Must-see places to see in Venice in 2 days

If you’re heading to Venice and you only have a couple of days, it’s worth planning your time to a loose schedule so that you can see as many of the city’s wonderful treasures as possible. Here’s our suggested Venice itinerary: two days of exploring all that the lagoon has to offer.

Day 1

After taking one of our Croatia to Venice ferry, start your Venetian city break by exploring the city’s most famous landmark, the magnificent Basilica San Marco. Equally impressive inside and out – particularly its opulent gold mosaics – you’ll definitely see why we’ve put it top of our places to see in Venice in two days. The adjacent campanile, or bell-tower, is well worth ascending for the incredible views over the city.

After lunch in a nearby trattoria, head to the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), next door to the Basilica. Once the seat of the powerful Venetian rulers, it’s where you’ll find the celebrated Bridge of Sighs, which links the palace with the prison. Inside the bridge, you’ll see the same view as ‘sighing’ prisoners once saw as they glimpsed Venice on the way to the cells.
Late afternoon, cross the Accademia bridge to explore Dorsoduro, a quieter part of Venice where you’ll discover plenty of traditional bacari, or bars, where you can unwind with an aperitivo and snacks. Look out for the 17th century Squero di San Trovaso – the city’s oldest gondola yard and one of only two left. In the evening, soak up the atmosphere with a gondola ride through the canals, one of the most romantic things to do in Venice.

Day 2

For your second day in Venice, begin the morning by heading over to the Rialto Market to experience a bustling place where locals come to buy fresh ingredients. There’s also a fish market from Tuesday to Saturday, where you’ll see fishermen bringing their fresh catches to sell in a Neo-Gothic fish market hall.
In the afternoon, enjoy a spot of culture by touring the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, home to the likes of Picasso and Dali. If there’s time, head across to one of the other islands in the lagoon. Murano is the place to go to pick up Venetian glass souvenirs to take home, while quiet Burano is sure to delight with its colourful houses. Head to Torcello to see the Venetian-Byzantine mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta.
Round off your two-day Venice itinerary by making your way to Lido, famous for hosting the Venice Film Festival. Enjoy a stroll along the beach or down the Gran Viale, where you can find a local restaurant for your final meal in Venice.