Travel Guide: 2 Days in Venice

Venice, with its romantic canals, historic architecture, and unique atmosphere, is a magical city to explore. While two days in Venice won’t allow you to see everything, you can still experience many of its highlights. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a short 2-day visit to Venice:

Day 1: Exploring Venice

Morning:

1. Arrival in Venice: Arrive in Venice and check into your accommodation. Ideally, stay in or near the historic center to make it easier to explore the city on foot.
2. St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): Start your day at St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, a magnificent example of Byzantine architecture, and admire the Campanile (bell tower) for panoramic views.

Mid-Morning:

3. Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale): Explore the Doge’s Palace, a stunning Gothic building that was the center of Venetian government and is now a museum.

Lunch:

4. Rialto Market: Head to the Rialto Bridge area and explore the Rialto Market. You’ll find numerous restaurants and cafes in the vicinity for a pleasant lunch.

Afternoon:

5. Rialto Bridge: Walk over the iconic Rialto Bridge and enjoy the bustling atmosphere along the Grand Canal.
6. Venetian Gondola Ride: Experience a quintessential Venetian gondola ride. While it can be touristy, it’s a unique and romantic way to see the city from the water.

Evening:

7. Dinner: Choose a restaurant with canal-side seating to enjoy a traditional Venetian dinner. Sample local dishes such as risotto, seafood, and tiramisu.

Day 2: Hidden Gems and Departure

Morning:

1. Secret Itineraries Tour at Doge’s Palace: Consider taking the Secret Itineraries Tour at the Doge’s Palace. This guided tour allows you to explore hidden parts of the palace not open to the general public.
2. Venetian Ghetto: Explore the historic Venetian Ghetto, one of the first ghettos in the world. Visit the Jewish Museum and synagogues.

Lunch:

3. Sestiere Dorsoduro: Head to the Dorsoduro district for lunch. This area has a more relaxed and artistic vibe with numerous cafes and restaurants.

Afternoon:

4. Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to view an impressive collection of 20th-century art in the former home of the art patron Peggy Guggenheim.
5. San Giorgio Maggiore: Take a short vaporetto ride to San Giorgio Maggiore Island. Visit the church and climb the campanile for panoramic views of Venice.

Late Afternoon:

6. Last Stroll: Spend your remaining time strolling through Venice’s picturesque streets and canals, perhaps shopping for Venetian masks or souvenirs.

Departure:

7. Dinner and Farewell: Enjoy a final dinner in Venice before heading to the train station or airport for your departure.

Remember to purchase a Venice Card or Vaporetto Pass for easy access to public transportation during your stay. Venice is a city best explored on foot and by boat, so take your time to savor its unique charm and atmosphere. Enjoy your 2-day visit to this enchanting city.