erincohen Only have one day in Venice? Venice is one of those places everyone has on their travel bucket list along with Positano. With its beautiful canals, excellent food, and unique architecture, it’s no wonder many people save up to visit the beautiful city, even briefly.
In this post, we share our ultimate one-day Venice itinerary with the places you must visit before leaving, including major landmarks, restaurants, cultural spots, and more. Plus, our top accommodation choices so you can easily book your stay and have the trip of your life.
This is the ultimate one-day in Venice itinerary to explore the city’s most beautiful places. Be sure to use our Italy captions to capture your moments in this wonderful city!
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One Day In Venice, Itinerary
See St. Mark’s Square
To kick off your one day in Venice itinerary, head to St. Mark’s Square (known as Piazza San Marco) to enjoy a beautiful sight of iconic landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile (bell tower). I recommend you arrive with time to beat the crowds and take in the beauty of the mosaics of the basilica peacefully. If you’re looking for the best panoramic views of the city, climb to the Campanile!
Walk Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is an enclosed bridge that connects the Doge’s Palace to the old prison. Legend says prisoners would sigh as they caught their last glimpse of Venice before their imprisonment. This spot is perfect for admiring Venice and taking some photos with cute poses.
Rialto Bridge
Next on your bridge-seeing schedule is the Rialto Bridge, or Ponte di Rialto if you want to say it the Italian way. This iconic structure spans the Grand Canal and offers excellent views of the waterway and the market area, perfect for taking pictures, proposing to the love of your life, or admiring the beauty of the city.
If you’re wondering what to do in Venice for free, the nearby shops and stalls offer plenty of fresh produce, Venetian masks, and souvenirs to discover. We could have spent hours exploring the markets!
Visit Ponte dell’ Accademia
If you haven’t noticed yet, bridges are a popular thing in Venice. Ponte dell’Accademia is a stunning wooden bridge that crosses the Grand Canal and connects the districts (sestieri) of Dorsoduro and San Marco. It’s a great spot for taking panoramic photos of the Grand Canal, especially at sunset when the light gives the city a stunning golden glow.
Take Venice In On A Water Taxi
One of the best ways to explore this Venice, Italy itinerary is by taking water taxis instead of gondola rides. While gondola rides are famous and super romantic, they can be quite expensive, especially if you have a tight schedule and plenty to see in one day in Venice.
Water taxis offer a more affordable way to traverse the canals and enjoy the city from a different perspective. Plus, you can negotiate with drivers for a short tour, which will allow you to see plenty of highlights from the water, in a single ride.
Get Lost In The Back Streets
Venice and its labyrinthine back streets, is there anything better? When you only have a few hours or a day in a new place, it is common to try and see everything that you possibly can, but most people tend to forget the most important thing when traveling, which is enjoying the mundane.
After you’ve done the typical tourist tour around Venice, take a step back from the crowded areas and explore the quiet, narrow alleys and hidden squares. You’ll be greeted with plenty of small charming shops, local cafes, and beautiful views of Venice that no tour will ever show you.
Take A Venetian Cooking Class
We love taking cooking classes whenever we can while traveling to get to know the culture and cuisine better. Plus, we get the best tips and tricks from locals to recreate traditional dishes at home. Your one day in Venice cannot be completed without taking a proper cooking class where you’ll learn how to prepare homemade pasta and tiramisu.
Many classes include a visit to the local market to source fresh ingredients, which counts as two activities in one. If you’re looking for what to see in Venice in one day that won’t take a lot of time and allows you to explore the city at the same time, this is a great choice.
Have A Drink At The Ca’ Select (The Original Spitz)
Ca’ Select is the birthplace of the original spritz, and the perfect place to end your one-day in Venice itinerary. The historic bar offers a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of Venetian cocktails. I recommend you try the classic spritz, made with Select Aperitivo, prosecco, and a splash of soda. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy your last few hours in the city.
Got More Time? Visit Burano
If you have more time, take a vaporetto (water bus) or book a tour to the island of Burano, known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making tradition. Here you can stroll along the canals, visit local artisan shops, and enjoy a wonderful meal at one of the island’s charming restaurants.
When To Visit Venice?
After detailing my ultimate day in the city, it is time to discuss the best time to visit Venice. This city can be enjoyed year-round, but the best times to visit are during the spring (April to June), and fall (September to October). These months offer mild weather and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer season and are perfect for traveling to Italy on a budget. Winter is another option, with quieter streets but expect much cooler temperatures.
Where To Stay In Venice
When planning a trip abroad, I always make sure to book my accommodation first to have peace of mind and focus on the fun itinerary part. If you’re looking for excellent places to stay while in Venice, I have three top-class recommendations depending on your preferences:
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
This luxurious resort is located on its own private island and offers stunning views of Venice and a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. Featuring VIP amenities like a rooftop pool, spa, and fine dining, you’ll surely have a wonderful time staying here.
The place itself is an attraction, surrounded by a beautiful lagoon that makes the architecture stand out. The suites have a minimalist decor with accent colors that combine with the Venetian landscape, ideal for taking plenty of pictures.
Address: Isola Delle Rose Laguna Di, 30133 Venezia VE, Italy
Hotel Marconi
Hotel Marconi is located near the Rialto Bridge and provides comfortable accommodations with easy access to major attractions. If you plan on exploring Venice on foot, this hotel is perfect for you.
This place features amenities like a private balcony, housekeeping, and air conditioning to make your stay more comfortable. It is a wonderful hotel that will allow you to easily explore Venice without walking too much or having to travel very far.
Address: Riva del Vin, 729, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
H10 Palazzo Canova
H10 Palazzo Canova is an elegant hotel with modern yet classic Venetian-style rooms located on the Grand Canal. This will grant you breathtaking views and convenient access to St. Mark’s Square and other landmarks.
The decoration of the hotel is simply out of this world. Elegant, and minimalistic with key accent colors make this place a go-to choice for luxury travelers. As for the amenities, Palazzo Canova features fine dining, free WiFi, and a rooftop bar, among many others.
No matter which one you choose, I recommend you book your accommodation with time, especially if you’re visiting Venice during summer (peak season). This way, you can plan the rest of your trip peacefully and enjoy the early-booking discounts.
Address: Riva del Vin, 744, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Where To Eat In Venice
We must talk about Venice by mentioning the food, which is why we are dedicating this section to recommending the best places to eat while in the city. Here are our top choices:
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The Aman Venice
The Aman is located in a historic palace on the Grand Canal and offers a luxurious dining experience focused on Venetian cuisine. Not only do I recommend this place for its incredible menu, but for the stunning architecture too. Bridgerton fans will love to dine here, as we did!
Address: Calle Tiepolo, 1364, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Ristorante Glam
This restaurant is led by Michelin-starred chef Enrico Bartolini and features a more cozy atmosphere and a creative take on traditional Venetian dishes. The tasting menus are a unique culinary experience I highly encourage you to try out.
Address: Calle Tron, 1961, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy
La Zucca
La Zucca is your go-to place for a casual yet delightful meal. The cozy restaurant is known for its vegetarian-friendly options and warm atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. If you come here, make sure to try their famous pumpkin flan.
Address: Sestiere Santa Croce 1762, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy
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One Day In Venice Final Words
Venice, the wonderful city of water, is a stunning city worth exploring even for just 24 hours. This post provides you with a well-planned one-day-in-Venice itinerary that will help you visit all the major attractions without rushing and with time to stop and enjoy the view.
Be sure to use our incredible list of Venice Instagram captions we curated as well! Arrivederci!
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