Why is Venice so fascinating?

Between its gondolas, its carnival, and especially its baicoli biscuits, Venice has a charm unlike anywhere else. Its canals replacing the streets make the city truly unique. It feels like a real movie set, with that romantic atmosphere every couple dreams of experiencing. This living museum city in Italy is definitely worth visiting.

Today, I'm sharing a 3-day itinerary in the capital of love.

DAY 1 

Morning

Let's start with the great classics of Venice.

Enjoy a little coffee in Saint Mark's Square, the true heart of Venice. It offers a unique atmosphere, especially early in the morning or at sunset. (Be aware that the square can get very crowded.)

Visit St. Mark's Basilica to admire its golden mosaics, then continue to the Doge's Palace to dive into the history of the Republic of Venice. These are two of the city's greatest treasures. With a ticket to the Doge's Palace, you'll also have the chance to cross the Bridge of Sighs. (Fun fact: it's actually not part of the city's 455 official bridges!)

The luxurious rooms of the Doge's Palace contrast strongly with the old prisons, accessible through the famous Bridge of Sighs.

For your tickets to St. Mark's Basilica ➜

For your tickets to the Doge's Palace ➜

Have lunch in the San Marco district or around the Grand Canal. If possible, try to find a small restaurant away from the very touristy streets it will usually be cheaper.

Afternoon

Cross the Bridge of Sighs (perfect for a beautiful photo), then take the vaporetto (water bus) along the Grand Canal. This ride is an excellent way to discover the city, while also being practical, affordable, and faster. Wander through the streets… and try not to fall into the canals. 

For dinner, find yourself a nice pasta or pizza restaurant and enjoy a good glass of spritz by one of the city's canals.

Where to sleep in Venice ?

DAY 2 

Morning 

After a good breakfast, I recommend visiting the Gallerie dell'Accademia. This museum houses the world's largest collection of Venetian paintings.

For your tickets to the Gallerie dell'Accademia ➜

Grab a quick bite in a traditional bacaro to try some cicchetti, the famous Venetian tapas.

Afternoon

A gondola ride is THE must-do activity in Venice and probably on everyone's bucket list at least once in a lifetime. Rides usually last from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the more classic tours, and some are guided. It's more expensive than the vaporetto, but much more authentic for exploring the city.

There are many, many gondola options, but I'm sharing the one I personally tried. Keep in mind that the gondola can be shared with other customers depending on the option chosen (maximum 5 people per gondola).

To book a gondola ride ➜

Afterwards, I recommend simply getting lost in the streets, doing a little shopping for souvenirs, and visiting other monuments depending on your interests, such as La Fenice Opera House, Rialto Bridge, or some of Venice's beautiful churches and basilicas. Here's a small list:

• Basilica Santa Maria della Salute in the Dorsoduro district
• Chiesa di San Sebastiano
• Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
• Chiesa di San Zaccaria
• Chiesa di San Rocco
• Church of San Giovanni Elemosinario

And don't miss Venice's many charming squares:

• Campo San Polo — a lively square with markets and events
• Campo Santa Margherita — very popular with students and locals
• Campo San Giovanni e Paolo — surrounded by historical monuments
• Campo Sant'Aponal — small and typically Venetian
• Campo Sant'Angelo — a peaceful area near Rialto

Tickets for La Fenice Opera House ➜

To end the day, enjoy a lovely dinner by a canal followed by a relaxing evening walk through Venice's quieter and more magical nighttime atmosphere

DAY 3 

Morning

Head to the islands of Burano and Murano, located north of Venice, for the day.

Murano quickly wins visitors over with its charm and international reputation for refined glassmaking. I highly recommend bringing back some Murano glass as a souvenir. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria e Donato, whose mosaic floor is absolutely worth seeing.

Afternoon

Burano, on the other hand, is famous for its lace-making traditions and is considered the prettiest island in the Venice lagoon. Its colorful houses are stunning and perfect for wandering around and taking photos.

Tips for getting there

Take the vaporetto:

• Around 45 minutes from Saint Mark's Square to Murano
• Around 1 hour and 20 minutes to Burano
• Around 45 minutes between the two islands

Guided tours of Burano and Murano ➜

Before leaving, buy your last souvenirs. You can bring home a Carnival mask, a box of baicoli (traditional Venetian biscuits I've tried them and they're delicious!), or even Gianduia, the original chocolate-hazelnut spread that inspired Nutella.

Then, head back to Saint Mark's Square for your final evening in Venice.

And that's it a romantic stay in Venice, a city that captivates visitors with its timeless magic. Enjoy your trip in this incredible city built on a lagoon, where every alley seems to hide another canal. 

Thank you for reading, and see you soon for another travel article!

Ana from New Escapade ✈️