One Day in Venice, The Ultimate Quick Itinerary
Have you ever dreamed of visiting Venice, the city of canals, romance, and art? Well, I did, and I finally got the chance to spend one day in Venice during my trip to Italy. And let me tell you, it was one of the best days of my life. Venice is a magical place that will make you fall in love with its beauty, charm, and history. But how can you see the best of Venice in one day? Is it even possible? The answer is yes, if you follow this ultimate quick itinerary that I created for you. In this post, I will show you how to make the most of your time in Venice, and what to see, do, and eat in this amazing city. Ready? Let’s go!
What to see in Venice in one day
Venice is a small city, but it has a lot of things to see and do. You can easily walk around the city and explore its narrow streets, bridges, and canals. However, if you want to see the most iconic sights of Venice, you will need to plan your itinerary carefully and book your tickets in advance. Here are the top things to see in Venice in one day, and how to organize your visit.
Venice in the Morning
I recommend you wake up early and start your day off just right. While planning this itinerary I had ran it twice, once with a friend and second time with family. Both times it was an amazing experience and had great feedback, therefore I wanted share it with you.
St. Mark’s Square and Basilica
The first thing you should do in Venice is to visit St. Mark’s Square, the main square of the city and the symbol of its power and glory. The square is surrounded by magnificent buildings, such as the Doge’s Palace, the Clock Tower, and the Campanile. The most impressive of them all is the St. Mark’s Basilica, the cathedral of Venice and a masterpiece of Byzantine art.
The basilica is famous for its golden mosaics, domes, and marble columns. You can enter the basilica for free, but you need to reserve a time slot online to avoid the long queues. You can also visit the Pala d’Oro, a golden altar with precious gems, and the Treasury, a collection of religious relics and artifacts, for an extra fee. I also recommend you make it to the top to enjoy to get a unique perspective of the square. Another place is to make it to the top of the bell tower.
Caffe Florian
One of the highlights of my one day in Venice was visiting Caffe Florian, the oldest cafe in Italy. Founded in 1720, this iconic cafe has been a refuge for artists, musicians, and writers for centuries. Today, it continues to thrive as a hub for culture, history, and excellent coffee. I was lucky enough to find a table in the elegant main room, decorated with paintings, mirrors, and chandeliers.
I ordered a cappuccino and a quiche with salmon, and enjoyed the ambience. I felt like I was transported back in time for second, surrounded by the charm and glamour of Venice. Caffe Florian is not cheap! You will be paying €14 for a cappuccino and €20 for freshly squeezed orange juice, but it’s worth every euro for the experience.
Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs
Next to the basilica is the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the rulers of Venice and the seat of the government. The palace is a stunning example of Venetian Gothic style, with its pink and white façade, arched windows, and ornate decorations. Inside, you can explore the lavish rooms, halls, and courtyards, decorated with paintings by famous artists such as Tintoretto, Veronese, and Titian.
You can also see the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the prison, where the prisoners would sigh as they took their last look at Venice. You can buy a combined ticket for the palace and the museums in St. Mark’s Square online or at the ticket office.
Afternoon in Venice
By this time of the day the crowds are building up. Tourists are packing the narrow alleyways and walkways. Restaurants and bars are getting filled. There are so many options available that honestly it could be its own blog. After you find yourself getting something to eat or a find a place that serves cichetti, Venetian for small snacks or side dishes.
Gondola ride and Rialto Bridge
After visiting St. Mark’s Square and getting something to eat, you can treat yourself to a classic Venetian experience: a gondola ride. A gondola is a traditional wooden boat, steered by a gondolier, that can navigate the narrow canals of Venice. You can find gondola stations near St. Mark’s Square, or along the Grand Canal. A gondola ride usually lasts about 30 minutes and costs around 80 euros. You can share the ride with other passengers, or book a private ride for a more romantic and intimate experience. A gondola ride is a great way to see Venice from a different perspective, and admire the bridges, palaces, and churches along the way.
After your gondola ride, you can walk to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest and most famous bridge in Venice. The bridge spans the Grand Canal and connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo. The bridge was built in the 16th century and has a distinctive arch shape, with shops and stalls on both sides. The bridge is a popular spot for taking photos, and offers a beautiful view of the Grand Canal and the surrounding buildings. You can also explore the nearby Rialto Market, where you can find fresh produce, fish, and local specialties.
Gelato and Exploring
One of the sweetest moments of my one day in Venice was stopping by Gelato Suso, a gelateria that offers artisanal and natural ice cream with a variety of flavors. I found Gelato Suso near the Rialto Bridge, in a cozy and colorful shop. The staff was friendly and helpful, and let me taste some of the flavors before choosing. I decided to go for the pistachio and the chocolate, and I was not disappointed. The ice cream was creamy, rich, and delicious, and the cone was crunchy and fresh.
I enjoyed my gelato while walking along the canals, and felt like I was in heaven. Gelato Suso is definitely one of the best gelaterias in Venice, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves ice cream.
Libreria Alta Aqua
If you are looking for a unique and charming bookstore in Venice, you should not miss Libreria Acqua Alta, which literally means “high water bookstore”. This quirky place is located in the Castello district, near the Santa Maria Formosa Church and San Marco Square. As you enter, you will be greeted by a sign that says “Welcome to the most beautiful bookstore in the world” and by one of the many cats that live there.
What makes this bookstore so special is the way it displays its books: inside bathtubs, gondolas, boats, and other waterproof containers. This is because Venice is often flooded by the high tide, and the books need to be protected from the water. You can find new and used books of all genres and languages, as well as maps, magazines, posters, and other curiosities. You can also climb a staircase made of old books to enjoy a scenic view of the canal, or take a photo at the fire escape that opens directly to the water.
Libreria Acqua Alta is a must-see for book lovers and anyone who appreciates the charm and magic of Venice. It is open every day from 9 am to 8 pm, but it is advisable to visit it early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds. You will surely find something interesting to read and to remember your trip to the city of canals
Evening in Venice
The day is coming to an end but the show must go on. Venice is completely transformed in the evening. The night life is active and people are looking for places to get cichetti for an aperitivo. But before you get your drink and eat on, you have to go to my favorite spot to view the sunset.
Sunset View of Venice
One of the most memorable experiences of my one day in Venice was taking a boat to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, where I visited the stunning basilica designed by Andrea Palladio. The basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, with its white marble façade and elegant dome. Inside, I admired the paintings by Tintoretto, including the Last Supper and the Fall of Manna.
But the highlight of my visit was climbing to the top of the bell tower, where I enjoyed a breathtaking view of Venice and the lagoon. I could see the Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, and the other islands. It was a sight that I will never forget. San Giorgio Maggiore is a must-see for anyone who loves art and beauty
Campo Erberia
Campo Erberia is a lively and charming spot in Venice, located just after the Rialto bridge on the Grand Canal. It was once a vegetable market, and you can still find some fresh produce stalls there today. But Campo Erberia is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars and restaurants under the covered walkways and on the rafts along the canal. Whether you want a quick spritz, a refined dinner, or a fun night out, Campo Erberia has something for everyone.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Campo Erberia is the phenomenon of acqua alta, or high water, that sometimes floods the square and creates a stunning scenery. You can see the reflections of the buildings and the bridge on the water, and feel like you are in a small lake surrounded by history and beauty. If you don’t want to get wet, you can watch this spectacle from the nearby campo. Campo Erberia is a place where you can experience the authentic and dynamic side of Venice, and enjoy its amazing views and atmosphere
How to get to Venice
The easiest way to get to Venice is by train. You can take a high-speed train from Rome, Florence, Milan, or other major cities in Italy, and arrive at the Santa Lucia station in Venice in a few hours. The train station is located on the edge of the historic center of Venice, and from there you can walk or take a water bus (vaporetto) to your hotel or hostel. I recommend staying in the San Marco or San Polo districts, as they are close to the main attractions and have a lot of options for accommodation.
Final Thoughts
Venice is a city that will enchant you with its beauty, charm, and history. With this itinerary, you can experience the best of Venice in one day, and make unforgettable memories. Buon viaggio!
What other sites do you recommend to see when visiting Venice? Leave comments and recommendations below. I will reply as soon as possible.
