Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Venice
Lose yourself in the romantic labyrinth of Venice, an enchanting floating city connected by picturesque canals, historic bridges, and stunning piazzas.
Venice is reached by Marco Polo or Treviso airport, or by train from Milan, Florence, or Rome. There are no cars—get around on foot, by vaporetto (water bus), or by gondola for a treat. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds; summer can be hot and very busy. Book St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and popular restaurants ahead. Allow time to get lost in the back streets of Cannaregio and Dorsoduro, and consider day trips to Murano and Burano. Pack comfortable shoes and be prepared for occasional acqua alta in autumn and winter.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Venice.
Best Time to Visit Venice
Spring
18°C / 9°C
Pleasant and mild, highly recommended
Summer
28°C / 19°C
Hot and humid, crowded
Fall
19°C / 11°C
Cooling down, risk of Acqua Alta (high water)
Winter
8°C / 1°C
Cold and misty, quiet and atmospheric
Day 1
St. Mark's Basilica
Iconic cathedral with a cavernous gilded interior, myriad mosaics & an on-site museum.
Morning activity: St. Mark's Basilica.
Caffe Florian
Neo-Baroque splendor & modern art at an iconic 1700s cafe, turning out coffee, cocktails & snacks.
Lunch nearby: Caffe Florian.
Doge's Palace
Ornate Gothic palace buildings hosting exhibitions with duke's rooms, prison & armoury tours.
Afternoon sightseeing: Doge's Palace.
Osteria alle Testiere
Dinner in the area: Osteria alle Testiere.
Gondola Ride
Evening experience: Gondola Ride.
Day 2
Rialto Bridge
Ornate covered 16th-century stone footbridge crossing the Grand Canal, with shops & restaurants.
Morning activity: Rialto Bridge.
Mercati di Rialto
Large canal front covered market with stalls trading in fish, seafood & vegetables.
Lunch nearby: Mercati di Rialto.
Grand Canal
Afternoon sightseeing: Grand Canal.
Cantina Do Mori
Legendary local hangout dating from 1462, with a lively atmosphere, no tables & a menu of cicchetti.
Dinner in the area: Cantina Do Mori.
Teatro La Fenice
Opera, ballet & concerts in a renowned 1,000-seat theater, rebuilt after a fire in 1800s style.
Evening experience: Teatro La Fenice.
Day 3
Murano Island
Known for its unique glass art, this island features studios, demonstrations & souvenirs for sale.
Morning activity: Murano Island.
Burano Island
Colorful houses dot this lively fishing island with seafood restaurants, a lace museum & bell tower.
Lunch nearby: Burano Island.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
18th-century waterside palace with a 20th-century art collection & an interior sculpture garden.
Afternoon sightseeing: Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Harry's Bar
Legendary 1930s bar known for its Bellini cocktails, carpaccio & celebrity clientele.
Dinner in the area: Harry's Bar.
Dorsoduro
Evening experience: Dorsoduro.