16 Perfect Ideas for a Short Visit

Just 2 Days

Make the most of your 2 full days in Venice with a well-balanced itinerary that captures the essence of this unique city!

You might be tempted to check off the usual must-sees: Rialto Bridge and the landmarks in Piazza San Marco.

But be prepared: these hotspots attract large crowds, which can make the experience feel rushed and overwhelming.

For a more relaxed and authentic Venetian experience, explore other handpicked ideas from our 16 recommendations, centered around the San Marco and Dorsoduro districts.

Piazza San Marco

There’s a reason most one-day visitors head straight here: Venice’s grand central square — the city’s social, religious, and political heart — is nothing short of spectacular.

Explore Piazza San Marco

Rialto Bridge

The first bridge over the Grand Canal, now one of Venice's most iconic landmarks.

Explore Rialto Bridge

Canal Grande

Majestic waterway, lined with a dazzling array of palaces.

Only here, in this unique setting, can you admire some of the world’s most exquisite palaces and architecture while simultaneously gliding past a vibrant array of boats.

Explore Canal Grande

Water Bus hop-on hop-off

With a water bus pass, you can explore Venice and its surroundings cost-effectively, avoiding the hassle of constantly buying individual 75' tickets.

Picture yourself enjoying grand views from the water of the entire Canal Grande (line #1) and then taking in the breathtaking aerial vistas from the belltower of San Giorgio Maggiore (reachable with line #2).

Afterwards, head to the northern entrance of the Arsenale with line #4.1 and even travel further to Murano.

All in the same day, for only €25.

Waterbus Guide

Take a gondola ride

Riva del Vin : Come summertime, the place bursts with visitors and leisurely gondola rides

Riding a gondola is on many people's bucket lists, and it’s truly as unique to Venice as it gets.

A 30-minute gondola ride has a fixed price set by the city: €90 during the day and €110 in the evening or at night.

This price covers a private gondola that can hold up to 5 passengers, but note that payment is only accepted in cash.

If you don’t have cash on hand, or if you're traveling solo or as a couple, consider booking a shared gondola online for a more affordable option.

Take the Traghetto

A budget-friendly gondola service that ferries you across the Grand Canal at designated points.

At just €2, it’s the cheapest gondola ride available.

Though short, it’s a scenic experience aboard a larger gondola rowed by two oarsmen.

Discover the Traghetto

Basilica dei Frari

Imposing Gothic church housing art treasures and monumental mausoleums.

Escape the claustrophobia of crowds and narrow alleys into this expansive spiritual open space filled with art.

Explore Basilica dei Frari

Scuola di San Rocco

The wealthiest of the seven confraternity buildings will impress with its breathtaking grand interiors, showcasing some of the most dramatic artworks in Venice — matched only by those of the Doge's Palace.

Explore Scuola di San Rocco

San Pantalon

Behind the unassuming facade lies a breathtaking ceiling, alive with a vibrant celestial scene and a mesmerizing sense of depth.

Explore San Pantalon

Take in a musical performance

Listen to an uplifting rendition of Vivaldi's beloved 'Four Seasons', performed not in a concert hall, but in the intimate settings of the churches of San Vidal or Chiesa della Pieta (Vivaldi Church) (also known as the Vivaldi Church).

Or step back into Venice's golden era with baroque classics and operatic arias, featuring performers in traditional Venetian costumes.

Experience Italian opera like never before as you move from room to room with the performers, soaking up the drama of epics like 'La Traviata' and 'Rigoletto' in the intimate and historically elegant setting of a 15th-century palace on the Canal Grande.

Island hopping

There are over 100 islands in the lagoon, but the most famous ones are Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

Boat tours take you to all three islands in just a few hours, which is a great idea if you have limited time.

Murano has been the heart of Venice’s renowned glass-making industry since 1291.

Burano is distinguished by its brightly painted houses and is renowned for its traditional lace artisans.

Torcello is often seen as the symbolic birthplace of Venice.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Often called a 'Renaissance jewelry box' for its exquisite polychrome marble panels, supposedly crafted from leftover marbles from St. Mark's Basilica.

Explore Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Palazzo Grimani

Unusual Renaissance palace with theatrical frescoed halls adorned with intricate grotesques.

Get a sense of how the ultra-rich Venetians adorned their palazzos with out-of-the-ordinary decorations.

Explore Palazzo Grimani

Ca' Rezzonico

Museum showcasing the extravagance of 18th-century Venetian life, set within a grand palace.

Step back in time to Venice's Age of Decadence with a visit to this opulent residence, one of the few open to the public.

Explore Ca' Rezzonico

Santa Maria della Salute

Baroque votive church with a unique octagonal design.

Dominating the southern entrance of the Canal Grande, the church's silhouette has become one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Why not experience its dramatic Baroque up close?

Explore Santa Maria della Salute