into Rome after which take the prepare to Florence and end in Venice.
If you’re arriving in Venice by airplane, there are three main methods to achieve the principle islands of Venice. Essentially the most handy, particularly when you’ve got lots of baggage, is to rent a non-public water taxi. A shared water taxi can also be an possibility to separate the fee. We opted for a non-public switch and whereas it’s expensive, the comfort was paramount and we appreciated the time financial savings as nicely since our flight from Paris had departed an hour late.
As soon as we arrived and gathered our baggage, a consultant met us exterior of the bags declare and walked with us the 5 minutes via the shifting walkways to the docks, and escorted us on to our ready water taxi. It’s also possible to ebook upon arrival, however I favored realizing we weren’t going to have to attend or wrestle to determine the place to go. This additionally labored nicely since our resort has a non-public dock and we have been in a position to have door-to-door service.
One other different is to take the general public Alilaguna water bus. You should buy tickets from machines within the arrivals corridor after which observe the shifting walkways to the port to line up for the suitable route. These make stops at San Marco, Rialto, Fondamenta Nuove, and Guglie. From there, you have to to stroll together with your baggage to your resort.
The third possibility is to take a 20-minute bus trip from the airport to Piazzale Roma. From there, you have to to both stroll to your resort (whether it is shut) or take the Vaporetto, or public water bus, to the closest cease to your resort after which stroll from there. Piazzale Roma can also be the place you’ll arrive if you’re visiting Venice by automobile.
You may additionally arrive in Venice by bus or prepare to the Venezia Santa Lucia prepare station. From there you possibly can both stroll to your resort (it’s about half-hour to St. Mark’s Sq.) or hop on the Vaporetto to the closest cease to your resort.
Getting Round Venice
The simplest approach to get round Venice is on foot. Keep in mind, Venice is definitely 118 islands, that are interconnected by bridges. There are not any vehicles or bicycles so you might be both utilizing your toes or hopping onto some kind of boat. Most of this 3 day Venice itinerary may be achieved on foot, aside from attending to Venice and a day journey to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
In any other case, you will get round Venice by water taxi, public water bus / Vaporetto, or by gondola. I extremely suggest a trip on the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge to St. Mark’s Sq. sooner or later in your journey as a result of there’s nothing like seeing Venice from the water. If you wish to ebook a non-public water taxi, I can suggest Straightforward Taxi (+39 320 4292821) — they usually take bank cards!
To take the Vaporetto or ACTV, test the timetable and route for the place you need to go and discover the station closest to you. You should buy tickets by way of the cellular app or on the automated ticket machines on the station. Simply don’t neglect to validate your ticket earlier than getting on board! Vacationers might favor to buy a full-day ticket to have the ability to hop on and hop off with ease, however single fare tickets are additionally out there.
Gondola goes to be your most costly possibility — however definitely, a once-in-a-lifetime expertise available. Simply remember the fact that some gondoliers might say they go on the Grand Canal, however in our expertise, some take facet canals to the Grand Canal, do a fast turnaround by the Rialto Bridge, after which head again via smaller canals. Whereas this will likely really feel like a “cheat”, I actually just like the gondola expertise in a few of the smaller canals. In my view, take a water taxi on the Grand Canal and a gondola wherever their coronary heart needs as a result of it’s extra concerning the expertise than the vacation spot.
The place to Keep in Venice
On my first go to to Venice, my husband and I stayed on the Resort Danieli in Riva Degli Schiavoni. And in my previous expertise as a journey advisor, I’d booked many consumers on the Resort Bauer Palazzo and the Resort Londra Palace. However since we have been getting two rooms this time for a household journey, I needed one thing a bit extra inexpensive, however a resort that also provided the identical character and attraction. I took the recommendation of my buddy Eric from Journey Babbo and booked two superior rooms on the Resort Al Ponte Antico.
Every part about this resort is ideal if you’re on the lookout for authenticity, service, consolation, and above all — location! From the minute we arrived, the proprietor Matteo and his staff made us really feel totally welcome and assisted us above and past, particularly when my husband examined optimistic for COVID throughout our keep.
The resort is positioned simply steps from the Rialto Bridge, with completely gorgeous views that may be loved over breakfast or cocktails from the resort’s terrace. We arrived on the resort’s non-public dock and we have been instantly made to really feel at house on this attractive nine-room resort set in a lovingly-restored palazzo. Our superior rooms have been fairly spacious, with massive bogs and conventional Venetian decor. One even seemed out over the terrace to the canal past.
Breakfast was included and a big number of pastries was made contemporary every morning. Employees was on website 24 hours a day to help visitors or pour a cocktail, espresso, or tea within the resort’s small lounge or adjoining terrace. My solely remorse was not having the ability to totally chill out and revel in our keep attributable to my husband’s state of affairs, so a return journey is so as! I’d definitely welcome a return keep at Al Ponte Antico.
One of many nice issues about staying in a resort positioned close to the Rialto Bridge, or one other main landmark in Venice, is that regardless of how misplaced you get (and you’ll get misplaced at the least as soon as), you possibly can at all times observe the indicators to Rialto Bridge or S. Marco and discover your method again from there.
If Al Ponte Antico is totally booked, a number of others you might need to take into account are:
The place to Eat in Venice
On our first journey to Venice, my husband and I swore the meals was horrible. However we made the rookie mistake of getting suckered into consuming alongside the Grand Canal, at these eating places the place the blokes stand exterior attempting to lure vacationers in. And naturally, the meals was overpriced and mediocre. However that doesn’t must be your eating expertise in Venice!
The factor to find out about consuming in Italy is that the meals could be very regional. Should you discover a restaurant providing gnocchi Sorrentino or hen Parmigiano, preserve strolling. As you would possibly count on on an island, conventional Venetian meals relies on seafood. You’ll see lots of sardines, cod, and squid ink pasta on the menus. Within the springtime, you might also get to strive soft-shelled moleche, or small inexperienced crabs, that are caught close by.
Venice can also be identified for its Cicchetti bars. These are just like Spanish tapas bars, the place locals collect to face round and socialize over drinks and lightweight bites. As an alternative of a pork-heavy menu, many Venetian Cicchetti are fried — resembling fritto misto, which is a mixture of fried fish, calamari, and a few greens. Whereas on Burano, you must also strive Bussolai or Buranelli biscuits or cookies.
After all, you possibly can’t depart Venice with out additionally having fun with a Bellini, which was created at Harry’s Bar in Venice, or an Aperol Spritz. Our journey went sideways as soon as my husband examined optimistic, so we weren’t in a position to get to strive all of the eating places I had deliberate. Nevertheless, if you’re spending three days in Venice, listed here are some restaurant suggestions to contemplate:
For lunch:
- L’Bacaro de Bischeri, Ruga dei Oresi 57 in San Palo for sandwiches and fast bites
- Dal Moro’s Recent Pasta to Go, C. va al Ponte de l’Anzolo, 5314, fashionable take away pasta in handy containers
- Puppa Bar Venezia, Calle dello Spezier 4800 for informal lunch and dinner
- Ristorante due Fratteli, Rio Terà Farsetti, 1836, pizza and pasta within the Canareggio neighborhood
For Espresso and Gelato:
- Caffé Del Doge, Rialto, Calle dei Cinque, 609 for espresso and pastry
- Gelatoteca Suso, Sotoportego de la Bissa, 5453, for the most effective gelato in Venice
For Dinner:
I might strongly suggest making dinner reservations upfront or asking your resort for help for those who don’t supply reservations on-line.
- Poste Vecie, San Polo c/o Campo de le Becarie (close to the Rialto fish market), seafood-based, effective eating
- CoVino Ristorante, Calle del Pestrin, wine bar and restaurant
- Taverna Al Remer, Cannaregio, 5701, close to the Rialto bridge, it is a hidden gem with the doorway in a stunning sq. on Grand Canal. It was once a manufacturing unit of oars, however immediately has develop into an elegant osteria good for each aperitif and meal time with a small menu of Venetian specialties and a pleasant number of Cicchetti.
- La Porta d’Acqua, Riva del Vin, 1097, on the Grand Canal, this restaurant combines the flavors of the Amalfi coast with Venetian seasonal specialties. There’s a beautiful view of the Grand Canal from the bottom flooring.
- Antico Calice, Calle dei Stagneri O de la Fava, 5229, conventional Venetian Osteria for a standard meal with easy ambiance.
- Al Covo, Campiello de la Pescaria, 3968, effective eating for a particular meal in Venice.
- Osteria alla Testiere, Calle del Mondo Novo, 5801, fish and seafood-based menu.
Cicchetti Bars:
Take into account that Cicchetti bars get very crowded within the evenings and discovering a spot to sit down or stand could be a problem on the extra fashionable institutions. Should you simply need to strive these dishes, take into account taking a Cicchetti meals tour or visiting for lunch as a substitute.
- Osteria all Arco, campo s. Polo 436
- Cantina do Spade, Calle del scaleter 859 (have the polpetta)
- Al Merca, Campo bella Vienna 213 (good for panini)
- Salvneria, by way of Giuseppe garibaldi 1769
3 Days in Venice Itinerary
If you end up planning your journey to Italy, attempt to keep away from visiting Venice on the weekend. Even when visiting in the course of the low season, we discovered the slim streets of Venice to be extraordinarily crowded on a Saturday night time with locals and guests alike. After all, you possibly can at all times step off the principle avenues and discover a smaller campo (sq.), however your journey will doubtless be simpler to plan if you happen to go to in the course of the week.
First, the crowds shall be much less. Second, if you wish to go to the glass factories on Murano, it is going to be simpler so that you can observe glass blowing demonstrations because the factories are often closed on the weekends. Third, if you wish to go to the Jewish quarter and the synagogue or Jewish Museum, you gained’t have to work round closing hours on Shabbat (Friday night via Saturday night.)
Following I’ve outlined our 3 days in Venice itinerary as I had deliberate it, with a number of modifications and solutions, though we didn’t get an opportunity to totally full all of our deliberate actions attributable to my husband’s analysis.
Day One – Afternoon (St. Mark’s to Rialto)
Likelihood is that except you might be flying instantly from the USA into Venice on an in a single day flight, you’re going to arrive in Venice within the late morning or early afternoon. Take a while to get settled into your lodging and have lunch at one of many eating places really helpful above to gas as much as begin your exploration of Venice.
St. Mark’s
Begin your time in Venice within the coronary heart of the town, at St. Mark’s Sq. (Piazzo San Marco). If that is your first go to to Venice, a tour of the Basilica of San Marco is a should, and you might also need to take into account a go to to Doge’s Palace.
Venice has a historical past as a rich city-state, with an extended historical past in commerce. The retailers of Venice needed to ascertain the town’s significance and subsequently constructed the Basilica of San Marco, though it may possibly’t be confirmed that the Apostle Mark ever visited Venice when he was alive. Nevertheless, his physique was delivered to Venice centuries later.
A mixture of Roman-Byzantine structure, St. Mark’s is in contrast to different Catholic church buildings that you’ll go to in Italy and all through Europe. It’s most well-known for the golden mosaics that adorn the ceiling, exhibiting the principle tales of Christianity and the Lifetime of Christ. You’ll need to pay a small entry charge to go to the Basilica, and extra charges if you happen to additionally need to see the ornate gold and gem lined Pala d’Oro altar or go to the museum in high of the church to see the well-known golden horses, which have been looted in the course of the Fourth Campaign (copies of that are on the Arc close to the Louvre in Paris and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.) This may also afford an exquisite view of the sq. from the terrace.
For a special view of the sq., you can even climb the Campanile, the Bell Tower positioned in Piazza San Marco. Simply remember the fact that if you’re visiting throughout excessive season, the strains to enter each of those points of interest may be fairly lengthy so except you ebook a skip-the-line ticket, you might favor to go inside very early in your second or third morning.
Doge’s Palace & Bridge of SIghs
After a go to to St. Mark’s, take into account a tour of the Doge’s Palace. That is the previous palace of the rulers of Venice, which have been elected by the opposite retailers and highly effective males. Greater than 120 Doges have known as this palace house over the course of seven centuries. Along with the superbly embellished and ornate rooms, you’ll get to see the Bridge of Sighs and its connected jail, and be taught tales of Venice’s darkish previous.
You’ll be able to go to the Basilica by yourself and join a public tour of the Doge’s Palace, however I’d suggest taking a non-public tour of St. Mark’s and Doge’s Palace to keep away from the strains and be taught extra about Venice’s historical past. My accomplice LivTours additionally presents particular family-focused excursions.
When your tour is over, take a while to absorb the environment in Piazza San Marco with a drink or espresso at Cafe Florian within the sq.. Attempt to time your go to to Piazza San Marco with the highest of the hour, to be able to see and listen to the astronomical clock ring its bell and alter time.
Sundown Gondola
A gondola trip alongside the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge (or the facet canals) is the right approach to finish your first day in Venice. An alternative choice is to attend till night and take a ghost tour and gondola trip — think about all of the tales that Venice has to inform!
Day Two – Morning (Murano, Burano, Torcello)
I might extremely suggest spending at the least one among your three days in Venice visiting a few of the extra fashionable outer islands, together with Murano, Burano, and Torcello. It’s doable to go to these by yourself by taking the Vaporetto, simply remember the fact that strains may be extraordinarily lengthy, particularly in excessive season, and you might spend an additional hour or two ready in strains. Additionally, if you happen to solely need to go to Burano, you continue to should take the Vaporetto to Murano, after which proceed to Burano, there isn’t any direct connection from Venice to Burano.
To avoid wasting time and arrive in consolation, you possibly can ebook a non-public water taxi or take a non-public Islands tour, which features a water taxi. It’s pricier however you’ll get extra out of your day.
Murano
Murano is thought for its glass blowing and glass artisanship, which is commonly handed down from era to era. There are lots of glass-making factories on Murano, and it’s the major motive that individuals go to. Lots of the factories can have public demonstrations or shall be glad to rearrange a tour. In trade, they hope that you’ll go to the showroom and purchase one thing, however a purchase order will not be obligated.
I used to be a bit skeptical about visiting, as I’d heard concerning the onerous gross sales practices, however I’m very glad that we visited Fornace Mian throughout our go to. We have been in a position to meet with three completely different grasp craftsmen and we have been wowed by the ability and artistry that goes into every kind of glassmaking. First, we noticed a grasp craftsman doing typical glassblowing and glass pulling, creating an exquisite glass unicorn in below a minute.
Subsequent, we noticed a grasp craftsman who makes use of a way to embed gold leaf inside glass designs. He really has labored intently with Dale Chihuly to show him new methods. Lastly, we met a real artist that overlays glass with gold leaf and etches lovely designs of his personal creation. We have been very impressed by the items within the massive showroom however weren’t made to really feel uncomfortable after we politely declined a purchase order.
Except you might be intent on making purchases, I might recommend simply visiting one manufacturing unit after which shifting on to Burano.
Burano
Burano is thought for its historical past of lacemaking and for its colourful homes and was my favourite of the three islands. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is a photographer’s delight, with former fishermen’s homes that are actually colorfully painted in vibrant colours.
Plan to spend a while right here exploring each the principle avenues and facet passageways. It is usually a purchasing delight, with outlets the place you possibly can study Merletto lace methods and buy linens, equipment, and clothes. Some handmade lace tablecloths can take as much as two years of labor. I used to be very impressed with the linens and linen clothes at Martina Vidal on Burano.
Additionally, remember to cease into Palmisano for some pastries or conventional cookies. You’ll in all probability additionally get a kick out of the “leaning” church spire on the island.
Torcello
If you’re operating in need of time, you possibly can skip over Torcello, however locals love this quiet island. There isn’t loads to see, past one small church, however the inexperienced area is a pleasant distinction to closely populated Venice. It’s also possible to get pleasure from a leisurely lunch alongside the principle canal earlier than heading again to Venice.
Day Two – Afternoon (Get Misplaced in Venice)
A tour of the three islands will often take about 4 to 5 hours, bringing you again to Venice by early to mid-afternoon. I might recommend that you just take this time to do what Venice is most well-known for — get misplaced exploring all of the facet streets and bridges. In every single place you flip is one other scenic picture alternative and regardless of how far astray you would possibly wander, finally you can see your method again.
One of many well-known sights to see is the Acqua Alta ebook retailer, which has been made Insta-famous (type of just like the bookstore in Porto). Once we walked by there was an extended line out entrance and as a lot as my teen likes to learn, she determined it wasn’t value ready in that line. As an alternative, you may additionally hunt down a few of Venice’s greatest chocolate at VizioVirtù or seize a gelato at Gelatoteca Suso.
If you’re visiting in the summertime, you can additionally head over to the Lido, Venice’s seashore, for the afternoon. An alternative choice could be to join a Carnival mask-making workshop, particularly if it is a household journey, or a novel rowing expertise within the lagoon (particularly with teenagers).
We had deliberate to take a night Cicchetti tour that I had booked with a neighborhood via Airbnb Experiences, however she ended up canceling on us simply a few days earlier than. As an alternative, I’d recommend utilizing a correct tour firm that’s extra dependable, however these often supply daytime excursions (when the Cicchetti bars are much less crowded), so take into account shifting this exercise to your closing day.
Day Three – Morning (Picture Shoot)
Venice is the right spot for a photoshoot, with its many bridges, canals, and palazzos making for an ideal backdrop for households, {couples}, or solo vacationers. We had booked a household photoshoot with Marta from Flytographer, however sadly needed to cancel (drat COVID), which is the second household photoshoot we have now needed to cancel (the primary was going to be in Paris in March 2020), however hopefully sometime quickly we’ll get some new household photographs.
If you wish to ebook with Flytographer, use my referral hyperlink to save lots of $25 in your first photoshoot. Simply remember the fact that due to crowds, it’s best to get an early begin for the most effective mild and fewest folks within the background.
Day Three – Afternoon (Cicchetti Tour / Canareggio)
Within the late morning or early afternoon, I’d recommend both a go to to the Rialto Market (which closes at 1 pm and is closed on Sundays) and/or a Cicchetti meals tour.
Afterward, head over to the quieter Canareggio neighborhood. 5 hundred years in the past, Jews have been compelled to reside and work on this tiny island and this was enforced till centuries later when Napoleon arrived.
You’ll be able to discover this space and go to the Synagogue and Jewish Museum by yourself, however I might recommend working with a information that may inform you extra concerning the historical past of this space. On our journey, we used Nadia Mazzon from Touring Venice for a few of our excursions and she or he is a neighborhood Venetian with a wealth of information with regards to native historical past and artwork historical past.
An alternative choice could be to discover the Dorsoduro neighborhood. Ranging from the Accademia bridge, you possibly can stroll to the easternmost tip of the district, Punta della Dogana, close to the well-known church of Santa Maria della Salute. Different websites embody Campo San Trovaso and the ‘Squero’, one of many final Gondola-yards on the town, the church of San Sebastiano and the close by College, and Campo Santa Margherita, one of many liveliest Venetian squares. Artwork lovers might additionally take a look at the Peggy Guggenheim Assortment (closed on Tuesdays) or the Gallerie dell’Accademia.
What when you’ve got extra time in Venice?
If in case you have extra time in Venice, you can even get pleasure from some day journeys together with:
Steadily Requested Questions
Is 3 days in Venice sufficient?
Sure! Venice is known as a pretty small metropolis and it isn’t jam-packed with points of interest and museums like Florence or Rome. You’ll be able to simply get a way of Venice in simply two days, however I like to recommend three days in Venice so that you’ve got time to additionally go to the islands (or at the least Burano!)
When is the most effective time to go to Venice?
If you’re trying to keep away from crowds, the most effective time to go to shall be between March and Might. The autumn shoulder season nonetheless stays fairly fashionable with nice temperatures. Take into account that if you’re visiting between late October and February, you might witness a few of Venice’s legendary flooding, often known as Aqua Alta, so remember to convey your rain boots.
Should you go to within the winter, don’t be shocked by chilly climate or flooding. Additionally, you will have shorter days and the orchestras in St. Mark’s Sq. will cease enjoying earlier.
When planning your journey, additionally remember Venice’s occasion calendar. The Biennale or Venice Movie Competition is held in late August – early September. Resort availability shall be restricted and costs shall be larger.
Carnival in Venice takes place over 10 days from mid-February via March. It may be a good time to go to to see everybody dressed up in costume — however it’s going to even be dearer.
Can I exploit Google Maps in Venice?
Relying in your worldwide information plan, protection may be restricted inside Venice. Particularly as you get into the inside streets. Don’t be shocked if Google Maps don’t work exactly or if you happen to information connection fails. Even if you happen to set your strolling instructions whereas on WiFi, it may be onerous to search out your method round Venice however don’t fear, that’s a part of the expertise.
I discovered it’s useful to first use Google Pictures or Avenue View to see what the road and space seem like in order that I do know what I’m on the lookout for when looking for an tackle or restaurant. And I nonetheless use Google Maps to at the least get a way of if I’m on target or my proximity to my vacation spot. Simply give your self additional strolling time and acquaint your self with the map earlier than you head out.
Touring to Italy?
If you’re planning on visiting different components of Italy, you might need to take a look at a few of my different articles:
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