Venice: the city of canals

Venice: 3 Days in the Floating City

There’s no place quite like Venice. The magical city built on water, with its winding canals, historic piazzas, and romantic gondola rides, captures the imagination of anyone who visits. Venice may be a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and bridges, but it’s also a place where art, history, and culture blend seamlessly. From the grandeur of Piazza San Marco to the quiet beauty of hidden canals, Venice offers a sensory experience like no other.

Let’s dive into a 3-day itinerary that will help you uncover the many faces of Venice, from its iconic landmarks to its charming hidden corners.

Day 1: The Heart of Venice: San Marco and the Grand Canal

Morning: Piazza San Marco and the Basilica

Start your Venice adventure at the Piazza San Marco, one of the most famous squares in the world. The square is always bustling, but its beauty remains timeless. Your first stop should be the iconic Basilica di San Marco, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. With its shimmering mosaics, opulent interior, and impressive domes, this church is a testament to Venice's wealth and power during the Middle Ages. Be sure to take a moment to admire the Pala d’Oro, a golden altarpiece encrusted with precious gems, and the Mosaic Domes, which depict scenes from the Bible.

After exploring the Basilica, step outside and admire the Campanile di San Marco, the bell tower that rises above the square. For a bird's-eye view of Venice, take the elevator up to the top. The panoramic views of the city, its canals, and the surrounding islands are breathtaking, especially in the morning light.

Lunch: Café Florian and Venetian Delights

For lunch, head to Caffè Florian, one of the oldest coffee houses in Europe, located in the Piazza San Marco. Established in 1720, this café has been serving Venetian coffee and pastries to celebrities and artists for centuries. Sit back, enjoy a cappuccino, and savor Venetian treats like fritelle (fried doughnuts) or tiramisu.

Afternoon: The Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge

No visit to Venice is complete without a ride along the Grand Canal, the city’s main waterway. The Grand Canal is lined with magnificent palaces and historic buildings, offering a unique view of Venice’s architecture. You can hop on a vaporetto (water bus), which will take you up and down the canal, or splurge on a gondola ride for the full Venetian experience.

After your ride, make your way to the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most famous landmarks. The bridge offers stunning views of the Grand Canal, and the surrounding area is filled with markets and shops where you can buy everything from souvenirs to fresh produce. If you’re in the mood for shopping, take a stroll through the nearby Mercato di Rialto, the city’s oldest market, where locals shop for fresh fish, vegetables, and other local specialties.

Evening: Sunset at the Grand Canal and Dinner in Dorsoduro

As the evening sets in, head to the Dorsoduro district. This quieter area of Venice is home to many art galleries and historic buildings, and it’s perfect for a relaxing evening. Take a stroll along the canal, stopping to admire the view as the sun sets over the water.

For dinner, head to Antiche Carampane, a charming and traditional Venetian restaurant located in Dorsoduro. Known for its rustic yet refined atmosphere, this restaurant serves delicious local dishes such as risotto al nero di seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink) and fegato alla veneziana (Venetian-style liver). Pair your meal with a glass of Prosecco or local Venetian wine.

Day 2: Hidden Venice: Art, Culture, and Secret Canals

Morning: Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Accademia Gallery

Start your second day in Venice with a dose of art. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, located on the Grand Canal, is one of the most important modern art museums in Italy. The museum is housed in a beautiful 18th-century palace and features works by famous artists such as Picasso, Dalí, and Pollock. Stroll through the museum’s intimate galleries, and enjoy the impressive sculpture garden overlooking the canal.

Afterward, make your way to the nearby Galleria dell’Accademia, a must-see for art lovers. This museum showcases Venice’s greatest masterpieces, with works by artists like Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese. The gallery is housed in a former convent and offers a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere compared to the bustling attractions of the city.

Lunch: Venetian Cuisine in Campo Santa Margherita

For lunch, head to Campo Santa Margherita, a lively square in the Dorsoduro district. This area is known for its vibrant cafés and restaurants, popular with both locals and students. Stop at Caffè Rosso for a casual bite, where you can try a cicchetti platter (Venetian tapas) with small bites like sarde in saor (marinated sardines), baccalà mantecato (creamy codfish), and mozzarella in carrozza (fried mozzarella sandwiches).

Afternoon: Discovering the Lesser-Known Canals and Hidden Corners

After lunch, it’s time to explore some of Venice’s hidden corners. While the Grand Canal is famous, the smaller canals offer an equally enchanting experience, especially as the crowds thin out in the afternoon. Take a leisurely stroll or hop on a gondola to explore the narrow canals that wind their way through the city’s lesser-known districts. You’ll pass picturesque bridges, colorful houses, and quaint alleyways, with plenty of opportunities to capture the essence of Venice’s unique charm.

Head to Cannaregio, a quieter area of Venice where you can find the Ghetto Vecchio (the Jewish Ghetto), one of the oldest in Europe. The synagogues and museums in this area offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of Venice’s Jewish community.

Evening: Sunset at the Rialto Market and Dinner in Santa Croce

As the day winds down, head back towards the Rialto Market to watch the sunset over the Grand Canal. The vibrant market is less crowded in the evening, and you can enjoy the view as the sun dips behind the buildings. It’s a perfect spot for a photo or a moment of reflection.

For dinner, venture to Santa Croce, an area that’s home to many traditional Venetian restaurants. Osteria da Alberto offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere with excellent seafood and traditional Venetian dishes. Try the spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) or baccalà mantecato with polenta. Don’t forget to end your meal with a delicious Venetian dessert, such as tiramisu or frittelle.

Day 3: The Islands of Venice: Murano, Burano, and Torcello

Morning: Murano Island – Glassmaking and History

On your final day in Venice, take a boat ride to Murano, the island famous for its glassmaking tradition. It’s just a short 20-minute ride from the city center, and once you arrive, you’ll find yourself in a quieter, more relaxed part of Venice. Murano is renowned for its delicate glassware, and visiting one of the island’s glass factories is a must. You’ll have the chance to see skilled artisans at work, creating beautiful glass sculptures, vases, and jewelry.

Visit the Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) to learn about the history of glassmaking on the island, from ancient Roman times to the present day.

Lunch: Seafood by the Water in Burano

From Murano, hop on a boat to the picturesque island of Burano, known for its brightly colored houses and charming canals. Burano is also famous for its lace-making tradition, so be sure to check out some of the lace shops around the island. For lunch, stop at Ristorante Al Gatto Nero, a local favorite offering fresh seafood dishes such as risotto with prawns and grilled fish. Dining here while overlooking the vibrant canals of Burano is a perfect way to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the island.

Afternoon: Torcello Island – Venice’s Ancient Roots

After lunch, continue your island-hopping adventure with a trip to Torcello, a quiet island that offers a glimpse of Venice’s ancient past. Here, you can visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, famous for its Byzantine mosaics. The island is a peaceful retreat, with just a few charming shops and quiet walking paths, making it a perfect place for a relaxing afternoon stroll.

Evening: A Farewell Gondola Ride and Dinner at a Venetian Trattoria

Return to Venice in the late afternoon, and take one final gondola ride along the canals to reflect on your unforgettable time in the city. The soft sound of the gondola’s oars and the serene waterways are the perfect way to say goodbye to Venice.

For your final dinner, head to Antiche Carampane for a traditional Venetian meal in an intimate, romantic setting. Try dishes like risotto nero (black risotto with cuttlefish) or fegato alla veneziana (liver Venetian style). Finish your meal with a sweet dessert, like zuppa inglese, and raise a glass of Prosecco to your Venetian adventure.

Venice: A City That Lives and Breathes Magic

Venice is unlike any other city. Whether you’re strolling through its historic piazzas, getting lost in its narrow streets, or gazing out over the canals, the magic of Venice is undeniable. From the grand landmarks to the hidden gems, Venice offers an experience that’s both enchanting and unforgettable. So, whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, Venice will continue to inspire and captivate, as it has for centuries.