2 Day Itinerary Venice: Expert’s Guide for 2023 and Beyond

Planning a dream vacation to Italy, and wondering how to visit Venice? This 2-day itinerary in Venice collected the real treasure to see and do, from iconic landmarks to world-class monuments in Venice, Italy. The best thing about this Venice itinerary is that it is flexible, giving you the opportunity to choose from 2 different itineraries in Venice or spend the third day exploring other islands.

Venice is also a tourist hotspot, with millions of visitors swarming in from all over the world to check things off their Venice bucket list — but after visiting Venice on different occasions, and exploring every single corner of the city, I am here now to not only share the best landmarks in Venice but also, the real hidden gems to help you to escape the crowds and enjoy the beauty of Venice on your own.

This should be your one-stop guide on how to visit Venice for the first time. Here you can also find very helpful insider tips on how to explore Venice, the best neighborhoods to stay in, tips on how to save money in Venice, and how to be safe! So, without any further ado, let’s discover the very best of Venice with this awesome itinerary.

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2-Day Itinerary Venice | Quick Guide

WHERE TO STAY IN VENICE

Castello | Luxury Venetian Rooms (⭐️ 9.2)

Cannaregio | Ca’ Bonfadini (⭐️ 9.2)

Santa Croce | Casa Sant’Andrea (⭐️ 8.0)

Budget-Friendly | Ca’ de la Fonte (⭐️ 8.8)

BEST VENICE GUIDED TOURS

🌟 My Top Pick: Venice in 1 day (⭐️ 4/5)

📸 Best Tour: Legendary Venice with Basilica, Terrace & Doge’s Palace (⭐️ 4.7/5)

🏆 Top Guided Tour: St Mark’s Basilica After-Hours Small Group Tour(⭐️ 4.8/5)

✈️ Transfer: Private transfer (⭐️ 4/5)

2-Day Itinerary Venice Overview

Before you jump into this amazing 2-day Venice itinerary, let’s talk about trip planning and make sure you are prepared for the best experience. I highly recommend coming to Venice with a well-defined itinerary with the top things you want to visit, see and do, in order to maximize your time here. I recommend at least 2 days in Venice to get the best out of your trip.

I personally love Venice and have visited Venice countless times. Now, I want you to love Venice too by getting away from the crowds and enjoying some of the most unique things to do in Venice. Venice can be explored in a well-planned 2 days, and I have designed this itinerary for Venice to put all the favorite top sights in the right order, so first-time visitors to Venice need to waste no time.

Make sure you choose accommodation in a good area, where you can easily walk around and explore the main attractions. Making your reservations in advance is also part of a well-planned visit, as Venice is a very popular destination and it may be hard to find last-minute accommodations.

Lastly, I recommend booking your tickets to attractions in advance, as the city is very busy throughout the year. The advantage of a guided tour is that you will spend a short time in line, and with a local guide, you will learn and appreciate Venice’s history better.

Gondola cruising through a Venice canal with five passengers and a ora in the water as they pass local buildings and cruisew through the water.

5 Smart Tips to Save Money during your Venice Itinerary

If you are planning to go on a 2-day itinerary in Venice, you don’t need to break your bank account. To make your Venice trip as hassle-free and budget-friendly as possible, here are some pro tips for you. You can thank me later.

💸 GET THE VENICE MUSEUM PASS: Venice is a small island with about 100 museums, and you certainly would want to visit as many of the best museums in Venice as possible. This is why a Museum pass is an absolute necessity in your quest to see Venice in 2 days.

💸 GET YOUR ACTV WATER BUS PASS: This is very important, especially if you want to see as much of Venice as possible within a few days. If you plan to visit other Venetian islands, I recommend you get the day pass, but if you only intend to stay in the city center and discover the city on foot, then the hourly ticket would do just fine.

💸 BUY VAPORETTO TICKETS IN ADVANCE: You can save some money if you buy your water bus ticket from the newspaper stands or sales booth before getting onboard. Buying your ticket onboard costs a little more, but you have to inform the staff immediately after you get on board, or else you will be charged a fine of over €60. Also, don’t buy transport tickets from the airport because they are not valid for transport within the city.

💸 AVOID THE DIFFICULTY FEE: If you ask the water taxis to drop you off at your hotel inside a congested narrow canal, you will be charged a very expensive difficult fee. One way to avoid this is to book a hotel near a water taxi stop.

💸 EAT WHERE THE LOCALS EAT: Make sure you avoid restaurants that are within the most touristy parts of Venice, as those are the most expensive and least authentic. You can only get the real taste of authentic Venetian cuisines by sniffing out and eating where the locals eat, not to mention how much money you’d save. Do this and you will be happy you added these local spots to your Venice bucket list.

A woman with long hair stands to the side next to a row of gondolas that are docked at a canal during a Venice for 2 days itinerary. The woman wears a black sleeveless shirt and a long yellow dress and is standing in front of a sign for Gondola service.

The Best 2-Day Itinerary Venice

Day 1 Venice Itinerary: Explore the Highlights of Venice

Your first day on this 2-day itinerary in Venice should be focused on exploring the city center and some of the most famous places in Venice. There are tons of amazing things to see and do in Venice, some of which will include taking a gondola ride, touring the Palace of Doge, climbing the bell tower to get a bird’s eye view of the city and a ton of other exciting things.


1. Tour the Grand Canal

Touring the Grand Canal is a perfect way to start your discovery of Venice. Venice is the city of canals, and the Grand Canal is the longest and deepest of them all and one of the most famous landmarks in Italy. You can take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal or explore it on foot to better appreciate the line-up of centuries-old palaces and buildings on both sides of the canal.

A gondolier has a stick to the left of a gondola that he is rowing through the canals of Venice. The gondola is full of passengers and sailing through the Grand Canal.
Grand Canal

2. Visit the Galleria Dell’Accademia

As you explore the Grand Canal, stop by this famous art gallery to view the collections of centuries-old artworks. Galleria Dell’Accademia houses pre-19th-century paintings. It is located in the Scuola della Carità on the Grand Canal’s south bank. Visitors go to this gallery every year to see Da Vinci’s classic masterpiece Vitruvian Man, which is on display.

💡 INSIDER TIP: If you are planning to visit the Galleria Dell’Accadmia, it is recommended to book in advance, check price and availability


3. Take some photos on the Rialto bridge

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the Grand Canal’s bridges. It dates back to the 12th century, but it has been rebuilt several times since then. Many stores line the bridge, so you can stop by and get yourself a souvenir.

Views of the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge are fantastic, but also make sure you view the bridge from afar because it’s a true architectural masterpiece. That is why it is such a famous tourist destination in Venice!

💡 INSIDER TIP: For the first time I hired a local professional photographer to do a photoshoot during my travels, and I loved it! I booked this photo tour, and besides getting amazing photos, I also got to explore more of Venice with a local and take advantage to walk to areas where I would not even know how to visit by myself. Enzo is an incredible photographer, so don’t hesitate to let him make you the main character of a gorgeous fairytale in Venice 😉

Paula stands by the canal in front of Rialto Bridge during her 2 Day Itinerary in Venice. She is wearing a red dress and there is a red and white striped pole in the water to her left.

4. Tour St Mark’s Basilica

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice, St Mark’s Basilica, is a magnificent structure glistening with brilliant gold mosaics and full of exquisite Byzantine-style decor. It’s certainly one of Italy’s most remarkable cathedrals, and there’s a lot of competition!

St Mark’s Basilica is also known as “Chiesa d’Oro,” which translates to “Golden Church,” because it’s decorated with golden mosaics. Touring the church is free and everyday tourists queue up to see the Basilica’s incredible architecture and artwork. Make sure you get there before the church, so you’re not made to wait.

💡 INSIDER TIP: If you are planning to visit the interior of St Mark’s Basilica, be prepared to spend hours in line. A great tip is to buy a Skip the line ticket, or an even better option you can book a St Mark’s Basilica After-Hours Small Group Tour

Elaborate exterior of St Mark’s Basilica with frescoes over the doors and lots of arched windows and archways.
St Marks Basilica

5. Explore the Correr Civic Museum

After marveling at the 4,240 square meters of gold mosaics in the Basilica, head over to the Museo Correr right there in St Mark’s Square. You’d love this museum if you’re interested in historical art, here you will discover the life and culture of the Venetian Republic over the centuries and enjoy one of the best museums in Venice.

Also on display are Venetian paintings and sculptors from as far back as the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. You will need a ticket to gain entrance into the museum. A single ticket will allow you access to Doge’s Palace and the Museo Correr, and it’s valid for 3 months from the purchase date, however, it can only be used once.

💡 INSIDER TIP: You can purchase your ticket directly from their official website. Or you can book a skip-the-line with a private tour, for a more personalized experience, and to explore and admire paintings and sculptures by El Greco, Bellini, Brueghel, Canova, and more.


6. Climb Saint Marks’ Campanile

Also on the list of fun things to do in Piazza San Marco is to climb the bell tower. The bell tower was first built in the 9th century and is most renowned for holding an early exhibition of Galileo’s telescope. The view of Venice from the top of the bell tower is amazing, but getting up there requires a small fee.


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7. Visit the Doge’s Palace

The enchanting palace of Doge (Palazzo Ducale) is right next to the Basilica. It was built in the 14th century and served as the home of the leaders of the Venetian Republic and the seat of government.

This Gothic palace boasts a magnificent gilded ceiling with panels representing the Venetian Republic’s glory, the interiors are decorated with intricate frescoes of the Doges, marble floors, and gold ceilings. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in Venice.

White exterior of Doge's Palace in Venice. People are walking around the exterior and are waiting to get in. The building has arched windows and open porches with columns and archways .

8. Walk through the Bridge of Sighs

As you exit the Doge’s palace, your next stop should be the Bridge of Sighs. This is a small footbridge that connected the Palace of Doge to the prisons; it was once used by guards to walk prisoners from the Palace to the prison. It’s an enclosed stone bridge with a beautiful view of the city.

Paula in a long red dress standing with her left hand on her hip. She is right by a canal and you can see the Bridge of Sighs in the background during Venice in 2 days. There is a gondolier in the canal with a boat full of passengers who is looking at the camera.

9. Dine at Wistèria Restaurant

After a full day of exploration, you may want to give yourself a big treat in an elegant restaurant with fine dining. For that, I suggest you stop at the Wistèria Restaurant.

This is an absolutely amazing place to eat, and it’s right in the heart of Venice. They have an innovative tasting menu, and every dish is paired with the perfect wine for it. You can taste the originality in every dish — the ambient atmosphere and friendly staff are also great additions.


Day 2 Venice Itinerary: Discover the nearby Islands (Option #1)

On the second day of this 2-day itinerary in Venice, I encourage you to take a boat trip outside the center of Venice and explore some of the nearby islands. The Islands of Murano and Burano are especially very idyllic and lovely. You can visit both islands in half a day if you join a private tour like this one.


1. Murano Island

Take a scenic boat ride from Venice and head to Murano, the small, peaceful Venetian island famous for glass factories and local artisan glassblowers. Murano is a beautiful place to visit, it’s been inhabited since Roman times, and each century added its own architectural style to the island.

In Murano, you will discover some of the most skilled glassblowers on earth. Since the 13th century, Murano has been home to some of the world’s finest artisan glassblowers, and they are very fascinating to watch.

Once in Murano, you can visit glass workshops to see amazing collections of glass sculptures and fabulous works of art. You can also partake on a workshop and learn how to make your own glass sculpture. While here, tour the island to appreciate its tranquil waterways and gorgeous Byzantine churches.

From left to right you will see pink, green, yellow, and orange homes on Murano island. That sit right on a canal where boats are docked.

2. Visit the 7th-century Church of Santa Maria e Donato

Another spectacular sight to behold is the Basilica of Saint Mary and Saint Donatus. This is one of the oldest churches on the lagoon, as it dates back to the 7th century. This graceful structure is decorated with Byzantine mosaics from the 12th century, plus it contains the relics of Saint Donatus of Arezzo in a marble sarcophagus, and large bones behind the altar claimed to be the bones of a dragon killed by the saint. Therefore, this is easily one of the best things to do in Venice.


3. Attend a glassblowing demonstration

Murano is an island known for glassmaking with unmatched craftsmanship, it’s famous for glass factories, and you will find quite a number of them there. There are usually many tour groups, and you can join one for a small fee during your two days in Venice itinerary.

You need to witness a glassblowing session to appreciate the amount of heat and skill that goes into the process of making glass.

You will also get to browse the workshop gallery and marvel at the stunning glass sculptures, beautiful chandeliers, flowers, vases, and a variety of animal figures. Remember to take as many pictures as you want, and even buy some of your favorites, they come in a large range of prices, and some are very affordable.

Two men shaping red hot glass in a glass blowing studio in Murano that you can visit during your 2 days in Venice itinerary.

4. Stop by the Palazzo da Mula

Visit the Palazzo da Mula to get a feel of Venetian Gothic architecture. Palazzo da Mula is one of the last few Venetian Gothic-style palaces, and it has a lovely garden and courtyard. This building dates back to the 12th century, it has been extensively remodeled, yet its original Gothic architectural style has been preserved. It’s an important piece of historical art.


5. Visit Burano

From Murano, you can take a short boat cruise to Burano island or another few hours of the delightful discovery of a part of ancient Rome. For centuries now, this small picturesque island has been home to fishermen and is famous for needlelace. Burano is a very interesting place with brightly-colored houses which are just perfect for IG photos.

For the second part of your Venice 2 days itinerary, I encourage you to explore Burano, visit the lace museum, and lace factory, and enjoy some local delicacies at the seafood restaurants.

A row of vibrant and colorful houses in green, red, yellow, and pink colors that you'll see in Burano during your Venice in 2 days itinerary. Boats sit docks along a canal out in front of the houses.

6. Explore the colorful Island

The stunning brightness of vibrant colors is the first thing that strikes you as you approach the island during your 48-hour Venice itinerary. It’s an explosion of color, with every color of the rainbow and most of the hues in between.

Burano is a tiny island, only about 500 meters in length. Take a stroll along the many alleyways and courtyards, taking in the colorful beauty as you go. Everywhere you turn, there is a burst of vibrant colors, it’s a lovely scene for any photographer. You’ll need your camera battery, so make sure it’s fully charged.


7. Dine at a seafood restaurant

Burano is not as touristy as Venice, which is usually reflected in the prices of hotels and restaurants. Burano is significantly cheaper and there are many seafood restaurants serving the freshest seafood delicacies. One such restaurant is Riva Rosa, their seafood is so fresh and tasty, coupled with excellent service and phenomenal views outside.


Day 2 Venice Itinerary: Explore the Off-The-Beaten Path of Venice (Option #2)

If you decide to stay for a Venice 3-day itinerary, or if you want to focus your time in Venice instead of Murano e Burano, this is the perfect option for you.


1. Visit the stunning Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

Start your 2 days in Venice Itinerary by taking a boat, and visiting the amazing San Giorgio Maggiori, which dominates the name of the small island. Besides the church, you and stroll around the island and visit the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning gardens behind the church.

San Giorgio Maggiore is one of Venice’s most visually striking buildings, and it sits directly across the canal from the Piazza San Marco. This magnificent building dates back to the 16th century, it’s a classical Renaissance-style church with immaculate white marble glittering over the blue lagoon. San Giorgio Maggiore is a stunning beauty to behold, and you don’t want to miss this Italian Landmark.

View of Church of  San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice with people sitting on the stoop out front and walking around the street.

2. Explore Giudecca

Located just across the San Giorgio Maggiore you will find the Giudecca, a very intriguing place that used to be an industrial area with factories, shipyards, and warehouses. Here you can find a very laid-back and relaxed lifestyle as you enjoy one of the most unique things to do in Venice. This is an exclusive residential island, and slowly it is also gaining more attention from the visitor. Especially because of its natural beauty.

To get from Venice to Giudecca, you will need to go by ferry or Vaporetti. Once on the island, you will have to explore it on foot. Giudecca is a very small island, that can be experienced by its charm only by walking around its pretty streets.


3. Enjoy the Dorsoduro

This area is a hidden gem in Venice – or at least, by Venice standards – I chose to stay in this neighborhood because it is quieter and away from the crowds, but equally beautiful. Actually, there is so much to see and explore here that you easily spend a full day without seeing everything.

While here visit the incredible Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute, sitting across the Grand Canal with mesmerizing views, just a great place for pictures.

Stroll around Dorsoduro and enjoy the local art shops, charming cafes, and great restaurants. You can also visit the Punta Della Dogana art museum located at the eastern point. There are also many waterfront palaces and churches, including the very small Chapel of San Vio, the amazing Palazzo Cini, and the museum Ca’Rezzonic.


4. Castello

Located eastern end of Venice, this sestiere (or neighborhood) is a very interesting area. While this district stretches almost to Piazza San Marco, you will need to go on a journey all the way to Castello. Here you can find beautiful architecture, the art organization of Bienalle started here.

The best thing about it is that you still can experience deserted squares and beautiful intimate park spaces. Explore the Via Garibaldi, the widest street in all of Venice, which is actually a filled-in canal. Enjoy the cafes, bars, and local small shops.

Enjoy the beautiful Castello Giardini, one of the greener spaces in Venice, with beautiful nature, pavilions, and fascinating buildings with architecture from the 1930s up to the 1980s.

Paula stands next to a wooden door with her face towards the camers in a red dress. The door is arched and can be found on a brick building during her 2 days in Venice itinerary.

Have More Time in Venice?

If you have more time to kill after your two days in Venice then you can you could try enjoying some more of the best day trips from Venice:

📌 Explore Verona – Visite the Prosecco region of Italy, exploring Verona. Situated about 75 miles west of Venice, Verona can be reached by train in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Verona offers amazing medieval architecture, ancient Roman ruins, and the legendary balcony of Juliet’s House.

📌 Go Hike in the Dolomites – Go for an epic hike in the Dolomites (the scenery is stunning and otherworldly). The drive generally takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Once you arrive in the Dolomites, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking peaks, dramatic landscapes, and charming mountain villages

📌 Head to Padua – Take a short day trip from Venice to Padua (Padova in Italian). The approximately 30-minute train ride from Venice makes Padua an easily accessible day-trip destination. This charming city boasts a renowned university, making it a hub of intellectual and cultural activity.

📌 Enjoy the Opera at the Fenice – You could also enjoy some of the many cool things to do in Venice including getting tickets to the opera at the Fenice. La Fenice Opera House, located in the heart of Venice, is an illustrious gem of the city’s cultural landscape. After being destroyed and rebuilt twice, this historic theater has risen from the ashes like a phoenix, as its name “La Fenice” suggests. The opera house stands as a symbol of resilience and artistic excellence.


Best Areas to Stay in Venice

Every year, Venice attracts millions of visitors from different parts of the globe, and the crowd can be overwhelming when planning two days in Venice. Since this city is such a tourist hotspot, experiencing some of the most unique things to do in Venice like a local is very nearly impossible, but it can still be done. Even with all the tourists, there are still quiet neighborhoods in Venice that are outside the famous Venice landmarks, and so are off the beaten path and somewhat cozy. If you’d like to experience like a local and save as much money as possible, here are 3 of the best places to stay in Venice.

Make sure you choose accommodation in a good area, where you can walk to all of the main attractions in Venice. Making your reservations in advance is also part of a well-planned visit to Venice. I have a list of the best places to stay in Venice for every budget.

🏨 Castello: Best Place to Stay in Venice for First-Time Visitors

Being the largest neighborhood in Venice, you’d think that it’d be a magnet for tourists, but it’s really not. Castello is a quiet neighborhood, with a large population of locals. It’s the ideal neighborhood for anyone who wants to strike a perfect balance between the tourist charm of Central Venice and the everyday laid-back life of the locals. It’s also a great spot if you want to uncover some hidden gems in Venice or plan a more offbeat 48-hour Venice itinerary.

Good Value Hotel | Hotel Colombina (⭐️ 8.9) is set in a historic building overlooking the canal of the nearby Bridge of Sighs.

Entire Apartment | Vanilla House (⭐️ 9.0) sets in a building dating from the 19th century and is less than 0.6 miles from Rialto Bridge, and a 12-minute walk from Doge’s Palace.

Luxury hotel | Luxury Venetian Rooms (⭐️ 9.2) is less than 650 feet from Saint Mark’s Square and Basilica, and 800 feet from the Ducal Palace.

Paula standing to the left in a red dress with a brown hat and pointing towards the camera. Here friend stands to the right of her with a black tank top and long yellow skirt in a brick, Nenetcian square during a 2 days in Venice Itinerary

🏨 Cannaregio: Best Place to Stay in Venice for Budget Accommodations

In contrast to Castello, Cannaregio is the heart of both tourist and local activities. It’s the most congested neighborhood in Venice, swarming with visitors every year. Despite this, it’s still a budget-friendly neighborhood with affordable accommodation options and direct access to the train station, only a 20-minute walk to San Marco — the tourist heart of Venice.

Good Value Hotel | Ca’ de la Fonte (⭐️ 8.8) has a garden, and popular points of interest nearby include Rialto Bridge, San Michele Cemetery, and Basilica San Marco.

Entire Apartment | Charming Palace Corte del Teatro (⭐️ 9.0) offers units equipped with a kitchen and a seating area, and it is only a 6-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square and Basilica

Luxury hotel | Ca’ Bonfadini (⭐️ 9.2) Housed in a 16th-century building in Venice offers elegant accommodation, with a great location – Rialto Bridge is 1 mile away.

Pauls standing in a black dress with her hand under her chin while standing on a brick bridge over a canal during her Venice Itinerary.

🏨 Santa Croce: Best Place to Stay in Venice For Charme and an Authentic Experience

Santa Croce is yet another low-key neighborhood with a local vibe. It’s quiet, authentic, and one of the least touristy parts of Venice. Despite this, Santa Croce is still a busy neighborhood because it’s the transport hub with the bus station (in Piazzale Roma) and train station (in Santa Lucia). It’s the only place in Venice where cars can travel.

Good Value Accommodation | Santa Croce Boutique Hotel (⭐️ 9.5) is situated in the Santa Croce district and is a 10-minute walk from both Venice Santa Lucia Train Station and Rialto Bridge. Therefore, it is a great home base from which to enjoy 48 hours in Venice.

Entire Apartment | Master Venice Apartments (⭐️ 9.2) features a kitchen with a dishwasher and more and it is located 1,650 feet from Ca’ d’Oro in Venice

Luxury hotel | The Gritti Palace (⭐️ 9.4) is set in a former noble residence on Venice’s Grand Canal and has incredible views and luxurious rooms with antique Muranos glasses, for a fabulous stay in Venice.

View of the narrow canals in Venice filled with boats and flanked by red houses that you can see during your 48 hours in Venice.

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Frequent-Asked Questions for 2 Days in Venice

Should I spend 2 or 3 days in Venice?

If you have the time to spare in your Italy itinerary then definitely spend between 3 and 4 days in Venice. Not only will give you plenty of time to enjoy the best things to do in Venice but you’ll be able to go on some cool day trips from Venice too.

In fact, you’ll have more than enough time to visit nearby islands like Burano, Murano, and Torcello. Ultimately, though, the best Venice itinerary really depends on your personal preferences and where you want to spend time in Italy.


Is 2 days enough time in Venice? Is 48 hours enough in Venice?

Generally speaking, 2 days in Venice is enough time for most visitors to see all of the top Venice landmarks. However, if you only have one day in Venice then you can still get a feel for this city during your 24 hours in Venice.

And if you have 3 days in Venice then you can travel at a slower pace, see some unusual things to do in Venice and enjoy all the best museums in Venice, especially if you’re a big fan of museums.


How many days should you spend in Venice?

Given the number of things to do and see in Venice, I recommend that 2 days is the absolute minimum you should plan for to avoid spending your trip running around from sight to sight without time to really enjoy the atmosphere of the city. Just because Venice has so much to do and to see, I highly recommend coming to Venice with a well-defined itinerary, in order to maximize your time.


How to get to Venice?

Venice has a train station, a bus station, and an airport, therefore you can get to Venice either by flight, train, bus or even drive yourself. Most people will often get to Venice by taking a train or bus ride from other parts of Italy.

  • BY TRAIN: If you take a train to Venice, you will arrive at the Santa Lucia Train Station or Piazzale Roma Bus Station.
  • BY PLANE: If you decide to fly to Venice, you will arrive at the Venice Marco Polo airport. You can schedule a private airport pick up including a water taxi.
  • WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN VENICE: Once in Venice, you have a few transport options for reaching the city center; the express bus, the city bus, water bus/taxi. The ride will take about 20 to 35 minutes, depending on where your hotel is.

What is the best way to get around Venice?

BY FOOT: Venice is very walkable, and there are no cars or streets in Venice, and bicycles are not allowed.

GONDOLAS: While undeniably classic to take a gondola in Venice, they are very touristy too, so I recommend checking for options and booking in advance. Check this gondola with commentary or you can go more romantic, with a Gondola private tour with a serenade

VAPORETTO BOATS: Since Venice is a car-free city, your only options for getting around are limited and the #1 option is the public water bus: the water bus ticket. You can buy a single-trip ticket, an hourly ticket, or a daily ticket, always make sure you buy your ticket in advance.

WATER TAXI: Another transport option in Venice is the private water taxis, they are more expensive, but they are great if you want something personal or private.


Durind a 2 day itinerary in Venice Paula stands smiling and facing the camera in a red dress. Her left hand os on the shoulder of a gondolier on a dock in Venice. Four other gondoliers stand sitting around the dock.

What is the best time to visit Venice?

Venice has no off-seasons, but if you want to avoid the large crowds, visit during the spring and fall seasons. March, April, May, October, and November are usually the best months to visit. Visiting Venice during these periods will allow you to enjoy the cheapest offers with a very little crowd.

Another great tip, while you are visiting Venice, is to start your day very early. Venice is almost always crowded, and one way to beat the crowd is to start each day a little earlier than you normally would. You can beat the long queues and save yourself some time by getting started really early. Also, get yourself some skip-the-line tickets, those are really lifesavers!

Paula standing in a red dress with a hat raised in her right hand as she stands on a dock and looks out on Venice during her Venice Itinerary. Gondolas sit next to her docced on her left.

What to Pack for two days in Venice

If you are visiting in winter or cold months, be aware that it can be cold. The coldest months in Venice are from December to February. So bring some layers. I recommend a warm jacket, comfortable boots, and a nice coat to wear in the evenings.

If you are also visiting during the hot months, think about light clothes and comfortable shoes to walk and explore during the day.

Leave your pair of high heels at home, as you won’t need them. Don’t forget your sunblock, and sunglasses and consider a hat too.

For the evening, especially if you are planning to have dinner at one of the nice restaurants, you can think about a comfortable summer dress and sandals. Or if you are not into dresses, a pair of jeans and a nice top and a nice pair of sandals.

If you are planning to visit churches, consider bringing a pashmina to cover your shoulders.

Safety Tips for 2 Days in Venice Itinerary

If you’re planning to spend a lovely 2 days in Venice then you’ll need some insider tips to help keep you safe and to ensure that you have an amazing time.

And since I have been to Venice more times then I can remember, I am the perfect person to help keep you safe. Honestly, though, Venice is a generally safe city and you will likely not run into any problems during your forty-eight hours in Venice itinerary. However, there are a few small things that I personally noticed and I encourage you to keep an eye out for.

🚶‍♀️ In general, Venice is a very walkable city. However, that means you will have to go upstairs, cross bridges, and walk along many uneven surfaces during your 2 days in Venice itinerary. So, if you have mobility issues then definitely bare this in mind when planning your Venice itinerary, It’s also worth noting that these walkways can get quite slippery when wet. So, please be careful.

🤦‍♂️ Additionally, be on the lookout for pickpockets who like to frequent top Venice landmarks like Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, and more. Take normal precautions and keep an eye on your things and you should be just fine.

🥀 Travel scams are also common in Venice and one of the most popular is the rose scam. In fact, it can be found throughout much of Europe but is especially common in Venice. Typically, a man will approach a couple with a bouquet of flowers and pull out a single flower to present to the woman. And while travelers think the rose is “free”, upon taking the rose the “kind” man will then demand payment for the flower.

🙉 Honestly, if anyone tries to give you anything for free, don’t accept it. A lot of travel scams begin this way and I have found it is just not worth the hassle. So, if anyone tries to give you anything for free just say, “No thank you” and keep walking.

2-Day Itinerary in Venice Conclusion

With a well-planned 2 day itinerary in Venice, you will be able to see and do plenty of things. From exploring the stunning St Mark Catedral, and some of the museums, wander around the canals and enjoy the best of this unique city at your own pace. If you have a third day, explore the other islands around Venice and fall in love.

Nicknamed the floating city, a phenomenal medieval town built on water, Venice is one of the most important Landmarks in Italy. With historical palaces and artistic treasures on islets connected by canals, Venice is a uniquely beautiful city. Famous for its peculiar gondolas rides, narrow canals, delicious cuisines, rich historical heritage, and breathtaking architecture.

If you are planning to visit Italy, you may also enjoy reading the following:

Venice Itinerary Pinterest

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2 thoughts on “2 Day Itinerary Venice: Expert’s Guide for 2023 and Beyond”

  1. Já estive neste mágico lugar e realmente achei uma preciosidade e uma grata surpresa depois de tantos comentários ruins e contrários que obtive…. é magnifico chegar numa cidade sob as águas, é tão único e diferente de tudo… por isso a importância de sempre viajarmos de mente aberta e prontos a experimentar novas experiências. Faltou tempo para conhecer melhor certos pontos e digo que ficou com gostinho de quero mais e de quero um repeteco…rsrsrsrsrs…” che bella italia “. Paula seu roteiro está ótimo e as fotos como sempre fantásticas… obrigada por compartilhar.

  2. This was very well written article! Very detailed and useful!
    Keep them coming, and we’ll keep on reading them!❤️

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