2 Days in Venice: Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in the City of Canals

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Venice, the enchanting city of canals, gondolas, and gelato! Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, someone who swears they need to visit Venice before it’s too late, or just someone who loves good food (who doesn’t?), Venice has a little something for everyone. As soon as you arrive, you’ll feel the magic everyone talks about, get lost in the narrow streets and bridges over the canals, and savor delicious Italian dishes. 

This guide “2 Days in Venice: Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in the City of Canals” will take you through all the essential landmarks in Venice, along with my tips and suggestions for accommodation, transportation, and meal stops. A 2-day stay is perfect to experience Venice’s atmosphere without feeling rushed. Venice is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype, so keep reading—but be ready to risk falling head over heels!

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Plan Your Trip to Venice

Venezia Unica City Pass

For easy access to Venice’s main attractions and public transport, consider purchasing the Venezia Unica City Pass. Available online or at Venice tourist offices and major transportation hubs, this pass system can be a bit tricky to navigate, as there are several types for different needs. Here are a few options you’ll find on their website:

For easy access to Venice’s main attractions and public transport, consider purchasing the Venezia Unica City Pass. Available online or at Venice tourist offices and major transportation hubs, this pass system can be a bit tricky to navigate, as there are several types for different needs. Here are a few options you’ll find on their website:

  • “City Pass Best Deals”: Includes different packages of attractions, such as Doge’s Palace, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, 11 civic museums, and 18 churches. I was mainly interested in the Doge’s Palace, so I opted not to purchase this pass.
  • Museums – Churches – Synagogues”: Here, you can buy tickets for individual attractions, such as La Fenice Theatre or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
  • “Public Transport in Venice”: This section covers all transportation passes. Under “ACTV – Time-limited tickets,” you can buy individual tickets as well as 1, 2, 3, or 7-day passes that cover all vaporettos (water buses), buses within Venice, trams, and the People Mover. These passes include routes to and from Venice Mestre on the mainland. I bought the 3-day pass + Rolling Venice Card (for travelers under 29), which was cheaper than the 2-day pass.

Venice Weather - Acqua Alta

Venice weather can vary throughout the year, so plan accordingly. Fall and winter often bring acqua alta (high tides) that may affect access to certain areas, including San Marco Square (also called St. Mark’s Square). Be sure to check the forecast and pack appropriately for the season.

When to Visit Venice

Spring and early fall are popular times to visit Venice due to milder weather and fewer high tides. However, these are also the busiest times, so book accommodations in advance. Summer months are warm but crowded, while winter offers a quieter experience, perfect for a first-time visit to Venice.

Pickpockets in Venice

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Reels and seen an “attenzione pickpocket!” video, there’s a good chance it was filmed in Venice! The city’s crowded spots, especially around San Marco Square (St. Mark’s Square) and the Rialto Bridge, are prime areas for pickpockets. Keep an eye on your belongings and consider a secure bag to stay safe while you explore.

Where to Stay: Hotel Concordia

For this itinerary, I stayed at Hotel Concordia, a historic, family-run 4-star hotel located right off San Marco Square (St. Mark’s Square). Its central and privileged location makes it an ideal base for sightseeing, and the hotel offers stunning views of San Marco Basilica. Venice has a wide range of accommodation options for different travel styles, from luxury stays along the Grand Canal to more affordable options around Venice Mestre.

where to stay in venice hotel concordia

How to Get to Venice

By Train: Venice is well-connected by train, and arrivals from cities like Florence, Milan, and Rome bring you straight to Santa Lucia Train Station, just a water bus ride from central Venice.

By Plane: Marco Polo Airport is the closest airport, with direct transfers to Venice by bus or water taxi. Treviso Airport is a secondary option with bus connections to the city.

By Car: Parking can be challenging and costly in Venice. Visitors driving should park on the mainland near Venice Mestre and use public transport to access the city.

How to Get Around Venice

Walking and water transport are the primary ways to explore Venice. The city’s layout is best enjoyed on foot, letting you wander through picturesque canals and bridges. The Venice Card includes access to water taxis, water buses, and public buses, ideal for reaching areas like Murano, Burano, or traveling between Venice Mestre and Venice’s central attractions.

Itinerary

Day 1

San Marco Square

Begin your Venice adventure in the heart of the city. This lively square is home to some of Venice’s most famous buildings. Don’t forget to check the Venice weather forecast in advance, as high tides can affect access to St. Mark’s.

2 Days in Venice: Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in the City of Canals st marks square

Doge's Palace

Step into the Doge’s Palace for a fascinating look at Venetian history. The intricate art and architecture are breathtaking, and it’s a fantastic way to understand the city’s past and its influence on the world. I was so impressed about how much I learned about Venetian history there.

San Marco Basilica

Admire the ornate beauty of this basilica, known for its golden mosaics and Byzantine domes. 

Campanile di San Marco

Climb (or take the elevator) up the bell tower to get a panoramic view of Venice canals and rooftops and from above.

view from campanile di san marco venice

Ponte de la Canonica & Pontei dei Carmini

I found these bridges by chance on one of many strolls around the city, perfect spots to snap a few photos of Venice’s waterways and architecture. But to be honest, pretty much every bridge I have crossed had the most stunning views.

La Fenice Theater

Venice’s legendary opera house, where some of Italy’s greatest operas have premiered. I had no idea that Venice has such a beautiful theater, definitely worth the visit!

la fenice theater venice italy

Libreria Acqua Alta

Step into Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice’s iconic bookstore, where books are stored in gondolas, bathtubs, and other unusual nooks to protect them from high tides—an experience unique to this city. Though it’s a popular spot for Instagram photos, it may not be ideal for serious book browsing; the narrow aisles are often packed with visitors, and the staff may seem a bit weary from the crowds. Still, it’s worth a stop to see the famous “book staircase” and the gondola set against a canal backdrop, where you can snap a memorable photo (and maybe leave a small tip as a thank-you). Be prepared for lines, and try to visit well before closing time, as access to the gondola area closes early.

One bonus for animal lovers: Acqua Alta has a few resident cats who roam freely and add to the cozy, quirky charm—I spotted a friendly black cat perched right at the register!

2 Days in Venice: Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in the City of Canals libreria acqua alta
libreria acqua alta venezia

Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs)

This historic bridge, viewed from Ponte della Paglia, is a must in every Venice itinerary. Though, this is one of those locations where you can expect big crowds.

2 Days in Venice: Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in the City of Canals bridge of sighs ponte dei sospiri

Riva degli Schiavoni

End your day with a leisurely stroll along this scenic waterfront promenade, lined with shops, restaurants, and views over the Venetian Lagoon. With a much calmer atmosphere, I took the opportunity to take some sunset photos and buy my magnets as souvenirs.

2 Days in Venice: Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in the City of Canals

Day 2

Rialto Bridge

One of Venice’s most famous sites, the Rialto Bridge provides fantastic views of the Grand Canal and connects two bustling areas of the city. From there, look down and find a nice pier where you can go after to take the perfect photo with Rialto Bridge on the background.

Rialto Market

A short walk from the bridge, this market is a vibrant spot filled with fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. It’s a perfect place to immerse yourself in Venetian life.

rialto market venice
rialto market venice

Murano

2 Days in Venice: Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in the City of Canals murano

Before lunch, take the vaporetto to Murano, where Venice’s famous glassmaking tradition comes alive. You can tour glassblowing studios and see artisans at work, creating intricate glass masterpieces. Murano’s tranquil canals and charming streets make it a peaceful escape from the main city.

I decided to enjoy Murano as a tranquil escape from Venice. I did not book any visits, just enjoy some seafood pasta and a glass of wine in the sun, strolled through some cute glass shops and took lots of photos of the beautiful canals and streets.

2 Days in Venice: Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in the City of Canals murano
2 Days in Venice: Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in the City of Canals murano

Back in Venice, while waiting for my train to the next Italian destination, I made a stop at Arcicchetti Bakaro to enjoy some classic Venetian cicchetti (small bites). This traditional snack bar offers a true taste of local dining, making it a perfect way to wrap up your visit. But watch out for the seagulls! As I headed to the nearby church steps to sit down, one of them almost snatched my cicchetti right out of my hand.

venice cicchetti

Venice’s charm is timeless, from its majestic canals and vibrant markets to quiet, hidden squares. Whether you’re exploring the architectural splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica or wandering the colorful streets of Murano, Venice has an unforgettable mix of history, art, and charm. Before visiting, don’t forget to check the Venice weather to plan around high tides and ensure you have the right wardrobe. 

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I hope this article “2 Days in Venice: Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in the City of Canals” helped you plan your trip to Venice! Leave your opinion in the comments and follow me on social networks so you don’t miss my next trips. Use #travelplannerholic to get noticed.

With Love,

Catarina Vieira

2 Days in Venice: Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in the City of Canals

8 thoughts on “2 Days in Venice: Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Weekend in the City of Canals”

  1. Venice overwhelmed me as my phone didn’t work and I got lost finding my hotel. But I learned to write copious notes to find my way around. I absolutely loved my tour to Murano.

    1. its.catarina.vieira

      I completely understand! Even with google maps it was so confusing to find my way sometimes.. But I loved! Murano has a great vibe

  2. Venice is one of our favourite spots to wander in Italy. Your post has shown me some spots to visit on a return trip. We have yet to climb to the top of the Campanile Di San Marco for that great view. And I love the idea of getting tickets for the La Fenice Theater. We would definitely head to Murano again. But not come home with another Murano chandelier!

    1. its.catarina.vieira

      I really enjoyed it too, definitely one of my favorite places in Italy! Oh wow ahaha that chandelier must be beautiful! I only got a pair of earrings but I had to contain myself not to bring more things.

    1. its.catarina.vieira

      Thank you for your comment Anita! Glad to know you have nice memories of this beautiful city

  3. This brings back great memories of our time in Venice! I love the idea of getting tickets to the theater–we didn’t have a chance to do that when we were in town.

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