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MY FIRST VISIT TO VENICE WAS SURREAL.

It was during the pandemic, when travelers from China, Russia, and the United States were still barred from visiting Europe.

No where were these travel bans more noticeable than in Venice, a city as beloved for its unique beauty as it is detested for its overtourism.

At dinner each night, I would strike up conversations with the visitors next to me, each of us giddy at the unbelievable chance to explore a mostly empty Venice.

I WISH I HAD TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOU ON HOW TO RECREATE THAT MAGIC, BUT SHORT OF VISITING IN THE OFF-SEASON MONTHS OF JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, I THINK IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO RECREATE THAT MOMENT.

What I would suggest, though, is to take your time exploring Venice, both for the sake of the city and your own curiosity.

Cruise ships and day trippers have contributed to the scourge of overcrowding, but by spending three days in Venice, you’ll have a richer experience of the city.

You’ll also patronize its hotels, restaurants, and shops, vital pieces of the local economy that rely on cultural travelers.

I’M ALWAYS CONFLICTED ON THE TOPIC OF VENICE’S OVERTOURISM, PERHAPS BECAUSE I FIND IT UNDERSTANDABLE: THERE IS SIMPLY NO OTHER PLACE ON THE PLANET LIKE IT.

If you’re lucky enough to travel to Venice, do yourself a favor and take your time.

During that first visit, I spent four days in the city, but I think three days in Venice is the sweet spot.

Here’s my recommended three day Venice itinerary, perfect for first-timers and repeat-visitors alike.

3 Days in Venice: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Timers

Top Experiences in Venice

Planning your trip to Venice?
Here are my FAVORITE experiences for a memorable visit to Venice.

🔍 Discovery | Learn more about your destination

🤝 Connection | Meet locals, learn a craft, and trade stories

🎭 Performance | Immerse yourself in the local art and culture

I Musici Veneziani Baroque & Opera Concert

🚌 Excursion | Explore nearby places of interest

🚀 Adventure | Seek thrill and excitement in the great outdoors

Venice Canal Kayak Tour

Curious how to find the best experiences no matter what destination you visit?
Download my Europe Experience Planner now!

How to Get Around Venice

THE PRIMARY METHOD OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN VENICE IS THE VAPORETTO, OR WATER BUS.

There are multiple lines that will quickly transport you across the Grand Canal or around the perimeter of the city.

You can buy tickets from manned ticket counters or kiosks at the major vaporetto docks.

For shorter distances or travel between adjacent sestieri, or districts of Venice, walking will be the fastest option.

Where to Stay in Venice

DURING MY TIME IN VENICE I STAYED AT CIMA ROSA BED & BREAKFAST, AN ELEGANT 15TH CENTURY PALAZZO THAT HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY UPDATED WITH BEAUTIFUL FURNISHINGS.

It sits in the Santa Croce neighborhood of Venice, a mostly residential neighborhood that is about a fifteen minute walk to the Piazza San Marco.

I loved the area's laid-back, local feel, and the hotel’s location overlooking the Grand Canal made it incredibly convenient, especially for catching the vaporetto at the San Stae stop.

On later trips to Venice, I stayed in the Cannaregio neighborhood, but I missed the atmosphere of Santa Croce.

BECAUSE VENICE IS SO PRONE TO OVERCROWDING, I FIND THERE’S SOMETHING RESTORATIVE IN STAYING IN A QUIETER NEIGHBORHOOD, FAR FROM THE TOURIST EPICENTERS.

The next time I visit Venice, I want to stay at Cima Rosa again, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone planning their own visit.

When to Visit Venice

When to visit Venice is really a matter of personal preference.

If you’re doing a big summer trip around Italy, then sure, add three days in Venice, but be prepared for the crowds.

If you detest overcrowding, though, I would recommend visiting in the off-season months of January and February.

NOT ONLY IS THE CITY LESS POPULATED BY TOURISTS, BUT WINTER IN VENICE HAS ITS OWN ATMOSPHERE, WHEN FOG ROLLS IN OFF THE CANAL.

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are a good alternative to the depths of summer, too, but you can still expect healthy crowds during this time.

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Day 1 – Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge

Explore the Iconic Landmarks of Piazza San Marco

I THINK IT’S BEST TO START YOUR VISIT TO VENICE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY: PIAZZA SAN MARCO.

Yes, it’s crowded and touristy, but it’s also one of the most breathtaking squares in all of Europe.

Begin at St. Mark’s Basilica, where the history of Venetian mercantile strength is illustrated in gold mosaics inside the vaulted interior.

I’d suggest taking a skip-the-line guided tour over simply taking in the spectacle on your own.

THERE ARE SO MANY SMALL DETAILS WITH LOADS OF HISTORICAL CONTEXT THAT YOU MIGHT MISS WITHOUT A GUIDE.

The same goes for the Doge’s Palace, next door.

It’s an opulent blend of Gothic architecture and political history, with fascinating stories from the history of Venice.

I loved walking through the Hall of the Great Council, lined with grand paintings and portraits of the doges of Venice, and seeing the painting of a black cloth in the place of a doge who tried to overthrow the Venetian government.

You can also walk across the Bridge of Sighs during this tour, and peek out of its tiny stone windows.

THE CAMPANILE DI SAN MARCO IS ALSO IN PIAZZA SAN MARCO, BUT FOR SWEEPING VIEWS OF VENICE, I SUGGEST CLIMBING THE CAMPANILE DI SAN GIORGIO MAGGIORE LATER IN YOUR TRIP.

Wander Through San Polo’s Markets, Churches, and Art Collections

FROM PIAZZA SAN MARCO, HEAD TOWARDS SAN POLO BY CROSSING OVER THE RIALTO BRIDGE.

The area was once the commercial center of Venice, and it still hums with mercantile activity today.

If you're there early, the Rialto Market is a feast for the senses, with fishmongers bringing in their catch, fresh produce spilling out of crates, and locals selecting herbs like they’ve done for generations.

Two nearby landmarks are worth your time: Scuola Grande di San Rocco, home to an overwhelming number of Tintoretto paintings, and the Basilica dei Frari, a massive Gothic church that holds several of Titian’s most iconic works.

AS MUCH AS I LOVE A GOOD MUSEUM, SEEING THESE ARTWORKS IN A CHURCH GIVES YOU REAL CONTEXT FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF RELIGIOUS COMMISSIONS DURING THE RENAISSANCE.

While wandering through San Polo, pick up a bit of fritto misto at a stand like Acqua e Mais or WEnice for a treat of lightly fried seafood.

Sip Classic Cocktails at One of Venice’s Historic Bars

In the evening, head to a classic cocktail bar before dinner and lean into the glamour of Venice.

I recommend either Bar Longhi at the Gritti Palace, where the canal glitters just beyond the terrace, or Harry’s Bar, birthplace of the bellini and a veritable time capsule from the 1930s.

After your aperitivo, head to dinner.

I HAVE A POPULAR POST ABOUT THE BEST LOCAL RESTAURANTS IN VENICE.

Try to enjoy local dishes that Venice is known for, like spaghetti al nero di seppia, or squid ink pasta, or sarde in saor, or marinated fried sardines.

Day 2 – Tour the Art of Dorsoduro and Sample Cicchetti

Browse Renaissance Masterpieces at the Gallerie dell’Accademia

ON YOUR SECOND DAY IN VENICE, HEAD TO DORSODURO, THE CITY’S ART-FORWARD DISTRICT.

The Gallerie dell’Accademia is a must for fans of Renaissance painting, with works by Bellini, Veronese, Carpaccio, and Titian all live here.

Don’t miss the photo op from the nearby Ponte dell’Accademia — it’s one of the best photo spots in Venice.

From here, you can take an iconic photo of Venice’s Grand Canal with the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute anchoring the background.

Explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Next, head toward the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a modern art museum housed in Guggenheim’s former home.

The sculpture garden alone is worth the visit, but inside, you’ll find works by Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Max Ernst.

IT’S A REFRESHING CONTRAST TO THE RENAISSANCE MASTERPIECES AT THE ACCADEMIA.

From there, walk to the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, a massive baroque tribute to Venice’s survival during the Italian plague in 1630.

Its domed silhouette dominates the skyline, but the interior is peaceful and airy, and full of Byzantine designs reminiscent of the Hagia Sofia.

For lunch, stop by Osteria Al Squero, a beloved local spot where you can sip a glass of wine and enjoy cicchetti, Venetian-style bar snacks like open-faced crostini and fried seafood.

BE SURE TO GRAB A TABLE OUTSIDE SO THAT YOU CAN WATCH GONDOLAS GLIDE IN AND OUT OF THE BOATYARD ACROSS THE CANAL.

I absolutely love observing these little moments of everyday life in Venice, and this is a great time to take a rest from a packed morning and early afternoon of sightseeing.

Glide Along the Canals on a Gondola Before Dinner

IF YOU’RE GOING TO DO A GONDOLA RIDE, I SUGGEST SAVING IT FOR GOLDEN HOUR.

The light is softer, and the city feels cinematic in all the right ways.

If you prefer to book in advance, I would recommend a private gondola cruise.

But if you’re more sensitive to price or want to play it by ear, you can flag down a gondola along the canal or ask your hotel concierge to make a recommendation.

EITHER WAY, ASK YOUR GONDOLIER TO AVOID THE BUSIEST ROUTES.

It’s a uniquely Venetian experience, and the perfect way to unwind just before dinner.

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Day 3 – Climb San Giorgio Maggiore’s Bell Tower and Visit Murano and Burano

Ride the Vaporetto to San Giorgio Maggiore and Climb the Campanile

For your final day in Venice, take the short vaporetto ride across the Grand Canal to San Giorgio Maggiore, the island directly across from Piazza San Marco.

The island is dominated by a church of the same name, and its interior is serene, if a bit boring.

THE ADJACENT CAMPANILE, OR BELL TOWER, OFFERS ONE OF THE BEST PANORAMIC VIEWS IN ALL OF VENICE.

You’ll need to pay three euros, in cash, to climb the bell tower, but once you reach the top, you’ll see an amazing view of Piazza San Marco beyond the canal.

And unlike the Campanile in San Marco, this one rarely has a line.

Visit Murano and Burano or Choose Your Own Adventure

YOUR FINAL AFTERNOON IN VENICE SHOULD BE SPENT IN A WAY THAT’S RELEVANT TO YOUR INTERESTS.

It’s a great time to double back to any sights or experiences you didn't get to fully take in, or to enjoy a little bit of shopping, especially for paper goods, handmade masks, and textiles.

If you’re up for more exploring, take a guided tour to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano.

You’ll see the art of Murano glassblowing up close, and explore the rainbow-colored houses and lace-making workshops of Burano.

This is also a great afternoon for a cooking class with a Venetian chef or cruising the canals on a kayak rather than a gondola.

However you choose to spend the afternoon, this is your moment to go off-script and make your Venice trip uniquely yours.

Celebrate Your Last Night With a Memorable Meal and Canal Walk

For your final evening, book dinner at one of Venice’s hidden gem restaurants — somewhere with flickering candles and a canal-side view.

Afterward, take a slow stroll back to your hotel.

I ALWAYS FIND THE EVENING IN VENICE TO BE INCREDIBLY ATMOSPHERIC, WITH THE QUIET CANALS, MYSTERIOUS ALLEYWAYS, AND DISTANT VOICES DRIFTING OUT OF OPEN WINDOWS.

Venice has a way of making the ordinary feel poetic — especially at night.