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If you’re looking for the most romantic city get-away possible Venice is your answer, hands down. There is no other city in the world like it. And if you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway, 2 days in Venice if done right, can be extraordinary.
**Note: Venice has a way of stealing your heart and leaving you thirsty for more – no amount of time in the amazing city will ever seem to be enough!
A Floating City In Italy
So why is Venice so special? Most people think that Venice is an island, which is correct to a point. But in reality, it is more like a puzzle— a series of islands (118 to be exact) fragmented by over 150 canali (canals) all interconnected by 400+ bridges… Reason why it gets its name “the floating city.” Venice is completely surrounded and permeated by water. A brief walk to the grocery store will surely consist in crossing at least half a dozen bridges and having to make your way through the narrowest of alleys.
Everything is so close to each other that it literally feels as if you are breathing in the city. As you wander through the thousands of calli (narrow alleys), it will seem like completing some sort of maze lined with countless unexpected historical stops. Every corner, every bell, every bridge, every street is named in a way to recall some kind of historical anecdote. Like the ponte dei pugni (bridge of fists/punches) where rival clans of Venice use to meet up and fist-fight. Or the red stone of il sottoportego della peste, which if stepped on is thought to bring bad luck as it marks the spot where the Bubonic Plague was supposedly defeated (where the spreading literally stopped). These are just two of the hundreds of random historical episodes you will stumble upon as you wander about the ‘city of canals.’
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2 Days in Venice – A Tale of Romance
Venice’s flirtatious ambience begins with art and music. The birthplace of Vivaldi’s four seasons, Venice pulsates with romance and passion. Every time I find myself back in the alleyways of Venice I always seem to get pulled into the past, envisioning some sort of scandalous love affair during Carnival season where the pursuit of a masked Casanova ends with a mysterious mask and cape left behind. Can you tell I’m a romantic at heart?!!
Daydreaming aside, Venice has a soundtrack that will accompany you everywhere. Be it the gondolieri singing in the background or the soft bell chimes following you around, you just can’t NOT fall in love with Venice. Oh, and did I mention Venice in the rain?? Yeah… think of the Notebook, Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones put together- it’s Sentimental with a capital “S”. Believe me when I say you won’t need 2 days in Venice to become completely love-struck… mark my words!
So, let’s get to the practical aspects of actually organizing your trip there.
Planning a Trip to Venice
Best Time to go to Venice
BEST: Spring (April- June)
In my opinion, spring is by far the best time of the year to visit Venice. The temperature is starting to warm up so it’s not hot but perfect for walking around. April is still on the chillier side and comes with a bit more rain so if you’re set on sunny days, opt more for May or June. Spring is also shoulder season so there are still not as many tourists and prices are more favorable.
2nd Place: Winter (December-March)
Venice in the winter can also be rather romantic. Every year in February the city holds the uber-famous Carnival festival which is just an explosion of colors and masks. (Be aware that prices for accommodations during Carnevale are particularly steep and you will want to book months ahead of time).
In winter you can also experience the acqua alta phenomenon (when the high tide comes in and literally floods the entire city). It is a huge nuisance to local businesses (just think of what happened during the 2019 Acqua Grande) but if you’re respectful, the experience can offer an interesting outlook into an authentic side to Venice. Oh, and Venice with Christmas lights is pretty outstanding!
**If you’re not a fan of chilly temperatures however, you may want to reconsider as Venice is extremely humid and can get cold.
3rd Place: Fall (October-November)
Fall is a great option for those that want to absolutely avoid crowds- this is the season that gets the least tourists for sure. Temperatures however start falling quickly this time of year and the city gets enveloped by a silent grey fog. Some people love the mystery that fog adds so it depends on your own personal taste and/or what vibe you are going for. Acqua alta is also very common starting from November.
WORST: Summer (July- September)
So like most places in Italy I HIGHLY DISCOURAGE visiting during the summer. This is the time of year where most Europeans take their holiday (particularly in August), so you will find a Venice crawling with tourists. Because of this, accommodations and even restaurants raise their prices.
Another thing to consider is the humidity and temperature. Not only does the thermometer reach scorching temperatures, but this is the time of year you will find mosquitoes. If you don’t want to worry about itching and pestering buzzes keeping you up at night, I highly recommend avoiding this season. (They are not dangerous, no risks for mosquito born illnesses!)
If however you can only take your holidays in the summer, it can be done with proper preparation. Be prepared to do early-morning sight-seeing, book your skip-the-line tickets, and make sure you always have a nice mosquito repellent with you (Autan is the best brand you will find readily available in any Italian pharmacy/grocery store). Trust me guys, they are vicious!
September is much better temperature wise, but the first week or so is usually when the annual Venice Film Festival is held. So again, this period can get quite crowded and expensive.
Venice with a Baby or Kids?
So is Venice good for kids? Bluntly said, no. If you can find a way to leave the kids at home or wait until they are older it’s better. Why? For one, there are 328235 bridges. Lugging strollers or baby diaper bags up and down the many stairs around the city is going to make you hate Venice in a heartbeat. Also, the canals in Venice don’t have railings to avoid people from falling in; you can literally just walk off the edges. Clearly that’s not an issue for adults but it could make you feel on edge while your little ones are running about (also because you can’t avoid the canals- they are everywhere).
How to get to Venice
Venice has a very convenient International Airport on the mainland (it’s not actually on the island). If coming from anywhere outside of Europe you will want to book a flight arriving directly at Marco Polo Airport (VCE).
How to get to Venice from Marco Polo Airport
Getting to Venice from the airport is super easy. You are going to want to look for signs of the Alilaguna, the water bus shuttle line that operates to and from the airport. Don’t worry about tickets – you can get them right at the dock. One way is 15 euro and round-trip is 27 euro. There are four different lines so depending on where you are staying you can choose which line is more convenient.
Arriving in Venice During the Night?
The Alilaguna doesn’t operate during the night and has reduced hours during winter. If your flight arrives at a time when the Alilaguna is no longer operating, your fastest and most direct option is going to be booking a water taxi.
If however you want to remain budget friendly, the ATVO airport shuttle operates up to the last flight of the day. It departs from the airport and arrives at Piazzale Roma in 17 minutes and costs 8 euro. To get to your final destination from Piazzale Roma, you can either hop on a vaporetto (N line if it’s during the night) or proceed to walk to your accommodation depending on the distance.)
The number 5 bus (ACTV) also operates from the airport to Piazzale Roma but has 9 intermediate stops and takes about 25 minutes. It does not run from 1.30 to 4 AM.
Venice by Train
If instead you are going to be taking the train to Venice, the Venezia Santa Lucia Station is right on the island. There are dozens of trains departing and arriving each hour and the station is very well connected with many other destinations around Italy. Once you get to the train station, depending on your accommodation you can either walk or take public transportation.
Best way to get around Venice in 2 Days
My biggest piece of advice when it comes to getting around during your 2 days in Venice is “DON’T USE TAXIS!” They are super expensive and honestly you don’t need them. Venice is one of the most walkable cities in the world and if you have to go greater distances you can very easily rely on the Venice transportation system. The vaporetti or water buses are extremely punctual and frequent, and there are hundreds of stops around the city making it easy to get anywhere.
Timetables: Make sure to download the Chebateo App for a comprehensive timetable of all lines and for route planning – Apple | Android | Windows | Web
Vaporetto Tickets and Fares
In terms of which type of ticket to purchase, consider whether you are actually going to be using public transportation. If you plan on making more than 4 trips during the duration of your stay, then it is more beneficial to buy a pass.
Single Ticket: 7.50 euro
1-day unlimited pass: 20 euro
2-day unlimited pass: 30 euro
3-day unlimited pass: 40 euro
7-day unlimited pass: 60 euro
I suggest buying the passes online at veneziaunica.com where you can find many different types of passes and bargains for specific age groups (like the Rolling Venice Card for anyone under 30 years of age). You can choose all the different services and packages you want to buy (for example you can also add museum and exhibition tickets) and add them to your Venezia Unica City Pass. Upon arrival, you can go pick up the card at any sale point around the city.
*Always remember to validate your ticket!* Your tickets will be loaded onto a card which you will have to hold up to an electronic card reader until the light turns green and beeps (this means that a single ticket has now been deducted). Not all stops have turnstiles so it can be easy to forget to validate when boarding. If you’ve realized you’ve forgotten to validate your ticket, in order to avoid a possible fine you can immediately approach the boat conductor to explain the situation and purchase a ticket.
Over-tourism in Venice
Before getting to this Venice itinerary, it is crucial to spend a couple words on the massive overtourism that has hit Venice in the last several decades. Over 20 million tourists visit the city each year (an island that has only 60,000 residents); in proportion that is 400 times more visitors than residents, all mainly concentrated in high-season months. Besides heavily burdening the city’s infrastructure, one of the main issues is that a majority of tourists visit on day-trips and do not actually stay on the island. Cruise ship passengers are a majority of this day-tripper category and do not provide any economic benefit to the city. Furthermore, it is also thought that the waves caused by cruise ships have significantly contributed to the erosion of the shoreline of this already sinking city.
Although there has been movement towards banning cruise ships from the Giudecca Canal in Venice, it is not sure if this legislation will stay in place. The legislation has also only moved to ban cruise ships from passing through that one specific canal and not through Venice altogether.
Responsible Travel in Venice
If you want to travel responsibly and give back to this magical city please consider NOT visiting via cruise or day-trip. Consider staying multiple nights, preferably in low season and try to support the artisan spirit by buying LOCAL products.
During your 2 days in Venice, please also remember to respect the residents that are inundated with so many tourists – don’t eat or picnic out on steps or bridges, be mindful and not loud, always ask if you can take pictures and try to learn a few Italian words before going. Anyone in Venice knows and understands english but how would you feel if you were constantly expected to speak a language that was not your own? A little phrase can go such a long way in winning the heart of a Venetian- hey, they might even spill their best kept secret spots to you!
Itinerary for 2 Days in Venice
So having said that, let’s get to this itinerary for Venice already. Following I have outlined the best things to do and places to see for your 2 days in Venice. The itinerary is packed so you can easily spread it out to three days. Keep in mind that if you are planning on exploring the neighboring islands of Burano and Murano you’ll need at least an extra day.
(You can find a detailed map of this itinerary with all the different points of interest, restaurants, and hotels, at the end of this post.) If you want to skip to the map just click on Itinerary Map for 2 Days in Venice .
Day 1/2 – Venice Highlights
Saint Mark’s Square
There is no better way to kick off your 2 days in Venice than by visiting the most iconic spot in all of Venice, Piazza San Marco. The enormous square and its thousands of pigeons is the greatest open area in Venice. Encircled by some of the most exquisite architecture, this is the starting point to visiting all of the following attractions: Basilica di San Marco, Campanile di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), and Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs). This piazza is rich in history- it was the heart of the Republic of Venice where all state matters were conducted. A place where religious ceremonies, government headquarters and public executions (carried out between the two columns present in the square) all culminated.
I recommend visiting early in the morning when the light is a beautiful tinted rose and you have the chance to have the piazza all to yourself without selfie sticks or group tours getting in your way. If getting up too early is not your thing, (hey it is a vacation right?…) then try arriving at least before 9 am to avoid the crowds and not have to elbow your way around the square.
St Mark’s Basilica
One of the most renowned cathedrals world-wide, Saint Mark’s Basilica was at times known as the “golden cathedral.” The Basilica houses a portion of the Treasures of San Marco and its interior is lavishly decorated with beautiful mosaics and a ceiling completely covered in marble and gold.
Visiting the Basilica is free, however certain parts of the Basilica, for example the Treasury, the Pala d’Oro and Saint Mark’s Museum require an entrance fee. The Museum gives you access to the upper floor of the Basilica where you can get an up and close look at the gilded ceiling and mosaics. This is also where you can admire the four original gold-plated bronze horses stolen from Constantinople during the Crusades (their replica is on the basilica facade). Among the Treasures of San Marco you can find many more precious items all pillaged from Constantinople. For a special experience book a night tour when the Basilica is closed to the public!
St Mark’s Bell Tower
One of the tallest bell towers in Italy, the Campanile di San Marco has collapsed and been rebuilt several times throughout the centuries. It is considered one of the symbols of Venice alongside the glorious winged lion of Saint Mark’s.
The campanile is protagonist in every year’s opening Carnival ceremony “il volo dell’angelo” (the angel’s flight). The tradition dates back 500 years when a Turkish tightrope walker during the weeks of the festival managed to walk from the bell tower to the doge’s palace on a suspended cable. The episode drew so much attention that it was instated as an annual event until tragedy struck in 1759. From hereon-out a mechanical wooden dove (colomba) would replace an actual physical person, renaming the event “il volo della colombina“. Just recently in 2001 a person has again taken the place of the dove. It has become a sort of tradition that the “angel” chosen for the ceremony is to be the previous year’s winner of the renowned costume contest “Festa delle Marie.” The event gathers enormous crowds and is the biggest ceremony during Carnevale.
The Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs
The main building occupying Piazza San Marco is that of the Palazzo Ducale, the residence of the doge; ruler of the Republic. A paradise for admirers of gothic architecture, the entire palace is embellished by the most precious marbles. Today, the lavish palace has been turned into a museum and you can visit all the different chambers and browse the countless important works of art.The history and politics that took place behind these walls is literally shocking. On a guided tour you will learn all about the Council of Ten, a commission of ten that conducted matters in absolute secrecy. Just pronouncing the name of this merciless committee would cause quite a shudder in anyone during those years (you can even visit the torture chamber on a guided tour). The story is rather grim and morbid, but it is also so fascinating to hear the behind the scenes details of what helped mold La Serenissima, one of the strongest and enduring republics of all-time.
The ‘Ponte dei Sospiri’, literally Bridge of Sighs, is perhaps one of the most iconic bridges worldwide connects the Institutional Chambers of the Palace to what used to be the “Nuove Prigioni” or The New Prison’s Building. Charged prisoners could thus move directly from the trial room to their jail-cells without ever having to set foot outside again. In fact, it is said that the bridge gets its name precisely because prisoners would sigh as they caught their last glimpse of the Venetian lagoon while crossing.
A rather tragic story, in time the bridge quickly became a symbol of the Republic’s strength and prestige. Many romantic stories cropped up surrounding the bridge- the most famous being that eternal love would be granted to any couple who kissed while passing under the bridge aboard a gondola….all the more reason to go on a gondola ride right?! (More on that later).
You can get a stunning view of the bridge from Ponte della Paglia (although you will definitely have to wait your turn for a picture if you don’t get here early in the morning). You can also view the bridge from the other side and head to Ponte della Canonica where although you will be further away, you will get the chance to marvel at the bridge without the crowds.
A great way to really experience the bridge is to actually get on it and retrace the actual footsteps of the imprisoned. A guided tour is an absolute must here! The guides will take you through the different areas of the prison and recount the many escape attempts (the illustrious Casanova managed to escape!) throughout the years.
Wander around the Dorsoduro Sestiere
There are six ‘sestieri‘ or districts in Venice: Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, Santa Croce, San Polo, San Marco, and Castello. My favorite are by far Dorsoduro and Cannaregio. Both stray away from the typical tourist beaten path and are both generally more residential in nature.
Dorsoduro in particular is a hub for artists and there are countless galleries and museums in the area. If you are a particular admirer of modern art then I highly suggest stopping in to visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
I love wandering around all the little boutiques and trying to get a word or two in with the passionate artisans of the sestiere. Dorsoduro is in fact a great place to try some arts and crafts first-hand as there are numerous mask workshops offered in the area! Ca’ Macana is a must-stop boutique in the area that offers mask workshops for families and individuals.
Another reason why I love Dorsoduro is because of the Fondamenta delle Zattere. Le Zattere refers to a promenade longer than a kilometer where you can stroll right alongside the lagoon. This is the longest straight alley you will find in Venice (as you all know by now that most of the calli are all intertwined in a sort of inexplicable maze). Because of its position, this promenade gets beautiful sunshine and is an absolute favorite for sunset views. The promenade goes from San Basilio all the way to the tip of the peninsula at Punta della Dogana (more on that next).
FUN STOP: Stop by Squero di San Trovaso. If you’re lucky you might catch a craftsman constructing or repairing a gondola. These boatyards used to be off limits to the public, but they have now started offering guided tours.
Punta della Dogana & Basilica della Salute
At the extremity of the Dorsoduro area is what is known as Punta della Dogana. This area extends out in the form of a triangle and is where the Grand Canal meets the Giudecca Canal. Because of its strategic position, in the past this is where most customs and major docking/unloading would occur. Today the old customs building houses an important art museum.
Right beside the museum you can visit the beautiful church of Santa Maria della Salute. The Church was built during the outbreak of the Bubonic Plague as a gesture to the Madonna in exchange for intervention to ending the plague. Inside the church many elements attribute to the Black Death. The Church also houses some spectacular works by Tiziano (Titian) and Tintoretto. Today the Basilica has come to be one of the most recognizable elements of the Venetian sky-line.
Day 2/2 – Venice Food & Experiences
On the second day of your Venice itinerary, we will relax, sit back and try to enjoy all the wonderful experiences that the city has to offer. First up of course, the Venetian Food. Now before you go immediately thinking of ordering that pizza, you should know that Italian cuisine differs enormously from one region to the next. In each region you really want to know the region’s specialties so you know which dishes to try and are not left disappointed.
For example pizza is original to the Campania region (where you would find Naples and the Amalfi Coast) and is actually not at all something I would suggest ordering in Venice. By law there are no wood burning ovens in the city to prevent from fires breaking out. So what should you be ordering in Venice? In Venice it’s really all about scrumptious seafood, risotti and Venetian cicchetti (more on that in in next section). And don’t worry about your size wallet, there are also plenty of budget options and cheap eats in Venice that are equally as divine.
Rialto Food Tour & Market
So what better way to get to know the food then to embark on a Venice Food Tour? There are tours that will take you first shopping at the fresh fish and vegetable market near Rialto and will help you understand what to look in a fish when making a purchase. If you’re not too keen on shopping but just want to eat or have a typical venetian cooking class there are plenty of those as well to pick from.
I do strongly suggest that you go to the Rialto market anyway just to marvel or maybe in this case drool a bit. It is stunning the way especially the fish are all very carefully and meticulously laid out – a sort of design process. This is also a great place for photography, just make sure to always ask the fishermen permission. Maybe even try striking up a conversation- they are so proud of their catch!
If you’re just interested in eating, don’t sweat it, Venice street food is some of the best in the world! In fact it even has its own name: cichetti! Cicchetti are bite-sized snacks (think Venetian tapas) usually little sandwiches or seafood treats that locals swear by at happy hour or Aperitivo– it is the closest thing to heaven that I can imagine. Cichetti are usually served at typical taverns or what the Venetians call ‘Bacari.’ It is such a treat! I highly recommend booking a bacaro tour where you will be let in on all the local secret spots! Or if you prefer a self-guided bacaro-hopping experience, here are all the bacari you absolutely can’t miss.
Rialto Bridge
While in Rialto you will have already without a doubt come across the oh-so beautiful and iconic bridge of Venice, il Ponte di Rialto. The largest bridge in Venice and one of four crossing the Canal Grande, the construction of the bridge was a total engineering feat. Completed only in 4 years, the bridge is massive and spans a whopping 23 meters (about 75 feet).
The bridge was not just a means of crossing from one side of the canal to the other, but was an actual place for commercial activity with over 20 boutiques built on it. To this day, the design hasn’t changed and as you make your way up the central foot ramp you will find delightful shops on both sides.
The exterior edges of the bridge are accessible and are the absolute spot to get magnificent views of the Grand Canal from above.
Panoramic Views in Venice – Scala Contarini del Bovolo
As you continue to wander the Rialto area, not too far away you can venture up to one of the prettiest and most panoramic views in all of Venice. The Scala del Bovolo, a winding staircase that leads up to a beautiful little balcony, is a quiet little spot where you will have the opportunity to marvel at the Venetian skyline from the comforts of the clouds.
There is something special about the Venetian rooftops- it’s like another little city of its own. So compact because of the very narrow calli, it almost feels as if you could easily jump from one palazzo to the next. The bell chimes that don’t ever miss an hour become your loyal companion. At times it almost feels like a friendly Quasimodo could pop out and let you in on all the secret passageways and mezzanines of the Venetian heavens.
Acqua Alta Bookstore
One of the quirkiest bookshops I have ever been to, the Venice bookstore Libreria Acqualta is just bursting with books (the vast majority of which are used). There are towering piles in every corner with pages and manuscripts peaking out of every little nook and cranny. A chaotic cluster of collections that have been compiled and traded for centuries, the bookshop has very creatively found a way to protect its books from the seasonal high waters. You will notice them stored in bathtubs, gondolas, wooden boats and in anything that can float and spare them from the acqua alta.
The books that have been ruined by flooding are used as design elements around the store; going so far as to form a panoramic staircase at the back of the shop. This area of the shop is a very popular photography spot. If you take pictures please consider buying something to help support the local bookstore.
My favorite part of the store are the bookshop mascots- the cats! The kitties are completely free to roam about the store and are often your cashiers on your way out the door.
Go for a Venice Gondola Ride
As much as a gondola ride might be THE tourist thing to do (which I usually steer away from), I do recommend going for a gondola ride. Besides the sheer beauty of the boat (which is meticulously hand crafted and has a rather unusual design to permit the weight of the gondoliere on one side), the ride can take you through some of the most remote canals allowing you to literally take a peek inside the homes of the ‘veneziani’. Plus a private gondola ride is one of the most romantic things to do in Venice – if you’re thinking of proposing in Italy, this is a great way to do it!
Tips for the Best Venice Gondola Ride
Before you book with the first gondoliere you see, I would advise thinking about exactly where you would like to go while on your ride or what type of experience you are looking for. I always advise against getting a gondola on the Grand Canal or right in front of San Marco as there is always a lot of boat traffic in these areas making the ride not as relaxing as you might hope. If you are more interested in a more intimate experience try to head more towards the inner and smaller canals of the city.
Also, what would you like to get out of the experience? Do you want the gondoliere to act as a sort of guide and explain all the history behind the palazzi you will be riding past? Are you looking for a show and would like to find a singing gondoliere? Or are you just in it for the pictures or perhaps are looking to experience a romantic Venice with your loved one? Or maybe you are even considering proposing and haven’t thought that you can also do a romantic evening or sunset ride!? Don’t worry, all of these are possible! You just have to know ahead of time so you know what to look for when choosing your gondoliere (which is why I don’t suggest booking online!). Don’t be afraid to then explain what you are looking to get out of the experience!
Gondola Etiquette
You might think it’s strange, but there are certain unspoken rules when riding a gondola. To spare you from any embarrassment I have outlined two main rules to respect when riding a gondola in Venice.
1. Gondolieri will choose which seats you will be placed in. They don’t do this randomly but are calculating carefully the distribution of weight- don’t switch seats on them!
2. Some of the inner canals in Venice can get extremely narrow. This means that the gondola at times will come extremely close to the palazzi and at times will even touch or delicately bump into them. As tempting as it may be to “assist” the gondoliere and maybe push off the walls, this actually throws all of their calculations off and will certainly cause some frustration. Think of it as a rollercoaster ride and please keep all hands and feet inside.
FUN FACT: Why does the tail of the gondola look like a wavy comb? The six “teeth” on one side represent the six sestieri of Venezia, the wave like form is the grand canal, and the sole tooth on the other side represents the island of la Giudecca.
Wander around the Cannaregio Sestiere
My favorite sestiere in Venice, Cannaregio is the place to be for more laidback vibes and to get a glimpse into the local culture. Very few tourists wander here so if you need a break from all the flashes and crowds, this is a great place to unwind. It just so happens to also be Aperitivo Central for Venetians, where you’ll find the best bacari and drinks – and what better way to relax than with an exquisite glass of wine?
Cannaregio also boasts an incredible amount of history – the sestiere is in fact where one of the first Jewish ghettos in the world was established. Jews were not allowed to move out of the ghetto at night time and were gated in. Thankfully Napoleon at the end of the 1700s lifted this segregation and declared Jews equal.
The area today is very peaceful and quiet but home to many of the best restaurants and is also where you will find the last fire-operating furnace on the island. If you had your heart set on visiting Murano for seeing the glass-blowing in action but don’t have time, you can always take a free guided tour of the Orsoni Furnace. Although you won’t be seeing chandeliers you will have the chance to visit their color library of over 3000 colors of venetian smalti – these colors have been used in monuments all over the world- if you’ve been to Spain you surely will have already seen them on the Sagrada Familia.
Cruise down the Grand Canal
If you have any time left over in your 2 days in Venice I always love hopping on the line 1 water bus and just riding it from start to finish. The line makes its way up the entire Grand Canal so if you are able to catch a front row seat it’s like being on a cruise (but with no guide obviously). There are so many beautiful buildings that you will pass and it’s fascinating to people-watch on all the different activities going on.
Shopping in Venice Italy
When shopping in Italy it is crucial to keep in mind how your support for the locals helps keep this city running. Unfortunately over-tourism in the last several decades has created a breeding ground for mass produced Chinese knock-offs. Many artisans have gone out of business and have been replaced with popularly priced souvenir shops and stands. Fortunately, the artisan-spirit heart of Venice is still beating and it’s our responsibility to help keep it alive and kicking. My motto is to always “give back.” If Venice kindly lets you in on its magic, consider giving some magic back.
Buying Murano Glass & Traditional Venetian Masks
To guarantee the authenticity of the products you are buying there are a couple things to look out for. A first hint is the price. Murano glass and venetian masks are all hand-made and the expertise needed for making these very delicate objects is immense. This means that authentic products are not cheap. Get an idea of the price you should be paying by comparing prices around different boutiques – this is one of those cases where the lower price is not a bargain but much more-so a rip-off.
Pay attention also to the uniqueness of each mask or glass object. Mass produced articles are identical and do not present any imperfections or anomalies from one product to the next. Bubbles in the case of glass are a good sign!
The material used, especially in the case of traditional Venetian masks, is also a key thing to look out for. A majority of traditional masks are made out of papier-mâché (ones made not to wear but for decorative purposes can be found made in leather or ceramic). Bottom line is plastic is never used!
A great way to shop for Murano glass is to actually head to Murano and visit the many fornaci (furnaces) and get the chance to talk to the actual maestri (glass-blowers). If you’re worried about falling into a trap you can always find verified local sellers at this website.
Where to Eat in Venice (and drink!)
How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Venice
Before delving into the specific places to try out, Venice like all popular cities is crawling with tourist traps. How can you make sure to avoid any scams during your 2 days in Venice? There is no guarantee, but these following guidelines can definitely go a long way!
- If there is a waiter outside trying to convince you to walk in, this is a restaurant to avoid.
- If the menu is in many languages, walk on.
- If the restaurant is very central and has the classic checkered tablecloth, avoid!
Try going more on the outskirts of the city for more authentic places. Don’t worry if you don’t understand the menu, Italians are very good at communicating by gesticulating 😉
Best Restaurants in Venice
Osteria Ae Botti ($$)
Located on the Giudecca Island and right on the waterfront, Osteria Ae Botti is a great place to wind down, have a great meal with prosecco and enjoy a fantastic view of Venice.
Osteria Orto dei Mori ($$$)
In the district of Cannaregio, Osteria Orto dei Mori is way off the normal beaten path. Very relaxed but chic at the same time, this is where you can have some of the best seafood in all of Venice.
Ai Mercanti ($$)
If instead you just absolutely want to dine in the heart of Venice, Ai Mercanti is your best compromise between location and quality.
Best Cicchetti in Venice – Which Bacaro?
Al Timon – $
Right on the waterfront, Al Timon has an excellent selection of wine and is the perfect place to wind down during sunset. If you’re a fan of meat, this place is a great pick! This place also has its own boat docked where you can sit out and sip at your wine!
VinoVero – $
Almost right next-door to Al Timon, Vinovero is another fantastic bacaro. Very chill vibes and hundreds of aperitifs to choose from.
Best Café in Venice
The Gritti Terrace – $$$$
Okay okay… so this is not a real café but if you’re willing to splurge 10 euro on a cappuccino I guarantee you won’t regret it – the terrace of this hotel has the most marvelous view! Right on the grand canal you will have unobstructed views of the beautiful Madonna della Salute all morning.
Best Gelato in Venice
Suso Gelateria
If there is one gelato you must have during your 2 days in Venice, it is definitely from Suso Gelateria. Not only are there endless flavors available but the cones are real works of art- beautifully designed and with all the sprinkles in the world.
Gelateria da Nico
Gelateria da Nico is the most famous ice-cream spot in Venice for gianduiotto. Although not originally a Venetian desert (first introduced in Turin), it is still a local favorite. What is gianduiotto? It’s chocolate ice-cream (containing 30% hazelnut) drenched in whipped cream- it’s divine and a must.
Where to Stay in Venice
Venice has a reputation for being expensive, but if you’re willing to stay further away from the center there are some fantastic budget options to be found as well. I recommend sticking to the main island as with only 2 days in Venice, it can get time consuming to have to move back and forth from the other surrounding islands. Below I have listed some of the most recommended B&B/Hotels in Venice, according to budget.
Luxury – Ca’ Sagredo
This small luxury hotel in Venice is located in an actual palazzo dating back to the 15th century. Right on the Grand Canal, staying here is like stepping into the private residence of some noble duke. You will find opulent ballrooms, lavish suites and regal staircases. A chance to live as a Venetian aristocrat, Ca’ Sagredo is the perfect choice.
Mid-Range – Palazzetto San Lio
If you’re looking to have more independence while in Venice you can opt for one of the stunning apartments at Palazzetto San Lio. All rooms have a canal view and are all equipped with kitchenettes. This is the perfect compromise for those of you who would like to live out a Baroque style stay but at an affordable price. (Pssst, and the owners own a winery and leave fantastic wine for you to taste in your room!)
Budget – Albergo Marin
A lovely little boutique hotel just a few minute’s walk from the Venice Train Station. The location is perfect as it is close to many points of interests yet still offers nice peace and quiet. A continental or buffet breakfast is served each morning and all rooms have air conditioning.
2 Days in Venice Itinerary Map
Are 2 Days in Venice Enough?
So, there it is guys, the most extensive and comprehensive guide out there for experiencing Venice in two days. Will two days in Venice be enough to grasp all it has to offer? In my opinion, not even a week is enough, and as a proponent of slow travel I always advise on seeing less places but seeing them well as opposed to seeing a thousand places but not really seeing anything. Nevertheless, I know time is precious these days so if you absolutely can’t lengthen your stay it is totally doable as just outlined above.
If you want to add a fantastic day trip from Venice to Burano/Murano, you will have to opt for 3 days in Venice. If you have more time on your trip I definitely suggest heading over to the Dolomites – they are only about a two hour’s drive!
If you have any questions or have any other awesome places to suggest for a Venice itinerary I would love to hear back in your comments.
Buon Viaggio!
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This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Please read my full disclosure for further information.
Denis Hooi says
The views of Venice are so romantic and beautiful. Love all your helpful tips. Will definitely save them for next trip. Thank you.
Linda Faison says
Hi Denis, I’m so glad you found them helpful! Hope you get to Italy soon :))
Alice says
So beautiful! I would love to see that architecture!
Linda Faison says
Yesss and if you go at sunrise, the pink light just brings the buildings to life. So so gorgeous.
Sarah Arnstein says
This was part of Italy that I didn’t get to see when I was there last year…but the perfect reason to go back 😉
Linda Faison says
YES! Definitely there is no other city like Venice, it literally is a dream to wander around- feels completely out of this world.
Rhonda Albom says
I wish I had read this post before I visited Venice. I did find myself in a number of tourist traps and would have preferred the more authentic eateries. Yes, it was very romantic and can definitely see why having little children running about would not allow me to enjoy my time there.
Linda Faison says
Oh no, that’s unfortunate! There are so many tourist traps waiting around in all cities-I always like to follow the locals by listening to the language to find more authentic places 🙂