Ah, Venice, the city that transports you to an enchanting world. With its lovely canals and unique architecture, it never fails to marvel travelers. They say a visit to Venice is a must in one’s lifetime. So, if you’re planning a two-day adventure and wondering what to do in Venice, this is the perfect travel itinerary for you!
Find out the best things to do in Venice and what restaurants to go to with this two-day guide.
Quick Facts
One surprising fact about Venice is that it is actually a group of 118 islands, with the main one, also named Venice, connected to Italy by a bridge.
Venice’s rich architecture is no accident; the city was a prominent financial and maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. From the 13th century to the late 17th century, Venice thrived as a center of commerce, trading silk, grain, and spices, and extending its rule to numerous territories along the Adriatic Sea. This huge potency saw a decline only in the 18th century when Napoleon invaded northern Italy.
Today, Venice is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s known as a major cultural center, attracting a massive number of tourists each year. Venice has been considered as “undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man” by The New York Times, and many claim it rivals Paris as the most romantic city in the world. Do you need any more reasons to plan a visit?
Itinerary
There are many things to do in Venice and to be honest, two days are not enough to fully explore all the best attractions including the charming islands of Burano and Murano. This travel guide will focus on what to do in Venice within two days, with must-visit sites like St Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal. Additionally, we’ll unveil some hidden gems that typical tourist routes don’t show you.
Ready to discover what to do in Venice within two days?
Day 1: The Classics
1. Rialto Bridge
Italian: Ponte di Rialto
Built for the first time in the 11th century, the Rialto Bridge stands as the oldest among the four bridges in the Grand Canal. Initially constructed from wood, it was partly burnt during a 14th-century revolt and then rebuilt again. A century later, it collapsed due to the weight of a crowd trying to witness Marquis of Ferrara’s wedding, only to collapse again in 1524.
The stone bridge you see today was designed by Antonio da Ponte, and resists the test of time since its construction, in 1588. As one of the top attractions to see in Venice, expect a furious crowd of tourists trying to get the perfect picture on the bridge. Here’s a pro tip: head to the shaded side of the Rialto Bridge for less crowded and equally captivating photography.
2. Rialto Market & a Little Snack
Italian: Mercato di Rialto
Located just a 3-minute walk from the iconic Rialto Bridge, you will find the market with the same name. The Rialto market stands today as one of the oldest markets in Venice and has been a hub for local food trade for centuries, as records mention it since 1097. The fish section, located in Campo della Pescaria, showcases an array of fish freshly caught from the Venice lagoon standing proudly across the different stalls. Here the old traditions and methods remain the same until this day.
Between the market and the Bella Vienna square, lies a smaller square bustling with street vendors and probably a lot of people indulging in food and aperol spritz. Here, in the small wine bar named Al Mercà visitors can savor one of Venice’s delicacies: Cicheto. This tasty finger food consists of a small piece of bread filled with fresh ingredients such as ham, mozzarella, or octopus. I highly recommend asking for the baccalà cicheto, made from codfish and cream. (It might sound strange, but trust me, it’s amazing!) According to the Venetian tradition, you should enjoy your cicheto with an “ombra”, a small glass of local wine… so don’t be shy and go for it!
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 2.30pm and rom 6.00pm to 9.00pm
3. Unique Shopping Experience
It is no secret that Venice offers a premium array of touristic experiences, and among its attractions are the numerous premium stores found across the island. In Fondaco dei Tedeschi, translating to the warehouse of the Germans, you will find numerous luxury brands spanning from fashion to home décor, housed within a historic Renaissance building dating back to the 13th century. Even if shopping is not your thing, you should definitely pay a visit to admire this architectural gem.
Pro Tip: You can access one of Venice’s best panoramic views in the Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop for free! You only need to book your visit in advance here.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10.00am to 8.00pm
4. Lunch: Venice Best Kept Secret
For an exceptional lunch experience, I suggest trying the traditional Cà D’oro restaurant, with a brief 7-minute walk from the Fondaco dei Tedeschi. This Osteria (typical restaurant) it’s a hidden gem locals often keep to themselves, but its outstanding cuisine has gained quite a reputation, making it increasingly difficult to keep this secret from tourists.
To have an authentic Venetian experience I recommend starting with the meatballs (polpette), as an appetizer. Following that, try the shrimp spaghetti, known as spaghetti alla busara in Italian – a combination of large prawns, perfectly al dente spaghetti, and a special tomato sauce. It’s to die for!
Pro Tip: Given its popularity, the restaurant tends to be full, so don’t forget to make a reservation in advance or plan to arrive early.
Opening hours: All week except Thursday from 11.30am to 2.30pm and from 6.30pm to 10.30pm
5. St Mark’s Square
Italian: Piazza San Marco
The most renowned (and the only) square in all of Venice is St Mark’s Square, serving as the social, religious, and political heart of the island. Undoubtedly, the dominating presence within this space is St. Mark’s Basilica, however, in the middle of the tourist crowds, your attention is drawn by other elements such as the Doge’s Palace, the clock tower, and the mesmerizing view of the sea.
The long arcades that face the basilica house traditional artisan shops, elegant restaurants, and charming cafes. Here you will also find the famous Caffè Quadri, which was patronized by the Austrians when Venice was ruled by Austria in the 19th century, as well as the Venetians favorite, Florian’s café, on the other side of the piazza.
Take your time to admire the beauty of the stunning basilica facade and capture the magic of this unique square in your memory.
6. St Mark’s Basilica
Italian: Basilica San Marco
The history of St. Mark’s Basilica is so extensive and layered that it could fill an entire book, as the building standing today is the third church built in the place, which probably originated in 1063. The architecture is a captivating fusion of Middle-Byzantine, Romanesque, and Islamic as well as Gothic styles, resulting in a magnificent and unique monument.
As all of this inside richness was not enough, you can still find more treasures in the basilica, including the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist, and the Pala d’Oro, a masterpiece of Byzantine art crafted from gold, silver, and precious stones. While there’s an additional fee to view this artwork, I strongly recommend you to experience it, as it is an impressive piece of art and history, with only a few examples remaining in the whole world.
St Mark’s Basilica is undeniably a stunning monument, filled with historical and artistic value from its floors to ceilings. I recommend taking your time exploring the interior, to get to know its history, and if you have the chance, to join a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.15pm and Sunday from 2.00pm to 5.15pm
Ticket price: 3€ for adults (plus 3€ for online reservation) and free for visitors under 6 years old. The ticket for the basilica and Pala D’oro is 12€
You can buy your tickets here.
7. Bridge of Sighs: a Dark Story
Italian: Ponte dei Sospiri
After St Mark’s Basilica, with the sea always on your right, you’ll come across the Doge’s Palace (a site we’ll explore tomorrow) and then, you’ll stumble upon the famous Bridge of Sighs. While this piece holds immense beauty and charm, it hides a dark secret. You might wonder about its unusual name.
Constructed in the 16th century, the bridge connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace. When convicted prisoners were taken from the court to the prison, they passed on the bridge, and through the windows, they would sigh as this was their final glimpse of the beautiful Venice and a free way of life.
8. Not just another Church
Continuing along the waterfront, and through some narrow streets, you’ll stumble upon a little square housing a particularly captivating church. Dating back to the 15th century, the Church of San Zaccaria grabs your attention with its magnificent facade, a Venetian mixture of late-Gothic and Renaissance styles.
The rich interior features an apse surrounded by tall Gothic windows, the only of its kind in all of Venice. It also houses the relics of St. Zechariah and nearly every wall is covered with paintings from 17th and 18th century artists, including a notable piece from Bellini.
Pro Tip: Below the Church lies one more treasure: a crypt with the tombs of eight Doges, often surrounded by seawater.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10.00am to 6.00pm
Ticket price: free to visit the church, 3€ to access the crypt
9. Dinner at L'Osteria San Barnaba
Discover a typical Italian dining experience head in L’Osteria San Barnaba, where you will find the epitome of traditional Italian charm. A trip to Venice remains incomplete without trying one of the region’s most renowned dishes: Spaghetti with clams, spaghetti alle vongole in Italian, a combination of clams sprinkled with parsley and perfectly cooked spaghetti, offering an authentic taste of the sea. It’s just *Chef’s kiss*! Another absolute must-try is the grilled scampis and shrimps, fished from the Venetian lagoon. And if you manage to save room, I must say that the desserts are simply extraordinary!
Pro Tip: The restaurant often provides discounts for bookings made through The Fork website here.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11.30am to 10.00pm
Day 2: Something More
10. Dodge’s Palace
Italian: Palazzo Ducale
Right after the enchanting canals and St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace stands as one of Venice’s most iconic symbols. Its story began more than 1.000 years ago. Through the years it went under several reconstructions due to fires and new functional needs, serving as an opportunity for several architects to add new decorative elements each time. What we see today is one of the greatest examples of the Venetian Gothic style and the remaining testimonial of the Republic of Venice’s power.
A visit to the Doge’s Palace is a must on the things to do in Venice. The intricately adorned building comprises an incredible Palace, richly decorated with paintings and pieces from iconic artists, such as Tintoretto. You can also access the museum and the library, offering breathtaking views of St. Mark’s Square and the surrounding sea.
Pro Tip: Dive on a special guided tour to explore the hidden secrets of the Doge’s Palace including the prison cells, the torture room, and even uncovering the escape of Giacomo Casanova through the roof. If you like history and dark secrets I highly recommend going on this tour!
Opening hours:
– From November 1st to March 31st: Everyday from 9.00am to 18.00pm
– From April 1st to October 31st: Everyday from 9.00am to 19.00pm
Ticket price: to visit the palace is 25€ for adults, 15€ for visitors under 14 years, students from 15 to 25 years old, and visitors over 65 years.
The secret tour is 32€ for adults, 20€ for visitors under 14 years, or students from 15 to 25 years old.
Make sure to buy your tickets in advance to skip the line and to secure the visit to the Palace. Buy the tickets here.
11. Royal Garden
Italian: Giardini Reali
Taking a little break from the cityscape and immersing yourself in nature is always refreshing. Surprisingly, Venice has a petite garden right next to St Mark’s Square. Originally commissioned by Napoleon and later restructured in the 19th century, this garden offers a serene retreat from the city’s eclectic pace. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Coffee Pavilion, for an exquisite and unique coffee experience.
Opening hours:
– From April 15th to October 15th: Wednesday to Friday from 8.30am to 7.00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am to 7.30pm
– October 16th to April 14th: Wednesday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm
Ticket price: free
12. Outside Lunch
From one garden to another, today’s lunch spot is at Al Giardinetto da Severino. If you are wondering what are the best restaurants in Venice, this restaurant is a must-visit! Here you can try exceptional Venetian cuisine including fried sardine marinated in vinegar (sardine in saor), risotto, and spaghetti with squid ink, all of this while immersed in a romantic and calm natural setting.
My recommendation on what to choose? Opt for the spaghetti with crab, known as tagliolini al granchio in Italian. Not as commonly found in other restaurants, but truly representative of Venetian excellence and very flavourful.
Pro Tip: Did you know that tiramisu originated in Venice? At Al Giardinetto da Severino restaurant, you can taste one of the finest tiramisus in Italy.
Opening hours: every day except Thursday from 12.00am to 3.00pm and from 7.00pm to 10.00pm
You can make a reservation here.
13. Luxury Street: Calle XXII Marzo
Right outside of St Mark’s Square, you will find another luxurious shopping spot. The most important Italian brands make sure to secure their presence on Calle XXII Marzo Street. But don’t worry, you don’t need to make any purchases to experience the luxury! Simply wander from window to window and immerse yourself in Venice’s luxurious ambiance.
14. Accademia Bridge
Italian: Ponte dell’Accademia
Accademia Bridge is the second bridge over the Grand Canal that we have crossed on this two-day itinerary. The construction is not as fascinating as the Rialto bridge or other stone structures. However, what makes this bridge truly special, and a must to be featured in the things to do in Venice, is its view.
This vantage point offers a panoramic spectacle: on one side, the gorgeous Santa Maria della Salute Church and the calming sea, while on the opposite side, a view of the Grand Canal sliding through Venice.
Whether it is day, night, or even sunset this is an experience not to miss as the sights from here are truly mesmerizing. Capture a photo to make sure you immortalize this amazing adventure.
15. Gallery of Accademia
Italian: Gallerie dell’Accademia
On the opposite side of Accademia bridge, you’ll encounter the Gallerie dell’Accademia, an esteemed art museum that houses masterpieces of Venetian painting up to the 18th century. Some of the exhibits include works from Bellini, Leonardo da Vinci, Tintoretto, and Vasari, alongside contributions from foreign artists such as Hieronymus Bosch.
Built in the 18th century, its institution was among the pioneering establishments to focus on art restoration, starting in 1777. Initially, it served as both a convent and a church but during the Napoleonic invasions, the religious functions of the building were abolished, leaving behind only the museum.
For anyone even remotely interested in Italian art, a visit to this museum is imperative as its collection stands out for its remarkable richness and distinct artistic treasures.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15am to 7.15pm and Monday from 8.15am to 2.00pm
Ticket price: 16€ for adults, 2€ for visitors within 18 to 25 years, and free for visitors under 18 years.
Buy the tickets here.
16. Santa Maria della Salute Church
Italian: Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
This astonishing architectural work was erected as a votive offering to Mary, the Madonna, in 1630, following a devastating plague that killed a third of Venice’s population. No expense or effort was spared to construct the Baroque basilica, as you will witness yourself.
The architecture is very unusual, as it presents a domed octagonal structure reminiscent of Greco-Roman temples. The lines on the floor converge beneath the dome to form a vortex effect on the marble floors.
But the centerpiece of this basilica is the high altar, which displays a Byzantine icon of the Madonna and Child dating back to the 12th or 13th century. Surrounding this icon, there is an incredible sculpture group, depicting Mary herself expelling the Plague. Take a moment to admire the drama and beauty carved into the stone by the Flemish sculptor Josse de Corte. Words truly fall short in describing this artwork. What a way to finish our trip!
Opening hours:
– From April 1st to October 31st: Everyday from 9.00am to 12.00am and from 3.00pm to 5.30pm
– November 1st to March 31st: Everyday from 9.30am to 12.30am and from 3.00pm to 5.30pm
Ticket price: free for the Basilica, 6€ for the sacristy, and 8€ for the dome
Transport and Moving Around
While Venice isn’t a small city, the main things to see and attractions featured in this itinerary are conveniently situated close to each other. As such, it is recommended to explore the city on foot.
For tips on water transportation, check out the Tips section below.
You can reach Venice from other cities by train:
- Milan – around 2.5 hours
- Florence – around 2 hours
- Rome – around 4 hours
Tips
Venice has been a popular tourist destination for many years, attracting various individuals who might not always have the best intentions. It is advisable to be mindful when selecting restaurants, shops, and tour guides. I recommend researching online for additional information before making any decisions.
Also, keep in mind that Venice has a high presence of pickpockets, so always hold your valuables close to you.
Regarding transportation, particularly the use of boats, note that Gondolas can be quite expensive, yet they offer a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere. I suggest avoiding catching a Gondola in St. Mark’s Square, as the prices tend to be higher there.
If you wish to experience the waterways without the expense of a Gondola ride, consider taking the traghetto. These boats offer short trips across the Grand Canal for only 2€, providing a Gondola-like experience at a lower cost.
Another transportation tip involves the public boats (navetta) available outside the train station. It’s best to avoid boarding at the station’s stop, as it’s often overcrowded, resulting in long waiting times, sometimes up to an hour.
Summary
As you will soon discover, Venice is an enchanting city situated in the middle of the water, with a surreal beauty that appears almost too extraordinary to be real. The city’s glorious trading history has profoundly influenced till this day the rich architecture, delightful food, and marvelous attractions.
Expect to face some crowds seeking to appreciate the city, much like yourself. However, with this two-day itinerary, highlighting the best things to do in Venice and plenty of useful local tips, you’re guaranteed to enjoy this heavenly destination in Italy.
Seeking a day trip from Venice?
With just a 30 minute journey, you can discover the city where Galileo Galilei and Copernicus taught.
Check our travel guide about Padova!
Padua has been the scientific and educational center of the Veneto region for centuries, with Galileo Galilei as one of its professors and Nicolaus Copernicus as one of its students.
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