Spending a Day in Venice? Here’s the Ultimate Itinerary

It’s common for tourists to visit Venice for only one day. So, there’s no reason to worry about whether you’ll have enough time to savor this beautiful city. Still, you want to make the most of your short visit. That’s where our well-planned itinerary comes into play.

But before you set off on a memorable Venetian adventure, leave behind everything that might slow you down or dampen your mood. This includes your bulky luggage. Take advantage of convenient luggage storage locations throughout Venice, and then follow this itinerary without a care in the world.

8 a.m. – Grab a Quick Breakfast

You might be eager to start your Venice adventure as soon as possible but don’t forget to grab breakfast before you head out. After all, you’re looking at hours of strolling the charming streets of this floating city, so you’ll need to keep your strength up.

9 a.m. – Take a Peaceful Stroll Along St. Mark’s Square

Housing numerous attractions in Venice, St. Mark’s Square (or Piazza San Marco, if you will) is probably the city’s most iconic location. Why start here? Shouldn’t it be the grand finale of your one-day trip? Well, visit this square past 8 or 9 a.m., and the only thing you’ll see will be a bustling hive of tourists vying for the perfect selfie spot and endless flocks of pigeons clamoring for crumbs.

9:30 a.m. – Explore the Exquisite Beauty of St. Mark’s Basilica

You probably won’t need half an hour to walk around St. Mark’s Square. But the earlier you get there, the earlier you can queue to enter St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco). Why waste your time queuing? The answer is simple – the St. Mark’s Basilica is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Venice’s architectural treasures.

This ecclesiastical building epitomizes Byzantine grandeur and will wow you with its exquisite ornate details.

10:30 a.m. – Immerse Yourself in History at the Doge’s Palace

Those interested in Venice’s fascinating history will have a field day at the Doge’s Palace. Formerly the Venetian Empire’s seat of government, this masterpiece of Gothic architecture will blow you away with opulent chambers and hidden passages. Touring them will likely take around three hours, so it’s best to check it off your itinerary while you have the stamina to appreciate them fully.

1:30 p.m. – Enjoy a Delightful Lunch at Ristorante Cantina Canaletto

Whatever shape you’re in, a three-hour tour of the Doge’s Palace will probably leave you needing a well-deserved break. And that’s precisely what’s coming up, with a delicious meal as a bonus! We recommend eating at the Ristorante Cantina Canaletto for an authentic Italian cuisine experience that isn’t an overly-priced tourist trap.

3 p.m. – Listen to the Whispers of History at the Bridge of Sighs

Wondering where all those fairytale-like IG shots from Venice come from? The likely answer is the lookout to the Bridge of Sighs (or Ponte dei Sospiri since everything sounds more romantic in Italian!). While this bridge may look and sound awfully romantic, its history is more awful than romantic. Namely, it was allegedly used to take prisoners from the Doge’s Palace to execution, making it the place of their last “sigh.”

4 p.m. – Delve Into Art at the Accademia Gallery

The Accademia Gallery, or the Gallerie Dell’Accademia, is the place to visit if you’re an art lover. Here, you can see a magnificent collection of pre-19th-century Venetian paintings, as well as one of Leonardo da Vinci’s best-known works, the Vitruvian Man.

5 p.m. – Embark on a Romantic Journey Through the Venetian Canals

Can you really say you went to Venice without taking a world-famous gondola ride? If you want to splurge, book a private ride for you and your party. For travelers on a budget, a shared gondola ride will do the trick.

5:30 p.m. – Get Lost in the Enchanting Back Streets of Venice

This is the part where you forget about this itinerary for a while and uncover the treasures of the city’s lesser-known streets. Take some time to wander freely and absorb the authentic atmosphere of local neighborhoods, away from the tourist crowds.

8 p.m. – Unwind With an Aperitivo

As the sun sets over Venice, find the perfect spot to indulge in an aperitivo, the No. 1 pastime in Venice. Use this time to unwind after a long day of sightseeing, do some people-watching, and soak in the captivating views of the city.

24 Hours in Venice: A Day to Remember

Whether you stick to this itinerary 100% or tweak it to fit your preferences, we’re positive your day in Venice will be one to remember.