One Day in Venice Itinerary – How to spend 24h in Venice, Italy

I’ve had the pleasure of exploring Venice many times—sometimes as a day trip, other times over several days. Each visit only deepens my love for this magical city with its winding canals, historic charm, and hidden gems.

I’ve packed all the best of Venice in this one day itinerary, ensuring you get a full experience even with limited time.

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Be ready for a lot of walking because this Venice itinerary will have you exploring every nook and cranny. Lace up your comfy shoes and prepare for an adventure—you’ll be covering a lot of ground!

One Day in Venice Itinerary

I’ve crafted this one day in Venice itinerary to include the very best of Venice. We’ll cover must-see spots like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, along with some hidden gems you might otherwise miss. 

This Venice in one day itinerary is packed to the brim and requires plenty of walking, but that’s the best way to truly experience Venice.

If you prefer a guided tour of all of Venice then join this Venice in a day walking tour which will take you to the main landmarks and includes a guided visit to the Basilica, Dodge’s palace as well as a gondola ride. This tour is great if you want an easy way of exploring Venice but you’ll be skipping many of the sights I recommend below.

Book your Venice tour:
Legendary Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge’s Palace
Venice In a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doges Palace & Gondola ride

Morning – San Marco

You’ll spend your morning in the heart of Venice exploring the main attractions on Piazza San Marco and this itinerary is planned to allow you to join this Legendary Venice guided tour in the morning which includes a guided visit of St Mark’s Basilica with terrace access and the Dodge’s Palace.

Book your Venice tour:
Legendary Venice guided tour

8:00 AM: Piazza San Marco

Start your morning in Venice by hopping on a vaporetto and heading straight to Piazza San Marco. This famous square is home to some of Venice’s most important buildings, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the bell tower, and Doge’s Palace.

If you get here early, grab an overpriced coffee at one of the bars in the piazza—worth every cent for the people-watching alone.

8:15 AM: Basilica di San Marco

Join this guided tour and head inside St. Mark’s Basilica, a stunning Byzantine-style church completed in 1094. Marvel at its round domes, columns, and golden mosaics. Don’t miss the famous Pala d’Oro high altar. Remember to close your mouth occasionally to catch your breath.

Read next: Your guide to St. Mark’s Basilica

As one of the major attractions in Venice, the line to enter the basilica can get quite long so if you decide not to join the Legendary Venice tour, make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Book your tickets:
Skip the line St Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge’s Palace

9:00 AM: Palazzo Ducale

Shuffle over to Doge’s Palace, an architectural gem that merges Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance influences. This Palace used to be the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government.

Read next: Your guide to Doge’s Palace

Start in the courtyard and loggias before climbing the magnificent Scala d’Oro—think of it as Venice’s answer to a glamorous red carpet. Inside, stroll through the Institutional Chambers and the Armoury before crossing the Bridge of Sighs and peering into the chilling dungeons. 

Book your tickets:
Doge’s Palace Guided Tour
St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge’s Palace

11:00 AM: Campanile di San Marco

Take the elevator up the 99m high Campanile di San Marco, Venice’s tallest building. Enjoy sweeping views over St. Mark’s Square and the city.

11:15 AM: Torre dell’Orologio

Once down in Piazza San Marco take a second to admire the Torre dell’Orologio. This clock tower marks the time, day, moon phases, and zodiac signs. According to legend, its creator was blinded to prevent him from replicating it.

11:20 AM: Riva degli Schiavoni

Wander down Riva degli Schiavoni, a waterfront promenade with stunning views of San Giorgio Island and numerous photo opportunities. It’s often busy but stunning with plenty of gondolas docked along it.

11:30 AM: Ponte dei Sospiri

Next, head to Ponte della Paglia to catch a glimpse of the iconic Ponte dei Sospiri, a baroque-style bridge that once connected Doge’s Palace to the prison (yes, the one you just crossed). Prisoners caught their last glimpse of freedom here, leading to the bridge’s melancholic name.

11:45 AM: Correr museum

Finish your morning at the Correr Museum, which is dedicated to Venetian culture, history, and art. Your ticket also grants access to the National Archaeological Museum and the Marciana National Library, adorned by artists like Veronese and Titian.

Book your Correr museum tickets and skip the line

Afternoon – Meander the streets of Venice

Venice is a labyrinth of charming alleys and picturesque canals where every corner offers a new ohh-ahh moment and plenty of photo ops. Consider hiring a professional photographer to capture these moments, or even dress in traditional Venetian costumes for a truly unique experience!

12:45 PM: Libreria Acqua Alta

Start your afternoon at Libreria Acqua Alta, the quirkiest bookstore you’ll ever encounter, crammed with books stacked from floor to ceiling. The twist? It sits almost level with the canal and has endured many floods. To save the books, they’re stored in bathtubs, waterproof bins, and even a full-size gondola.

Don’t miss the Instagram-famous book staircase, but my favorite feature is the cuddly cats that call this place home, lounging atop book towers safe from the tides.

1:00 PM Lunch on the go

Venice is packed with Panifici (bakeries) where you can grab a quick sandwich, pizza slice, or pastry. Perfect for munching as you wander through the narrow streets—Venetian style fast food at its finest!

1:30 PM: Gelato Suso or chocolate at Vizio Virtu

Stop by Gelato Suso, my top pick for ice cream in Venice. Their gelato is not only creamy and delightful but they also offer a wide range of fun flavors to try.

If you’re more of a chocoholic, visit Vizio Virtu for some exceptional chocolates that melt in your mouth.

1:45 PM: T Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop terrace

Next up, head over to the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a 500-year-old palace near the Rialto Bridge. Originally a warehouse, it has been transformed into a luxury mall. While the shopping and history are interesting, the real highlight is the rooftop terrace.

The terrace provides breathtaking views of the Canal Grande and Venice’s iconic red rooftops—definitely worth the climb. While access is free of charge, capacity is limited and you need to book your visit in advance.

2:30 PM: Rialto Bridge & Rialto Market

Stroll over to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge in Venice, dating back centuries despite multiple rebuilds. This stone arch boasts two ramps leading to a central portico lined with shops.

The Rialto Bridge is an emblem of Venice, and no visit is complete without crossing it. Nearby, the Rialto Market is perfect for picking up fresh produce and local specialties.

3:45 PM: Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Next up we have the often-overlooked Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. Known for its external spiral staircase and elegant white arches. Climbing to the top rewards you with stunning views.

This small palace holds many fascinating stories and legends. Consider joining this hidden Venice walking tour to uncover more secret spots like this.

Book your tour:
Hidden Venice Walking Tour
Ghost stories tour

4:30 PM: Teatro La Fenice

Make your way to Teatro La Fenice, one of Italy’s most historic theaters. True to its name, the Phoenix Theatre has risen from the ashes twice, most recently in 1996. Despite its modest exterior, the interior dazzles with golden details, frescoes, red velvet, and grand chandeliers.

You can book a daytime tour to admire its beauty or score tickets for an evening performance—either way, the experience will take your breath away.

Book your La Fenice tour

5:45 PM: Ponte dell’Accademia

Next, make your way to Ponte dell’Accademia, the last of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. While the bridge itself might not impress, the view from here certainly will so take that iconic photo.

Evening – Beyond the Grand Canal

Spend your evening in Venice exploring art, history, and romantic canals. Starting with the renowned art galleries in the Dorsoduro district, you’ll then visit the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. As the sun sets, enjoy a classic gondola ride, and end your day savoring Venetian finger food and wine in a cozy bàcaro.

6:00 PM Gallerie dell’Accademia or Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Begin your evening in the Dorsoduro with a visit to an art gallery. Choose between Gallerie dell’Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

• Gallerie dell’Accademia hosts Venetian masterpieces from the 13th to 18th centuries, featuring works by Veronese, Canaletto, Tintoretto, Tiziano, and Bellini.
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection is for you if modern art is more your style, featuring works by Braque, Dalí, Delaunay, Mondrian, and Picabia.

Book your tickets:
Gallerie dell’Accademia tickets
Peggy Guggenheim Collection tickets

7:00 PM: Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Next, head to the striking Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. This magnificent basilica, commissioned by the Venetian Senate, was built to honor the end of the plague that devastated Venice. The baroque architecture and interiors are breathtaking.

For an unforgettable experience, climb 150 stairs to the cupola for panoramic views over the city. It’s one of my favorite viewpoints in Venice!

Make sure to check the opening times beforehand as they change with the seasons and adjust your itinerary accordingly if needed. Depending on your interests, you might choose to skip the Correr Museum, Acqua Alta bookstore or the art gallery in lieu of the views from the cupola.

7:30 PM: Gondola ride

Nothing says Venice like a serene gondola ride. As the city lights begin to sparkle, glide through the canals for a different perspective of Venice. Can you feel the romance in the air?

Read next: Everything you need to know about a gondola ride in Venice

Booking your gondola ahead of time is advised to secure a better rate.

Book your gondola ride

8:30 PM Chicchetti and an Obra for dinner

Round off your day by heading to a bàcaro for some ombra and cicchetti.

“What’s that?” you ask. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Venetian dialect can perplex even fluent Italian speakers. In simple terms, a bàcaro is a cozy Venetian tavern. Here, you’ll find cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and ombra (a glass of red wine, which charmingly translates to shadow).

Hop on a vaporetto and head to Cannaregio, the prime area to find a relaxing bàcaro or osteria. Join this tasting to sample different wines and cicchettos.

If you’re getting angry and are not up for the vaporetto ride, don’t fret. There are plenty of delicious options along Rio de S. Trovaso in Dorsoduro as well.

If you prefer to treat yourself to a sit-down dinner with incredible views, head to Gio’s Restaurant. overlooking the Gran Canal. Here you can enjoy a sumptuous meal while gazing out at the Grand Canal. It’s the perfect end to a perfect Venetian day.

Where to stay in Venice

If it’s your first time in Venice, San Marco is the best place to stay. This district is central and close to most of the major attractions. You’ll be right in the heart of the action with all the Venice things to do at your doorstep.

For a more authentic Italian experience or if you’re a returning visitor, consider staying in Cannaregio or Dorsoduro. These areas are less touristy, more affordable, and offer a true taste of Venetian life.

Related: Where to stay in Venice

Getting to Venice

By Air: Venice is served by Marco Polo Airport or the Treviso Airport slightly further. Be sure to book your airport shuttle in advance

By train: If you’re arriving by train, make sure you get off at Venice Santa Lucia station—not Mestre, unless you have a connection. From Santa Lucia, it’s about a 30-minute walk to St. Mark’s Square, or you can take a vaporetto (water bus).

By car: If you’re traveling by car be prepared for hefty parking fees. You’ll need to leave your car in Santa Lucia and walk or take the Vaporetto to town.

Getting around Venice

By Foot: My favorite way to explore Venice is on foot. This compact city invites you to wander through its beautiful streets. Nothing is more than a 30-40 minute walk from St. Mark’s Square. If you want a guided experience, join a walking tour to get a feel for the city.

By Vaporetto: If strolling isn’t your style, hop on a vaporetto. A single ticket lasts 75 minutes, but if you plan to use it more, a day ticket is the way to go.

Travel Light: A word to the wise—pack light. Venice has no taxis or public land transport; it’s all about boats and walking. Lugging hefty bags over countless bridges (up the stairs, down the stairs) isn’t fun. A backpack will be your best friend here.

Best time to visit Venice

The ideal time to visit Venice is a sunny day in late winter or early spring when the crowds are manageable, and the weather is pleasant.

Spring and autumn are the busiest—and priciest—seasons. Summer brings heat waves and canal odors that can be overwhelming.

If you don’t mind the cold, winter in Venice is a special time with holiday decorations and the famous Venice Carnival. Just keep an eye on the rain forecast.

Related: Venice in winter

Is Venice worth visiting?

Venice, with its labyrinth of canals, historic buildings, and vibrant culture is a must-visit. Whether you’re drifting along the canals in a gondola, marveling at Renaissance art, or savoring Venetian cuisine, Venice isn’t a city you’ll soon forget.