A Day in Venice | Detailed Itinerary for the TOP Sights

Have only a day in Venice and wondering how to plan your time? I've got you covered! This guide will take you through all the top sights and tours, how to plan your time, spots to stop for coffee and meals, and what order to do it all in!

While it may seem like a lot, Venice in a day is doable...if you have the right plan in place.

While I typically recommend at least 2 nights in order to take advantage of the quiet mornings and evenings, you can still have an incredible experience with just a day in Venice.

This itinerary will make the most of your limited time. I'll take you through all the top sights and my favorite spots for coffee, pastries, snacks, and dinner.

This itinerary also includes recommend tours to make sure you see as much as possible while learning the history behind this fascinating destination.

So buckle up and get ready to tackle Venice in a day!

This map shows everything included in this Venice one day itinerary. Click the icon in the very top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Click the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.

• Blue - Venice sights and attractions
• Purple - restaurants, coffee shops, cicchetti, gelato
• Black - extra stops if you have time

Getting around during your 1 day in Venice

Venice is a fairly small island (or 100+ little islands pieced together by bridges...however you want to look at it). You'll be walking around for the most part, which is half the fun.

There are no cars on the island. Besides your own two feet, the only other mode of transportation is by boat.

For a day in Venice, you'll probably want to become familiar with the vaporetti system. Think of these as public "bus" boats that get you around the island. 

Personally, I prefer to walk because wandering the island is beyond atmospheric. Typically, it will take the same amount of time to walk vs. taking a vaporetto. There are a few instances where you might save some time.

If you're a really slow walker or walking all day is not an option, it would make sense to buy a €25 day pass for the vaporetti.

AWA Tip #2: if you see a sign for a traghetto, consider taking it. These are large gondolas that ferry locals and in-the-know tourists from one side of the Grand Canal to the other.

The Grand Canal is the largest and main canal that runs through Venice. It's over 2 miles long and ranges from 100 to 225 feet in width.

Seeing as there are only 4 bridges that cross the Grand Canal, it's quite common to find yourself in an area of the Grand Canal where there is no bridge. The only option to cross is a vaporetto or a traghetto.

These traghettos can be hard to find (there are only 7 traghetto crossing points), so I wouldn't go out of your way looking for one. But if you do see a sign for one, try it out and have €2 cash in hand for your fare. Otherwise, you can take a vaporetto to cross.  

A Day in Venice - Itinerary + Tours

St. Mark's Square and surrounding sights

The most enjoyable time for spending a day in Venice will be the quiet morning. Get up as early as possible to explore some of the areas that get most crowded.

If you're doing a day trip to Venice, catch the earliest train.

If you spent the night in Venice, get up and be out by sunrise. 

Most tours do not start until 9:00 am (our next activity). 

Use your early start to enjoy a nearly empty St. Mark's Square. As you look at St. Mark's Basilica, turn left to gaze upon the Clock Tower (built in 1496). Now turn around and walk towards the water (to the right of St. Mark's Basilica).

Walk to the water's edge and take in the view with all the docked gondolas. Look across the lagoon to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore (with the tower). Turn left from the water and walk up Ponte della Paglia.

This bridge offers a perfect view of the Bridge of Sighs from the outside (you'll view it from the inside later).

This bridge will be shoulder to shoulder later in the day...you'll be glad you visited now.

The above should take no more than 30 to 45 minutes. If you still have time before our first tour at 9:00 am, head to the Rialto Bridge.

This is another site that's best enjoyed in the morning when it's empty. It will be packed when we visit again later in the day.

Many cafes and patisseries open early, around 7:00 or 8:00 am. So you'll have some options for a coffee/snack as you're wandering.

Tour that combines St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace

I'm usually all about exploring on my own and piecing together sights, but because we only have a day in Venice we need to make use of tours and skip-the-line tickets.

I highly highly recommend going with a private tour if it's in your budget. This will give you the most flexibility and allow you to jump from sight to sight without waiting for all 25 people in the group to catch up.

The best way to start your day in Venice is by combining two of the most popular (and crowded) sights. St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace. These are also the two best Venice sights to join a tour in order to learn the history behind these sights.

I've been to Venice six times and I've never NOT seen long lines to these attractions. Skip-the-line tickets are a must. You don't have time to waste waiting in line when you only have a day in Venice.

I recommend this private 2.5 hour tour with skip-the-line tickets. It's usually $220 a person.

For half the price ($110-$126) you can join a 3-hour group tour with skip-the-line tickets. I really like this tour because you can select an option that starts at Doge's Palace at 8:00 am, before it opens to the public.

Choose the earliest time slot available for your tour.

If you don't want to join a tour, you MUST buy tickets online and pick your time slot in advance in order to skip the line. It's just a few euros extra to buy them online in advance.

Keep in mind, even with skip-the-line tickets you'll still have to go through security, which is a little bit of a wait.

Rialto Bridge

It's a quick 7-minute walk from St. Mark's Square to the Rialto Bridge. Admire views of the bridge from below and then walk up to the center. Check out the viewpoints from both sides as this is a great spot to get pictures.

Coffee and pastry break

Now is a great time to take a quick break and do as the locals do. Grab a coffee and pastry and enjoy while standing at the bar. My two favorite places are Pasticceria Rizzardini and Pasticceria Tonolo.

Pasticceria Rizzardini is a 6-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge. The space is small but I can usually find a spot. If it's full, don't worry. People are usually in and out pretty quick.

Always ask if anything is fresh out of the oven. A warm pastry paired with a strong espresso can't be beat. Prices are great and my bill is usually €2.60 for a coffee and pastry.

Pasticceria Tonolo is a bit more well-known and is always full. There's more counter space here, so this is a good option if there's no space at Rizzardini and you don't want to wait.

It's a 14-minute walk from St. Mark's Square and on the way to our next stop.

Walk through the Dorsoduro neighborhood

From Pasticceria Tonolo, it's a 10-minute walk to the best view in Venice. Accademia Bridge. 

To get there, you'll walk through one of my favorite neighborhoods/areas in Venice. Dorsoduro. Take a moment to wander around the canals in this area.

I have a few favorite spots in Dorsoduro that would be good for a quick break or snack along the way to the Accademia Bridge:

• Bar Canton and Bar Ai Artisti - if the weather is nice, this is a cute little square right on a small canal and overlooking the Leonardo da Vinci Museum.
• Osteria Al Squero - a great spot for cicchetti, a typical Venetian snack. Similar to pintxos in Spain, cicchetti are small toasts with a variety of toppings. 
• Cantine del Vino già Schiavi - another popular spot for cicchetti.
• Gelateria lo Squero - great spot for gelato right next to Cantine del Vino gia Schiavi.

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Before we cross the Accademia Bridge, we're going to make a quick stop at a gorgeous, domed Basilica. It's a 10-minute walk from my snack recommendations above and entrance to the main rotunda is free.

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 to 5:30 pm.

Pop in to admire the dome and Baroque architecture and then move on.

Ponte Dell'Accademia

My favorite viewpoint in Venice! You'll probably recognize the view from countless pictures you've seen in Venice. Walk up the wooden steps and stay a moment to really take it in.

Campo Santo Stefano

After exiting the bridge, we are now 3 minutes from one of my favorite squares in Venice for a spritz and people-watching. Campo Santo Stefano.

This is the perfect time during our day in Venice to rest our feet and enjoy the surroundings.

Terrazza Aperol has the biggest area for outdoor seating. As the name suggests, they're known for their Aperol spritz. They also have snacks if you need something to munch on.

There are several other cafes and bars lining the square, so pick one and take a seat for a quick break.

A few options before our last activity for a day in Venice

We have a few options depending on how fast you blew through this 1 day Venice itinerary. Our last activity is going to be an evening canal boat cruise. I would try to book this tour at 7:00 pm.

So, if you have a chunk of time, here are a few options.

Museums

If you want to check out a famous Venice museum, I would either head to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the Accademia.

Double-check the hours and that they are open, but typically the Guggenheim is open until 6:00 pm and the Accademia is open until 7:15 pm.

Canals

Another option is to use this time to really soak in the atmosphere and wander the canals. This is actually my favorite thing to do in Venice. You can't get lost since you're on an island.

Shopping

If you're itching to buy a Carnevale mask, art, designer Italian goods like Gucci or Ferragamo, or Murano glass...now's the time.

Libreria Acqua Alta

The most adorable, quirky bookshop in Venice. You'll find stacks upon stacks of books. Many in bathtubs, gondolas, small boats, etc. This was originally to protect the books from when Venice floods.

It's become pretty touristy and there's always a line out the door, but it makes for a fun stop.

Visit the iconic Harry's Bar

The Bellini was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani (founder of Harry's Bar). For some visitors, it's high on their list to visit the birthplace of this beloved Venetian cocktail. 

Personally, I think the bar is overrated and far overpriced. 

Early dinner/snacks

For those that did a day trip to Venice and have to catch a train back after the canal cruise, use this time to grab an early dinner or snack.

Research restaurants beforehand as many dinner spots don't open until 7:00 pm.

Here are some options that are usually open for an early dinner/snack (double-check times):

• Taverna Scalinetto - great dinner spot with really good squid ink pasta
• Adriatico Mar - a wine bar with snacks
• Cantina Do Mori - a wine bar with snacks
• Bar All'Arco - extremely popular wine bar with snacks and cicchetti
• Gelato di Natura - Campo Santi - can't have too many gelato stops! There are several locations...this one is my favorite as you can sit on the steps along a canal.

Grand Canal boat cruise

While Venice is gorgeous as you walk over the bridges and along the canals...the view is even better from atop the water of the Grand Canal. The same canal the Accademia and Rialto Bridge cross.

This will be one of your most breathtaking moments during your 1 day Venice itinerary.

I much prefer doing a boat cruise of the Grand Canal vs. a gondola ride. The gondola rides have become SO touristy and often you'll get a driver that gives zero commentary.

Many tourists complain their ride didn't last as long as it was supposed to and they didn't get their money's worth.

I prefer the boat tours because they are longer, come with a tour guide, and you can see more since these boats can go faster than a gondola.

Again, I recommend booking a private tour if your budget allows. Venice is a special place and with only a day in Venice, you want everything to be perfect. 

I recommend booking the latest time possible. The soft light of the setting sun makes this experience even better.

Recommended Grand Canal boat tours:

The Secrets of the Grand Canal Boat Tour is 1-hour private tour that takes you past all the top sights. Expect to pay between $360 for 2 people. As with many private tours, the price goes down with more people. 4 people on this tour would be $440.

2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals Private Tour is a nice option if you want a longer experience. But it's not cheap at around $880 for 2 people.

Semi Private or Private Grand Canal 1-Hour Boat Tour is around $75 a person, but will be 8 to 9 people for the "semi-private" option. 

Beware if you book a group tour and do your research. If you're not first to board, you may be stuck inside the boat looking out the window vs. getting an outside spot. 

If you really need to save your pennies, you could experience the Grand Canal via the public water boats (called vaporettos or vaporetti). Just know, they may be extremely crowded and you may not get a good view.

Board at the Piazzale Roma vaparetto stop. You'll board the #1 line (linea uno) to go down the Grand Canal. Total travel time with all the stops is about 40-60 minutes. You can buy a single ticket for €9.50 at the Piazzale Roma stop.

A day pass is €25 and might make sense if you think you'll use the vaparetti to get around vs. walking.

Dinner

For those spending the night in Venice, enjoy a relaxed dinner to end your 1 day in Venice itinerary. Some of my favorite spots are:

• Hostaria Osottoosopra - melt-in-your-mouth beef cheek, excellent truffle ravioli
• Taverna Scalinetto - great dinner spot with really good squid ink pasta
• Hostaria Sant'Aponal - great carbonara and pappardelle with duck ragout
• Trattoria Dai Fioi (Venezia Biennale) - pizza!
• Osteria Oliva Nera - known for their lasagna, black fettuccini with shrimp, and stuffed zucchini flowers
• Nevodi - good seafood and spaghetti vongole

Summary of a day in Venice itinerary

And there you have it! This is how I have and how I would recommend you spend a day in Venice, Italy. 

The absolute must experiences for a day in Venice are St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace (preferably with a tour and/or skip-the-line tickets), wandering the canals, stopping for gelato, coffee, pastries, and cicchetti, touring the Grand Canal, and snapping a few pictures from Accademia Bridge and Rialto Bridge.

While trying to "do" Venice in a day is aggressive, you'll see with this itinerary that it's absolutely possible with the right plan in place.

Get your comfortable walking shoes and get ready to tackle a one-of-a-kind destination made of water canals and bridges!

**VENICE HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS**

Luxury

• Londra Palace Venezia
• The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice (Marriott)
  
• St. Regis Venice (Marriott)
• Baglioni Hotel Luna

Midrange

• AC Hotel Venezia (Marriott)
• Ca' Pisani Hotel
• Hotel Antiche Figure
• Corte Di Gabriela
• Rosa Salva Hotel
• Hotel Papadopoli Venezia - MGallery

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A Day in Venice | Detailed Itinerary for the TOP Sights

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Have you visited Venice or did you just get back from your trip? Share how you would spend a day in Venice in the comments below!