If Venice, Italy, is on your travel radar, it’s time to plan the trip of a lifetime to this floating city. Built upon an archipelago of small islands, Venice is known around the world for its unique architecture and layout, car-free streets, and picturesque canals.
This 2 day Venice itinerary will help you plan the perfect Italian getaway. This city is even dreamier than you can imagine. Wake up early to sip on a cappuccino by the canal, walk through the maze of alleys and cobblestone streets, and dine on the freshest seafood while the sun sets over the water.
Here is how to spend two days in Venice and make the most of your time without burning yourself out. Experience a mix of Venetian culture and history, try traditional local foods, and savor the slow life of Italy’s floating city.
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Venice Trip Planning Quickview
- Hotels: Hotel Casa Verardo Residenza d’Epoca (9.3/10, $$) | Residenza La Duchessa Deluxe Rooms (9.7, $$)
- Activities: Book combined access to Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica here
- How to get around: vaparettos, aka water taxi (buy a 48-hour vaparetto ticket here), CheBateo App, or Apple Maps
- What to pack: Venice Spring Packing List and Venice Fall Packing List
How Many Days to Stay in Venice
I don’t think it’s possible to get tired of being in Venice, Italy. If you enjoy a slow pace of life, the small things like sipping a cappuccino and watching the world go by, walking through historical buildings, and tasting your way through the city, you could easily spend a week or more here.
However, as it’s unlikely you have that much time to spend here, and I recommend visiting other beautiful places in Italy, you can get a good taste of Venice in two or three days. Pack your most comfortable shoes, and get ready to walk thousands of steps a day to explore the popular corners and hidden gems of this Italian city.
Staying on the actual islands of Venice will allow you to make the most of your time here. While it can be a little pricier to find accommodation here rather than on the mainland of Italy, there are generally cheaper options if you’re okay with a more basic place. This way, you’ll spend less time commuting to the island each day.
Venice Itinerary Overview
Day 1
On day one in Venice, explore the San Marco Neighborhood. This is the most popular neighborhood to explore in Venice, and for good reason. Walk around Piazza San Marco, go inside Basilica San Marco, or admire the architecture from outside. Plan a visit to Palazzo Ducale, or famously known as Doge’s Palace, eat well at Dal Moro’s and Fusion Puppa, and get plenty of gelato.
Day 2
On day two of this Venice itinerary, explore the Cannaregio Neighborhood. Enjoy a slow breakfast at Bacaro through the courtyard in Combo. They offer delicious coffee and a variety of pastries and sandwiches. Head to Ponte Di Rialto and cross the famous bridge over the Grand Canal. Grab traditional Venetian cicceti at Bar Ai Santi, stop by Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, and have a nice dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Da Alvise.
Map of 2 Days in Venice
Day 1 of 2 Day Venice Itinerary
Morning
Explore the San Marco Neighborhood and Piazza San Marco
Start your first day in Venice exploring the San Marco neighborhood. This is the most popular area of Venice, as it is where the Doge Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica, Piazza San Marco, and other famous sights are located.
There are cafes and restaurants surrounding the piazza, but I recommend grabbing coffee and breakfast further away, as they tend to be cheaper and better than those right next to tourist attractions.
Afternoon
Basilica San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Dal Moro’s for famous pasta, and Gelateria Gallonetto
After a cappuccino and pastry on your way to Piazza San Marco, plan a visit to the Doge Palace, or the Palazzo Ducale, Museo Correr, an art museum, and the Basilica San Marco. You can purchase tickets in advance online for convenient access.
Grab lunch in between activities at a Venice hot spot like Dal Moro’s for famous pasta, but know it’s very busy. Ristorante “Dallo Zio” San Marco is also a nice option. You can’t skip gelato while in Venice, no matter the weather; I recommend Gelateria Gallonetto.
Evening
Giardini Reali, the famous Harry’s Bar, and Fusion Puppa
If there is still sunlight, go for a stroll through Giardini Reali, a scenic little city park on the Grand Canal right next to Piazza San Marco.
After a busy day exploring the most well-known parts of Venice, slow down with a traditional Venetian dinner. Fusion Puppa is a delicious, reasonably priced local restaurant.
Harry’s Bar is a famous bar right on the canal known for its Bellini cocktails and celebrity clientele. It’s very pricey, but it’s a cool place to have a nice cocktail and learn more about Venice’s history.
Day 2 of 2 Days in Venice
Morning
Explore the Cannaregio Neighborhood and Bacaro (through the courtyard in Combo)
Start your second and last day in Venice, crying a little because your stay is coming to an end, and happy because you’re in Venice, Italy! Enjoy a slow breakfast like the locals at a hidden cafe, Bacaro, in the Cannaregio neighborhood of Venice.
Bacaro is a super cute cafe with tons of outdoor seating and a cozy interior. It’s part of a dormitory/apartments, and you can find it at the back of the courtyard of “Combo.” They offer delicious cappuccinos and an assortment of pastries and sandwiches.
I recommend you return to Combo later in the day for a wine-and-cicchetti evening. They have some of the best cicchetti on the island, with a wild assortment of toppings.
Afternoon
Ponte Di Rialto, walk down the Grand Canal, and Bar Ai Santi for cicceti
After a local breakfast, it’s time to see more of Venice on foot. You can’t miss the Ponte Di Rialto, one of the most famous bridges in Italy; another being the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, which is also worth checking out.
The Ponte Di Rialto crosses the Grand Canal in Venice, and it’s not only a bridge, but a shopping destination. This bridge is so massive that it’s lined with shops on both sides and has three walkways across. You’ll get some of the best and most well-known views of Venice here.
Along with crossing the Ponte Di Rialto, you should take some time to wander down the Grand Canal and peek in some shops and maybe grab a drink along the water’s edge. Please note that most restaurants right on the water will be pricier, so stroll down an alley away from the water for a more local spot. I recommend getting cicchetti at Bar Ai Santi for lunch.
Evening
Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art and Dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Da Alvise
Enjoy a slow evening wandering through the streets and alleys of Venice, or plan a visit to the Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art. If you’re a museum person, this is a fantastic place to visit to see a wide variety of contemporary art.
You can also plan a gondola ride for your last evening in Venice, but I will gladly tell you I think they’re a waste of money. Gondola rides are so expensive, not very long, and only take you to the more touristy parts of Venice.
Yes, it’s a neat way to explore the city, but exploring on foot allows you to explore anywhere you wish, go farther, and get the same views you would get from a gondola without the crazy cost.
To end your two days in Venice, enjoy a quiet meal on the water at Ristorante Pizzeria Da Alvise. The pizzas and pastas are top-notch here; you’ll get a view of the water, it’s relatively quiet compared to the main tourist restaurants, and it’s affordable.
Have more time to spend in Venice?
If you have another day in Venice, or if you want to see more of this part of Italy in your two days here, plan a day trip to Murano or Burano, the neighboring islands to Venice. You can take a water taxi to both islands, or you can book a guided tour for a much easier, stress-free day.
Murano is home to the world-renowned glassmaking industry, and Burano is known for its vibrant houses lining its canals. Both islands are worth visiting if you have the time, but you can’t go wrong with either.
Getting Around Venice
There are no cars in Venice, so walking and water taxis will be the way to get around the islands. You can easily walk around the main islands, but if you want to save time, or you’re carrying your luggage from the train station to your accommodation, plan to catch a water taxi or Vaporetto. Think of them as the local bus system; they’re just in the water rather than on land.
You can purchase tickets for the Vaporettos at the stops (like a train “station”), or you can purchase a 75-minute pass, 48-hour pass (the best option for this Venice itinerary), or longer. This tends to end up being cheaper than buying separate tickets for each ride, especially if you plan to use the vaparettos to get around.
Accommodations in Venice
While staying on the main islands of Venice can be slightly pricier, you’ll likely end up saving money and lots of time by doing so rather than staying on the mainland and having to take a train or bus to the islands every day. You can find clean, small homestays and hotels on the main islands if you’re okay with going without a luxury stay.
I recommend looking in the Cannaregio neighbourhood; this is where I have stayed multiple times and loved it as it’s quieter than some neighborhoods, but still within walking distance of Piazza San Marco. Dorsoduro and San Marco are also great locations to stay in.
Book Activities in Advance in Venice
Some activities require you to purchase tickets in advance, or it’s more convenient to do so to save lots of time. If you’re interested in visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, I recommend purchasing tickets in advance online. This allows you to skip the long lines and spend more time exploring these famous sites.
Dining in Venice
Avoid dining at restaurants in the busiest places, such as near tourist attractions like Piazza San Marco. These restaurants try to lure in tourists with convenience, but they’re usually overpriced and not as good as more local restaurants.
Wander down a few streets to find restaurants on quieter corners. There will be fewer crowds, shorter wait times, and better food for better prices.
More Italy Travel Info
If you’re planning to visit other parts of Italy, which I highly recommend if you have the time, read more about how to plan a trip to Italy to make the most of your time in this beautiful country. From packing lists to itineraries to general travel tips for Italy, learn more about traveling here before you go!
