What you'll do
Built on over 100 small islands in northern Italy, Venice is one of the most unique cities we have ever visited. There are no roads for vehicles, just canals and narrow walking streets lined with charming shops and stunning architecture.
This 1-day itinerary is the exact route we followed to beat the crowds, see as much as possible, and stop in at all the best pizza-by-the-slice and gelato shops in Venice. Think of it as a self-guided walking food tour with all the best sights and photo spots thrown in!
Note that we were at the first stop for 7 AM, which REALLY helped with the crowds.
Day 1
Ponte dell'Accademia
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Venice's Historic Bridge With A View
The Ponte dell’Accademia is one of only four bridges that cross the Grand Canal and was one of our all-time favourite places in Venice. From here, you have a great view of Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the open water of the lagoon.
When we visited in October, we watched the sunrise from this beautiful bridge at 7 AM. We would highly recommend it if you’re up for the early morning!
St. Mark's Square
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"The Heart of Venice"
Piazza San Marco, AKA St Mark’s Square, is Venice's most popular public square. It is home to some of the city’s most famous buildings, including the Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale. If you want to go inside, we would recommend booking skip-the-line tickets in advance to save yourself some time!
GO EARLY! It was eerily quiet at 7:30 AM. We found it amazing to peacefully enjoy this square, knowing it would be filled with hundreds of people in a few hours.
Ponte de Canonica
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Incredible Views of The Bridge of Sighs
Ponte de Canonica offers a picturesque view of one of the most famous bridges in Venice, Ponte dei Sospiri. This unique, enclosed bridge connects the prison to the interrogation rooms in the Palazzo Ducale(Doge’s Palace). In the past, it was used to transport prisoners directly from their trial to the prison cells.
According to Venetian legend, the name of the bridge comes from the sighs of the prisoners who crossed it, catching their last glimpses of Venice through the tiny stone windows. Another legend states that if a couple kisses in a gondola while passing underneath the Bridge of Sighs, they will be blessed with eternal love.
Libreria Acqua Alta
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Quirky Bookstore with Creative Charm
Libreria Acqua Alta is a one-of-a-kind bookstore tucked away on a tiny street in Venice. It has recently become “Instagram Famous” for a beautiful viewing platform built out the back of the shop.
Hundreds of books are stacked up to create a staircase. It grants you a unique view of the surrounding canals and bridges. A large gondola filled with books is in the middle of the store, and several resident cats keep an eye on visitors. If you are in the market for a book, some English options are available in the mix of new and used literature.
Crazy Pizza
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Trendy Pizzeria with Modern Twist
We went on a hunt for the best pizza by the slice in Venice! This was one of our favourites! Crazy Pizza in Venice is a trendy spot where pizza lovers can indulge in authentic Italian flavours with a modern twist. From the mesmerizing spinning pizza show to the lively atmosphere created by DJs and delicious cocktails, Crazy Pizza promises a night to remember for locals and visitors alike.
Farini
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Delicious Pizza in Venice
We went on a hunt for the best pizza by the slice in Venice! This was one of our favourites! Farini Venezia is a pizza joint in Venice that's serving up some seriously delicious slices. Their thick, fluffy crusts are topped with everything from brie and speck to classic margherita ingredients.
It's the perfect spot for a quick snack between sightseeing or when you need a break from all the fancy cicchetti. With multiple locations near the Rialto Bridge, including a spacious Aliani shop with plenty of seating, Farini is a must-visit for pizza lovers in Venice.
Gelateria Ci Gusta Venezia Castello
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Artisanal gelato in Venice
Located in the heart of Venice's Castello district, Gelateria Ci Gusta Venezia Castello offers authentic artisanal gelato that captures the attention of tourists exploring the city. With a variety of flavours ranging from fruit to cream, visitors can create their ideal cup of gelato. In addition to gelato, they also serve mouth-watering Bubble Waffles filled with gelato, grains, and delicious sauces.
Rialto Bridge
Visita turistica
Iconic Venetian Stone Arch Bridge
Ponte di Rialto, AKA The Rialto Bridge, is the oldest bridge that spans the Grand Canal. Lined with vendors and connecting two bustling neighbourhoods, this bridge is always lively and crowded.
We sat on the edge for a few minutes and watched the gondolas go by as the city of Venice woke up before our eyes.
GELATOTECA SUSO
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Authentic Venetian Gelato Experience
Gelatoteca Suso is the go-to spot in Venice for a true Venetian gelato experience. With a mix of tradition and experimentation, their gelato is naturally unique and special, made with excellent ingredients and curious combinations. Known as "the Gelateria" of Venice, Suso offers signature flavours that cater to everyone, from classic lovers to those seeking innovative, plant-based options.
Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
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Gothic Church with Rich History
The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari stands as a testament to the city's rich artistic and religious heritage. This magnificent Gothic church, commonly known as the Frari, was constructed in the 14th century.
The basilica’s interior is home to an exquisite collection of artwork created by renowned Renaissance masters. The entrance fee is only a few Euros, and it is worth stopping at if you are in the area.
Pizza al Volo
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Budget-Friendly Pizza in Venice
We went on a hunt for the best pizza by the slice in Venice! This was one of our favourites! Pizza Al Volo in Venice is a popular spot for grabbing a quick and delicious slice of pizza on the go. Located in the charming Santa Margherita Square, this pizzeria caters to travellers looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.
PIZZERIA LA TOLETTA VENEZIA
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Delicious Pizza and Gelato in Venice
We went on a hunt for the best pizza by the slice in Venice! This was one of our favourites! PIZZERIA LA TOLETTA VENEZIA in Venice is a must-visit spot for delicious pizza and gelato. With a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, this pizzeria offers a variety of mouthwatering options like calzone pizza and calzones. The prices are reasonable, making it a great choice for a casual meal while exploring the city.
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Visita turistica
Venetian Palace with a Spiral Staircase and Killer View
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo was one of the best places we visited in all of Venice for two reasons. First, it offers mind-blowing views of the city from a magical, open-air tower. After climbing six floors on an exquisite, circular staircase, you will arrive at the top with a panoramic view of the city.
The second reason we loved it here so much was that it was not overly crowded in the middle of the day. For some reason, this tower is not at the top of most people's lists in Venice. We do no know why that is, but it works out great for those who choose to visit.
Pizzeria L'Angelo
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Cozy Italian Pizzeria with Wood-Fired Pizzas
We went on a hunt for the best pizza by the slice in Venice! This was one of our favourites! Pizzeria L'Angelo is a cozy Italian restaurant known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and friendly atmosphere.
Located in the heart of town, it's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a slice of authentic Italian cuisine. Pizzeria L'Angelo is the perfect place to satisfy your pizza cravings in a laid-back setting with a menu full of traditional favourites and a welcoming staff.
Piscina S. Moise, 2056
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Our Favourite Photo Spot in Venice!
If you want to take a few photos like the ones below or hang out here and watch the gondolas cruise by, go to these coordinates between 5-6 PM. You can also visit earlier in the day, but this dock gets busy with food deliveries and people for the surrounding hotels and restaurants.
Pizzería Sansovino
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Delicious Italian Pizza in Venice
We went on a hunt for the best pizza by the slice in Venice! This was one of our favourites! Pizzería Sansovino in Venice is a go-to spot for delicious Italian pizza. Located conveniently near Museo della Musica, this pizzeria serves up mouthwatering Pepperoni, prosciutto, and mushroom pizzas that hit the spot. The staff is friendly, the service is quick, and the prices are reasonable.