More about: Venice in 1 Day: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit
Venice is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and also one of the most spectacular. Canals, palaces, churches and squares make this floating city a truly unique place. Trying to see it all in a single day might seem a bit daft, but if you follow this circular itinerary, you’ll be able to visit the most important sights and soak up the city’s atmosphere in just a few hours.
Start by cruising along the Grand Canal
Start your tour at Santa Lucia station, the main arrival point in Venice. From there, you can hop on a vaporetto or book a gondola ride to explore the Grand Canal, the city’s main waterway.
On your way to St Mark’s Square, you’ll see buildings such as Ca’ Pesaro, the Venice Casino and the iconic Rialto Bridge from the water.
Further information
- What to see and do on the Grand Canal
- Cruises and boat trips
- Venice transport card for travelling by vaporetto.
Choose St Mark’s Square as your starting point
St Mark’s Square is the heart of Venice and the ideal starting point. Here you’ll find St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Clock Tower and the Procuratie. You can take a break at the historic Caffè Florian, although the prices are high.
Further information
- Check the weather forecast and the acqua alta conditions.
- Complete guide to St Mark’s Square
Explore St Mark’s Basilica
This impressive Byzantine-style church houses the relics of the city’s patron saint. Its gilded façade and mosaic-filled interior will leave you speechless. Don’t forget to climb the bell tower for one of the best views of Venice.
Further information
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues.
- Best option: a guided tour with priority access.
Discover the Doge’s Palace
Right next to the basilica, this Gothic building was the residence of the doges and the seat of the Venetian government. Inside, you’ll explore the halls of power as well as the dungeons connected by the Bridge of Sighs.
Further information
- Tickets for the Doge’s Palace with skip-the-queue access.
- Prices and what to see inside
Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs
Venice’s most famous bridge is crossed from the inside during the tour of the palace, but don’t forget to see it from the outside too. Its name has nothing to do with love, but rather with the sighs of prisoners as they saw the sun for the last time.
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Stop for a bite to eat near St Mark’s Square
Make the most of your visit to sample Venetian cuisine: pasta, seafood and local dishes. In the streets near the square, you’ll find more affordable eateries such as Da Mamo or Rossopomodoro.
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Take a leisurely stroll to the Rialto Bridge
After lunch, walk for 10–15 minutes to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal. Take the opportunity to enjoy the views, cross from one neighbourhood to another and browse the stalls surrounding the bridge, where you can buy souvenirs or try a gelato.
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Head back to the canal to reach the Accademia Bridge
From Rialto, you can take a vaporetto to the Accademia Bridge, one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. This wooden bridge is very photogenic and offers direct views of the dome of Santa Maria della Salute.
It also connects to the Dorsoduro district, home to the Accademia Gallery, a must-see museum if you have more time.
Further information
- Even if you don’t go inside, its exterior and location are well worth a stop.
Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
Just a few steps from the bridge, this Baroque church stands out for its monumental dome and its location on the Punta della Dogana. It was built in gratitude to the Virgin Mary following a devastating plague, and today it is one of Venice’s most recognisable churches.
Inside, you’ll find several works by Titian and a sober, monumental atmosphere.
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Catch a glimpse of the sunset at Santa Maria to round off the day
Punta della Dogana is one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Venice. From here, you can watch the sun set over the lagoon and be reflected on the façade of the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, directly opposite on the other bank.
It’s the perfect way to round off a full day in Venice. You can stay a little longer, take some photos, or take the vaporetto back to St Mark’s Square and have dinner in the area.