Venice can feel like a lot before you even get there. It’s one of those places everyone talks about, everyone has strong opinions about, and somehow planning your first trip still feels confusing. It’s crowded most of the year, especially in summer months, and the main attractions around St. Mark’s Square get busy fast. But with the right plan, you can enjoy the floating city without getting stuck in long lines or losing time.
The best way to see Venice is simple: know your route, book the important things ahead, and mix the classics with the quieter district called sestieri. This 2-day Venice itinerary was made to help you see the best places at your own pace, from St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace to the small islands in the Venetian Lagoon. While keeping your days calm and easy to follow.
You’ll also have enough time for a half-day trip to Murano, Burano, and Torcello. They’re a short water-bus ride away and give you a completely different feel from the main island. If it’s your first visit, this balance between iconic sights and quiet corners is the perfect amount of time. You get the big views without the chaos, and still leave room for those moments that make the city feel real.
How to Get From Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice
Getting into Venice can feel confusing the first time, but it’s actually simple once you know your options. You can take the water bus (Alilaguna), the express bus to Piazzale Roma, a private water taxi, or arrive by train if you’re coming from another Italian city.
Each option works for a different type of trip, budget, and sestiere.
Day 1: St. Mark’s, Grand Canal Views, and a Quiet Evening in Cannaregio
Your first stop in Venice should give you a feel for the city’s rhythm. Whether you take the water bus from your sestiere or walk straight into St. Mark’s Square, you’ll understand right away why this is such a beautiful city. The area around Basilica di San Marco and the Doge’s Palace gets crowded early, so the best way to enjoy it is to start your morning here before the long lines form.
This part of Venice is full of iconic views: Riva degli Schiavoni, Ponte della Paglia, the most famous view of the Bridge of Sighs, and even smaller bridges like Ponte Santi Apostoli that show a quieter side of the city.
Start with a vaporetto ride
If you’re staying in Cannaregio or another quiet sestiere, like we did, the vaporetto into the city center is one of the best ways to begin the day. It’s scenic and easy, and it gives you a feel for the rhythm of the floating city. If you’re staying closer to the main attractions around St. Mark’s Square, walking is just as enjoyable.
You can buy a 75-minute water bus ticket for €9.50 or a day pass for €25, which is a good option if you plan to use it more than once. For a more private (and more expensive) experience, water taxis are also available.
Visit Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
This is one of Venice’s most important landmarks, both historically and visually. The interiors are stunning, especially the ceilings, and the entire building is a mix of grandeur and power. It does get busy, so the best way to visit is early in the morning, at lunch, or later in the day near closing.
Tickets cost €25 if booked more than 30 days in advance or €30 closer to the date. Entry includes Museo Correr and is valid for several museums across St. Mark’s Square. You can add an audioguide for €5.
The standard visit is the only way to walk inside the Bridge of Sighs. You’ll cross it from the palace into the old prison wing, passing the most famous view of the Ponte dei Sospiri from the Ponte della Paglia bridge.
If you’re interested in more in-depth areas like the Secret Itineraries Tour, the Hidden Treasures route, or a guided tour through the palace, those require separate tickets and a reservation on the official website.
Visit Museo Correr
This museum is included with your Doge’s Palace ticket, and many visitors skip it without realizing what they’re missing. It’s quiet, well-curated, and gives you a peaceful break from the busy energy of Piazza San Marco.
The exhibits cover Venetian art, everyday life, and history, including pieces connected to the Basilica di San Marco. There’s also a café with one of the best views over the square. Whether you walk through the exhibits or just stop for a break, it’s a great spot to pause and reset.
Lunch at Gio’s (St. Regis)
This is the perfect moment to pause for lunch and enjoy the Grand Canal. Gio’s restaurant is part of the St. Regis hotel and sits right on the water, with beautiful views of the Santa Maria della Salute and the gondolas passing by. It’s close enough to St. Mark’s Square that you can walk there, but it feels quieter and more relaxed once you arrive.
You can dine outside or indoors, and the terrace is covered, so you’re comfortable in any weather. Reservations are required, and you’ll need to provide credit card details when booking. The setting is elegant but relaxed, with a tasting lunch menu and a well-curated wine list. It’s one of the most beautiful places to enjoy the Grand Canal without the rush.
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica
You’ll likely walk past the basilica more than once during your time in Venice, but it’s best to go inside in the late afternoon when the long line is usually shorter.
Entry to the main church is free, but there are small fees for the museum, treasury, and upper level. If you can, take a moment to see the Pala d’Oro, one of the most impressive gold altarpieces in Italy. The golden mosaics are even more beautiful as the afternoon light changes.
Don’t skip the terrace. It’s located above the main entrance and gives you one of the best views over St. Mark’s Square. Access is through the basilica museum, and it’s usually quieter than the ground floor. The terrace adds a different layer to the visit and is well worth the small extra fee.
Take a Private Gondola Ride
A gondola ride can feel a little touristy, but it doesn’t have to be. Ours was included in the city pass we used, and it ended up being shared. I was facing my husband instead of the view, which took away from the experience.
If you can, book a private ride. It’s slower, quieter, and it becomes a genuinely romantic gondola ride where you’re actually looking at the canals instead of each other.
Shared gondola rides cost around €25 per person. Private rides usually range from €80 to €110 depending on the time of day and where you board. Sunset rides are more expensive, and the route can vary depending on the area.
Dinner in Cannaregio
End your day where you started. We came back to Cannaregio, where our hotel was located. This neighborhood is relaxed, authentic, and a perfect place to unwind after the main squares around St. Mark’s.
There are plenty of restaurants along the canals, from seafood spots to cicchetti bars. Here’s the list of the best spot to eat in Cannaregio, Venice: El Magazen (4,8 on Google), Osteria al Cicheto (4,6), La Colombina (4,6), Trattoria Bar Pontini (4,5), Trattoria Da Gigio (4,5), Trattoria Alla Fontana (4,5), Puppa Bar Venezia (4,5). It’s calm, local, and a great spot to enjoy your last look at the canals before heading back to your hotel.
Day 2: Island Escapes, Canal Views, and a Classic Venetian Aperitivo
After a full first day exploring the heart of Venice, day two gives you a mix of movement and stillness. You’ll visit the colorful nearby islands in the Venetian Lagoon, enjoy a calm lunch with a Grand Canal view, and experience Venice from the water in a way that feels easy and intentional. It’s everything that makes this beautiful city feel special, without the rush.
Murano, Burano, and Torcello
Start your day with a half-day trip to the outer islands. The easiest way is to take Vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamenta Nove, which connects Murano, Burano, and Torcello in one loop.
We joined a four-hour tour that included a short guided introduction at each stop and about 45 minutes of free time to explore. It was part of our city pass, but usually costs around €40 if booked separately.
Burano: Known for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition. Early in the morning, it feels peaceful and photogenic, and you don’t need more than a simple walk through the back streets to enjoy it.
Murano: Famous for its glassmaking heritage. You’ll usually see a live demonstration at a local glass factory and have time to browse the shops or walk along the canal. It’s one of the top things to do on a second day if you want something calm and beautiful.
Torcello: The quietest of the three. There are fewer tourists, wide open paths, and the 9th-century cathedral that makes the island feel like a hidden pocket of time.
If you prefer to explore without a tour, you can visit the islands on your own using a day vaporetto pass.
Lunch at The Gritti Terrace
After returning to Venice, go to The Gritti Palace for a slow lunch on the terrace. It’s one of the most beautiful dining settings in the city, right on the Grand Canal with a front-row view of Santa Maria della Salute.
Reservations are required and must be secured with a credit card. If you cancel late or don’t show up, a fee applies. The view is just as memorable as the menu.
Before or after your meal, take a moment to step inside. The lobby feels like a Venetian palace and is a perfect place to pause for a minute and enjoy the atmosphere.
Take a Grand Canal Boat Tour
In the afternoon, book a private or small-group Grand Canal boat tour. These usually last about an hour and cost around €25 per person. It’s a relaxed way to see the city from the water without the crowds of the vaporetto.
You’ll pass iconic palaces like Palazzo Barbarigo, Palazzo Genovese, Church of San Stae, and glide under bridges like Ponte dell’Accademia. It’s a beautiful way to watch the city unfold and one of the best things you can do on a calm second day.
Aperitivo at Caffè Florian
Stop at Caffè Florian for an aperitivo before dinner or before your flight, as we did. It’s located in St. Mark’s Square and known as the oldest café in the world. The interiors are ornate, and the terrace often has live music, especially in good weather and early spring.
There’s a service fee if you sit during the performance, but the experience is worth it at least once. It’s a timeless Venice moment that feels iconic.
Rialto Bridge
Before getting back to your neighborhood or toward Venice Marco Polo Airport, make a final stop at the Rialto Bridge. It’s usually crowded on top, but you’ll find quiet corners underneath where you can enjoy the Grand Canal in peace.
One of my favorites is the hidden spot near San Polo. Walk 20–30 meters past the bridge and turn right. It’s calm, it’s beautiful, and it’s the perfect place for a last look at the canals.
Late afternoon is the best time to be here. The light softens, the water glows, and the whole city slows down. It’s a peaceful moment to end your couple of days in Venice.
Two days in Venice are enough to experience the most important parts of it. You won’t see everything, and that’s part of the charm. This itinerary is about balance, mixing iconic sights with quiet corners, and leaving enough time for the city to feel good. If you have extra time, places like Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Teatro La Fenice (the opera house), or Libreria Acqua Alta are also worth exploring.
