Venice never loses its charm whether it's your first visit or you've been before. I spent three days fully immersing myself in the City's magic on my recent trip. I've compiled an itinerary that I followed, which I highly recommend to anyone looking to make the most out of a short stay.
This itinerary was designed to give a well-rounded experience of Venice, capturing its essence from dawn to dusk. Over three days, I explored the City's most iconic sites in the morning, dove into its rich history and culture in the afternoon, and savored its romantic atmosphere by night. This isn't just a guide; it reflects a journey that left me with memories of Italy I will cherish forever. Whether you're planning your first trip to Venice or looking to revisit it with fresh eyes, I hope this itinerary helps you fall in love with the City just as I did.
Table of Contents
My 3 Day Itinerary for Venice, Italy
Day One: Arrive and Explore
Morning: Train from Bologna to Venice
I got on the train to Venice in Bologna, but trains also run from Florence to Venice throughout the day. Upon arrival, you will walk out of the station and immediately be presented with the canals of Venice. From the station, I headed to my AirBnb to drop off my luggage early, which I recommend attempting to set up if your accommodations allow it.
To get to your accommodations, you can either walk, grab a Vaporetto (water bus) pass and hop on a ferry boat, or arrange a private taxi boat. If taking a water bus like I did, there are multiple Vaporetto pass terminals just outside the train station.
Pro Tip: Get a window seat on the train for the best views as you approach Venice! |
Afternoon: Santa Croce and Venice Gems
Once I settled in, I was drawn to the Santa Croce district. I indulged in a Panino from La Zucca, a spot by the canal that instantly made me feel at home in the City, as I sat and watched the boats drift by. I then visited Squero San Trovaso, one of the oldest gondola workshops. I sipped a spritz from Osteria al Squero, a small cafe across the canal where I could truly appreciate the craftsmanship over an aperitivo. Finally, I navigated the passageways to find the spiral staircase of Scala Contarini del Bovolo. I enjoyed the stairs and the unique building that incases it from the ground because I was a little tired, but others were walking up to the top floor.
Evening: Delightful Dining and Dessert
I chose Trattoria da Mimmo for my first full meal in Venice. It offers a menu filled with Italian specialties, of which I had lasagna al forno, and it was delicious. Although I had already had my share of wine with Dinner, I needed a nightcap, so I walked the canals looking for an excellent spot to get a post-dinner drink. I ended up at one of the many bars lining the canal on Fondamenta dei Ormensini. It was here that I discovered a new Rum. This delightful surprise added an extra layer of excitement to my evening. I couldn't end the night without stopping into one of Venice's many gelato shops for a scoop (or two) of gelato.
Day Two: Island Hopping
Morning: Burano
I knew day two would involve a lot of public transportation and crowds, so I started my day early. I caught the 10 AM ferry, which was not early enough to avoid the crowds; it was jam-packed with tourists heading to the same place. The ferry ride to the colorful Island of Burano is about 45 minutes, offering stunning views of the Venetian lagoon and the surrounding islands. Burano is known for the beautiful lace produced on the Island and the brightly painted houses that line the streets and canals of the Island. I walked the streets and admired the vibrant colors while stopping into any interesting local shop. While on Burano, I recommend you stop into the pottery shop Bruco e Pupa for truly unique, handcrafted ceramics. It was a highlight of my time in Venice!
If you are interested in other day trips from Venice, check out my Day Trips from Venice post! |
Afternoon: Sant'Erasmo
Next, I took a 1-hour ferry ride (which did require a stop in Treporti to switch ferries) to the serene Sant'Erasmo. There is not much on Sant'Erasmo, but that's part of the draw. I walked along the only road on the Island from the ferry terminal to Hotel Il Lato Azzurro. From the Hotel, you can rent bikes (mediocre to poor condition) and ride around the Island and through fields that feel far from Venice's buzz. It took me over an hour to loop the Island on the bike, with a few stops. After dropping the bikes off, I walked across the street to this super cute waterfront pizza oven cart, Ape Verde Pistacchio. They served one of the best margherita pizzas I had in Italy!
Evening: Canalside Dinner
After a rejuvenating ferry ride back to Venice and a quick recharge at my Airbnb, I headed to Rio Novo for Dinner. The online reviews I had perused before my visit strongly advised making reservations in advance. I'm so glad I heeded this advice. This foresight allowed us to secure a spot on the terrace overlooking the canal. The romantic setting was the perfect complement to a delightful meal.
Day Three: The Soul of Venice
Morning: Venetian Breakfast
My final day in Venice started at Brunch Café for breakfast. This cute café offers a great selection of breakfast and brunch options, including fluffy pancakes, pastries, and savory omelets.
Afternoon: Local Life and Literature
After a lazier morning, I walked to Dorsoduro, a charming district in Venice, to find the picturesque vegetable barge moored along the canal. I was then somehow ready for food again. I got a table in Campo Santa Margherita for an espresso and snack, where I sat and watched the world go by. I again hit the narrow Venice streets, searching for the famous Libreria Acqua Alta, a bookshop where gondolas and bathtubs brim with books. It was a tourist trap; there were so many people in the shop that I could hardly walk. I wouldn't recommend it unless you were an Instagram influencer.
Where I Stayed
Airbnb with Floating Canal View
In the heart of Venice, this Airbnb offers a retreat ideal for couples or families. It provides a unique view of the canal and passing gondolas and serves as a haven amid the bustling City. The apartment is also in a great location, at the end of a quiet, dead-end street but still conveniently close to water bus stops and in a neighborhood brimming with local restaurants, bars, and shops. This strategic location ensures easy access to all the local amenities, making your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Because of its proximity to the canal and the fact that it's on the bottom floor, the apartment does have to worry about flooding, and one night, when returning to the apartment, I had to step through several inches of water to get to the door. Still, it was a fun surprise. It was a solid 3-star level Airbnb at a reasonable price.
If you're still looking for more ideas for things to do in Venice, visit my Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy post! |
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