Best One Day in Venice Itinerary (+ Map)
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Looking for ideas on how to spend one day in Venice, Italy? If you’re planning a quick trip to this beautiful city – I’ve got you covered!
I’ve visited Venice a few times now and one of those visits was a day trip. I found the day went super quickly, so I recommend planning ahead to maximise your time and make sure you don’t miss any key attractions.
You’ll find that there’s a lot to see and do in Venice. It’s an amazing city to explore, so ideally, you’ll have longer than 24 hours in Venice. However, if that’s all the time you have, this post will give you all the details to plan a perfect day!
Is one day in Venice enough?
Truthfully, one day in Venice isn’t enough if you want to fully experience the city. However, I get that it’s not always possible to have a longer trip. So if that’s the case for you, don’t worry – you’re in the right place!
It’s still possible to have a brilliant time with just a one day itinerary in Venice. The centre of Venice is pretty small so you can definitely squeeze a lot in, you just have to plan your priorities and accept that you won’t see everything.
How to get to Venice for the day
How you start your day in Venice will depend on where you’re staying or visiting from. On my last trip, I stayed overnight in the area so even though I only had one full day to explore the centre of Venice, I was technically there a little longer.
So if you’re visiting Venice as part of a longer Italy trip, it’s worth staying overnight locally, before and/or after your day. This way, you’ll have the entire day to play with, rather than just a few hours.
If that’s not possible and you’re travelling into Venice just for the day, the best airport to fly into is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). You can also travel by train to Venezia Santa Lucia or get the bus to Piazzale Roma. My biggest recommendation is to plan it so you have as much time in the city as possible. The earlier the better here!
How to get around Venice in one day
The centre of Venice is completely car-free so the only way to get around is by boat or by foot. I find it best to explore the centre on foot – you can take in all the sites while exploring cute alleyways, bridges and backstreets.
However, if you want to rest your feet, you can also get water buses (vaporetto). You can buy a vaporetto travel pass, which is €25 euro for the day or you can pay per journey. There are several places you can buy tickets including the airport.
1 day Venice itinerary (option #1)
I’ve put together two different itineraries so you can get a better idea of how you might prefer to spend your day. So let’s get into Venice itinerary #1!
As I mentioned above, it’s best to arrive as early as possible into Venice. For our last trip, we stayed in a hotel just outside Venice in Noale the night before. This meant we could arrive into the city early and make the most of a full day exploring.
1) St Mark’s Square / St Mark’s Basilica / St Mark’s Campanile
Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) is Venice’s main square and one of the city’s most famous places. I recommend starting your trip here as early as you can because it’s an area that gets busy as the day progresses.
To get to St Mark’s Square, you can catch the vaporetto (Line 1 or 2) from Venezia Santa Lucia or Piazzale Roma to San Marco station. Taking the boat is a great way to experience Venice’s beauty for the first time as you ride over the water! However, you could also walk – it’ll take about 30 minutes.
When you reach St Mark’s Square, you’ll find several of Venice’s big attractions. If you’ve arrived early, you’ll have some time to explore a little of the square first. Then my recommendation is to head into St Mark’s Basilica which is one of Italy’s most beautiful cathedrals.
The basilica opens at 9:30 AM every day except Sunday. The cheapest way to visit is by buying a €3 ticket at the entrance. However, there are usually long queues so if you’re limited on time, it’s best to get skip-the-line tickets online in advance.
You’ll probably only need an hour for the basilica and afterwards, I suggest climbing St Mark’s Campanile. This bell tower has some of the best views of Venice! Again, you can book tickets in advance to skip the queues.
2) Doge’s Palace + Bridge of Sighs
After you’ve visited St Mark’s Basilica and enjoyed the views from St Mark’s Campanile, it’s time to head to Doge’s Palace!
Doge’s Palace is one of Venice’s most famous and most interesting attractions. If you want to learn more about Venice’s history and see some incredible architecture – this is a good place for it!
As one of the most popular things to do in Venice, tickets can sell out and queues can be super long to get in. Because of this, I recommend buying skip-the-line tickets online so you can make the most of your short time in Venice!
You can explore Doge’s Palace at your own pace – you’ll usually need around two hours. However, you can also book a guided tour like this one if you want more insights and expert knowledge.
As part of your visit to Doge’s Palace, you’ll be able to cross the Bridge of Sighs which is an iconic Venetian experience. After your visit, you’ll want to see the bridge from the outside, too. The view from Ponte della Paglia to the Bridge of Sighs is the classic Venice photo spot!
3) Rialto Bridge
After you’ve finished at Doge’s Palace you’ll probably be hungry, so it’s worth grabbing some lunch or a gelato en route to the Rialto Bridge.
We had lunch at Dal Moro’s, which is a delicious fresh pasta takeaway. We also stopped for incredible gelato at Gelatoteca Suso – they had vegan options so I was happy!
The walk from Doge’s Palace to the Rialto Bridge is around 15-20 minutes. It’s easy to get lost in Venice but you can follow the yellow street signs that say ‘Per Rialto’. You’ll find lots of shops and things to see along the route, but you’ll have time for more exploring afterwards – this is just a good way to get your bearings!
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and best-known bridge in Venice and a brilliant place to view the Grand Canal. On the bridge, there’s a central portico with rows of little shops selling things like souvenirs and jewellery.
4) Explore Venice on foot
One of my favourite things to do in Venice is get lost in the maze of alleyways. So after you’ve visited the Rialto Bridge, you’ve got some free time to stroll through the streets, take in new sites and explore!
If you’re anything like me, you’ll love stopping at every bridge for photos or visiting independent boutiques and souvenir shops. I could easily spend the whole day taking in the pretty buildings and soaking up the atmosphere!
Some top places that you might want to find include Libreria Acqua Alta which is a quirky bookstore. You could also head to the Dorsoduro neighbourhood and stop at Ponte dell’Accademia for some of the best canal views in Venice.
If you want a little more structure, this would also be an ideal time to join a walking tour. I’m a BIG fan of free walking tours and you can use this site to find and book one you like the look of. Or, for something super relaxing, you could take a break at a cute bar for some cicchetti and a Spritz!
5) Gondola ride
After you’ve explored the best of central Venice it’s time for one last bucket list experience – a gondola ride! I used to think that a gondola ride was overpriced and overrated but I actually loved the experience!
Admittedly, gondola rides aren’t the cheapest. However, if you only have one day in Venice, it’s a brilliant way to take in more sites and have a unique experience. Plus, if you’ve spent all day walking, it’s a nice chance to sit back and relax.
Gondola rides have a fixed price in Venice. Up until 7pm, it’s €90 per boat for a 30-minute tour. However, you’ll want to double check the duration and cost before you get in.
There are several places you can get on a gondola around the city so it won’t be hard to find one. Because of this, gondolas take different routes so it might be worth thinking about what parts you might prefer to see.
You don’t need to pre-book your gondola ride but you can if you want to know you’ve secured a set time. If you want to keep the costs down, you could also go for a shared gondola ride. In this case, I recommend pre-booking a shared gondola tour online because it’s easier than finding people to share with on the day!
6) Dinner + onward travel
After your gondola ride, it’s time for some dinner and to wrap up your day in Venice. A lot of people say that Venice’s food isn’t great, but I disagree! Cicchetti (which is like tapas) and risotto are great in Venice. It’s also a good place for seafood.
There definitely are tourist traps so you’ll find restaurants that serve low-quality food at super high prices. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some brilliant places you can eat.
Generally, the best (and cheapest) places are off the beaten track. Some high-rated places that I’ve found include Osteria Fanal Del Codega, Osteria Alla Frasca and Local, which is Michelin-starred.
If you’re not staying overnight in Venice, you’ll want to give yourself enough time to leave the centre and get back to either Piazzale Roma or Venezia Santa Lucia train station for your onward travel.
1 day Venice itinerary (option #2)
This second Venice one day itinerary has a slightly different focus. It might be a nice option if you’ve already visited Venice before or if you don’t want to spend so much time at the main central spots.
1) Burano + Torcello
This itinerary starts with a trip to Venice’s outer islands of Burano and Torcello. Because they’re a little further away, it does mean it’s not really possible to visit without sacrificing a few other attractions.
However, if you’re happy to get to Venice as early as possible and skip a morning at Doge’s Palace, this itinerary could be the better fit for you!
Most people who visit the Venetian islands go to Murano, but if you’re limited on time, I would focus on Burano and Torcello instead.
Visiting these islands was one of my highlights of my first visit to Venice. Burano in particular was my favourite – it’s known for its cute rainbow-coloured buildings. It’s well worth visiting, especially if you’ve been to Venice before or you want to see a different side of the city.
To get to these islands, you can catch vaporetto line 12 which goes from Fondamente Nove (F.te Nove) to Burano. You can then get line 9 from Burano to Torcello. If you need help figuring out the journey, the Citymapper app works in Venice so download it before you go!
If you don’t want to figure out the journeys by yourself, this private boat tour is a good way to see the best bits of the islands in around 3 hours.
In Burano, you can explore the prettiest streets, learn about Burano lace and stop for gelato or Bussola Buranello which are traditional, buttery cookies. You’ll likely only need one to two hours to explore as it’s a small island.
Torcello is also small and a peaceful place that will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. You’ll want to see the Devil’s Bridge as well as the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.
2) Rialto Bridge + exploring
After a morning on the islands, you’ll head back to the centre of Venice where you can stop for lunch.
This is also a great time to explore the main streets of Venice. From Fondamente Nove (where you get off the vaporetto), you can walk back towards St Mark’s Square via the Rialto Bridge.
Along this route, you’ll find pretty alleyways, shops and places to explore. You’ll be able to take a leisurely route and stop off for drinks or gelato – it’s the best way to see the city!
Some other places you might want to visit include Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, which is a small palace known for its spiral staircase, and Ponte dell’Accademia, which is a great photo stop overlooking the Grand Canal. If you can’t miss a gondola ride, this would also be the time to do it.
3) St Mark’s Square / St Mark’s Basilica / St Mark’s Campanile
Like the first itinerary, I suggest some time in St Mark’s Square. Again, I recommend visiting St Mark’s Basilica if you have the time (last entry is 4:45pm). As well as this, you could climb to the top of St Mark’s Campanile for beautiful views over the city.
You’ll also be able to explore around St Mark’s Square – taking photos across the lagoon and stopping to see the Bridge of Sighs.
4) Dinner + onward travel
After you’ve explored Piazza San Marco, you’ll grab dinner before leaving the city. The neighbourhood of Dorsoduro is usually a good place to eat and is relatively close to St Mark’s Square.
Other things to do in Venice Italy
- Gallerie dell’Accademia is an art museum that has an extensive collection of pre-19th century Venetian art including works by Titian, Giovanni Bellini and Tintoretto.
- If you want modern art, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a museum housed in a palazzo along the Grand Canal. It features works by artists like Picasso and Dalí.
- Teatro La Fenice is a beautiful opera house that’s open for tours.
- The island of San Giorgio Maggiore is across from St. Mark’s Square. You can climb the bell tower for an amazing view over Venice.
- Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is a beautiful church located at the entrance of Venice’s Grand Canal. It’s known for its impressive architecture and dome which is in most postcards of Venice.
- Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco is the oldest coffee house in Italy. It’s known for its lavish interiors and historical significance. (Just be aware that a cup of coffee will set you back around €20!!)
⭐️ Want more authentic experiences? Read this guide to the best non- touristy things to do in Venice
Map of Venice attractions
Best Venice tours
If you have less than 24 hours in Venice, it might be worth considering a small-group guided tour to help you maximise your time. There are some brilliant options that include skip-the-line tickets and a full itinerary that makes the most of everything on offer.
This day tour of Venice in particular is one of my favourites. It includes a skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark’s Basilica, pre-reserved tickets to Doge’s Palace and a gondola ride.
This food and drink tour is also well-rated and could be a fun option if you want to get off the beaten path.
Venice skip-the-line tickets
It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance if you only have one day in Venice. Skip-the-line tickets are the best option. They’ll save you queuing and give you more time to enjoy the actual experiences!
You can book your skip-the-line tickets and advance tickets here:
Where to stay in Venice
If you want to make the most of your full day in Venice, I recommend staying in or near the city before and/or after your day. This way, you’ll be able to start exploring bright and early or not have to worry about catching onward travel at the end of a long day. I’ve listed some of my favourite hotels below:
Luxury 5-star hotels in Venice
- The Gritti Palace is one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Venice with breathtaking views over the Grand Canal. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic stay.
- Baglioni Hotel Luna is Venice’s oldest hotel and is set in a 12th-century palazzo. It’s a classic and beautiful option just steps from St. Mark’s Square.
- The St. Regis Venice is a super luxury, modern hotel with a prime location on the Grand Canal.
- Belmond Hotel Cipriani is a gorgeous hotel on Giudecca Island, close to Piazza San Marco. It’s a good choice if you want a peaceful atmosphere.
- Palazzo Venart is a luxury boutique hotel housed in a restored 16th-century palace. It has all the opulent decor!
4-star hotels in Venice
- Palazzo Veneziano is a stylish and contemporary hotel that offers easy access to Venice’s main attractions.
- Hotel Donà Palace is a lovely boutique hotel. It’s near St. Mark’s Square and also has a peaceful garden overlooking the canal.
- Hotel Ai Cavalieri is set in a historic palace and has romantic and traditional Venetian decor.
- EGO’ Boutique Hotel is a romantic hotel with design inspired by the Silk Road. It’s within walking distance of key attractions like the Rialto Bridge.
⭐️ READ MORE: 20 Best Hotels in Venice with Canal Views (2025)
Venice travel tips
Wear comfy shoes: If you have less than 24 hours in Venice, you’ll want to be able to move around the city quickly and comfortably. The alleyways are also uneven and there are lots of steps so you’ll want to wear sneakers or comfy shoes!!
Get there early: I’ve mentioned this in the itineraries, but the earlier you can get into Venice, the better. A day in Venice will go by so quickly, so you’ll want to maximise your time as much as possible. If you can, I recommend staying in the city for at least one night to make your trip more valuable.
Book + plan ahead: Before you get to Venice, you’ll want to have a clear idea of the key attractions that you want to see. I also highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid wasting time in long queues.
Take a refillable bottle: Tap water is safe to drink in Venice and there are lots of water fountains where you can fill your bottle for free. Apps like Acea Waidy WOW show you where water-filling spots are nearby.
Dine away from San Marco: The best places to eat in Venice are generally away from St Mark’s Square and the main tourist areas of San Marco. Not only are cafes and restaurants in this part way more expensive (like €15 for a coffee!), but the quality can be lower, too. For a better experience, head to neighbourhoods like Dorsoduro or Cannaregio
Best time to visit Venice
Venice can be visited year-round. The main tourist season is usually May to October so it can be busier at this time.
However, when I visited in August, one of our local guides said that this month can be a little less busy because locals often vacation away from the city. The day we visited was also an Italian public holiday and it didn’t feel overcrowded.
If you travel in winter, be aware that Venice is prone to flooding. It’s known as acqua alta and happens most commonly between October and January.
Venice visitor fee
In 2024, Venice introduced an access fee for day-trippers. Initially, you had to pay the fee if you were visiting on specific days that year. For 2025, it looks like the fees might increase with an expected cost of around €3 to €10. You’ll want to keep an eye on this website for announcements and details: https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en
One day Venice itinerary FAQs
Can you walk around Venice in a day?
Venice is a really walkable city. The historic centre is pretty compact so you can walk across the city in around an hour. You’ll also find that most of the top tourist spots are within a 20-minute walk of St Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge.
What is the best way to see Venice in a day?
I recommend walking as much as possible to get the best feel of Venice and to explore the maze of streets. If you need to rest your feet, you can also use the vaporetto water buses. It’s generally cheaper to get a 24-hour pass if you plan on several journeys.
How can I make the most of my time in Venice?
If you’re limited on time in Venice, I recommend going there with a plan and an idea of all the things you want to see and do. It’s a good idea to pre-book skip-the-line tickets for attractions like Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica to save time queueing.
What are the best places to visit in Venice for 1 day?
The key attractions that you’ll want to see if you’ve never been to Venice before include Piazza San Marco, St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge.
One of my favourite things to do in Venice is to simply wander among the alleyways and soak up the atmosphere. It’s a unique city so it’s fun to simply explore and get a little lost!
How long is the wait for St. Mark’s Basilica?
It can vary depending on the date and the time of day. Queues can be 45 minutes to over two hours during peak times! Booking skip-the-line tickets in advance is the best idea if you want to get in quickly and make the most of your time!
Is it worth going to Venice for one day?
If you have the time for a longer trip, I definitely recommend doing that rather than just a Venice day trip. There’s so much to see, do and explore in Venice that one day doesn’t do it justice.
However, if it’s all you can do (or if you’ve been before), one day in Venice can be a nice way to experience a little of the city.
One day itinerary in Venice: Conclusion
Venice is a beautiful city and has so much to fall in love with. Because of this, I recommend having at least 3 days in Venice to make the most of your trip. However, if you’re only in Venice for a day, it’s still possible to have an amazing time.
If you plan in advance and know what you want to experience, you can have a perfect day exploring Venice. I hope these itineraries give you ideas of what you can achieve in one day and help you plan the best trip possible!
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Want to visit other parts of Italy after Venice? These are Italy’s most beautiful and romantic places to add to the rest of your itinerary!
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