What you'll do
Day 1
Venice Airport
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Venice Airport
There are 2 ways to get to venice by public transport. By plane, or by train.
Venice Marco Polo Airport is the international airport of Venice, Italy and the fourth-busiest airport in the country. Situated on the mainland near the village of Tessera, it is a mere 4 miles away from Venice proper and within easy reach of Mestre. The airport is named after the Venetian traveller Marco Polo and serves as a base for several major airlines. It offers flights to many European metropolitan areas with some partly seasonal long-haul routes to other parts of the world such as the United States, Canada, South Korea and the Middle East. It also has a dedicated terminal with check-in desks and two lounges; the Tintoretto Lounge for SkyTeam customers and Marco Polo Room for other airlines. Ground transportation is available via scheduled buses, Alilaguna water shuttles and a water taxi.
Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia
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Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia
There are 2 ways to get to Venice by public transport. By plane or by train.
If you are coming from another big city in Italy, you will be getting the frecciarossa high speed train, which will bring you directly to the main station. To book your tickets, you can click the link below.
Venezia Santa Lucia is a railroad station in Venice, Italy that can bring you anywhere in the world! This 162-year old station exemplifies Rationalist and Fascist architecture, with its own Venetian lions carved on the facade. From here, high-speed trains, night trains, domestic regional trains, and even tourist trains like the Venice-Simplon Orient Express provide connections to Milan, Rome, Naples, Salerno, Trieste, Geneva, Munich, Innsbruck, London, Vienna, Turin, Paris, and more! There are 23 platforms providing access to these services with shops, offices, and luggage storage in the main hall. So if you're ever in Venice, come to Venezia Santa Lucia for an exciting railway journey!
Venice - How to get around town
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Venice - How to get around town
One thing I want you to know right away is that getting around Venice by public transport isn't cheap, but thanks to the transport card you can make unlimited use of the vaporetto (islands included!) and the bus network without spending a single cent more. You can choose between a one-day, two- or three-day card.
Hotel Venice
hotel
Hotel Venice
In Venice it really depends on the season what accomodation you will be able to find, as it's a prime tourist location.
I have left below a page where you can get discouts on Booking.com so you can find a cheap stay!
Pasticceria Dal Mas
bar
Pasticceria Dal Mas
Pasticceria Dal Mas is a delightful pastry shop in Venice, Italy that offers a multitude of delicious confections for all palettes. From creamy tiramisu cake rolls to sinfully rich cannolis and the perfect croissants, this cafe is sure to leave your taste buds delighted! With top-quality ingredients and pastries baked fresh every morning, Dal Mas’s goods are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Enjoy it with a hot cup of espresso or a relaxing Italian cappuccino to start off your day of exploration in the vibrant city of Venice!
Ponte di Rialto
Sightseeing
Ponte di Rialto
The Rialto Bridge, or the Ponte di Rialto in Italian, is one of Venice's most beloved landmarks. Located on the Grand Canal, it is the oldest of four bridges spanning across the waterway, and dates back all the way to 1173 and has since been rebuilt several times. It is a single span bridge made out of stone and designed by Antonio da Ponte. Adorned with shops along either side of the portico, the bridge is a significant tourist attraction that offers stunning views of the city. Gondoliers often row through it, creating a beautiful scene for visitors to admire. It is an iconic symbol of Italy and continues to entice people from all around the world, making it an experience you just can't miss!
Basilica di San Marco
culture
Basilica di San Marco
St Mark's Basilica is an ancient and iconic cathedral in Venice, Italy. Built between 836 and 1094, it is dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist, the patron saint of the city. With its vibrant mix of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic elements, St Mark’s remains a jaw-dropping architectural wonder. The façades of the church are adorned with rare marbles and precious stones, creating a visual effect that emphasizes the wealth and power of the Venetian Republic. Inside, magnificent gold-ground mosaics tell the stories of the saints, prophets, and biblical scenes. These mosaics have been altered over time to incorporate not only new artistic styles, but also artefacts plundered from Constantinople as part of Venice’s participation in the Fourth Crusade. Fittingly, the four ancient bronze horses from Constantinople stand prominently at the entry - making St Mark’s Basilica a must-see for any traveler visiting Venice.
Entrance costs €6, but I recommend buying the skip line ticket which you can find clicking the link below.
Attention: on Sundays you will not be able to enter before 2.00 pm. If you have a weekend available to visit Venice, I suggest you follow this itinerary on Saturday, reserving Sunday for the islands.
Campanile di San Marco
Sightseeing
Campanile di San Marco
Just in front of the Basilica, you cannot fail to notice the orange brick bell tower which, with its 98.6 meters in height, is one of the tallest bell towers in Italy: the good news is that you can climb to the top to enjoy a panoramic view over the city, admire the roofs of Venice and its conformation from every angle. This ticket can also be purchased with the link below, to avoid queues.
Palazzo Ducale
culture
Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale is a stunning and beautiful masterpiece of Gothic architecture located in Venice. It has been the very symbol of the city for centuries, its immense open courtyard with towers that evoke ancient times. Visitors can explore the rich history and culture of the city which is showcased in the various chambers, prisons, armoury, and picture galleries. There is even a Museum Store and a Museum Cafe on-site so visitors can further discover and immerse themselves in the culture and atmosphere. There are also many events and exhibitions which take place at Palazzo Ducale from time to time, making it a great destination for any fan of art or history.
For tickets, click the link below.
Bacaro ae Bricoe
cafe
Bacaro ae Bricoe
Ae Bricoe is an authentic Venetian bacaro that has won the hearts of locals since being opened in 2017. This cozy cafe offers delicious finger food, local wines and beers, competitive prices, and a passionate service provided by three siblings. Ae Bricoe is perfect for the gourmet looking to try local sausages, cheeses, and more - or just those looking for a quick snack or a big panino on their way back home. With four varieties of Spritz, good food, and a friendly service, it's not hard to see why it's been so quickly embraced by Venetians!
Perfect spot for lunch.
Ponte dei Sospiri
Sightseeing
Ponte dei Sospiri
The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most emblematic places in Venice: located in such a position as to overlook Rio di Palazzo, this Istrian stone bridge connects the Palazzo Ducale to the Palazzo delle Prigioni. The name attributed to it derives from the long sigh that the prisoners made as they crossed it, aware that this would be the last time they would see the outside world. The Bridge of Sighs can be admired from Riva degli Schiavoni, while the visit is included in the ticket to the Doge's Palace or in the visit to the Palazzo delle Prigioni.
Tickets can be found below.
Riva degli Schiavoni
Sightseeing
Riva degli Schiavoni
The Riva degli Schiavoni is definitely something to see in Venice in two days: it is a sort of monumental promenade of Venice, which extends from Piazza San Marco and follows the trend of the San Marco basin. The whole wide street is adorned with stalls and various monuments, but what I suggest you do is simply enjoy a nice walk while admiring the view of the island of San Giorgio, the passing boats and the profile of the majestic buildings of Venice in distance.
Arsenale di Venezia
culture
Arsenale di Venezia
The Venetian Arsenal is an impressive complex of industrial buildings and fortifications located in the Italian city of Venice. It was constructed over 400 years ago as a means to manufacture and maintain ships for the Venetian navy, and quickly became one of Europe's first large-scale manufacturing operations, enabling the production of ships and naval supplies in incredibly efficient ways. Covering over 110 acres, The Venetian Arsenal boasted some 16,000 employees responsible for the production of ships at a rate of one a day! Today, it serves as a research center and an exhibition venue during the Venice Biennale, in addition to its longstanding role as a functioning naval base.
This may also be a quieter area away from the majority of tourists.
Libreria Acqua Alta
shop
Libreria Acqua Alta
Libreria Acqua Alta is an enchanting bookstore located in Venice, Italy. It has been dubbed “the most beautiful bookstore in the world” for its unique setting and décor stacked wall-to-wall with books, magazines and maps placed inside bathtub and waterproof bins. To make matters even more whimsical, this picturesque bookshop even features a gondola to hold overflow of books! With it’s photogenic stack of books outside providing the perfect backdrop for a photo op, and the odd stray cat lurking around, Libreria Acqua Alta captures the heart and soul of Venice like no other bookstore can.
T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace
Sightseeing
T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace
The Rialto Bridge will be particularly crowded at dusk, so my advice is to reach the Fondaco Rooftop Terrace. The terrace is on the roof of a luxury multi-story shopping mall, but it's well worth reaching for a spectacular view of the Grand Canal. Furthermore, the visit is completely free, but the time of the ascent must be booked, you can find the link below.
Ristorante Al Vagon
restaurant
Ristorante Al Vagon
Ristorante al Vagon is an Italian restaurant located in the beautiful city of Venice. With an extensive menu featuring everything from seafood to traditional Italian pasta dishes, this restaurant offers something for every palate! Enjoy amazing views of the canal as you dine indoors or on the patio. The friendly staff provides exceptional service and are always eager to accommodate any dietary restrictions. Whether you and your family are looking for a delightful meal or a special occasion dinner, Ristorante al Vagon has it all!