The Best of Venice in a Day: Your Curated Itinerary

We cooked up how to spend the best of Venice in a day. It's an absolute must-read for travelers with limited time in Venice. We prepared two itinerary options to suit your different interests. Plus, as an added bonus, we listed nine extra activities and sights if you want to have a more customized day to make every Venice moment count.

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Option 1: Your Flawless Venice in a day Itinerary

Here's your first option for a one-day Venice trip. Remember, there's also an "Option 2" itinerary below. And scroll down even further for 9 unique activities in Venice. Mix and match to tailor your ideal visit!

Venue 1: Indulge in the Doge's Palace

Your first visit is the Doge's Palace, or Palazzo Ducale -it's a Venice icon knockout, known for its Venetian Gothic style and used to be the Doge's home, the big boss of the old Republic of Venice. They started building it around 1340, with changes over time.

The Palazzo's story begins in 810, when Doge Agnello Participazio moved the government near today's Rialto. After a 10th-century fire, Doge Sebastiano Ziani rebuilt, reshaping St. Mark's Square. The palace had many uses: like offices, courtrooms, prisons, the Doge's place, and more.

The outside is a total showstopper, with 14th and 15th-century sculptures. For example,the Porta della Carta, done by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon around 1438-1442, is a Gothic standout.

Inside, it's absolutely packed with art and history. The Sala del Maggior Consiglio is huge and historical, where the lower house of Parliament met. Other rooms like the Scala d'Oro and Sala del Collegio display works by Tintoretto, Veronese, and Titian.

There are also the Doge's apartments and secret courtrooms, like the Sala del Consiglio dei Dieci. Plus, the aforementioned prisons like the Piombi, connected by the Bridge of Sighs.

In the 16th century, they built new prisons and revamped the palace, adding a colonnade. It went from a ducal home and political hub to a museum, now part of Venice's museum network by Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.

Duration: 1–4 hours

Venue 2: Eat at Osteria alle Testiere

Osteria alle Testiere in Venice totally stands out for creative seafood which is awesome considering it's technically in the heart of Italy's top tourist attractions. It's in Castello, which is super close to Basilica di San Marco. As far as atmosphere is concerned, the place is actually kind of informal and cozy, with simple decor and wooden tables. You'll be pleased that it's recommend because it's known for great food, service, value, and that atmosphere.

The menu? Italian, Mediterranean, and healthy, with a focus on seafood. They've got vegetarian and gluten-free options too. Open for lunch, dinner, and late meals, it fits any dining plan.

It's popular and not too big, so book your table ahead.

Also, scroll down below for a list of some of our top Venice restaurant picks.

Duration: 1 hour

Venue 3: Go Venetian Island Hopping

The "Island Hopping Tour: Mazzorbo, Burano, and Murano" is a 4.5-hour guided trip through three Venetian lagoon islands. Starting at Combo, Venezia, it hits Mazzorbo, Burano, and Murano. You'll see historic churches, a wine resort, vibrant houses, and glassmaking. It's not wheelchair-friendly but works with strollers. Comes with a licensed guide, but you'll need to get your own water bus tickets and handle tips. Check out Tripadvisor for the full plan and more info.

Duration: 4.5 -5 hours

Venue 4: Chillax and Eat at Osteria da Filo

In our opinion, Osteria da Filo in Venice, in the Santa Croce area, is a total hit. It's laid-back, friendly, and quality all the way. It feels like your cool uncle's living room, local and unpretentious.

Once there, you can grab some great tasting mojitos, sample some killer craft beers, or go all-Italian with Aperol spritzes, panini, and cicchetti, Venice's classic snacks. The awesome live music often spices up the place, making it a chill hangout.

Overall, I think you'll love the vibe that's warm and welcoming. Think mismatched furniture, old books, and board games like chess and checkers. People love the good tunes, great company, and cheap drinks. Friendly bartenders and a happy mix of locals keep the place buzzing.

Map of "Venice in a Day" Option 1:

Option 2: Your Venice in a day Itinerary

Here are some more diverse, memorable stops for your one-day Venice trip.

Venue 1: Visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco

The first stop on your Venice in a day itinerary will be the Scuola Grande di San Rocco which is this incredible cultural landmark, dating back to 1478. Dedicated to St. Roch, it's a absolutely classic Venetian Scuola Grande, mixing charity, religion, and culture.

It's famous for Tintoretto's paintings. From 1564 to 1587, he and his team, including his son Domenico, filled it with masterpieces. Check out the Sala dell'Albergo and Sala Superiore for his best works. They brilliantly capture the biblical journey from the Fall to Redemption.

The building is pure Renaissance, with detailed sculptures and decorations. Inside, the grand staircase in white Istrian stone stands out, decked with carvings and frescoes. It's split into several key areas:

• Sala dell'Albergo: Tintoretto's first room, with St. Roch frescoes.
• Sala Capitolare: The meeting room, adorned with Gospel scenes and allegorical sculptures.
• Sala Terrena: The atrium, featuring paintings of the Virgin and Jesus's childhood.
• Sala del Tesoro: An 18th-century addition with liturgical items and Tiepolo artworks.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco was also big in Venice's music scene. It hired musicians like Giovanni Gabrieli. In 1958, Stravinsky's 'Threni' premiered here.

Duration: 1-2 hours

Venue 2: Have Lunch at Trattoria da Silvio

We recommend that you check out Trattoria da Silvio which serves classic Italian, pizza, seafood, and Mediterranean dishes. If you're interested, they also got some pretty good selections of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options too. The place is known for a great vibe which is why you'll see a good mix of both locals and tourists. Overall, I've been there for lunch and dinner, and even a late meal. Da Silvio is located in Calle San Pantalon Dorsoduro, which is near Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

Venue 3: Indulge Yourself in Campo Santo Stefano

Go and explore the Campo Santo Stefano, or Campo Francesco Morosini, which is this big square in Venice's San Marco district. It's flanked by the Gothic Church of Santo Stefano, with these totally old Gothic frescoes and a ship's keel roof. Around it, you'll notice buildings like the Gothic Palazzetto da Lezze and Palazzo Loredan, now a research institute. The square's super lively, highly suggestive for strolls, and hosts outdoor fairs at Christmas and Carnevale if you're in Venice at that time.

Venue 4: Swing by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice's Dorsoduro on the Grand Canal is a top art museum. It's in the 18th-century Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Peggy Guggenheim's home for 30 years. The collection has her modern art, including Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. It features Italian futurists, American modernists, and sculptures. After her death in 1979, it opened under the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation in 1980. Now, about 400,000 people visit yearly, making it Venice's most popular art gallery.

Duration: 2-3 hours

Venue 5: Have Dinner at Ristorante Alle Corone

Ristorante Alle Corone in Venice serves modern Mediterranean and Venetian food in style. It's got three dining rooms and a wine bar. Located in Castello, it offers views of gondolas on a canal. The place is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. Open for dinner every day, but hours vary.

Map of "Venice in a Day" Option 2:

Off the Beaten Path: 9 Unique Things to Do in Venice

This next section explores some of Venice's lesser-known corners, guiding travelers off the beaten path. It's full of unique spots and experiences for a deeper, more authentic Venice experience.

1) Escape to Lido Island

Lido Island, or Lido di Venezia, is a totally calm, pretty barrier island in the Venetian Lagoon that could be your escape from the bigger crowds, especially if it's peak summer Venice. Essentially, it's a long strip separating the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. It totally mixes beach vibes with Venice's charm.

Like most of Italy, Lido's history goes back to Roman times. It was key for defending Venice, especially in medieval and Renaissance days. But now, thankfully, it's a trendy beach resort, offering a quiet break from Venice's buzzing atmospher.

The island's known for its Art Nouveau architecture. You'll notice the elegant villas and grand hotels. Key spots include the Palazzo del Casinò and Palazzo del Cinema, both big in the Venice Film Festival.

And, if you're into some outdoor fun, there's beach sports, biking, boating, and fishing turn burn off those pasta calories. The beaches are also super for volleyball, soccer, or just chilling. Looking for some cultural spots? There's the Tempio Votivo Church, a war memorial, and the Museo del Manicomio in an old asylum.

Finally, don't miss the ancient Jewish Cemetery, a deep dive into the city's Jewish history. Explore Malamocco too, with its Gothic buildings and Palazzo del Podestà.

2) Check out the Scala Contarini

Scala Contarini del Bovolo in Venice's San Marco is an architectural wonder. Its spiral staircase, "bovolo" in Venetian, looks like a snail shell. Part of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, Giovanni Candi designed it in the 15th century as the Contarini family's home. Giorgio Spavento added the staircase around 1499.

It's a mix of red brick and white Istria stone, spanning six floors with eighty steps. From the top, you get awesome Venice views. Despite being near Rialto and St. Mark's Square, it's kind of hidden, offering a peaceful Venice experience.

The Palazzo has a long history, becoming a lodging house in the 19th century. Astronomer Wilhelm Tempel stayed there and made discoveries from the tower. The staircase and terrace were in Orson Welles' 1952 "Othello" film.

3) Go to Ponte dei Pugni (it's a "knockout")

The Ponte dei Pugni in Venice is known for 17th-century fistfights between the Nicolotti and Castellani clans. They fought to push each other into the canal, as the bridge had no railings. These fights were banned in 1705. Today, marks on the bridge show where clans stood. It's near the Church of San Barnaba, a historically important bridge.

4) Get Up Early and Go for A Walk

Early morning walks in Venice are calm, unlike the daytime rush. Around 6 am, the city's quiet beauty emerges, usually missed by tourists.

Wandering the calli and fondamenta, like Fondamenta delle Zattere, you feel the morning and watch Venice wake up. Locals hit cafes for coffee and brioche. Street vendors start their day.

You see the city's daily grind in a water world. Hotel staff ready rooms, boats deliver goods. It's Venice's everyday hustle, even for simple tasks like trash collection.

Early on, historical spots like San Giacometto Church, Venice's oldest, are peaceful. The Rialto market buzzes with vendors prepping artichokes and other produce.

5) Visit The Church of San Sebastiano

The Church of San Sebastiano in Venice's Dorsoduro is a 16th-century gem. It's famed for Paolo Veronese's paintings and works by Tintoretto and Titian.

Built on a 1393 hospice site, it was altered from 1506 by Antonio Abbondi (Scarpagnino) and finished in 1548. It's a Renaissance masterpiece with a Latin cross layout, atrium, raised choir, and cupola-topped presbytery.

Inside, Paolo Veronese's work from 1555 to 1570 steals the show. He decorated the nave, altar walls, and ceilings. The nave ceiling has three Book of Esther paintings from 1556. The choir area shows St. Sebastian's life, the church's namesake. Veronese also did the organ doors and frontal.

His 1570 Madonna in Glory with St Sebastian is behind the high altar. It's a vibrant, intense piece in a marble frame.

There's also Titian's St Nicolas from 1563 and art by Paris Bordone, Jacopo Sansovino, Palma il Giovane, and Alessandro Vittoria. The sacristy features Tintoretto and Bonifacio de' Pitati.

6) Take an Off the Beaten Track Tour

"Off the Beaten Track in Venice: Private City Tour" lets you see less-known Venice spots with a local guide. This 2.5-hour tour covers Sestiere Dorsoduro, Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco, San Polo, and Campo Santa Margherita. It's a deep dive into Venice's hidden gems and history, away from usual tourist routes. Perfect for exploring Venice's culture and architecture. Check Tripadvisor for more info or to book.

7) Explore the Church of Angelo Raffaele

The Church of Angelo Raffaele in Venice's Dorsoduro has standout art. Its organ loft features paintings by Gianantonio Guardi, an 18th-century artist. Guardi, known for Venetian scenes, shows skill in these religious works. Rebuilt in the 17th century, the church also displays Sebastiano Mariani and Michelangelo Morlaiter's sculptures and a ceiling piece by Francesco Fontebasso. Visitors can walk around it for a full view of its architecture and art.

8) Go to the Opera!

Attending theater or opera in Venice, like at Teatro La Fenice, is culturally deep. La Fenice, "The Phoenix," was rebuilt after fires in 1836 and 1996. Its 2003 reconstruction revived its grandeur, marking it as a top Venice venue.

La Fenice's exterior is unassuming, but inside, it's lavish. Warm colors, gold accents, grand chandeliers, and an angel-adorned ceiling await. The theater blends neo-classical, baroque, and rococo styles.

There are two ways to experience La Fenice: watch an opera (tickets between 99-200 euros) or take a guided tour with an audio guide from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Nestled among canals in the San Marco district, it's striking, especially at night. Tours offer insights into its history and architecture. There's also a Maria Callas exhibition.

Venice has more theaters, like Teatro Goldoni and Teatro Malibran. Goldoni, since 1622, mixes plays, opera, and ballet in an ornate interior. Malibran, seating 900, offers dance and opera in a hidden courtyard.

9) Immerse Yourself in Venice's Jazz Scene

Venice's jazz bars offer a blend of culture and jazz. The Venice Jazz Club stands out. It's atmospheric and plays everything from classic to Latin jazz and bossa nova. Live music most nights, intimate setting with candlelit tables. Musicians and guests get close. They serve simple meals; concerts start at 9 PM. It's at Dorsoduro 3102, near Ponte dei Pugni, open Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Saturday, 7-11 PM.

Harry's Bar, at Calle Vallaresso, 1323, is famous for Bellinis and carpaccio. Not a jazz bar, but it's got history and style, once a haunt for celebrities like Hemingway. Known for its attention to detail in drinks and staff. Great for people-watching and top-notch drinks.

Bar All'Arco offers a casual, rustic vibe. This simple Venetian bar has a street-side terrace and tasty cicchetti. It's not a jazz spot, but it's authentically Venetian and relaxed.

Where to Stay in Venice

Below are a few hotels we stayed at in Venice and would definitely recommended. Check them out! Also, be sure to look on Booking.com for special deals, real reviews, and photos of each place!

Where to Eat in Venice

The following are a few places that we've had the pleasure of eating at in Venice. If you want to dig in and do some research of places to eat with real reviews, then click here.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions About Venice, Italy)

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