3 days in Venice: Ultimate city break guide for 2024

Nowhere in Europe quite has the power to captivate and charm like Venice. If you’re after a fun European city break, 3 days in Venice is the perfect amount of time.

Known as the “Floating City,” Venic is a dream vacation with its charming canals, historic architecture, arts and culture and distinctive food scene.

This famous Italian city is a unique marvel of urban planning and engineering, built on a series of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges.

Its historical significance, architectural wonders, and picturesque waterways have made it one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

3 days in Venice

Venice’s architectural splendour is evident in its impressive array of palaces, churches, and historic buildings.

The grandeur of landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, with its Byzantine domes and intricate mosaics, and the imposing Doge’s Palace, once the seat of Venetian political power, reflects the city’s opulent past.

One of my favourite spots in the city is the beautiful Rialto Bridge. Spanning the Grand Canal, this world-famous bridge is a testament to Venice’s engineering prowess and artistic heritage.

what to do in Venice for 3 days

The heart of Venice beats in its enchanting squares and winding alleyways, where centuries of history come to life. St. Mark’s Square, known as Piazza San Marco, is a hub of activity, surrounded by elegant cafes, shops, and historic monuments.

As evening falls, the square takes on a magical ambience, illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights and the melodious strains of live music.

Venice’s world-class museums, galleries, and theatres also celebrate its cultural heritage. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection showcases an impressive array of modern and contemporary art, while Teatro La Fenice captivates audiences with its incredible opera performances.

venice itinerary 3 days

I’ve included many activities and sights to tailor your 3-day Venice itinerary. Choose from iconic attractions, food tours, off-beat places and boat trips to colourful Venetian islands.

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how many days in venice?

If you are wondering how many days in Venice, I think three nights is a good introduction to the city, allowing you to see the highlights and get a flavour of this fairytale city on the water.

Explore marble palaces and the Grand Canal, slip down Venetian side streets and wander around the quieter neighbourhoods where the locals hang.

The best time to visit Venice is probably between September and November when the city is quieter. The temperature will also be more moderate, and you’ll also find lower hotel rates.

If you are looking for a long weekend in Venice, then check out my comprehensive guide on three days in Venice and start planning your dream city break now!

Day one in Venice

Take a Venice Gondola ride

The most cliché activity in Venice is also one of the loveliest ways of seeing the city. A Venice gondola ride is a pretty pricey endeavour, though. The city of Venice sets official rates for gondola rides, and they ain’t playing.

Gondola rides in Venice cost around €80 for 40 minutes, and the price goes up to € 100 from 7 p.m. onwards. So, if you want to romance your beloved in Venice, you’ll have to cough up, darlings.

It’s important to manage your expectations on a gondola ride. You might expect to quietly float through uninterrupted waterways with ‘O Sole Mio’ being softly sung by your gondolier.

The reality in the peak season is crammed canals and gondoliers loudly chatting with each other. That said, it’s still the best way to see Venice.

Budget gondola rides in Venice

A good way of reducing the cost of a Venice Gondola is by sharing it with others. Up to six people can share a gondola; the price is per boat, not per person. You can reduce the cost significantly by boarding a full boat.

If you are looking for budget gondola rides in Venice, why not consider a shared gondola trip? They are ideal if you are travelling alone or as a couple. If you’re travelling in a group, you can all jump into a gondola together and split the cost.

A good way to get a low-cost gondola selfie is to head to a traghetto stop on the Grand Canal and then pay just €2 to cross the canal.

Sample local dishes on a Venice food tour

Do you love eating your way around a new city? Aspiring foodies should definitely book a Venice food tour. It’s a great way to learn more about the best food in Venice whilst being led by a local guide.

Being led by an expert guide means discovering a unique insight into where Venetians like to dine. Even if you only have three days in Venice, this is a great way to ensure you eat local dishes and delicacies.

Book a Venice food tour

Depending on your group size and budget, you can take several food tours in Venice.

I recommend a Venice street food walking tour if you love to discover local dishes and secret spots. This tour will teach you more about Venetian food and local specialities.

I went on this brilliant tour and felt it was a brilliant introduction to the Venice food scene. On this tour, we visited the Rialto Market, drank wine in bacaris (old bars), and sampled Cicchetti [Venetian snacks]. Booking a Venice food tour is a must for food and wine lovers!

Visit the most beautiful bookshop in Venice

Possibly one of the most photogenic places in Venice, the Libreria Acqua Alta bookshop is a book lover’s heaven. It is overflowing with books, and the odd feline is stretched out lazily over Italian paperbacks.

Libreria Acqua Alta is located in Calle Longa, S. Maria Formosa. It really is a lovely Venice bookshop to visit, especially if you love cats.

Venice book shop

It’s a book-lover paradise here. Wall-to-wall books, maps, magazines and comics are spilling out over shelves. A gondola in the middle of the store is stuffed with books.

Apparently, this is not just a mere decoration but to save the books from flood damage. The rising waters of Venice creep into its alleyways and buildings throughout the year.

The Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore also has a little seating area at the back where you can sink into a large chair that overlooks a canal and watch the boats glide by.

It’s definitely a rather whimsical way of spending an afternoon in Venice when the crowds get too much.

Visit the Rialto fish market

Get a slice of local life at the Rialto fish market. It’s a historic market in Venice where local fishermen sell locally caught fish from the Venetian Laguna to locals.

Here, we learnt more about the history of the Rialto market, including the century’s pricing and sizing system. This can still be seen on a stone slab above the market today.

Venice began regulating the sale of fish in 1173, and vendors caught selling undersized fish were severely punished.

As you wander around, you will see squid, clams, crabs, tuna, swordfish, and eels laid out over ice. It’s quite the experience to absorb the sights and smells of this rustic market.

Day two in Venice

Take a trip to Murano

Looking to explore the lagoon? Why not book a boat trip to the Venetian island of Murano? Murano is located just 1.5km away from Venice and is one of the most popular islands for day-trippers.

Renowned worldwide for its exquisite glassmaking tradition, Murano has a rich history and vibrant culture to discover.

Here, you can explore numerous glass factories and workshops where skilled artisans demonstrate their craft, shaping molten glass into colourful creations.

From delicate vases and colourful figurines to intricate chandeliers and ornate jewellery, Murano glass reflects the artistry and creativity of its makers. Many of the guided Murano tours include visiting the glass-making factory, where you can see the finest glass artworks in the world.

How to get to Murano from Venice

Murano is easy to reach from Venice by water bus. You can travel from the centre of Venice to Murano on the ACTV Vaporetto lines. [The Venice Waterbus network]. These water buses leave from several stops in the centre of Venice.

The quickest way to get to Murano from Venice is to take a Vaporetto from the ACTV docks [located at Fondamente Nove].

If you’re considering travelling around several Venetian islands, you should buy a multi-day unlimited Vaporetto pass when you arrive in Venice. This pass allows you to so that you can hop on and off the Venice public water buses.

Murano glass-blowing tour

One of the best things to do in Murano is to watch a glass-blowing demonstration. Now I know what you’re thinking.

I bet it’s something like, ‘Pip, are you seriously suggesting I spend my time in Venice watching an old Italian man make a vase?’ I was right there with you on the cynicism front at first.

I had a case of wine-induced YOLO one afternoon, though, so I decided to give it a whirl. It turns out that watching Italians shape molten glass is strangely fascinating.

After watching a master craftsman shape glass while a guide describes the various processes and history, you are cordially invited to exit via the factory shop.

Well-played, Venice, well-played. It’s definitely the best place to buy glass in Venice, and it’s also helping to support the local Venice economy.

Buy Murano Glass

Fear not- you aren’t really given the hard sell. In fact, our guide was pleasant enough to answer questions about the area.

He was also kind enough to advise us on how to get to the nearby island of Burano rather than pushing us to purchase an ostentatious glass necklace. If buying coloured glass is your bag, then buy directly from the Murano glass factory.

At least you know that you will acquire an authentic, gaudy glass lampshade made by a local. Murano is worth spending a few hours exploring and stopping for a cheeky Spritz or three.

Discover off-beat Venice neighbourhoods

To lose yourself in Venice is the surest way to fall in love with it. Throw away the map, switch off the GPS, and wander away from the tourist areas.

Venice is divided into six unique neighbourhoods: Dorsoduro, San Marco, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio, and Castello. Each neighbourhood has different attributes and features that are waiting to be explored.

Try and find hidden alleyways and residential areas where you can see Venetians go about their daily lives. The food and drink options will also become more reasonably priced the further you get away from the tourist hot spots.

Spend time really examining the gorgeous architecture, the colours of the canals, and the lines of laundry billowing in the breeze.

Visit Venice Giardini

If you wish to revert to using a map, I recommend walking towards Venice Giardini. Here, you’ll discover a pretty parkland with fewer crowds and relaxing places to sit and regroup.

As far as public gardens go, they’re not exactly spectacular but provide some calm respite from the heat and the crowds. The path by the water also gives great views across the lagoon.

You will also find Serra dei Giardini, a beautiful greenhouse built in 1894 that now serves as a highly Instagrammable flower shop and cafe.

It was really quiet and peaceful when I visited, and I spent a few hours sipping a coffee and relaxing in pretty surroundings.

If hanging with cruise ship crowds is not your travel style, I recommend getting off the beaten path and discovering Venice’s hidden beauty for yourself.

Take a trip to the colourful island of Burano

The picturesque Venetian island of Burano is best known for its colourful fishermen’s houses, lace-making, and seafood. You can book an organised Burano tour or use a Vaporetto pass to take the water bus line number 12 from Venice to Burano.

This water bus leaves from Fondamente Nove. I caught the waterbus from Murano to Burano and had a lovely journey, looking out over the pretty Venetian Lagoon. Most Burano and Murano boat tours typically last around 4-5 hours to fit both islands into one day.

Burano is a small island with around 2,000 full-time residents. Its main industry is tourism. Visitors come to purchase its exquisite lace and photograph the colourful canals and houses. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, it’s much quieter than Vence, especially in the off-season.

Things to do in Burano

The Island of Burano feels like a world away from the bustling crowds of St Mark’s Square. There are small seafood restaurants, peaceful lace shops and local fishing boats bobbing on the horizon.

If you want to see lace being made, head to the historic Martina Vidal atelier. This atelier has three floors of lace clothing, housewares, and gifts.

Make sure to check out the delicious seafood dishes in Burano. The island restaurants specialise in freshly caught fish from the surrounding lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. Frittura mista, seafood risotto and spaghetti vongole all feature heavily on Burano restaurant menus.

I recommend Trattoria da Primo e Paolo, Ristorante Pizzeria Principe, or Panificio Pasticceria Garbo for lunch. Make sure also to try Burano biscuits called “Essi. ” They can be bought in most shops on the island and are the tastiest.

Burano tour from Venice

It really is a photographer’s paradise here, and you can spend many hours taking snaps or perhaps people-watching at one of their pavement cafes.

The best time to take pictures of the houses in Burano is during the golden hour. In this light, you’ll get some really dreamy shots.

If you love travel photography, Burano is probably the best place in Venice to get those dreamy vacation shots for your Insta.

Burano Vaporetto timetable

It’s ridiculously easy to lose track of time when on Burano. It’s not a large island, but there are so many beautiful locations and houses that you can get carried away taking photographs and miss your boat back to Venice.

Make sure to check the Burano Vaporetto timetable so that you know the boat schedule. I almost missed the boat back and had to leg it to the next stop!

If you’re considering travelling around several Venetian islands, you should buy a multi-day unlimited Vaporetto pass when you arrive in Venice. This pass allows you to so that you can hop on and off the Venice public water buses.

Day three in Venice

Venice walking tour

One of the best ways to explore Venice is to see through the eyes of a local on a Venice walking tour. It’s great to have a knowledgeable local guide explaining Venice’s history and adding context to the sights you see.

If you want a whistle-stop tour of the main sights of Venice, then I would book a Venice Guided Walking Tour in advance.

On a typical Venice tour, you’ll see the main sights like the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal. You can also book a combination walking and gondola tour to discover Venice by land and water.

There’s also the option to go on a hidden Venice tour if you want to discover some of the more off-beat places in the city.

St Mark’s Basilica tour

One of the best things about a Venice tour online is that many will include a ‘skip the line’ entry to St Mark’s Basilica.

You can jump to the front of the queue and spend some time inside admiring its architectural features, including mosaics, Byzantine domes and marble-clad walls.

St. Mark’s Basilica is renowned for its distinctive blend of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic architectural elements. Its exterior facade is adorned with intricate mosaics, marble columns, and ornate sculptures, reflecting the wealth and splendour of Venice during its maritime heyday.

The basilica’s interior is equally impressive, featuring a dazzling array of golden mosaics, marble floors, and intricately carved altars. The highlight of the interior is the Pala d’Oro, a remarkable golden altarpiece encrusted with precious gems and intricate enamelwork.

Wander around Venice art galleries

Venice is home to numerous galleries and museums that celebrate its artistic heritage and showcase works by local and international artists.

The Gallerie dell’Accademia houses an extensive collection of Venetian art from the 14th to the 18th centuries, including masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, located in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni along the Grand Canal, features an impressive array of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí.

Where to see art in Venice

Ca’ Pesaro is another fantastic modern art museum featuring artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries.

In addition to its historic museums and galleries, Venice has a thriving contemporary art scene with a growing number of galleries, artist studios, and experimental art spaces.

The Fondazione Prada, located in the historic Ca’ Corner della Regina palace, showcases contemporary art exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural events.

The Punta della Dogana and Palazzo Grassi, owned by the French billionaire François Pinault, hosts modern art exhibitions and installations curated by renowned art professionals.

Where to eat in Venice

Venice is renowned for wildly overpriced food and tourist traps serving shoddy food. While many overpriced venues exist, locally run Venetian restaurants also serve high-quality, reasonably priced dishes. You just have to know where to look.

You can find the city’s best restaurants, cafes, pizzerias and Bacari with some research and insider knowledge.

Try and seek out local, Venetian dishes such as ‘Spaghetti in nero di seppia’, which is spaghetti served with squid and coloured black with squid ink.

Or maybe try seafood dishes; Venice is famous for the fresh fish that is caught in its lagoon. Look out for grilled octopus and ‘Baccala mantecato’, which are dried codfish.

How to avoid ‘tourist trap’ restaurants in Venice

Only 1% of Venice’s San Marco area restaurants are owned and operated by locals. This creates the perfect conditions for many ‘tourist trap restaurants’ to spring up in the city.

There are many tricks to avoid dining in a tourist trap in Venice so that you don’t waste money on over-priced, bland food.

Here are some of the obvious Venice tourist trap restaurant signs:

• The restaurant has boards outside displaying pictures of the food.
• Menus in multiple languages
• International flags on the building
• A sign that reads ‘Tourist menu’
• Waiters standing outside trying to coax you in
• Big ‘No cover charge!’ sign

If you spot any of these things, run for the hills, darlings, [or canals as you are in Venice]. You are about to be charged €30 for watery, lukewarm pasta.

Best pasta in Venice

Instead, try to find Venice restaurants located away from tourist hot spots. I had a gorgeous pasta dish, a glass of house red and a coffee for €10.50 at Ostaria a La Campana. It’s a lovely locals’ Trattoria located on Calle dei Fabbr.

Some of the best places for Pasta in Venice include:

• Osteria San Marco
• Ai Mercanti
• Alle Testiere
• Il Ridotto

Check out a Venice Bacari

When in Venice, try visiting a range of Bacari [local wine bars] to save money on food and have an authentic, local experience. At a Bacari, you can order lovely Cicchetti snacks, which are the Venician take on tapas.

Try flavoursome Bacari snacks in Venice, such as polpette (fried meatballs). Baccalà mantecato (creamed cod), or slices of grilled polenta. Bacari snack prices tend to be around 1-2 euros per snack.

You can also eat Bacari snacks whilst you stand to save money. I ate a delicious selection of Chicchetti at ‘Ristorante Al Bagolo‘, located on Campo S. Giacomo dell’Orio. A few filling snacks and coffee cost only €7.50. It is one of the best Bacari places in Venice, in my opinion.

Feast on Venice Pizza

Many restaurants in Venice serve overpriced, mediocre pizza, especially if you want to sit outside in a touristy area.

I recommend swinging by Pizza 2000 on Campo Sant’Agostin if you want a cheap pizza in Venice. You can pick up a tasty pizza slice for a mere €2 here.

Other great pizza places in Venice include:

• Rossopomodoro
• Pako’s Pizza & Pasta
• Antico Forno
• Pizzería Antico Panificio

Venice coffee

When seeking coffee in Venice, there are a few things to remember. Keep it simple. Order ‘un caffè’ rather than your usual ‘Venti, Soy, No Foam Latte’.

It costs more to sit and drink your coffee in Venice. Why not stand as the locals do and ingratiate yourself into Italian culture? This is a general rule for most Italian cities, including Rome.

Some of the best coffee shops in Venice include:

• L’Ombra del Leone
• Torrefazione Cannaregio
• Café del Doge
• Tea Room Beatrice

If you want to sit down for a coffee, try to find a cafe away from tourist hotspots. I had a reasonably priced cappuccino at Serra dei Giardini.

This is a lovely converted greenhouse cafe located in Viale Giuseppe Garibaldi. They also do a lovely glass of house red for €3.50.

Have a Spritz in Caffè Florian

If you simply must have food or drink in a Venice tourist hot spot, then at least make sure wherever you visit is worthwhile.

If you want to spoil yourself, I recommend enjoying a Spritz at Caffè Florian, on busy St Mark’s Square. It’s the oldest cafe in Venice and has been open since 1720. It’s totally one of the most beautiful cafes in Venice.

St Mark’s Square drinks

Admire the lavish Neo-Baroque decor and listen to a quartet of musicians playing elegant pieces of music.

It costs €13 for an Aperol Spritz, which is quite steep for one drink. The spritz did come with some small snacks, though, which you would hope at that price,

I also had a great seat to listen to the musicians in Caffè Florian. I also made my drink last an hour and a half. Like a pro.

Where to stay in Venice

Venice comprises nine neighbourhoods, including Lido, Murano, San Marco, San Polo and Santa Croce. Each neighbourhood has its own charm and range of hotels and accommodations available.

You can find a hotel to suit your budget and length of time by using my recommended travel resources, such as Booking.com and HotelsCombined, to find the best hotel deals.

The administrative area of Venice covers the lagoon, islands and the mainland, so you’ll need to do some research before you book your stay.

If you want to save money on a city break in Venice, choose the Lido or Mestre as your accommodation base. Another trick is to book your Venice Hotel well in advance to save money.

Getting to Venice

Getting to Venice from the United Kingdom offers a variety of transportation options. Whether you prefer the speed of air travel, the romance of rail journeys, the flexibility of road trips, or the budget-friendliness of coach services, there’s a mode of transportation to suit your preference or budget.

By air

Direct flights from major UK airports like London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) are available.

• Airlines such as British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair operate regular flights to Venice.
• Indirect flights with layovers in major European hubs like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Paris are also options if you can’t find direct flights.

By Train

• Although there are no direct train services from the UK to Venice, you can take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord.
• From Paris, catch a high-speed TGV train to Milan or Turin, then switch to the Italian train service to Venice Santa Lucia station.
• Alternatively, you can use domestic and international trains via France, Switzerland, or Germany to reach Venice.

By Coach

• Coach operators like Eurolines offer long-distance services from London Victoria Coach Station to various European cities, including Venice.
• While coach travel may be more time-consuming, it can be a budget-friendly option for travellers.

Marco Polo Airport to Venice

Be aware that if you are flying into Venice, a private Water Taxi from the airport to Venice costs between 150€ and 200€. There is a cheaper boat ferry service from Marco Polo Airport to Venice on the Alilaguna line. A return ticket on the Alilaguna boat costs around € 27.

The bus is the cheapest way to get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice. The ATVO shuttle bus takes around 25 minutes to get into Venice and costs just € 15 for a return ticket.

The Veneto region has an extensive rail network if you travel by train in Italy. The main cities in the region are handily connected by frequent daily connections. Check out rail times and stations on the Trenitalia website

Venice Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Venice is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer than in the peak summer months.
• Weather: Venice experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Summers (June to August) can be hot and humid, while winters (December to February) are cooler and may bring occasional flooding. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and are ideal for exploring the city.
• Currency: The currency used in Venice and throughout Italy is the Euro (EUR). It’s advisable to exchange currency at banks or official exchange offices for the best rates, and many establishments accept major credit cards.
• Use Water Transport Wisely: To explore Venice’s islands and attractions, use the Vaporetto (water bus) system, or consider hiring a private water taxi for a more luxurious experience.
• Watch Out for High Water: Venice experiences acqua alta (high water) during certain times of the year, so check the forecast and bring appropriate footwear to navigate flooded streets.
• Be Mindful of Pickpockets: Stay vigilant in crowded areas and tourist hotspots, and keep your belongings secure to avoid being a victim of pickpocketing.
• Respect the Environment: Help preserve Venice’s fragile ecosystem by avoiding littering and respecting the city’s unique environment, including its historic buildings and canals.
• Learn Basic Italian Phrases: While many Venetians speak English, knowing a few basic Italian phrases can enhance your travel experience and show respect for the local culture.

Are 3 days in Venice enough?

If you travel plan like a boss, you can see an awful lot in three days in Venice. As one of the world’s greatest cities for art, architecture, and history, you could spend an inordinate amount of time discovering it. However, you must be strategic about what you want to see and do if you are short on time.

I would list your must-see places and then try to book any tours, attraction tickets, and passes in advance so you have secured tickets. A walking tour is also a great way to see many of the highlights of Venice in a few hours.

city break in venice

Another Venice tip is to try and arrive as early as possible on day one and leave as late as possible on day 3, to maximise your time in Venice.

If you have some flexibility in your travel itinerary, you could easily spend a week in Venice without getting bored. It truly is a magical city that will leave you wanting more.

Venice FAQ

Recommended travel resources

Flights: To find flight deals, check out sites such as Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare flight costs and book.

Accommodation: I use Booking.com for hotel bookings as they have fantastic flexibility and cancellation.

Airport Parking and Lounges: With Holiday Extras, you can save money on airport and travel extras, including airport parking, airport hotels, and airport lounges.

Travel Insurance: I highly recommend you always get travel insurance – I use the Post Office Travel Insurance for single trip coverage and Safety Wing for comprehensive travel medical insurance.

Car Hire: I use Discover Cars to hire cars abroad as they have free cancellation, free mileage and no card fees.

Travel Money: I recommend Post Office Travel Money as you can get competitive rates and 0% commission for your holiday cash.

E-sim Cards: Use Airalo’s eSIM app to buy an eSIM for 200+ countries and stay connected when you travel abroad.

For more travel tools, head to my bumper travel resources page now!

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