Planning on making a trip to Venice? Is that a short one and are you confused how you can see it all? Well, here‘s the only pitstop you need !

ALERT : WE HAVE INCLUDED OUR ENTIRE 3 DAY ITINARY AND HENCE IT’S A LENGTHY POST!!!

Okay let’s begin!

First things first! Here is some basic information about the Islands of Venetian Lagoon.

Country : These islands lie in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, of which Venice is the capital.

Components : The Venetian Lagoon comprises of 32 inhabited islands,(the districts or sestieri of Venice lie spread over these islands, sometimes on one island alone or spread over a couple of these islands), of which the ones we will be covering here are –

Venice

Murano

Burano

San Giorgio Maggiore

Giudecca and Sacca Fisola (Dorsoduro)

San Michele (Cannaregio)

Currency : Euro

Climate : Venetian climate is classified as a humid subtropical climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The warmest months of the year are July and August, when it gets really hot, humid and sweaty!

Precipitations, on their hands, are low to moderate and spread evenly throughout the year but are at their lowest in the winter time.

In Winter, the weather in Venice is binary. You have either a blue sky without any clouds, and bright sun, or a persistent medium-to-dense fog that turns the city black and white.

It might be too watery during the Autumn, as this is the time of year when the first “Aqua Alta” floodings start (November – early Jan). However, it can be avoided if you look up the forecasts and plan accordingly.

So spring and summer are the ‘high season’ and autumn and winter are the ‘shoulder season’. The shoulder season is when there are less crowds, smaller queues and a huuuuge reduction in hotel and flight prices.

1. By Air : To Marco Polo or Treviso Airports (Marco Polo is the international airport, especially true for non-European countries). From the airport, take a waterbus/taxi to Piazzale Roma/ main centre/ Giudecca or a bus or taxi car to Piazzale Roma.

The special water bus that runs to and from the Airport is called Alilaguna, and needs a separate ticket from that of a Vaporetto (normal water bus).

2. By Train : To the Santa Lucia train station and take a waterbus/taxi to the main island centre/ Giudecca.

3. By Bus : To the Piazzale Roma and then take a waterbus/taxi.

3. By Car : To Tronchetto (where the car parking garage for the island is located. From there catch a waterbus/taxi to the main centre or Piazzale Roma OR get on a People Mover train to Piazzale Roma).

4. By Cruise

Now, the waterbus you need to get on, depends on your place of stay. Here you will find everything you need to know about waterbus (Vaporetto).

Main Centre or close by : If you book a stay here, that means you have the advantage of getting around the major attractions on the main island by foot, made easy. Book a stay close to St Mark’s Square or Rialto Bridge.

Cannaregio : This quieter sestieri of Venice offers you a stay away from the big crowds with views over the lesser populated canals. Book a stay here for a quiet, calm or romantic getaway.

Piazzale Roma : If you don’t look forward to tugging around your luggage through the narrow streets and gazillion bridges from the railway or bus station, book a stay here. The square is well connected with the main centre, the airports and other islands with frequent buses(both road and water).

The Islands along the Giudecca canal offer quieter and less crowded stay options (or so we have been told).

Hotel Olimpia, Piazzale Roma

Located 5 mins from the main railway station and just across the bus station, this mid range hotel ensured an amazing stay with a delicious complimentary buffet. The rooms are clean with all modern amenities and the staff are really friendly and helpful. They have a bar, a cosy restaurant and garden in addition to a few tables along a beautiful venetian canal. We would definitely stay here again.

You can book your stay here.

Since that’s another long story, you will find all the details in our article dedicated to it here.

Okay! NO VEHICLES ARE ALLOWED BEYOND PIAZZALE ROMA. That means you will mostly be getting around on foot (don’t worry, there is a decent GPS coverage, plenty of sign boards and very friendly locals to help you out) or you can hop on a water bus or taxi if your location is closer to the Grand Canal or Giudecca Canal.

PS: Private water taxis also take you through most of the smaller canals.

Well, Venice is filled with one Instagram worthy spot after another, so I suggest you pack some really good looking outfits!

But remember you will be mostly walking (a lot!!!). So, always remember to pack comfortable shoes (that make sure you don’t feel any cobble stone on the street)!

If you are visiting in Summer : pack comfortable shorts and light shirts or T- shirts for both men and women. Ladies, light dresses in vibrant colours will ensure beautiful photos.

PRO TIP : Some attractions including St Mark’s Basilica insist that your shoulders and knees be covered in decent clothing, so make sure you pack something with sleeves and a pant or midi skirt as well.

If you are visiting in Winter : pack light layers. Although it’s known to occasionally snow, Venice has mostly subtropical climate – meaning while Winters can get cold, you don’t need crazy number of thermal layers. A decently insulated good jacket that goes with everything and thermal stockings (in case you women want to wear that dress anyway), should be good enough.

Pack an umbrella(or a raincoat), for the rains are evenly spread out throughout the year.

So now that we have got all the basics covered, here’s our 3 Day Itinerary! (This is exactly what we did with our time in Venice).

Day 1

After a belly filling delicious breakfast, we headed out for our completely touristy first day with intentions to cover the most popular attractions.

First although, we made a stop at the Venezia Unica counter to get our ACTV and City Passes.

More information on Water transportation in Venice here.

Here’s all you need to know about the city pass and entry to major attraction – We have entire post dedicated to this.

However, we decided to walk to the main centre and explore the streets, canals and bridges as we did.

Ponte degli Scalzi

The first attraction we crossed was the Ponte degli Scalzi (one of the four bridges across the grand canal, others being Ponte della Constituzione, Ponte dell Accademia and the popular Ponte de Rialto). We stopped here briefly to admire a beautiful view over the Grand Canal and click a couple of pictures.

RIALTO

The present day stone bridge, with a single span, was completed in 1591. Two inclined ramps lead upto a central portico. On either side of the portico, the covered ramps carry rows of shops.

PRO TIP : The bridge tends to get crazy crowded during the high season, so time your visit well (early morning or mid-day) and watch-out for pickpockets ( basically, the only crime known in the city).

St Mark’s Square

This is possibly the most popular spot in all of Venice. Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE who visits Venice) flocks here.

From Saint Marks Basilica to St Mark’s Campanile and Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, this is a stop you really don’t want to miss when you’re in Venice.

PRO TIP : Just know that if you want to take beautiful Instagram- worthy photos here, you will have to be here before sunrise!

St Mark’s Basilica

A popular symbol of Venice, it was originally the chapel of the Doge. It has been the city’s Cathedral only since 1807, when it became the seat of the Catholic Archbishop.

Entry : Is normally free. However it’s much recommended that you book a skip the line ticket if you are visiting during the high season.

St Mark’s Campanille

The Bell Tower of St Mark’s Basilica stands at 98.6m high. The belfry houses 5 bells, topped by a cube, alternative faces of which show the Lion of St Mark and the female representation of Venice. The tower is capped by a golden weathervane in form of arch angel Gabriel.

Galileo Galilei famously demonstated his telescope to the Doge of Venice, Antonio Priuli in 1609, from the campanille. There is even a plaque commemorating this event in the viewing area of the tower.

PRO TIP : There is no time limit once you are on top, so enjoy breath-taking views over the St Mark’s Square and the Venetian Lagoon.

Entry fee : Full Ticket – 8 Euros, no Rolling Pass reduction. Book a skip the line ticket online during high season.

Doge’s Palace

Built in Venetian Gothic style and one of the main landmarks of Venice, the palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic.

PRO TIP : Look out for the red arch in the Palace corridor facing the square, this was demarcated for the Doge while making public appearances.

Entry Fee : Full Ticket -14 Euros for adults, Reduced Ticket – 6.50 Euros (accepts Rolling Pass). Also part of the Museum Pass.

Bridge of Sighs

Part of the Doge’s Palace, the enclosed bridge made of white limsestone, connects the New Prison to the Interrogation Rooms in Doge’s Palace.

The English name is a translation by Lord Byron from the Italian name ‘Ponte dei Sospiri’, from the suggestion that the prisoners would sigh at their final view of the beautiful Venice, before being taken down to their cells.

PRO TIP : For the best view of the bridge, stand on the Ponte dell Paglia or the Ponte della Canonica.

Museo Correr

The museum originated with the collection bequeathed to the city of Venice in 1830 by Teodoro Correr, a member of a traditional Venetian family, who dedicated most of his life to the collection of both works of art and documents or individual objects that reflected the history of Venice.

Entry Fee : Full Ticket – 25 Euros for adults (part of the St Mark’s Square Museums’ Pass), Reduced Ticket -13 Euros (accepts Rolling Pass).

Also can be visited by holders of the pass to the clock tower guided tour.

Monumental Rooms of Bibliotheca Marciana

This was a public library in Venice and is one of the earliest surviving public libraries and repositories for manuscript in Italy and holds one of the greatest collections of classical texts in the world. It is named after St. Mark, the patron saint of the city. Today it is largely a museum and the only official institution established by the Venetian government that survives and continues to function.

PRO TIP : The library is housed in a beautiful building in the St Mark’s Square that has these fairy lights nearing the time of Carnivale and tends to get really crowded during the day. So time your visit for that beautiful shot.

Entry Fee :Full Ticket- 25 Euros for adults (part of the St Mark’s Square Museums’ Pass), 13 Euros (accepts Rolling Pass)

Also can be visited by holders of the pass to the clock tower guided tour.

National Archaeological Museum

This Museum has a great collection of Greek and Roman sculptures, coins and even stones dating back as far as the 1st Century B.C.

Entry Fee :Full Ticket- 25 Euros for adults (part of the St Mark’s Square Museums’ Pass), 13 Euros (accepts Rolling Pass)

Also can be visited by holders of the pass to the clock tower guided tour

Clock Tower

It can only be visited on booking a specialized guided tour that runs along the five floors of the tower. On going up the steep spiral staircase, in addition to seeing the colossal statues up close , you can admire a splendid view of Venice and its lagoon.

Entry Fee : Full Ticket -12 Euros ; Reduced ticket – 7 Euros ( accepts Rolling Pass)

Riva degli Schiavoni

This waterfront area along the St Mark’s Square, is often sighted with a lively – albeit often overcrowded – promenade along the waterfront with stalls selling eatables and souvenirs. Many of the boats that ferry tourists from the mainland and cruise ships stop at the Riva to allow passengers get down at St Mark’s Square.

 PRO TIP : Here you will find beautiful Gondolas docked at romantic wooden piers. Arrive at the right time to get that perfect shot without the crowd.

Views of San Giorgio Maggiore and Santa Maria Della Salute – While strolling the waterfront at St Marks’s Square, don’t forget to look across the lagoon and admire the beautiful view with these churches in one frame 😊

Once we were done with the square, me made a quick stop for Lunch and headed to our next destination.

Library Acqua Alta

Well, although not technically a ‘library’, I am sure this is one of the “most beautiful bookstores in the world” !!! Composed of a number of rooms stacked wall-to-wall with books, magazines & maps (including the ones that were destroyed during the flooding, serving as racks and the like), the bookstore has picturesque piles of books all placed inside bathtubs, waterproof bins, and even in a full-size gondola!!!

PRO TIP : It’s a pretty famous Instagram spot and even part of guided tours, so yeah it gets crowded. But don’t forget to wait in line for your turn on the historic stair of books 😊 Also don’t forget to buy a souvenir!

Fondaco dei Tadeschi

This historic building located along the Grand canal near the Rialto bridge, was once the headquarters and restricted living quarters of the German (Tadeshi) merchants. The ground floor, which was accessible by water was used as the storage, while the upper floors were dedicated to offices and residence quarters.

In the 20th century, the building served as the Venice HQ of Poste Italiane, until the building was sold to the Bennetton group in 2008, who then turned it into a shopping centre. The roof top of the building is currently accessible for free and offers an amazing skyline view of the Canal Grande.

Entry : FREE. Just make sure to book a visiting slot on their website or on the ipads in the shopping centre. The visiting time is limited to 15mins; but hey! No one said you can’t book multiple slots 😉

Pretty exhausted and with nearly dead phones, we got on a Vaporetto from Rialto and headed back to the hotel and called it a day!

PRO TIP : Rush to one of the front seats in the open areas of the Vaporetto, for the best views during your ride!

Day 2

We had fewer planned destinations and intended to actually get lost in the many streets of Venice (well that turned out to be way more easier and frequent than we expected!)

After hopping on an early morning Vaporetto to St. Mark’s Square, we got some photography done, before heading out to breakfast and then later our first destinantion for the day!

Scala Contarini del Bovolo

I fail to understand why this a less popular destination! I mean a visit here is so totally worth it.

Built in the 15^th century as one of the many residences of the Contarini family, the staircase in the Palazzo del Bovolo has spirals that are 90 ft. high, combining elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Byzanthine styles. The end of a 80 steps- climb offers a beautiful view over the rooftops in the city😊

FUN FACT : This was chosen by Orson Welles as one of the main locations for his 1952 adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello and the staircase is prominently featured in the film!

Entry Fee : Full Ticket – 7 Euros , Reduced Ticket – 6 Euros (no Rolling Pass Reduction)

PS : It’s a little difficult to find on Google Navigation, we kept getting lost and finally it took a series of hand signal – led conversations with the locals( Our Italian vocabulary was and still is limited to : Buongiorno, Parla Inglese, Ciao, Arrivederci, Grazie and Mama Mia!) to actually get there.

So it’s a good idea to double check the destination you enter.

Teatro la Fenice

Called La Fenice, like the mythical Phoenix that rises out of its own ashes, to symbolise the rebirth of the Box Holder Association from its misfortunes due to financial troubles, the opera house is indeed a view to behold. After repeated demolitions, it’s present day design has been restored to its fullest glory.

Entry Fee : Full Ticket -11 Euros , Reduced Ticket – 7 Euros  ( No Rolling Pass reduction), for a tour with an audio guide.

And hence began our wandering, exploring the streets and canals of Venice, and it honestly turned out pretty amazing (completely ignoring the sore legs ofcourse!). Here’s what we found :

Ponte di Chiodo

The last of many ancient venetian bridges with a characteristic lack of parapet. Chiodo means ‘Nail’ and it was the last name of the family that owned the bridge in the past! It leads to a cute little B n’B currently.

The only other bridge with no parapets is seen in Torcello, another island in the Venetian lagoon.

Looking for a photo stop anyone?

Calle Varisco

The narrowest street in Venice is worth a visit, for it leads to a canal and pier that’s secretly tucked away!!!

Now all that walking called for immediate food and rest. So after grabbing a quick meal, we hopped on a Vaporetto for a cruise through the Giudecca Canal, heading to our next stop !!

San Giorgio Maggiore and its Bell Tower

The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, located on the island with the same name, dates back to 1566. It’s bell tower has a ring of 9 bells, and offers amazing views over the islands harbours, the Venetian lagoon all the way to the St Mark’s square and Salute.

The island is now the headquarters of the Cini Foundation arts centre, known for its library, and is also home to the Teatro Verde open-air theatre. In addition, it also has two harbours managed by the Compagnia della Vela, a popular Yacht Club in Venice.

Entry Fee – The Bell Tower costs 6 Euros per person, no Rolling Pass reduction.

After the ride back to Piazzale Roma, we headed back to the hotel for some rest( while our phones charged)!

With sunset almost nearing, we headed out, and caught a Vaporetto to our next stop.

Santa Maria della Salute

My personal favourite architecture in all of Venice, this church is located on Dorsoduro ( a sestiere). In 1630, Venice experienced a devastating outbreak of the Plague and the Republic of Venice built and dedicated this Church to Our Lady of Health, as a votive offering for the city’s deliverance from the epidemic. Most of the art housed in the church bear references to the Black Death.

It’s often not so crowded, so take your time to nail that Instagram- shot!

We walked across the Ponte dell Accademia, our last stop for the day, enjoying the sunset slowly painting the skies in a tangerine hue, before getting into a Vaporetto back to our Hotel.

Day 3

Woke up to our last day in this beautiful city of canals, gondolas and gondoliers!!!

Today’s itinerary only included a trip to the Islands of Murano and Burano. It was honestly so worth it and we totally recommend that you save a day for this 😊

You can read about why our trip to these Islands we sooo worth it here.

Okay here’s a heads up! Venice is a popular destination, not just for tourists, but also for business people. So you will find that many restaurants and other services and owned by foreigners. So don’t really expect to experience authentic Italian Cuisine here.

Here are a couple of places we tried and loved!

Dal Moros Italian Pasta

Located a little off St Mark’s Square, you will get delicious pasta in good quantity, that’s wrapped for take- away!

CONs – There is not enough place to sit down and eat. So you will mostly get your food ‘to go‘

PROs – Great food, affordable and good service.

We tried the Bolognese and Carbonara, and we recommend.

Gelato di Natura

I mean what’s a trip anywhere in Italy without gelato ice-cream ??? We recommend!

Bella and Brava

This cute pizza place is cosy and offers some great pizza options.

CONs – Slightly expensive

PROs – Great taste, nice ambience and service.

Cicchetti

Local finger foods serving as elements in a happy hour and the likes. They are usually smaller sized food (read Pizzetta) and usually delicious with veg and non veg options. Usually served with a glass of ombra (red or white wine)

Where to get them : Bacaris and local eateries.

Bellini

A cocktail made from Prosecco (a white wine) and peach puree, is definitely worth the try.

Where to get them: Any bar or local eatery.

Aperol Spritz

A popular Italian appetizing cocktail made with Prosecco, Aperol (alcohol) and soda. It has an orange-ey flavour to it and will definitely compel a second glass!

Where to get them: Any bar or local eatery.

Well, Venice at night looks like an entirely different world. The beautifully lit up St Mark’s Square, Salute and the Grand Canal (no there are no lights in that canal itself, it’s just light from the buildings lining it) make for beautiful sights to behold.

Well as romantic and dreamy as it sounds, this ride doesn’t come cheap! Be ready to pay anywhere between 80-100 Euros for a 20-30mins ride.(Prices vary depending on the time of the day – nights are expensive, the canal and even the Gondolier). Whether it’s worth the experience, I guess is entirely subjective.

Okay, as part of the many suggestions we took from friends, other bloggers and tourism board websites, here are a few that topped the list. However, 3 days’ time was too little to include these in our itinerary as well, so heads up : We have no personal experience here. But do check them out if you want to;

1. Lido

Another Island of the Venetian Lens that lie close to Venice, Lido is the only other island where you will see road transportation (that’s right! Cycles, bikes, buses, cars, ,trams, well you get the idea). It’s also the host of the yearly International Venice Film Festival (Part of the Big Three, including ones at Cannes and Berlin). This is also the island that has a coast directly to the Adriatic Sea, resulting in a beautiful white sand beach.

2. Skyline Bar, Palanca

This bar is part of the Hilton, It offers some breathtaking views of Venice along the Giudecca Canal.

3. Cemetery on San Michele

4. Cannaregio

The Jewish ghetto, museum and synagogue.

5. Leonardo da Vinci Museum

PS : The opening times ( and sometimes the entry fees) vary with seasons. So it’s a good idea to confirm on the official site for Venice Tourism and Museum Visits.

Well this is the complete list of everything that our 3 days in Venice comprised of!!!

In case you couldn’t tell from this list, there is a lot more to do in Venice than just riding a Gondola or feeding the pigeons in St Mark’s Square (although that’s sort of turned into a business and people demand money to let you feed the birds! BEWARE!)

Venice is sinking, we’re told. A millimetre is reclaimed by the lagoon each year.I adore this city, and I’m confident you will too. Hopefully this list will get you started soon. Feel free to leave more ideas in the comments too!