3 Days in Venice:
the Ultimate Travel Guide

The first of your 3 days in Venice is all about exploring the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Begin your first day at the iconic St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). This is the largest and most famous square in Venice. It’s often called the “drawing room of Europe.” It’s the ideal place to start because the square is surrounded by some of Venice’s most important landmarks. That will give you a true sense of the city’s grandeur and history.

Take a moment to admire the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings. Procuratie Vecchie and Procuratie Nuov are historic buildings that once housed Venetian officials and today contain upscale shops and cafes. Also, don’t miss Torre dell’Orologio (the Clock Tower), with its impressive Renaissance design and intricate clock mechanism that has marked time for over 500 years.

One of the top highlights in St. Mark’s Square is the Basilica di San Marco. This church is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It reflects Venice’s historic ties to the Eastern Roman Empire. Its golden mosaics inside the domes will take your breath away. Pay special attention to the Pala d’Oro, an altar screen made of gold and encrusted with jewels. It’s one of the basilica’s most precious treasures.

While entrance to the basilica is free, I highly recommend paying a small fee to visit the St. Mark’s Museum. The museum will give you access to the basilica’s terrace. Here, you can take in wonderful views of St. Mark’s Square below and get a closer look at the famous bronze horses and ancient sculptures of St. Mark that were once part of the original facade.

After exploring the basilica, head over to the Campanile di San Marco, Venice’s tallest structure. For a small fee, you can take an elevator to the top. The views from the Campanile offer an amazing point to see Venice from above. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of St. Mark’s Square, the Grand Canal, and even the distant islands of the Venetian Lagoon. If you’re planning 3 days in Venice, visiting the Campanile provides an unforgettable perspective of the city’s layout and charm, making it a highlight of your itinerary.

After descending from the Campanile, your next stop is the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale). It’s a stunning Gothic palace located just a few steps away. For centuries, the Doge’s Palace served as the residence of the Doge (the ruler of Venice) and as the seat of the Venetian government. Its richly decorated rooms, grand staircases, and intricate artworks tell the story of Venice’s golden age.

Make sure to visit the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, a massive room that once housed the meetings of the Great Council, the governing body of the Venetian Republic. The walls are covered with beautiful paintings by Venetian masters such as Tintoretto and Veronese.

One of the most famous parts of your Doge’s Palace tour is the walk across the Bridge of Sighs. This enclosed bridge connects the palace to the old prisons on the other side of the canal. The name comes from the legend that prisoners would sigh as they crossed the bridge, catching their last glimpse of Venice before being led to their cells. From the Bridge of Sighs windows, you can take a moment to look out over the canal below.

After lunch, take a short walk to one of top 10 Venice attractions – the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto). This beautiful stone bridge is the oldest of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. You can watch gondolas and vaporetti (water buses) glide along the canal, with colourful buildings lining both sides.

Right next to the bridge is the Rialto Market, a local market that’s been around for centuries. You’ll find vendors selling fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and other local products here. Even if you’re not shopping for ingredients, it’s a fun place to stroll around, smell the fresh produce, and maybe buy some frutti di mare (seafood) or frutta fresca (fresh fruit) to snack on while you continue your exploration.

To truly experience this city’s magic during your 3 days in Venice, there’s no better way than taking a boat ride along the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal is the main waterway with grand palaces, churches, and historic buildings. I suggest taking a vaporetto (Venice’s public water bus) for a more budget-friendly option, or if you prefer something more private and luxurious, you can opt for a guided boat tour.

Look for important landmarks such as Ca’ Rezzonico (a palace-turned-museum), Palazzo Grassi, and the impressive Santa Maria della Salute church, located at the entrance to the Grand Canal. The views from the water offer a completely different perspective of the city.

To end your day, take a peaceful evening walk through one of Venice’s quieter neighbourhoods. Both Cannaregio and Dorsoduro offer a more relaxed atmosphere. They’re away from the crowds of tourists in St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto area.

In Cannaregio, you’ll find winding streets, small bridges, and quiet canals. This district is also home to the Jewish Ghetto, a historic area with a rich history. The streets are less crowded at night, making it the perfect place for a relaxing stroll after dinner.

Alternatively, head to Dorsoduro, a lively yet laid-back area known for its art galleries, museums, and student life. Walk along the Zattere promenade, a long waterfront promenade with beautiful views of the Giudecca Canal. Here, you can enjoy a gelato while watching the city’s lights reflect on the water.

Find practical tips at the end of the article.