Venice is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about cities in Italy. It’s not an absolutely quiet town to visit – but there are good reasons why you should come here at least once in a lifetime.
Venice is very pedestrian-friendly. There’s no car here so if you cannot handle long walks, it would be the end of the world to cover all the great things here. Venice is an island, you’ve gotta rely on water buses almost everywhere, and this fact alone makes Venice a unique place to visit in the country.
You don’t need more than three full days in Venice. Two days are just enough to get the feel of the city. Due to a huge number of visitors, Venice can be cramped and miserable with thousands of people sharing such a compact wetland. However, as soon as the sun beams down, Venice is absolutely quiet and romantic to walk around, especially at sunset.
In this article, I’ll be sharing a brief insight into how to reach Venice, getting around, and how to plan a perfect two-day trip to Venice.
Understanding The Different Areas In Venice
Simply put, Venice is a wetland consisting of 118 small islands, all interconnected by a network of canals and bridges. Roads are limited and small but you can pretty much roam freely by walking, so you shouldn’t expect to get around Venice simply by flagging a bus or hailing a car.
Out of these 118 islands, you will find a couple of major islands that can be visited. The main island is Venice Island itself, which is a few minutes away by water bus to Murano, Burano, Le Vignole, and Lido-Pellestrina.
What Are The Best Ways To Reach Venice?
By Bus From Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
This airport is located just outside of Venice, not on the main island. From there, hail an ATVO land bus to the Piazza Roma bus terminal on the island. The trip is roughly half an hour or less.
From Piazza Roma, switch to one of the water buses along the three major routes of Autostrada 4, A13, and SS11 to your desired destination.
By Train
Taking a train is the best way to reach Venice from other parts of Italy such as Rome, Milan, Florence, and Padua. Your arrival train station in Venice is the Santa Lucia Station located within the town of Venice.
Depending on where you depart from, check if the Eurail pass is applicable and make sure you have a reservation at least a day before. Once you’re at Santa Lucia Station, hail the water bus to your hotel.
A Sample 2-Day Itinerary In Venice
Day 1
Murano
Dubbed the “Glass Island” of Venice where its exquisite glass-making tradition has been going strong for centuries. The island is home to skilled artisans who create beautiful glass art and delicate glassware, making it a haven for anyone interested in witnessing this ancient craft.
If you decide to stop by Murano first thing from the Grand Canal, hail a Vaporetto (water bus) from the nearby Rialto Market stop. Vaporettos is a convenient and fun way to navigate Venice’s waterways.
Once you get there, it’s time to explore the quaint streets, visit glassblowing workshops, and perhaps even pick up a unique glass souvenir to take home as a memento of your Venetian adventure.
Burano
I didn’t spend much time in the Glass Island of Murano as it was getting late the day I came and I really wanted to see the colorful town of Burano more than anything else.
To make the most of your visit here, spend at least half a day. You can easily get there on the water bus #12 from the pier in front of Venezia S. Lucia Railway Station bound for Burano Pier. The journey takes about 45 minutes and includes a stop at Murano.
Once you step off at the Burano pier, head in the opposite direction to discover a lovely alleyway, which happens to be my personal favorite spot on the island. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that this area is less crowded with tourists, allowing you to soak in the tranquil atmosphere among the vibrant and colorful houses. It’s like stepping back in time.
The beauty of Burano is defined by the colorful fishing village stepped in a vibrant canvas using bright colors as the primary tone. These dramatic palates adorn the exterior walls of the houses as a signal for the fishermen to come home safely.
Another story goes that color has something to do with the Black Death epidemic in the Middle Ages. During this tragic event that took Europe by storm, non-infected residents painted their houses in these vivid colors to distinguish themselves from the infected patients whose houses were covered in white-slaked lime which was used as a disinfection.
Rialto Bridge
As the sun beams down, return to the center of the island to call it a day. The beautiful curve of Rialto Bridge has made its statement as one of the most visited places in all of Venice. The majestic bridge crosses the Grand Canal, offering a whimsical view of the water and the surrounding buildings.
This oldest bridge in Venice also serves as a romantic spot to watch the sunset, teaming up with a range of scenic restaurants and boutique stores. One of the best places to check out near the bridge is a traditional tavern called ‘Bacaro’.
A typical Bacaro is small in size, characterized by simple and rustic furniture, mainly made of wood, where you can enjoy glasses of wine, ombre in Venetian or of spritz, accompanied by typical Venetian cicheti, a small snack that can be anything from fish balls to small stuffed sandwiches.
Day 2
Ride The Gondola
Classic, traditional, and lots of history. The historical gondola boat of Venice is probably one of the most photographed features of this wetland that many of us were enchanted by.
The gondola, an iconic Venetian boat, has its origins in the enchanting city of Venice, Italy, situated on a series of six islands bordering the Adriatic Sea.
Not only have these insanely cool gondola boats been the main mode of transportation for the locals for the past 1,000 years but they have also evolved into the sleek and graceful shape you see today.
Its distinctive design, with an asymmetrical shape, allows a single oarsman to effortlessly navigate the narrow Venetian waterways using just one oar. Today, spotting boat captains down the water in Venice is not a daunting task. But if you’re a first-time visitor, check out an optimized package that I recommend below to make sure your itinerary is transparent while the rate is affordable in return for your experience.
Piazza San Marco
Wondering where else you can see in Venice when the time is strapped but your mind needs to be detoxified?
Check out Piazza San Marco, a hub of the main happenings. Sitting smack dab in the heart of the square stands the magnificent Doge’s Palace, a true centerpiece that draws attention. There’s no shortage of delightful options here, so no matter what your heart desires, you’ll find a place to belong. From cozy coffee shops to inviting restaurants and lively bars, you name it.
Another reason why Piazza San Marco is so popular amongst visitors is its huge concentration of vendors and shops offering a wide array of souvenirs for you to bring home a piece of Venice. The Piazza also serves as a gateway to charming alleys filled with more shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as a chance to embark on a gondola ride, making your experience in Venice truly unforgettable.
Doge’s Palace
Just a stone’s throw away from Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace sits proudly against the test of time on the bank of the Grand Canal. The palace once served as the Seat of Government, the Palace of Justice, and the official residence of Doge. Today, the palace is one of the most visited attractions in Venice with its marvelous Venetian Gothic architecture.
To round up a complete visit at Doge’s Palace, you need roughly two hours. Some say the entrance ticket is a tad expensive. However, the outstanding architecture with eyes for details makes up every penny you give.
Acqua Alta Library
In less than ten minute’s walk north of Doge’s Palace, you’ll end up at a well-received library where time has stopped when you step inside.
Acqua Alta Library has nothing to do with a fabulous sort of bookstore. In fact, it’s simply a low-key secondhand bookstore that has piles of books stacked up on its floors in both Italian and English.
Travelers flock here on the hunt for stellar and affordable notebooks, postcards, and art prints. Even though the interior feels cramped for some people, Acqua Alta is definitely a highlight of your visit if you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path gem in the heart of Venice.
Gallerie Dell’Accademia
On the south side of Venice Island, Galleria dell’Accademia is a true treasure trove of artistic beauty that transcends time and space. As you enter its halls, you’re immediately struck by the sheer magnitude and majesty of its collection, which includes some of the greatest masterpieces ever created by humankind.
Gallerie Dell’Accademia shines its torch on everything Baroque-related. The building is tastefully decorated and wisely planned, making it a breeze to cover almost everything in a few hours.
From the intricate details and rich colors of Bellini’s religious paintings to the bold brushstrokes and vivid hues of Titian’s portraits, every work of art in this gallery is a testament to the power and potential of the human imagination.
St. Mark’s Basilica
Italy is no short of marvelous churches in Italy. However, St. Mark’s Basilica is that one place that totally left me speechless. One of my favorite things to do there is contemplate the ingenuity of the Venetians from centuries ago.
Each corner beholds so much effort and attention in it, and truly keeping a close eye on these incredible artworks made of countless mosaic tiles, surely numbering in the billions will make you feel like time doesn’t exist.
St. Mark’s Basilica is not the oldest cathedral in Venice, yet its long-lasting history for the past 1000 years still makes it an icon to visit. To make the most of your visit, hire a guide.
Bridge of Sighs
Sandwiched between tall walls, the Bridge of Sighs once served as a walkway for prisoners on their way to the cells. As they made it to the middle of the bridge, they would pause to glance out the windows at the city’s beauty for what might be the last time. It’s said they would let out a sigh, knowing they were soon to be confined and facing their fate. The inside of the bridge has a unique and somber ambiance, almost like it’s highlighting the history it holds.
Caffè Florian
After a long day beating the busy roads, stop by Caffè Florian and immerse into a timeless world of Neo-Baroque beauty and contemporary art at this iconic 18th-century café. Caffè Florian has been around since 1720 and is still going strong. Its luxurious feel with orchestra, serenading guests with live music every evening will surely have you in awe.
When the weather is crisp, try one of the patio seats with a view of Piazza San Marco that adds to the enchantment of your evening. It’s important to note that there’s a EUR 6 per person fee for the live music but trust us, it’s definitely worth it for an unforgettable evening.
What Are The Best Areas To Stay In Venice?
The unique infrastructure and geological topography of Venice are centered around the canal system where public transport relies mostly on the waters. There are no highways or big roads unless you’re starting out from the two major train stations which are the Venezia Mestre on the outskirts of the mainland and Venezia Santa Lucia on the main island.
For that reason, if you opt for Mestre or stay far from the main island, you’ll face the challenge of commuting back and forth via boats and cars. This means traveling between the landmarks and your hotel can be time-consuming.
To make the most of your stay, I recommend choosing accommodation on the main island, preferably close to the Santa Lucia station. This way, you’ll have easy access to the heart of Venice and save valuable time for exploring and enjoying the city.
Overall, Venice is absolutely worth it but you wanna stick to the main island if you’re here for the first time. The busiest part of Venice, I would say, is from the cruises and water buses. But when they are out of sight, the town is absolutely gorgeous and quiet to explore.