Are you looking for the perfect two-day itinerary to explore Venice? From popular sights to hidden gems, this guide will show you the best of what Venice has to offer in just 48 hours.
Venice, Italy is a city like no other, with its maze of canals, charming streets, and stunning architecture. It’s a beautiful floating city in Northern Italy that’s sure to enchant any traveler. But with only two days to explore, it can be quite challenging to see everything.
But don’t worry! Whether you’re planning Venice as part of a longer Italy itinerary or it’s a weekend trip, I got you!
In this blog post, you’ll find the perfect 2 days in Venice itinerary that will help you make the most of your time in Venice! Plus, you’ll even get some essential travel tips to Venice as bonus!
What are you waiting for? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Two Days in Venice is Good for…
If you have 48 hours in Venice, you’ll get to experience the main highlights of Venice and even explore the charming islands nearby. This detailed itinerary for a two-day trip to Venice will ensure you make the most of your time!
However, if you want to explore all the neighborhoods of Venice, then it’ll be hard to say how many days in Venice you’ll need. But just know 2 days definitely won’t be enough to uncover all the hidden gems!

For example, there are over 50 art galleries in Venice. It’ll take you days to visit!
When is the Best Time to Visit Venice?
The most popular time to visit Venice is during the summer months of June to August. Since this is the peak tourist season, expect it to be packed everywhere. You’ll need to make reservations in advance for most of the restaurants and best experiences.
Now the best time to visit Venice is actually during Spring (Apr-May) and Fall (Sept-Oct). During these months, you have mild weather and fewer crowds compared to the high season. Prices for accommodation and travel will also be much lower during this time.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a bargain holiday, then Venice during the winter months (November through March) will be your best bet. However, the trade-off is that the weather will not be the most optimal. Not only it’ll get cold in Venice, it can also be foggy, windy and rainy. Many attractions are also closed during this period, although there are still plenty of things to do in Venice to make it worthwhile.
For a couple times a year, usually in Nov-Dec, you will also experience Acqua Alta (high tide) where Venice is flooded. When you’re walking around Venice, keep an eye out for markings on the wall that shows how high the flood reaches in certain years!
Where to Stay in Venice

Ready to go all out on your Venice getaway? Then treat yourself to an exceptional experience right from the get-go! Opt for a hotel right in Venice and forgo the traditional modes of transportation. Make a majestic arrival at your hotel by boat!
Be aware that during high season, some resort hotels might require a minimum of 3 nights’ stay. In this case, you’ll have fewer options for staying only 2 days.
If you’re traveling to Venice on budget, consider staying in the hotels and hostels in Mestre, located just outside of Venice. You can easily get from Mestre to Venice by bus. But just this short distances will make the accommodations in Mestre a LOT more affordable compared to staying in a hotel in Venice.
Budget Stays inside Venice
- Ostello S. Fosca – CPU Venice Hostels – A top-rated hostel in the vibrant Cannaregio neighborhood, just a short 9-minute stroll away from the iconic Rialto Bridge.
- Ca’ Riza – Affordable traditional Venetian style private rooms in the heart of Venice.
- Bricola Biennale Apartments – Waterfront apartment in the Costello neighborhood.
Luxury Stays in Venice
- Palazzo del Sale – Gorgeous flat located close to Rialto Bridge, equipped with air conditioning.
- Venice Dream House – A luxurious, air-conditioned apartment located just minutes away from the most popular attractions, with an outstanding staff.
- Locanda Ca Del Console – With history dating back to the 18th century and rooms filled with frescoes and antiques, this was once a consul’s private residence.
Where to Stay in Mestre
- a&o Hostel – Massive hostel close to the Mestre railway station. You’ll need to make reservations online and pay for linen.
- Anda Venice Hostel – Right by the Mestre railway station.
- Hotel Lugano Torretta – Private rooms near the Mestre railway station.
How to Get to Venice from the Airport
The most important part of planning, before leaving for any trip, is to get the logistic done on how to get from the airport to the hotel. This will ensure a stress-free start to your trip.
Lucky for us, there are many options available for transportation from the airport. Depending on your destination (Venice or Mestre), you can go by express bus, waterbus, or taxi.
From Marco Polo Airport to Venice & Mestre
The Venice Marco Polo Airport (Venice Airport) is the international airport of Venice. Unless you’re flying on a budget airline, the Venice Airport is most likely the airport you’ll land in when you arrive in Venice.

ATVO Express Bus
The cheapest method of transportation is to take the ATVO Express bus. It’ll first go to Mestre and then stop in Venice. There is plenty of storage space for luggages and what’s even better is that there’s free Wi-Fi on the bus!
A one-way ticket costs €10 and round-trip tickets are €18. You can buy the ticket at the airport or in front of the bus station. If you want to save yourself some time, you can book the ATVO tickets online.
Traveling by Water
If your hotel is in Venice, then you also have the option of traveling by water via a water taxi or Alilaguna.
Out of the two, Alilaguna is the cheaper option. It is a public transportation company in Venice that runs from the airport to Venice city center, Piazza San Marco (San Marco Square).
A one-way ticket costs €15 and takes approximately 75 minutes. If you buy round-trip tickets, it will be €27. While this is the cheaper option, the con is that it doesn’t bring you directly to your hotel.

If you’ve chosen a place farther from San Marco Square, consider taking water taxis if your budget allows. While they may be pricier than Alilaguna, they save you the hassle of lugging your suitcase up and down Venice’s many bridges.
Shared water taxi are great when you are traveling by yourself or in a small group. If you’re in a larger group of up to 10 people, you can take a private water taxi. You’re allowed one luggage and one carry-on item in the water taxi.
From Treviso Airport to Venice & Mestre
The Treviso Antonio Canova Airport serve as the hub for budget airlines.
That means if you love hopping on cheap flights, you’ll be arriving in Treviso airport on your visit to Venice. While this airport is further away from Venice, compared to Marco Polo airport, it’s still pretty easy to get to Venice.
Just like the Marco Polo airport, you’ll have the option of taking the ATVO express bus from Treviso airport to Mestre and Venice. The ATVO buses operate frequently and offer a comfortable ride with ample space for luggage.
The journey from the Treviso airport to Piazzale Roma (Venice) takes around 70 mins on average, depending on traffic conditions. Similarly, it will take approx. 55 minutes from the Treviso airport to the Mestre Railway Station.
If you’re planning to buy the ticket on site, head to the automatic ticket machine in the baggage claim area or the ATVO ticket office in the arrival hall. The one-way fare is €12 and round-trip is €22. You can also easily purchase the bus ticket online.
How to Get Around Venice and Mestre
What makes Venice special is all its canals, bridges and alleys. That’s why the best way to explore Venice is on foot. You’ll get the chance to find hidden gems that’s not written anywhere on the Internet.
To get a unique view of Venice from a different perspective, plan some fun Venice experience on the water in your 2 day itinerary. Travel through the canals on a gondola, watch the sunset on catamaran cruise, or have a candlelit dinner cruise in the lagoon!
Before we derail too much from the topic, here are the other ways of getting around Venice and Mestre!
Btw, if you arrived in Venice by car, you probably won’t be needing your car too much for your days in Venice since you can’t drive. Park it in a parking garage.
From Mestre to Venice
There are a couple of options for you to travel from Mestre to Venice: bus, tram, and the train.
ACTV is the public transportation in Venice and Mestre. The ticket fare for the ACTV bus or tram is only €1.5 when you buy at the ticket machine and €3 when purchased onboard.

Once you get onboard, you need to tap the ticket against a machine to validate it. A one-way ticket is good for 75 minutes. You can buy the tickets through their official app AVM Venezia or from third party sites such as GetYourGuide and Tiqets.
You can also take the train from the Mestre railway station to the Venezia Santa Lucia station in Venice. It will take 15 minutes and the fare is €1.5.
Walking Around Venice without Getting Lost
The city of Venice is made up of hundreds of individual islands connected by bridges. With no cars to rely on, the only way to get around Venice is by foot or by water transportation.
One of the best things to do in Venice, according to other travelers, is to get lost wandering through the endless alleys of Venice and enjoy the moments. Now, while that sounds fun and all, it’s super easy to take a wrong turn and find yourself at a dead end.
How easy? Well, for someone as directionally challenged as me, the moment I turned off my GPS, I hit dead ends on every single turn. Don’t ask, I don’t know how that’s possible either.
So if you don’t have access to stable data, make sure you download an offline map of Venice before visiting. I’ve had to rescue friends who got lost for hours wandering the labyrinth of Venice because they had no data.
You can download offline maps on Google Maps or use MAPS.ME.
Traveling by Vaporetto (Water bus)

Vaporetto, or water bus, is one of Venice’s public transit options. If you don’t want to spend the money on an expensive gondola ride, vaporetto is a good alternative to seeing Venice from the canals.
A single fare for the vaporetto will cost you €9.5 and it’s good for 75 mins after validation.
If you’re planning on hitting multiple spots in Venice via Vaporetto, it’ll be a better deal to get yourself a 48 hours unlimited ACTV ticket for 35 Euros. This gives you access to not only the water bus but also to the regular buses.
There’s also Rolling Venice, a special discount card for young travelers between 6 and 29 years old. The discount is only available on a 3 day pass, but the saving makes up for the extra day.
The No.1 Vaporetto sails through the Grand Canal. It’s scenic, but it’s a very slow trip. If you want a faster trip, go on the No.2 line.
For Vaporetto schedules, check out the Chebateo? app, available on both iOS and andriod.
Private Water Taxis

Water taxi can get expensive quickly even for a short trip. Expect a minimum charge of €60 per trip. And since water taxis are mainly taken by tourist, it has spoiled the drivers to expect large tips.
Therefore, I’ll not recommend water taxis unless you have luggages.
What to Do in Venice in 2 Days
This sample itinerary will bring you to the best of Venice in 2 days! You’ll see the bustling St. Mark’s Square, walk through the smallest alley, explore Venice by water, and more! Keep reading to find out the best sights in Venice!
Day 1 Venice Itinerary: Historic Center
Kickstart your morning by exploring San Polo for your first stop of the day. San Polo is the smallest and oldest amongst the six sestieri of Venice (districts).
It is also one of the livest area in Venice. You’ll find no ends to the shops, so window shop all you want and admire the exquisite Venice masks on display!

Make your way to the ferry terminal and visit the local market Mercato di Rialto (Rialto Market). Here, you will find a variety of fresh fish, pasta, spices, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Please note that the market closes at 1pm and is closed on Sundays.
Travel across the Grand Canal to the Castello neighborhood by walking over the famous 16th-century stone bridge, Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge).
Enjoy the view from atop by visiting the T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace, where you can get free access to the rooftop terrace with a prior reservation.
Explore Calle Varisco, the narrowest street in Venice. So narrow only one person can walk at a time!

A hidden gem tucked away in a nondescript corner, Massimiliano Caldarone’s glassmaking workshop offers the option to request personalized pieces or purchase exquisite handmade glasswork as unique presents.
Now don’t miss out on the unique little bookstore, Libreria Acqua Alta, that has a whole gondola full of books! You’ll also find cute cat postcards! Because it’s a popular place to visit in Venice, it can get pretty packed. You’re only allowed to walk in the bookstore in one direction.
Next up, we have the Venetian Arsenal, a Byzantine shipyard, from 1104. Although visitors may not enter the arsenal, we can still admire it from outside! You’ll even find an ancient (from 360 BC!) white marble Piraeus Lion statue taken as loot from Athens during the Great Turkish War!

At last, walk back toward the San Marco neighborhood, at the heart of Venice. Here you’ll see some of the top attractions in Venice.
Leisurely walk by the waterfront and take in all the magnificent sights on your way to Doge’s Palace. It’s especially beautiful during sunset.
Explore the Doge’s Palace and marvel at the breathtaking fresco artworks. Walk across the Bridge of Sighs that’s only accessible through the palace.
If you have extra days, there’s a Secret Itineraries tour that is only available with a reservation. The guided tour will bring you around to off-limits area while telling you the history of Venice.
Skip the line: Buy tickets to Doge’s Palace online
Next to the palace, by the water, you have two imposing pillars made of marble and granite. On top of these columns you’ll see a winged lion statue (the symbol of Venice, representing St. Mark) and the statue of St. Todaro (city’s first protector).
Superstition holds that those passing through the space between the two columns will have ill fortune, for it was once a public execution site in Venice.

Once you’re in Saint Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco, the largest square in Venice), you’ll find two towers that’ll give you some of the best views in Venice: St Mark’s Campanile (Campanile di San Marco) and St Mark’s Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio).
Which one will you put on your itinerary?
The clock tower is a massive astronomical clock dating back 500+ years to the early Renaissance. You can only visit the clock tower on a pre-booked tour. You’ll need to climb up the tower to reach the top.
For a more convenient experience, St. Mark’s Campanile offers a lift that will take you straight up so you can admire the panoramic view without the hassle.

Saint Mark’s Basilica is open daily, but it is essential to dress appropriately since it is a place of worship. Remember to have your shoulders and knees covered. To avoid the queue, purchasing a skip-the-line ticket is highly recommended.
Tour: Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour
Even after dark, Saint Mark’s Square remains a bustling hub of activity. You may encounter street hawkers trying to sell you toys and flowers. Just kindly say no if you’re not interested, and they’ll leave you alone.
If you’re interested in ending the day with a classical music performance, check out Virtuosi di Venezia.

Day 2 Venice Itinerary: Gondola Ride, Murano, Burano
Hope you’re well rested because it is time to start day two!
Since you’re in Venice, make sure not to miss the ultimate Venetian experience – a gondola ride.
Though granted, this is probably the most touristy activity you can do in Venice. But who can say no to riding a lavish traditional Venetian boat and exploring the canals of Venice?

The official price for a gondola ride is 80 euros for 30 minutes, with an additional charge of 40 euros for every 20 minutes thereafter. After 7pm, the rate increases to 100 euros. It is possible to negotiate the price if you’re going for a longer tour.
Each gondola is limited to 6 people maximum (including the gondolier). Reservations are not required.
Gondola rides can be private or shared, depending on your preference. So if you’re traveling in alone or in a small group, you can cut cost by joining with another group.
Next up, take the ferry to Murano or Burano island. These are popular day trips from Venice.
Since the 13th century, Murano has gained fame for its glassblowing industry, while Burano has become synonymous with lace-making. Moreover, the colorful fisherman’s cottages in Burano add to its charm.

Did you know that in 1481, Leonardo di Vinci traveled all the way to Burano to purchase lace to decorate the altars of the cathedral in Milan?
Make sure you don’t miss out on the lace museum during your time in Burano! And if you’re a seafood lover, you’re in for a treat – Burano is renowned for serving up the most delectable seafood dishes in fancy settings.
Guided Tour of Venice’s Islands
With only 2 days in Venice, taking a guided tour is the best way to get to all the islands.
- Burano and Murano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit
- Murano, Burano, Torcello Island & Glass Factory Tour
- Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour with Glassblowing
Best Things to Do in Venice for 2 Days

Need some more ideas on ways to spend 2 days in Venice? Here are a few activities and guided tours of Venice, you can add to your 2 day Venice itinerary!
- Come aboard a catamaran cruise and enjoy a delightful evening with live jazz music. Plus, you’ll get to snack on some local specialities!
- Are you a fan of classical music? Don’t miss out on the incredible experience of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons classical music concert!
- Capture beautiful memories of your Venice trip with a photoshoot at San Marco Square – you’ll have amazing pictures to cherish forever!
- Discover the best food through a street food walking tour. You’ll be exploring the Rialto Market and trying food from local restaurants and farmer’s market.
- Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening aboard a Venetian galleon, where you can savor a delightful candlelit dinner.
- Learn all about the Cannaregio district and the Jewish Ghetto through a food and wine tour!
Travel Tips for Visiting Venice

Here are some Venice travel tips for planning your trip.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Unless you’re taking the vaporetto everywhere, you’ll be walking a lot in Venice. Get yourself a pair of good walking shoes, like Allbirds or Tevas (if you prefer sandals), so you can explore Venice in 2 days without killing your feet.
- Download an offline map to help you navigate the city’s labyrinth of alleys and canals. It’s super easy to get lost here. You can download an offline map in Google maps or in Maps.me.
- If you do not have data, you can buy WiFi access in Venice for €5/day. Or if you’re traveling through Italy, you can get an Italy eSim to remain connected.
- In Italy, cash is king. While most shops near tourist attractions accept card payments, if you like to venture off and explore smaller shops, it is better to have some cash on you. I highly recommend getting a Charles Schwab debit card for travel because they give you a rebate on ATM fees.
- Be careful of pickpockets, especially in crowded touristy spots. Monitor your belongings and always hold them close to you. If you want to be extra safe, carry an anti-theft bag.
- Consider purchasing a Venezia Unica City Pass, which provides discounts and free entry to many of the city’s attractions and museums. The Venice City Pass is a great way to save money and skip the lines at some of the most popular attractions in Venice. You can also check out the Venice museum pass.
- There is coperto (cover charge) for dining at Venice restaurants. The closer you are to the main tourist attractions, the more expensive the menu and the higher the cover charge.
Outdoor seating will come with extra charge. Since there’s no legal limit, you can see anything from €1 to as high as €20! Most commonly, though, it’ll be €2 to €5 per person. - Try cicchetti, which is finger food you can snack on in between meals. Best enjoyed with some wine. Expect to pay €1 to €5 a piece.
- Tipping is not expected, but you might see a 10% service charge added onto your check if you visited a tourist trap. If it’s not mentioned anywhere on the menu, you can ask for it to be removed.
- Eat dinner early. Just because google maps says the restaurant is “open” at 9pm or 10pm, doesn’t mean the kitchen is open. It’s most likely just the bar. My first night in Mestre was a hustle and bustle to find a restaurant that serve meals past 9pm.
- Get up early to avoid the crowds and make the most of your days in Venice. The city can get very crowded during the day. So if you want that perfect Instagram picture with no bystanders, wake up before everyone else.
- Cover up your shoulders and knees and dressed appropriately if you want to visit any religious buildings.
- There are a few public toilets around Venice. Have some cash on you to pay the entrance fee. It’s €1.5 a visit. Coming from the US with free public toilets, this can be quite a shock. If you want to avoid the fee, just ask the staff at cafes nicely if they allow access. Usually they’ll let you in.
- Most businesses (unless it’s a known chain store) are closed on Sundays (maybe even on Mondays). That’s why when you’re planning your itinerary for 2 days, remember to take the day of the week you’re going into account.
- Over tourism has caused Venice to pass some rules that’ll cost you a hefty fine if you break them. Here are some rules visitors need to know: do not sit down anywhere in public except on the benches, do not feed the pigeons, no swimming in the canals, no biking or rollerskating.
Final Thoughts on Spending 2 Days in Venice

Venice truly offers a one-of-a-kind experience that is filled with wonder and enchantment.
From its countless canals to its impressive architecture, this city never fails to captivate its visitors from around the world. Even if you only have 48 hours in Venice, it’s an experience you must have!
This itinerary is perfect for seeing Venice in two days. Plus, with these travel tips for Venice, you can ensure that your first trip to Venice will be an unforgettable adventure.
So pack your bags, hop on a gondola, and get ready to see the best of Venice!
If you have more days in Italy, consider visiting Milan and Lake Como (blog post coming soon) that’s just a train ride from Venice!
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More Resources to Help You Plan Your Trip
- Did you bring everything? Packing List for Europe
- Don’t forget about travel insurance! I use SafetyWing for all my trips.
- Booking.com is great for finding deals on hotel stays.
- I love using Hostelworld for finding hostels with great vibes!
- Use GetYourGuide to find that unique experience you’ll remember forever.
- Book cheap connections to your next destination with Omio.
- Stay connected everywhere you go with Airalo eSims.
- Find luggage storage with Nannybag or Radical Storage!