One Day in Venice Italy:Quick Travel Guide & Itinerary
I have a bit of a controversial opinion- I think Venice Italy is overrated. Before you get too upset, let me explain. Venice is beautiful, and well worth a visit. However, I don’t think you need to spend more than one day in Venice. While beautiful, the city is overpriced, and ranks below many other Italian cities for me.
That said, if you have time to spend one day in Venice on your Italy vacation, I highly recommend you do so. This travel guide and 1-day itinerary for Venice Italy will explain how to make the most of your day and see all of the major sites in a short amount of time.
I’ve been to Venice twice. The first time was as a day trip on a road trip to Rome. The second time was for one night before a Mediterranean cruise. Both times, I have enjoyed wandering the canals and exploring the iconic landmarks.
Keep reading to learn how to plan one day in Venice. For more European vacation tips, check out my ultimate three-week itinerary.
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Itinerary for One Day in Venice
Morning Activity: Canal Cruise
Start your day in Venice off with the most iconic activity in the city – a gondola cruise. In the city full of canals, you absolutely need to get out on the water. Throughout the city, there are gondoliers advertising rides around the canals, so you can simply keep your eye out for one. While this is an option, it is expensive and a bit unreliable.
You can instead book either a private or small group gondola tour ahead of time. The private tour will cost around the same amount as if you approach a gondola in the city. If you are planning a romantic trip or a bucket-list vacation, I highly recommend going with the private option.
However, the small group tour is significantly less expensive and great if you are on a budget. This small group tour also includes an audio guide so you can learn about the city while you cruise around the canals.
Afternoon Activity: Wander the Canals and See the Sites
Following your morning excursion cruising the canals, take some time to wander the streets and view the major sites of Venice. One of my favorite things to do in Venice is wander the canals, down small side streets. You will find stunning views, cute courtyards, and the less busy areas of the city. Be careful, it is very easy to get lost.
In addition to aimless wandering, I recommend viewing some of the most popular sites, listed below. I personally don’t think its necessary to go in any of them, but below are links to pre-purchase tickets in case you want to enter. If you are going to go inside Doge’s Palace or Saint Mark’s Basilica, be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time to save time waiting in line.
Doge’s Palace (ticket) – a scenic landmark that was once the residence of the Doge of Venice, it is now a popular museum
Saint Mark’s Basilica (ticket) – located in Saint Mark’s square and attached to Doge’s palace, this basilica is the religious center of Venice
Bridge of Sighs – the bridge of sighs is a scenic limestone, covered bridge that got its name because it was prisoner’s last view before incarceration, where they would let out a “sigh”.
Rialto Bridge – the oldest and most photographed bridge crossing the grand canal
Evening Activity: Street Food Tour
I truly believe that Italian food is some of the best food in the world. However, many restaurants in Venice are overpriced and very touristy. While there are some great hidden gems, I recommend swapping your dinner plans for this street food tour instead.
The tour includes stops all around town to taste the most popular local foods from local restaurants. The samples should equal a small meal, but you can always purchase more if you are still hungry. In addition to being a great way to enjoy food, this food tour is a fantastic way to learn about the city from a local’s perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions about Venice
Before we get into what to do in Venice in one day, here’s a glance at some frequently asked questions about the island.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
Venice is a very popular destination and gets very busy in the Summer. To avoid the summer crowds, the best time to visit is in May or September, when you can take advantage of the good weather with a few less people around.
What is the currency in Italy?
The currency in Italy is the Euro.
How to get to Venice?
If you are visiting Venice from somewhere in Italy, there is a convenient train station in the city. From the train, you can likely walk or take a water taxi to your hotel.
If you are flying into Venice, the closest airport is the Marco Polo Airport. From there, the best way to get to the city is by boat. There are public water buses that you can catch from the airport by waiting in a short line.
Alternatively, you can book a shared water taxi or a private water taxi. I prefer this option because the price for the shared taxi is comparable to the water bus, but having it prearranged is much more convenient. If you want to arrive in luxury or are traveling with a group, you can splurge on the private water taxi which costs around 4 times as much as one person’s ticket on the shared version.
Where to Stay in Venice Italy
Hotel Danieli – This hotel has great old-world charm, with the inside décor looking like its straight out of a palace. The best benefit is the large rooftop terrace with water views, and the location within a few minutes’ walk of St Mark’s square. The Hotel Danieli also has two onsite restaurants, a bar, and a gym.
Baglioni Hotel Luna – This hotel is another similar option, within St Mark’s square with a very regal ambience. If you are choosing between the Baglioni Hotel Luna, and Hotel Danieli, you cannot go wrong. I’d select based on availability and price during your stay.
Summary of One Day in Venice Italy
Even though I started this blog post by claiming that Venice is overrated, I’ll conclude it by saying its still warrants a visit. During your trip to Italy, be sure to spend one day in Venice to see the amazing canals, learn about the history, and soak in this very unique and beautiful city.
If you are planning an Italian trip, be sure to also check out my guide to Rome.
