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How many days in Venice do you need? The ideal 3-day itinerary
How many days in Venice are enough for a well-rounded trip? Here’s our 3-day itinerary, which includes popular sights such as St Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace.
Planning a trip and wondering how many days in Venice are enough? Whether this is your first visit to the breathtaking floating city or returning to soak in more of its charm, here’s the perfect itinerary for a complete experience for large groups, couples, or solo travelers in Italy.
While some travelers like to squeeze in the Venice highlights in a quick trip, we recommend spending 3 days in Venice for a blend of interesting sights, local cuisine, and a few off-the-beaten-path excursions. This blog will walk you through a Venice itinerary perfect for 3 days and show you how to balance your time between must-sees like St. Mark’s Square, the Bell Tower, and Rialto Bridge, and a few hidden gems. Keep reading to discover what to do and how long to spend in Venice.
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Day 1: Visit Venice’s main attractions
Day 1 of our Venice itinerary is all about exploring the city’s most iconic landmarks. If you’re arriving from the Venezia Santa Lucia train station or the Venice Marco Polo Airport, drop your bags at your accommodation and head out quickly. There’s no time to waste in the heart of the floating city, and one of the best places to travel.
Stop 1: St. Mark’s Basilica and Piazza San Marco
Head to Saint Mark’s Square, also known as Piazza San Marco. Here, you’ll find the amazing St. Mark’s Basilica, a remnant of awe-inspiring Byzantine architecture.
Climb up to Mark’s terrace for a vantage view of the bell tower, the Grand Canal, and cobblestoned streets below. Don’t miss the clock tower or Torre dell’Orologio, and grab a coffee from one of the local restaurants nearby.
This area gets fairly crowded in the summer months, so come early to avoid the rush. It’s the perfect way to begin your self-guided tour of Venice.
Stop 2: Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs
Next door is the magnificent Doge’s Palace, one of the things that make Italy famous. Explore the lavish interiors and hidden prison passages on your own, or opt for an audio tour. Walk across the Bridge of Sighs that was once used to transport dreary prisoners, hence the name.
Stop 3: Gondola ride
If you can afford it, take a romantic gondola ride in one of the quieter canals in the San Polo or Dorsoduro districts. While prices are fixed and a bit expensive, you can try negotiating, especially if you’re on a budget-friendly trip to Italy. It’s a great way to see Venice; you’ll pass under stone bridges and view beautiful city facades.
Stop 4: Rialto Bridge and Rialto Market
Make your way towards the Rialto Bridge, a must-see location on our Venice itinerary. This bridge is lined with shops and local cafes, perfect for a quick bite. Nearby, you’ll find Rialto Market, which offers fresh produce and seafood.
Stop 5: San Polo
End your day in the San Polo neighborhood, one of Venice’s most lively areas. Locals gather in bacari (Venetian wine bars) for the evening; join them and enjoy cicchetti and a glass of local wine or some Aperol spritz.
Take some time to explore San Polo’s alleyways and side streets and experience true Venetian culture. However, getting back to your hotel might be confusing after wandering around, so be sure to have Google Maps up and running. Worried about having internet? Grab the best eSIM for Venice for your travel needs.
Day 2: Local life in Venice
Now that we’ve ticked off Venice’s major tourist attractions, it’s time to explore the quieter corners of the city. Day 2 is perfect for travelers wondering how many days to spend in Venice if they want to go beyond postcard views.
Stop 1: Dorsoduro District
Begin your day in Dorsoduro, a quiet and artsy district across the Grand Canal from San Marco. It is home to creative university students and aspiring artists, and authentic Venetian culture shines through.
The main attraction here is the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of Europe’s most significant art museums. It features works by Pollock, Dali, and Picasso and is a must-visit for art lovers.
Stop 2: Campo Santa Margherita and Cannaregio
From Dorsoduro, head towards Campo Santa Margherita, a vibrant square where you can find delicious coffee and many local restaurants with fresh pasta, seafood, and local wine.
After having lunch here, make your way to Cannaregio, one of Venice’s underrated neighborhoods. Enjoy the cobbled streets and tranquil canals without the rush of tourists. You can also visit nearby Jewish Museums or a synagogue if you’re interested.
Stop 3: Evening in San Polo
Head back to San Polo for a snack and try some of the best foods in Italy. Experience a bacaro crawl, where you stop in various local bars to savor fresh seafood, prosciutto, or truffle cream, each paired with local wine or prosecco. Follow the crowds and do as the locals do! Or, if you’re in the mood for something charming, consider booking a tour or performance in Venice’s grand opera house, Teatro La Fenice.
Day 3: Explore the nearby islands
If you’re still wondering how many days to spend in Venice or how long to stay in Venice, Day 3’s plan will surely convince you to spend a little more time. Today, the agenda is all about scenic escapes and taking in breathtaking views for those who want to explore Venice’s unique position in the Venetian Lagoon.
Stop 1: Day trip to Murano or Burano
Did you know there are two beautiful places in close proximity to Venice? The Murano and Burano islands are only 45 minutes away from Venice combined!
You don’t have to visit both; here’s more information on each island so you can choose which one to go to.
Murano is famous for its centuries-old glass-making traditions, and you’ll find some of the best glass shops in Italy. If you’re interested, you can also visit a glass-making factory to watch the local artisans at work.
On the other hand, Burano is arguably the prettier of the two islands. It’s scattered with colorful fishermen’s houses, cobblestoned streets, and vibrant canals. Stop for lunch here at a local restaurant serving seafood risotto or fried calamari.
Catch a water bus or a private water taxi in the morning from Fondamente Nove to begin your trip to either island.
Stop 2: Head back to Venice
Sail back to the main island and enjoy a stroll along the Grand Canal. If you haven’t had a chance before, climb the Campanile Bell Tower in Saint Mark’s Square for unparalleled views.
Stop 3: Final dinner in Venice
For your final evening in Venice, treat yourself to dinner in a central location with Grand Canal views. Antiche Carampane (San Polo), Ristorante da Ivo (near Saint Mark’s Square), and Trattoria Alla Madonna (near Rialto Market and Rialto Bridge) are all great places to have one final meal in Venice.
Tips for planning your trip to Venice
After tackling how long to stay in Venice, here is some extra advice to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Stay in a central location
When deciding how many days to spend in Venice, location is everything. While staying in central Venice may be more expensive, you can save time traveling to the main attractions as it’s a very walkable city. Stay in San Marco, Dorsoduro, or San Polo to make the most of your three days without wasting time commuting.
Get an Italy eSIM for easy navigation
Navigating Venice’s cobbled streets and winding alleyways is no easy task. Having data on the go is crucial, especially when commuting, communicating, or finding restaurants with great reviews.
Grab an Italy eSIM from Holafly before your trip to avoid international roaming charges and stay connected from the moment you land.
Book in advance, especially in the summertime
Wondering how many days in Venice are enough during peak season? Spending 2-3 days is ideal, but it is definitely busier and warmer. Make sure to reserve popular experiences like the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square in advance.
Also, if you’re visiting Italy during the warmer months, pack for an Italian summer and remember to bring activity-appropriate clothing. It can get quite hot depending on where you go in Italy; for example, Sicily is one of the hottest places in August in the world.
Plan an extended vacation in Venice with Holafly Connect
After spending three days in Venice, you might feel the urge to come back for more. If you’re planning an extended stay across Italy and neighboring countries, consider connecting seamlessly with Holafly Connect. This monthly subscription service offers internet in over 170 destinations, perfect for digital nomads, long-term travelers, or remote workers wanting to change their workstation.
You can hop between cities like Venice, Rome, and Florence and even beyond into France, Spain, or Switzerland without worrying about SIM swaps or hidden roaming charges. Choose between three flexible plans. For only $64.90 a month, you can get unlimited data plus unlimited hotspot usage, keeping you online and making your travels stress-free.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
