The perfect Venice 2 day itinerary for sightseeing and discovery

Venice is one of the world’s most unique and beautiful cities. Built on over 100 islands in the middle of a lagoon in northern Italy’s Adriatic Sea, it is a riddle of canals, bridges, grand buildings, and multicolour houses. Visitors who fall in love with Venice often return again and again, in hopes of uncovering more of the transcendent city’s seemingly endless marvels.

With just two days in Venice we managed to explore the city’s top spots while still finding time to relax and enjoy the occasional Italian coffee, gelato, and tiramisu. In this 2-day Venice itinerary we explain how it can be done.

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2 days in Venice with a museum pass

Our 2 day Venice itinerary includes a lot of the city’s top attractions as well as a few hidden gems. We used a city card that covered many of the places we visited, and saved a lot of time and money over the course of our 2 days in Venice.

The Venice Museum Pass gives you free entry to many of the attractions in our itinerary below, such as Doge’s Palace, Correr Museum, and the National Museum of Archaeology. Many more sites of interest are included if you want to mix the itinerary up a little or extend your stay.

2 day Venice itinerary: quick view

We visited Venice for three nights and two full days at the beginning of a road trip through Italy, and this itinerary is based on our experience. We’ve made a few tweaks to fine-tune it; in essence, what you’ll read below is exactly how we’d structure the trip if we were to go back and do it again.

It’s a city we’d wanted to see together for many years, and with limited time, we wanted to pack in as much sightseeing as we could without exhausting ourselves. This is how the itinerary looks in brief:

Day 1:

• 9am: Doge’s Palace
• 10:30am: coffee break
• 11am: explore San Marco by foot
• 12:30pm: lunch in San Marco
• 2pm: St Mark’s Basilica
• 2:30pm: Museo Correr, the National Museum of Archaeology and State Library Marciana
• 4:30pm: Grand Canal boat tour
• 6:30pm: dinner in Campo Santa Margherita
• 8:30pm: Interpreti Veneziani Baroque Musical Performance

Day 2:

• 8am: head to the Jewish Quarter and explore by foot
• 9am: grab coffee and a bite at Torrefazione Cannaregio (go easy as the food tour is coming up!)
• 9:30am: Museo Ebraico (Jewish Museum)
• 10:00am or 10:30am: Venice Street Food Tour
• Optional: skip the food tour, continue to explore the quarter, and grab lunch on your own
• 2pm: Scuola Grande di San Rocca
• 2:30pm: Leonardo Da Vinci Museum
• 4:30pm: gelato at Il Doge
• 5pm: city view from Scala Contarini del Bovolo
• 6pm: have dinner with a local family

2 day Venice itinerary

Day 1: San Marco and Grand Canal

Our itinerary begins in the San Marco district, the historic heart of the city and home to its most iconic landmarks.

Tip: if you’re walking to San Marco from the bus terminal, aim for Rialto Bridge to cross the Grand Canal by foot. Google Maps took us to the public ferry terminal, which costs €7.50 to use.

9am: beat the crowds to Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace, also known as Palazzo Ducale, is a gothic palace that was the seat of government in Venice for many centuries, and the home of the Doge, the elected ruler of the city for over a thousand years.

Inside the palace grounds you can witness the grand courtyard, and then venture on via the golden staircase into private 16th-century rooms with spectacular painted ceilings. Deeper into the complex you can see historic weapons in the armoury, and walk through the famous Bridge of Sighs into the prisons.

The palace is one of the most popular attractions in Venice. Even during the off-season it can get crowded, and it’s not unusual for the queues outside to extend right round the corner into Piazza San Marco.

The best way to beat the crowds is to arrive early. Aim to get to the entrance (located on the south-facing seafront side) at 9am, when the palace opens.

10.30am: take a coffee break

After a solid 1–2 hours exploring the impressive Doge’s Palace, you’ll be ready to sit down for a break. We were, that’s for sure! The cafés around Piazza San Marco are a stylish experience, but they tend to get very busy and charge marked-up tourist prices. If you walk for just a couple of minutes north of the square into the backstreets, you’ll find some quieter and cheaper options.

11am: stroll around San Marco

Take some free time and explore the area around San Marco on foot. The square itself is stunning, and this is a good time of day to see it in full light. Down on the seafront you can see the imposing structures of Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore across the water, and the Bridge of Sighs back across Rio del Palazzo.

Much of Venice’s magic, however, is in getting lost on the narrow backstreets and endless canals. It’s a paradise for hobby photographers and quirky cityscape lovers, and when you get away from the main square it’s so much quieter, too.

If you didn’t already see Rialto Bridge on the way into San Marco, take a walk up to it via the backstreets and catch a glimpse of the views down the Grand Canal. The boat tour later will take you under it, but it’s a must to see the view from the top of the bridge, too!

12:30pm: stop for lunch

Just as with the coffee houses, the restaurants and eateries in San Marco are among the city’s most expensive. However, we found a great little spot to buy some delicious, traditional, low-cost lunch just two minutes from the main piazza.

Dal Moro’s is a hole-in-the-wall, street-food style joint that serves up freshly cooked pasta dishes in takeaway boxes. The menu is simple, the food is delicious and you get to see it cooked right in front of you, with sauces made to order.

This kind of thing is right up our street, but if you’d rather sit down to eat, you won’t need to walk far to find some fantastic restaurants for a pasta, pizza, or salad lunch.

2pm: step inside St Mark’s Basilica

After lunch has settled it’s time to see another one of Venice’s most fabled icons. St Mark’s Basilica is the huge and ornate domed cathedral that stands on the eastern side of Piazza San Marco – you can’t miss it when you first step into the square. It has been the city’s cathedral for over two centuries.

If you think the outside looks impressive, just wait until you take a look inside. I’ve seen the interior of hundreds of cathedrals over the years, but I don’t exaggerate when I say that St Mark’s tops the list. Looking up you will see 8,000 square metres of mosaics glowing in gold and oaky brown, over eight centuries in the making.

We skipped the queue for St Mark’s Basilica with fast-track entry, which saved us oodles of precious time. Be aware that if you’re visiting on a Sunday (like we did) or on a national holiday, it doesn’t open until 2pm. The queues stack up quickly, even for fast-track entry, so it’s best to arrive a few minutes before the gates open.

You’ll also need to leave any bags in a luggage deposit across the road at Ateneo San Basso (which is free), so factor in time for that, and make sure you are wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and legs.

If you’re about on a weekday or Saturday then you could consider visiting before lunch to allow more time for the afternoon’s activities.

2.30pm: Museo Correr, the National Museum of Archaeology and State Library

A short walk across Piazza San Marco from St Mark’s Basilica you will see Museo Correr on the opposite side of the square. This vast museum, which stretches right around into the building on the south side of the square, explores centuries of Venetian art and history.

This section of the Piazza San Marco was originally built under Napoleon’s rule in the early 19th century, and later renovated by the Austrian Habsburg Empire. As you venture inside Museo Correr and upstairs, you will walk through the rooms of Franz Joseph and Empress Sissi, presented in their original furnishings. Further inside, the museum is filled with artefacts, treasures and masterful artworks documenting centuries of the city’s past.

Museo Correr adjoins to two more attractions covered by the Venice Museum Pass: the National Museum of Archeology and the State Library. The archaeology museum displays a series of ancient sculptural artefacts, while the library is one of the city’s most remarkable building interiors, dating back to the 16th century.

It can take a while to queue for Museo Correr, and so by the time you’ve looked around you will probably be ready for another break. We had a coffee in the museum’s café, which was the perfect short interlude, with our next stop just around the corner.

4:30pm: take a Grand Canal boat tour

We rounded out our first of 2 days in Venice with a scenic and relaxing Grand Canal boat tour! Whether you decide to explore it by boat or on a classic gondola ride, the Grand Canal is a must while you are in the city.

Between October and April the last ride is at 4:30pm. Whatever time you choose to take the tour, you’ll need to arrive at least 15 minutes early at the meeting point by Giardini Reali.

The tour lasts an hour, and is accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who narrates the journey, explaining the stories behind the notable buildings and structures passed along the way. Sit back, relax, and have your camera ready, as there are some great shots up and down the canal.

6.30pm: dinner in Campo Santa Margherita

Before visiting Venice we were given a tip-off by a friend who used to live in the city who suggested we check out Campo Santa Margherita. This little neighbourhood is only about a 15-minute walk from San Marco, but is less tourist-infested and has some excellent places to eat and drink. It’s a great place to enjoy Venice at night like a local.

There are several cafés and restaurants dotted around Campo Santa Margherita’s main square. These were filled mainly with locals when we visited, which is always a good sign! We chose to sit outside at a place called Margaret Duchamp on the corner of the square, where we enjoyed some very nice local food, wine, and an aperol spritz, all at a very good price.

If you fancy a drink afterwards, check out Chet Bar, a trendy little bar just off the north side of the square.

8:30pm: Interpreti Veneziani Baroque Musical Performance at the San Vidal Church

This 1.5 hour concert is not to be missed! A very talented string sextet plays Vivaldi’s beloved “Four Seasons” in the San Vidal Church every evening, and it is quite enchanting. You can dress casually, and the show regularly sells out so book in advance, arrive early for a good seat, and be prepared for an inspirational evening. A perfect choice for classical music lovers and, truth be told, this concert turned me into one!

2 day Venice itinerary, day 2: exploring the city’s layers of history

The second day of our itinerary focuses outside of San Marco, exploring a range of museums and buildings that unveil Venice’s complex and diverse history.

8am: head to the Jewish Quarter and explore by foot

We began the second of our two days in Venice in the historic Jewish Quarter of Venice, located in the Cannaregio area on the north of the main islands. Today it is a quaint and pretty corner of the city, but its past is a dark and troubled one, having functioned as a ghetto for Venetian Jews for over four centuries.

9am: grab a coffee and a bite at Torrefazione Cannaregio

The main square of Ghetto Nuovo is at the heart of the Jewish Quarter. We suggest to head here and grab a coffee and pastry in a local café to hold you over until the food tour coming up later in the morning. We found a lovely modern-chic one called Torrefazione Cannaregio, complete with canalside outdoor seating, just across Rio Della Misericordia from the square.

9.30am: explore Museo Ebraico (Jewish Museum of Venice)

A small museum on the corner of the Ghetto Nuovo square, Museo Ebraico tells the story of Jewish history in Venice. Built between two of the city’s oldest synagogues, the museum displays a collection of artefacts that bring to life Jewish festivities, immigration to Venice over the ages, and the oppressive years of the ghetto era.

In the square outside the museum there is a sequence of memorial plaques that commemorate Venetian Jewish Holocaust victims.

10:00am or 10:30am: Venice Street Food Tour: taste your way across the city

A Venice walking street food tour is the best way to get a sampling of local food, while having fun in a group! Your savvy guide will share fascinating titbits about Venetian snacks, desserts, and delicacies while you get plenty of choices sampling. With five stops and something for everyone, this tour is highly rated and never disappoints.

Optional: if you don’t feel like taking a group food tour, simply continue exploring the Jewish Quarter on foot, per below; there’s so much to see!

11:30am: Optional: continue discovering the Jewish Quarter by foot

The Cannaregio district of Venice is a maze of narrow walkways, canals, and bridges, as well as interesting buildings such as the Church of Madonna dell’Orto and the Malibran Theatre. We got lost in this part of the city with our camera, which was a lot of fun. You don’t have to go far to find a café either if you want another coffee stop.

Rather than exploring this area of Venice independently, you could choose to take a Jewish Ghetto walking tour. These run at various times through the day, with the 10am option fitting neatly into our suggested Venice 2 day itinerary.

2pm: witness the paintings inside Scuola San Rocco

This historical building of Scuola Grande di San Rocca boasts magnificent inner halls with wall and ceiling paintings, once home to one of the city’s biggest confraternities.

The building contains several masterpieces by 16th century artist Tintoretto depicting biblical imagery, considered to be some of his greatest work.

2.30pm: get interactive in the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum

The Leonardo Da Vinci Museum pays tribute to one of the finest human minds ever to have existed. This is no ordinary museum, either; with a VR game, video stories, and the chance to try out several reconstructions of Da Vinci inventions, it is a highly interactive affair. It was a major highlight of our trip.

At the beginning you will see reproductions of Da Vinci’s most famous artworks along with explanations of their context and meaning. More displays delve into his scientific works, his inventions, his quest to better understand the human body, and his military strategising.

Tip: the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum is located opposite the entrance to Scuola San Rocca. Google Maps gives a different location in the Dorsoduro district, which is incorrect.

4:30pm: indulge in a gelato at Il Doge

It would almost be a crime to leave Venice without having at least one gelato treat. Gelaterias are dotted all over the city, but our favourite was Gelateria Il Doge. Just five minutes’ walk from the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum it fits perfectly into our route.

5pm: see the city from Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Our last sightseeing stop is at Scala Contarini del Bovolo. This arched, spiral staircase leads to an observation deck from where you can see out across the city rooftops in all directions.

The stony staircase has stood for over five centuries, combining elements of renaissance, gothic, and byzantine architectural styles. Partway up you can stop to see artworks in the gallery of Sala del Tintoretto. But the real treat is when you get to the top… enjoy the view!

6pm: have dinner with a local family

Exploring Venice as a tourist is phenomenal, but there’s nothing like getting a peek into the lives of locals, apart from the touristic and public venues. I was excited to discover that you can book a 3-course dining experience with a local and have a meal at someone’s home! You can go it alone, as a couple, or in a group, and you’ll get matched up with a host who fits your preferences. It was an incredible evening, the food was lovely, and it was nice to make a new friend! You can read all about my experience and I highly recommend trying it out on your next trip to Venice.

More Ideas: if you can stay longer in Venice

There are so many other restaurants and activities you could enjoy if you have more time in Venice. Once you fall under the city’s magical spell, you will want to return for more – we certainly have! Here are a few additional highlights, when you have time.

Relax with a slice of Venetian tiramisu and a coffee

Nothing makes a trip to Venice more complete than a delicious slice of tiramisu. We enjoyed one with an Italian coffee in a place called Snack Bar San Vidal on the corner of Campo Santo Stefano, a large public square just a few minutes’ walk from Scala Contarini del Bovolo.

This place also does pizzas and pastas for a light dinner, or you can choose from several other restaurants around the square.

Take a boat tour to the islands of Murano and Burano

For a chance to visit the colourful islands of Murano and Burano, this half-day boat tour is perfect. Your knowledgeable guide will fill you in on cultural details about the islands, and you can enjoy the brightly-painted houses in Burano as you glide by and when you stop for a wander down the streets. You’ll get to see a traditional glass-blowing demonstration in Murano and visit a lace factory in Burano.

There’s time for a meal and snacks, and it’s a charming, peaceful way to pass a morning or afternoon in Venice!

Enjoy a trattoria lunch at Al Ponte del Megio

The Santa Croce district offers plentiful choices of restaurants to grab some lunch within close proximity to many of Venice’s iconic spots. Wandering past churches and squares, a whole host of places with outdoor seating offer lunchtime deals on pizza, pasta, focaccia, and the like.

Another recommendation we were given by our former Venice-dwelling friend was Trattoria Al Ponte del Megio, a warm and welcoming place run by a Venetian family. It serves tasty local cuisine in a pleasant canalside setting.

You could also consider adding a visit to Venice’s lagoon islands to your itinerary. We recommend checking out this list of Instagrammable places in Venice to inspire even more ideas.

2 day Venice itinerary: map of attractions

Use the map below to navigate the Venice attractions highlighted in our itinerary:

Where to stay for 2 days in Venice

Venice is well geared up for visitors and there is no shortage of places to stay around the city. Many choose to stay on the main islands, but we opted instead to base ourselves in Mestre at Anda Venice Hostel.

This is one of the most stylish hostels we’ve stayed in before, with colourful, funky furnishings and bright, high-ceilinged communal areas that are great for hanging out or getting some work done. There’s a bar too, which holds regular events, and it also serves amazing pizzas! 

Private rooms are available in addition to hostel dorms, and the facilities are spotless throughout. It’s a great option if you want to save a bit of money.

From Mestre it’s only 15 minutes by bus or train into the heart of Venice city. This district over on the mainland is a bit more offbeat, but with plenty of accommodation options, shops, and restaurants. We also stumbled across a lively night market while out walking one evening. 

Hotel Moresco is a brilliant option, if you want to splash out on a luxury stay. With elegant 19th-century styling and modern conveniences, you can enjoy a quiet stay in comfort. The property is just a few minutes’ walk from Piazzale Roma, and in addition to the beautiful furnishings and atmosphere, the staff is super-acommodating, which is a big plus!

If you want to keep costs down, a great choice is Ostello Santa Fosca, where I stayed in Venice in winter on a workation. It has dorm rooms and private rooms, with private bathroom options, too. The hostel’s location right on Venice Island is convenient, and it also had a well-equipped kitchen and helpful staff.

Hotel Ca’ dei Conti is another one of our favourites in Venice, that falls in the mid-range rate (for Venice!). It’s a 4-star hotel, originally a property owned by Venetian aristocrats in the 18th century. It has a central, prime location, overlooks a canal, and has lovely, romantic furnishings. There are lots of restaurants and shops within easy walking distance; an all-round great choice, especially for couples.

For more ideas on where to stay for 2 days in Venice, see our guides to affordable hotels in Venice and hotels with canal views in Venice.

Best times to visit Venice

The hype is real… there is no doubt that Venice is one of the best places to visit in Northern Italy. But choosing the right time of year to visit can have a big impact on your enjoyment of the city.

We spent 2 days in Venice in April, which we found was really a sweet spot. The weather is warm and sunny in spring, with typical highs of around 20° in April. This makes it pleasant to enjoy, but not too hot for sightseeing by foot.

Spring in Venice is also a lot quieter than the height of summer, which means that tourist attractions will be much less crowded, and you might find cheaper prices for accommodation and tours. Visiting around September/October is a similar vibe to this as well.

Our most recent visit was in February during Carnival, which is a magical time to experience the city. See our guide to visiting Venice in winter for all you need to know about the low season.

More itineraries for cities in Europe

If you’re heading to Rome on your Italy travels, check out this 4-day Rome itinerary.

If you’re travelling elsewhere in Europe, you may find some of our other itineraries and articles useful:

• The perfect 3-day Barcelona itinerary for first-time visitors
• The perfect 3-day Malta itinerary for sightseeing and exploration
• 14 things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia (with sample itinerary)

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