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Venice, Italy is a dazzling, take-your-breath-away destination. The canals, bridges, boats and architecture all vie for tourists’ attention. With so many things to see and do, deciding how to spend one day in Venice can be perplexing.
No worries: we’ve got it covered! Our One Day in Venice Itinerary provides the perfect introduction to The Floating City.
We planned our one-day adventure from the town of Treviso during a long stay in the Veneto region. Kris had never visited Venice and my only trip was ages ago. To showcase the best of Venice, I created an ideal route through the city to must-see sights and a few hidden gems!
One Day in Venice, Italy: Is it Enough?
Before we get to our plan, let’s tackle the burning question: Is one day in Venice enough? Typically, we would say no; believing just about anywhere deserves at least a couple of days of discovery. However, spending just a day in Venice, Italy can be sufficient.
Venice is unbelievably beautiful, but it can also be incredibly hot, overly crowded and insanely expensive – all of which can be exhausting after a few days.
Travelers who want to see the highlights, experience the atmosphere and get lost in the picturesque lanes can do it in a single day. A one-day trip will also keep costs down. We share more money-saving tips in our guide to Venice on a Budget.
In reality, determining how many days in Venice is right for you boils down to your overall Italy trip plan, interests and budget. We recommend reading through our outlined itinerary and deciding if one day will be enough for you.
One Day in Venice Itinerary
Our One Day Itinerary in Venice includes essential sightseeing and curious exploring…without being rushed.
The route is ideal for travelers who want to make the most of their short trip – and covers five of Venice’s sestieri districts. In addition to outlining what to do in Venice for a day, we also share important travel tips – plus a map – later in the article.
1 Day Itinerary in Venice: Morning Sightseeing
Kick off your day with the grandest sights in the city via a boat ride on the Grand Canal. Then work your way through one of the lesser-visited neighborhoods before delving into the tourist enclave of San Marco.
Grand Canal
The gorgeous Grand Canal is a must-see in Venice – and exactly where we suggest you start your day. Hop on a Line 1 Vaparetto Ferry Boat at Ferrovia Terminal (directly in front of the train station). Do your best to claim a spot at the back or along the side railing for an epic view of the famed waterway.
Top Tip: No need to buy the single-ride tickets in advance; purchase them from the staff on board. Only chipped cards accepted, no cash.
Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
Disembark at Salute, which is right on the doorstep to the magnificent Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. Built in gratitude at the end of the 1630 Plague, the free-to-visit church is a striking example of fine Baroque architecture. Side chapels encircle the central space under the soaring dome and the floor is made of colored marble.
Dorsoduro District
Spend time discovering Dorsoduro, the place where Venetians first over a thousand years ago. Top tourist attractions in the area are the Gallerie dell’Accademia Museum and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
However, we wouldn’t consider either to be a must-see in Venice in 1 day unless you are a Modern or Venetian Art enthusiast. Instead, roam the gorgeous and relatively uncrowded neighborhood.
Start at the eastern point, where views stretch across the water to Piazza San Marco and it’s soaring bell tower. Then, wind around to the south side of the island using the waterfront walkway, Zattere.
Finally, stroll north along Rio de San Trovaso Canal. Keep an eye out for the Squero di San Trovaso Boatyard where workers build and maintain gondolas and the Macia de Color handmade mask shop.
Ponte dell’ Accademia
Crossing Ponte dell’ Accademia is one of the fun things to do in Venice in 1 day. Of the four bridges that straddle the 2.4-mile-long Grand Canal, it’s the only one made of wood.
From the top of the arch there are panoramic views of the canal and the picturesque palazzos that line it. The view to the east is especially enticing, as it features Palazzo Franchetti Cavalli, Palazzo Barbero, Palazzo Contarini and the bulbous domes of Basilica Santa Maria della Salute.
Campo Santo Stefano
A spacious square encircled by casual cafes, Campo Santa Stefano was once the site of bullfights and festivals. A statue of Italian writer Niccolo Tommaseo stands at the center and the 14th century Santo Stefano Church at the north end is adorned with artworks.
Arriving here, we found ourselves already hungry for lunch. Striving for efficiency, we grabbed tasty take-away toasted sandwiches from Bar all’Angolo and ate as we wandered the area.
Exquisite Churches and Shopping Lanes
Depart Santa Stefano to the east and set off into a maze of narrow lanes, quaint bridges and serene canals. Venice is packed with sensational churches – but two in this neighborhood shouldn’t be missed.
The Baroque Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio is beguiling. A small fee is charged for entry, but even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth turning the corner to gaze at the embellished façade.
Next, walk along a corridor of high-end shopping on Calle Larga XXII Marzo to San Moise, a church that is impossible to miss. The elegantly decorated exterior greets visitors as they cross Rio di San Moise. It’s free to enter and we highly recommend taking a few moments to see the interior.
Continue along Calle Larga XXII Marzo, passing by Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Hermes and Chanel (among others!). The street leads right into the heart of Venice: St. Mark’s Square.
Sightseeing Tip: As you weave your way through the San Marco Neighborhood, peer into the cicchetti bars with their delicacies on display in glass cases. The cicchetti snacks and pizza-by-the-slice eateries along the route are also great options for a quick lunch.
Afternoon of One Day Itinerary Venice
It’s only midday, but there is so much more to see! In the afternoon of your 1 day in Venice, Italy, step into St. Mark’s Square to see the pinnacle of Venetian architecture, tour a palace, take in the view from an elevated vantage point and cross the famous Rialto Bridge.
Piazza San Marco
Stepping into St. Mark’s Square is an absolute highlight of any 1 Day in Venice Itinerary. Long serving as the political and religious center of the city, the square is home to several famous Venice landmarks.
The grandiose Basilica di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale and the towering St. Mark’s Campanile sit on the east side of the square. The rest of the open space (no doubt packed with people) is flanked by stately buildings featuring symmetrical arches.
Nestled into the surrounding arcade are luxurious cafes offering a front row seat to the splendor, a scene which is often enhanced by the sounds of a live orchestra. Caffe Florian, which dates to the year 1720, is the finest (and most expensive).
St. Mark’s Basilica and San Marco Square Sights
After admiring the glittering portal mosaics of the domed St. Mark’s Basilica, join the queue to enter the magnificent church.
A 3 euro fee is required for entry, and pre-purchased skip-the-line tickets are three euros more. An absolute work of art, the Basilica is a feast for the senses. Festooned in Byzantine mosaics, the interior shimmers in golden hues.
Palazzo Ducale – or Doge’s Palace – is another top Venice tourist attraction on the square. Long the residence of the city’s rulers, the palace is filled with stunning artworks. Tickets are on the pricey side, but include access to the exhibits at Museo Correr, the National Archaeological Museum and Biblioteca Marciana Monumental Rooms.
Other Venice attractions in St. Mark’s Square are the 323-foot-tall Campanile di San Marco Bell Tower (which visitors can climb for a fee) and the small but free garden, Giardini Reali. The lush leafy oasis is an excellent place to escape the bustle of Venice. There are benches where you can rest your feet, however, picnics are not allowed.
It’s important to note that with so many things to do in Venice in a day, you will need to determine if it is worth visiting the sights and museums on St. Mark’s Square. For this itinerary, we recommend entering the Basilica (with skip-the-line tickets) – and spending just a moment relaxing in the Reali Garden.
Bridge of Sighs (via Ponte della Paglia)
An enclosed bridge hovering over Rio del Palazzo, the passage connects the city’s Old Prison to Palazzo Ducale.
It is said that the name is derived from the prisoners who were transferred from jail to the offices of the palace to hear their fate. As they crossed, they sighed as they took in, what could possibly be, their last look at Venice.
Today, however, the structure is simply breathtaking to those who seek it out. Gondoliers row their boats beneath the bridge, completing the iconic Venice scene. The best view of the Bridge of Sighs is from Ponte della Paglia. The small platform below and to the right is also a prime spot for selfies.
Castello District
Work your way north into the vast Castello Sestieri; it’s one of our favorite areas for aimless wanders and hidden gems. Less touristic than other districts, Castello is highlighted by appealing canals, pretty churches, unique shops and well-preserved palaces.
As much fun as Castello is to explore casually, travelers limited to a day in Venice shouldn’t miss the Gothic Santi Giovanni e Paolo. The unusual brick church hosts a sumptuous interior decorated by masters of Venetian art. Tickets are required.
If time allows, Museo di Palazzo Grimani is a fabulous palace to seek out. Although it is unfurnished, the palace rooms – and their fantastic frescoes – are on full display. Ticket required.
The free and quirky Libreria Acqua Alta Bookshop is also worth squeezing into. Cluttered, crowded and home to a gaggle of cats – the store is known for displaying books inside boats (to keep them dry) and an outdoor terrace stacked with weathered volumes.
Castello is also where you can find the best gelato in Venice. Gelateria Ducale dishes out delectable, creamy gelato in cones and cups. Their Tiramisu hit the spot for us!
Cannaregio District
Slip from Castello into the Cannaregio neighborhood, which marks the north side of Venice. Although a favored residential enclave, it has a few stand-out sights for visitors.
First stroll the length of Strada Nova. The wide, pedestrian promenade is lined with shops and restaurants and exudes an airy ambiance that differs from the dense chaos of so much of the city.
Continue westbound to The Ghetto, an area that encircles a small island where Jewish residents were once forced to live. Not permitted to freely dwell in Venice until 1866, The Ghetto is marked by five synagogues, two of which are open to tourists..
Elevated View of Grand Canal
Before leaving Cannaregio, find your way to an elevated perch for an exceptional view of the Grand Canal.
We opted to take in the panoramic vista from Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro. The palace – one of the prettiest and grandest on the canal – hosts an art gallery. The ground floor loggia is a superb space and the artwork sublime. However, we were most intrigued by the delicately carved balcony that overlooks the canal from the palace’s upper level. Admission required.
Alternatively, secure free tickets in advance to the rooftop at Fondaco dei Tedeschi. The multi-story luxury department store sits on a bend of the Grand Canal – and they have opened their terrace to the public to enjoy the astounding views.
Rialto Bridge
The most iconic and ornate bridge in Venice, Rialto Bridge marks the historic center of the city’s commercial district. The middle of the overpass itself hosts a number of vendors selling an array of tourist trinkets. The area to the north has held bazaars since the 11th century – and the Rialto Market is still thriving today.
Crossing the bridge is like a rite of passage for tourists…because have you really been to Venice if you haven’t crossed the Rialto Bridge? As you make your way across, take in views from both sides (but be sure to keep an eye on your belongings, as it’s a prime spot for pickpockets).
San Polo and Santa Croce Districts
Ponte di Rialto leads west into the San Polo and Santa Croce Districts. The quarter, which is bounded on three sides by the Grand Canal, is a delightful tangle of cobblestoned lanes and lovely squares. It’s an amazing place to get lost…in the best possible way.
After the long day of sightseeing, we relished the simplicity of seeing the two districts without an agenda. Ambitious sightseers, however, can track down a few worthwhile attractions.
Easy to miss, Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto sits at the north end of Rialto Bridge. The humble (and free) church, which is recognizable by its unique 24-hour clock, ranks as the oldest church in Venice.
Two stunning buildings – Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (an art-filled, red-brick Gothic marvel) and Scuola Grande di San Rocco (a divine museum hosting masterpiece paintings) – are located in the southwestern quadrant of the district. Tickets are required to enter both venues.
Dinner in Venice
End your One Day Venice Itinerary with a refreshing Aperol Spritz and a classic Italian meal. We wined and dined in Santa Croce on Calle Larga dei Bari.
Here you’ll find a popular pizza place (Pizzeria Ai Bari), a local cicchetti bar (Cip and Ciop) and a cozy tavern (Barcaro Quebrado) that serves authentic pastas at reasonable prices, plus rave-worthy tiramisu.
1 Day Itinerary Venice Map
This map is marked with all of the places to see on a 1-day trip to Venice, Italy. Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our map of Venice below.
One Day Venice Travel Tips
In our outline of what to see in Venice in 1 day, we covered the top attractions via an easy route through the city. Now we have some logistical advice that will help you plan your trip.
Best Day to Visit Venice
A travel plan of what to do in Venice in 1 day can be seriously impacted by weather and crowds. If your schedule is flexible, check the forecast and aim for a sunny day with ideal temperatures.
The summer sees the height of the hordes – but the number of tourists in Venice can swing drastically when a cruise ship is in port. This Venice Port Schedule lists the ships and the number of passengers.
It can also be advantageous to check the Venice event calendar. Big festivals, like Carnival in the Spring, and other religious celebrations throughout the year can cause an influx of people.
Venice Tourist Ticket
In 2024, Venice introduced a Day Tripper Tourist Tax. On certain days, visitors not staying the night are required to purchase a Venice Day Ticket.
Officially called the Venice Access Fee, the flat-rate, daily charge can be paid online or in person at Piazzale Roma Bus Station and the Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station. Find more info and exemptions.
Venice Itinerary Adjustments for Less or More Time
We shared our ideal way of how to spend a day in Venice, but have a few tips for travelers with even less time or a full 2 days in the City of Canals.
Half Day in Venice
With only half a day in Venice, travelers need to focus on the top sights and experiences. We recommend riding the Vaporetto Water Bus from Ferrovia to San Marco. Visit the Basilica di San Marco then cross Ponte di Rialto. Explore the streets of San Polo and Santa Croce as you make your way back to the train station.
2 Day Venice Itinerary
With the additional time of a Venice 2-Day Itinerary, we suggest cruising to the islands of Murano (famous for its glass production) and Burano (known for brightly painted houses). For this trip plan, save a bit of money by buying the 2-Day Vaporetto Pass.
Getting To Venice, Italy
Venice can be reached by plane, train, boat, bus or car. Note that in order to make the most of your 1-day trip in Venice, it’s essential to get an early start!
Arrive by Plane
The Venice San Marco Airport is situated on the coast of mainland Italy directly to the north. The airport is served by all major airlines. Our Tips for Cheap Flights can help you save money when booking your tickets!
To get from VCE Airport to Venice Island visitors can travel by bus, ferry boat, private water taxi or Uber/Cab. Remember, Venice is car-free…not even taxis are allowed to drive into the city.
The nearby Treviso Airport (TSF) is used exclusively by low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air. The best way to travel from the Treviso Airport to Venice is by a bus/train combo. The journey takes about an hour in total.
Travel by Train
Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia is the main train station in Venice. From the entrance, it is possible to take a ferry boat or walk into the city on foot. The station has bathrooms and luggage storage facilities (fee required for both). Search for tickets on the Trenitalia Website.
Arrive by Bus
The Piazzale Roma Bus Station is located just south of the train station, across Constitution Bridge. From here, visitors can also easily hop on a ferry or walk into central Venice.
One Day Trip to Venice from Top Italy Destinations
- Florence Day Trip to Venice: 165 miles ~ 3 hours by car, 2.5 hours by train.
- Day Trip from Milan to Venice: 160 miles ~ 3 hours by car, 2.5 hours by train.
- Rome Day Trip to Venice: 330 miles ~ 6 hours by car, 3.5 hours by train.
Guided Tour
Planning a DIY trip to Venice for a day can be trying. Instead, consider joining an organized Venice, Italy 1-Day Tour that is led by a professional guide. Find guided tours within Venice (like this one) and full day excursions from destinations around Italy on Viator.
Where To Stay in Venice
Those with a full 24 hours in Venice will need to find accommodation – and there are countless options in a range of prices. That said, Venice hotels are notoriously expensive, so book in advance for the greatest value. Use our Tips for Booking Hotels for Cheap to find your ideal property!
1 Day in Venice Essentials
Alright, it’s time to talk packing. We have a few specific suggestions for Venice, so grab our FREE Packing Checklist and let’s get you to Italy!
Comfortable Shoes
Our guide of what to do in Venice, Italy in 1 day covers some ground. We clocked 10 miles walking around Venice – and it would have been unbearable without proper footwear. Read about what we wear along with reviews for other Top Styles of Travel Shoes to find your perfect pair.
Travel Camera
To say Venice is beautiful is an absolute understatement! Capture the true beauty of the city with a real camera. We exclusively use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens. Find out why it’s a Great Camera for Budget Travelers.
Anti-Theft Bag and Travel Insurance
Using a good travel day pack that deters petty thieves is a must in Venice. Read our tips for Avoiding Pickpockets and keeping your valuables safe.
Regardless of how well you plan, travel sometimes goes sideways. Trip insurance might help recoup costs associated with lost luggage, cancelled flights or even illness or injury. Check rates and coverage at World Nomads.
Organize Your Trip to Venice, Italy
As you begin to make plans and reservations, staying organized is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner to sort all the details of your Italian vacation!
Start planning your trip to Italy! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More of Italy
- How To Visit Rome in 3 Days
- Tuscany in 1 Week
- Best 3 Days in Florence
- What To Do in Pisa
- Things To See in Lecce
- Siena Day Trip
- Top Sights of San Gimignano and Lucca
- Tips for Planning a European Vacation
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