Venice, a city that defies convention, is a jewel in Italy’s crown. Its allure is in its unparalleled setting, seemingly floating on water. The city’s charm is woven into its intricate network of canals and bridges, its Gothic architecture, grand palazzos, and mysterious narrow alleys.
Like many, I was captivated by Venice. Some may say it’s overrated, but it is a city that never fails to enchant. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting three times, and each time, I discover something new that keeps me returning for more. From gliding through serene canals to exploring centuries-old palazzos, Venice offers unique experiences that are sure to captivate you. This personal connection and experience is what I bring to you in this guide.
Below is my comprehensive travel guide to Venice, a practical tool that includes the best sights, canal viewpoints, hotels, apartments, photo locations, restaurants, travel tips, and a three-day itinerary. This guide is designed to help you plan your visit and make the most of your time in this enchanting city, giving you the confidence to explore Venice at your own pace.
Why visit Venice
Even amid the challenges of over-tourism, Venice is undeniably one of Italy’s most frequented destinations. The city’s charm captivates at every turn.
Picture yourself gliding through serene canals, past centuries-old palazzos, and under charming bridges—welcome to Venice, Italy. Every cobblestone, canal, and carved balcony has a tale. But is Venice worth the journey, especially for the discerning woman traveler seeking luxury?
Venice is absolutely worth visiting!Â
Venice is often likened to a living masterpiece with its meandering canals, romantic architecture, and countless bridges. It’s a city that has etched itself as one of my favorites in Italy, and I’m sure it will captivate you, too.Â
If you are wondering why so many travelers fall in love with this Italian city, it could be the charm, the romantic atmosphere, or the delicious food scene.
Whatever the reason, Venice is a must-see destination at least once in your life. And it should be on everyone’s bucket list.Â
How many days in Venice
Three days is ideal for seeing most of Venice’s main sights at a relaxed pace and enjoying the city. I understand the value of your time, and this itinerary is designed to make the most of it, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of Venice’s unique charm.
You’ll have time to explore St. Mark’s Square and its surroundings, visit the main tourist sights, wander through Dorsoduro, take a day trip to Burano and Murano, take a gondola ride, and eat at the city’s best restaurants.
If you add a fourth day, you’ll have time to explore the city’s different sestieri and tour a few museums.
Quick tips
CURRENCY
Euro is the local currency. While it’s always a good idea to have cash handy for small purchases, almost everywhere in Venice accepts credit cards.
WEATHER
Spring is the best time to visit Venice before the summer crowds (and heat) hit. Summer can be sweltering. Fall tends to remain warm, especially when the sun is out. Winter temperatures rarely hit freezing, though the high humidity, fog, and strong winds can make the city feel colder than other snowier cities.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
***MAY AND SEPTEMBER.
Winter is the perfect time to visit Venice and avoid the crowds. The city is much quieter but can be cold and foggy, with occasional wind and rain. It’s a different experience than the romantic Venice that most people dream of.
The city is crowded and hot in summer, but it’s also the perfect time to head to the beach on the Lido or into the lagoon.
Spring and fall have the best of both worlds. Plan a trip for late March to mid-April, and you should enjoy decent weather but only a few crowds. Christmas tends to be quiet, but New Year is busy, and Carnival (roughly mid-January to mid-February) is packed.
EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM
Visit famous sights early in the day to avoid the large crowds of tourists. For instance, visit the Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore when it opens at 9 AM, and you’ll see only a few visitors. However, if you go in the afternoon, you might find yourself waiting in a line of 50 people to enter the tiny bookstore.
STAY CONNECTED
Almost all hotels and restaurants have free Wi-Fi available to guests. To avoid excessive roaming charges or relying solely on Wi-Fi, consider getting an eSIM.
My recommended option for staying connected in Venice is AirAlo! I’ve been using it for years now. Their eSIMs are easy to install, reliable, and have incredible speeds. The best part? If you’re traveling to multiple countries within Europe, they also have a Europe eSIM.Â
WHAT IS A SESTIERE?
Venice comprises six districts called sestiere: San Marco, San Polo, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, Castello, and Santa Croce.
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3 days in Venice: luxury travel guide + itinerary
Itinerary for day 1 in Venice
Breakfast at your hotel
I stayed at the recently opened Nolinski Venezia by EVOK Collection. There’s no other hotel in Venice quite like this one. It delivers a fresh take on classic Venetian style – and might inspire you to see the city through fresh eyes as well.
It serves an a la carte breakfast, including devilishly rich scrambled eggs with caviar.
Explore St. Mark's Square
The public square is home to the iconic landmarks St. Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark’s Campanile. It also has various shops, restaurants, and cafes offering outdoor seating. It’s one of the busiest places in Venice, particularly during the summer.
Visit St. Mark's Basilica
This stunning church is on St. Mark’s Square, next to the Campanile and Doge’s Palace. It’s the largest church in Venice and is home to vibrant golden mosaics.
Climb St. Mark's Campanile
The St. Mark’s Campanile, a true icon of Venice, is a bell tower that stands proudly in the heart of St. Mark’s Square. Rising to a height of 323 ft., it offers panoramic views of the city. Originally built in the 10th century, the current tower is a reconstruction from 1912 after the original collapsed in 1902.
I highly recommend taking the elevator to the top for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Venice.
Coffee break at Caffe Florian
Sit down for a cappuccino or a glass of champagne at the oldest coffee house in Venice, on beautiful St. Mark’s Square.
Alternatively, you can visit the Museo Correr Cafe, which is part of the museum.
Located on the first floor of the Royal Palace of Venice, the Correr Museum Café is the perfect place to take a coffee break. It has a table overlooking St. Mark’s Square.
Admire the Doge's Palace
The Doge’s Palace showcases remarkable Venetian Gothic architecture and once served as the residence of the Venetian government.
Today, it is open to visitors as a popular tourist attraction.
Photograph the Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is a covered limestone bridge linking Doge’s Palace to the city’s ancient prison. Tourists can stroll through it as part of a tour of Doge’s Palace or admire it from the Ponte della Paglia.
Visit Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Scala Contarini del Bovolo is home to a six-story spiral staircase that rises to sweeping views over the city. The palazzo’s design mixes Renaissance, Byzantine, and Gothic architectural styles, using terracotta brick, stone archways, and columns.
Admission is only by timed ticket and is limited to 10 visitors per 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased here.
Have lunch at Osteria Fanal del Codega
It is a lovely little restaurant with tables that line a small canal – quintessential Venice. And the food is pretty good, too. The menu includes a variety of antipasti, pasta, and fresh seafood.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Stop by Gelatoteca Susa for icecream
There are plenty of gelato shops in Venice, but Gelatoteca Susa is one of my favorites.
Walk over to Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the famous stone bridge that spans the Grand Canal at its narrowest point, connecting the neighborhoods of San Marco and San Polo. It offers a great viewpoint of the Grand Canal, and the bridge itself is an epic photo backdrop from the banks below.
Gondola ride
An expensive yet very authentic and once-in-a-lifetime experience in Venice you cannot do anywhere else (except maybe Las Vegas?). And it’s a fantastic feeling to float through the picturesque canals.
I prefer to avoid the gondoliers on the Grand Canal, which is big, busy, and loud, and instead catch a ride in a quieter neighborhood of canals. Prices for a private 30-minute ride are €80 before sunset and €100 after sunset.
Watch gondolas at Hotel San Moise
Bring pizza to this picturesque dock in the late afternoon and watch gondolas float by while eating a slice.
Have dinner at GIO'S at St. Regis
For breathtaking views, make a reservation at Gio’s well in advance. The terrace at the St. Regis Venice is a fantastic breakfast, lunch, or dinner spot.
3 days in Venice: luxury travel guide + itinerary
Itinerary for day 2 in Venice
Breakfast at St. Regis Terrace
Breakfast on the Grand Canal is Venice’s best-kept secret.
The St. Regis terrace is officially part of Gio’s Restaurant and Bar, where breakfast is served.
Check out the Libreria Aqua Alta
Libreria Aqua Alta is an adorable bookstore tucked away in the Castello district of Venice. The small shop is filled wall-to-wall with vintage books for visitors to browse and purchase. Outside, a small brick corridor leads out of Libreria Aqua Alta, lined with stacks of old books—very picturesque.
Palazzo Tetta
The picturesque Palazzo Tetta is the only Palace in Venice with three sides bordered by canals.
Dal Moro's for lunch
The original to-go pasta spot in Venice. Their menu is simple: select fresh pasta, sauce, and an optional topping. It all goes in a white to-go box.
It was better 10 years ago before the hype, but it is still a solid quick-eat option.
Go to the Academia Bridge
A wooden bridge spanning the Grand Canal that connects the sestiere of Dorsoduro to San Marco. The view from the bridge is one of the best in Venice.
Grand Canal
It’s impossible to miss the Grand Canal in Venice – all corridors and canals seem to lead to the city’s main waterway. One of the best viewpoints of the canal is from the Accademia Bridge.
Explore Dorsoduro
San Marco is a must-see in Venice, but take the chance to cross the bridge and explore the lovely Dorsoduro neighborhood. It’s a peaceful area compared to the busier tourist spots, but it’s just as captivating with its scenic canals, charming piazzas, and the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.
Camp dei Mori
The beautiful square is located in the Cannaregio sestiere. The ancient walls contain statues of three Moorish brothers (plus one statue of a servant). According to the legend, the brothers were cursed and turned to stone, and you can still see the statues around the square today.
Dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Dolfin
This cozy little restaurant is bustling at night and always packed. The menu is filled with Italian and Venetian classics. I loved the fresh seafood options, especially the grilled sea bream.
3 days in Venice: luxury travel guide + itinerary
Itinerary for day 3 in Venice
Explore some of the islands of Venice. Book a tour to visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
Enjoy the Islands of the Venetian lagoon on a private guided boat tour to Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Visit the best glass factory and the unspoiled nature of Burano and Torcello with a local guide.
MURANO
Murano is world-famous for its glass-making and is worth a stop if you have time. It comprises a handful of tiny islands linked by small bridges and has an architectural palette resembling Venice.
BURANO
This vibrant island sits in the Venetian Lagoon and is my favorite day trip from Venice. The colorful houses along the canals create a striking contrast to Venice’s more muted tones. Burano’s main attractions include the Rio del Pontinello, Rio della Giudecca, Rio di Terranova, and the leaning campanile of San Martino. The island is less than one square mile, so exploring everything in one morning is possible.
TORCELLO
Even though it’s a tiny island, it’s still worth the trip.
The island was home to a cathedral and Venice’s bishops for over 1,000 years until St. Mark’s Basilica was built. Hence, the main attraction you’ll see is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639. It has impressive 12th-century Byzantine mosaics depicting the Last Judgment.
Have lunch at Trattoria al Gatto Nero in Burano
This restaurant is a fantastic dining choice on Burano and perfect for a delicious lunch during a day trip to the island. The outdoor seating overlooks the vibrant canals, creating a picturesque dining setting. You can look forward to enjoying their specialty in fresh seafood.
Dinner at Sempione
Dinner spot where the food is just average, but the restaurant’s canal seating offers a particularly charming ambiance.
If you want a more luxurious experience, make reservations at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Palais Royal at Nolinski Venezia. This restaurant offers a modern spin on Italian cuisine.Â
The grander dishes, like the lobster linguine and whole salt-crusted seabass, are showstopping. A host of desserts are available—including a hazelnut profiterole, a nod to EVOK’s Parisian roots—but the ice creams and sorbets are the real standouts.
Where to stay in Venice
Stay at the Nolinski Venezia to surprise yourself. There’s no other hotel in Venice quite like this one. It delivers a fresh take on classic Venetian style – and might inspire you to see the city through fresh eyes as well.
My room—which, even with the beauty of La Serenissima surrounding me, was so cozy it was difficult to leave—was decorated with the hotel’s signature scalloped powder pink sofa and overlooked the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute.
Get around in Venice
Venice is made up of dozens of small islands connected by small bridges over narrow canals. The easiest way to get around is on foot or by Vaporetto, the city’s public water bus. Gondolas are a signature of Venice, but they are more of a sightseeing activity than a primary mode of transportation.
The Vaporetto is very easy to use and has a variety of routes and stops throughout Venice. Download the CheBateo app for Vaporetto schedules and routes.
Water taxes are a much better option, but they are more costly. They are at the airport, train and bus station, and Piazza San Marco. Otherwise, they must be booked in advance.
Getting to Venice
The Venice Marco Polo Airport is located on the mainland. It connects Venice to local destinations in Italy and international cities throughout Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. The only way to get into Venice from the airport is by water.
Most tourists opt for the Alilaguna Blu Line from the airport into Venice (it’s like a public water bus). The boats are clean, efficient, and run on a regular schedule. Tickets can be purchased here in advance or at the airport.
Passengers arriving by train will disembark in Venice. The station location is far from the tourist district, but reaching via a long walk is possible. Otherwise, catch the Alilaguna or book a private water taxi.
