While you could spend months in Venice and still not experience all it has to offer, it is possible to dive deep in just a couple short days! Venice isn’t large and many of the highlights are a short walk from each other. It’s easy to cover a lot of ground quickly! Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Venice, Italy!
Day 1: Best of Venice
During your first 24 of 48 hours in Venice, it’s time to hit the highlights and see the best of the city! Start your day bright and early with a visit to St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). The square is the heartbeat of Venice, and a total tourist hotspot. For that reason, you’re going to want to get there early to beat the crowds! It’s also the best time for photos, as you can get clear shots without loads of people walking through! Grab a coffee at Caffè Florian, the oldest café in Italy, and enjoy the peace and quiet before the world wakes up. The Campanile di San Marco is the iconic tower that stands at the front of the square. Definitely take some time to wander up close to the tower for some impressive architecture and craftmanship!
However, the real shining start of the square is St. Mark’s Basilica. The church is absolutely stunning and one could sit and admire the front façade for hours. It’s incredible to me not only how these impressive structures were built, but at how long it must have taken them to carve and paint each detail by hand. It’s truly spectacular!
Adjacent to St. Mark’s Square and the basilica is the stunning Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Doge’s Palace is an incredibly beautiful and detailed building, another one that you could stare at and admire for hours! The Bridge of Sighs is the bridge that connected Doge’s Palace over to the prison. It got its name from the prisoners who would walk through the bridge en route to imprisonment, and would literally sigh at their last view of beautiful Venice. You can find the best view of the bridge at Ponte della Paglia.
Tip: don’t forget to turn around! Just across from the Bridge of Sighs you will find views of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, which is another iconic Venetian view!
Next, make your way to Libreria Acqua Alta. This bookstore was definitely made famous from Instagram, but it’s still a fun stop! A 10 minute walk from St. Mark’s Square, this is a book lover’s dream! In addition to books, they also have vintage posters and postcards that make for a more authentic souvenir. As you stroll the aisles, keep an eye out for their resident cats! A black cat was “working” the checkout counter during my visit. Of course, as any good Instagrammer will tell you, you cannot miss the iconic book staircase. The staircase is located behind the store in the rear courtyard. Expect a line, as we’re all waiting for the same iconic photo. Be quick with the pics!
Tip: after periods of heavy rain, Libreria Acqua Alta actually floods! For this reason, books will be on shelves elevated off the ground or displayed in things like bathtubs or boats.
For lunch, it’s time to get some fresh pasta (because, Italy). There is nothing more fun than finding a hole-in-the-wall store that sells fresh pasta to-go! Dal Moro’s is the most famous for to-go pasta, but I actually snagged some a few streets over at Pasta & Pasta. When you arrive, you order your custom pasta at the counter. You pick the type of noodles, sauce, and all the toppings and it’s ready just a few minutes later. Such a fun experience, and a unique way to enjoy fresh pasta!
Tip: In Venice, you are not allowed to sit on the canal bridges and eat your food- you can be fined! You will need to either walk and eat, or find a public bench to sit down on.
Next, make your way over to the famous Rialto Bridge! This bridge is the lifeline of Venice, and one of only four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. One unique thing about the Rialto Bridge is that there are shops that are located on the bridge! There are open walkways on both sides, but in the center, you’ll find a street with shops selling all different things: authentic Murano glass, leather goods, and other souvenirs. Across the bridge, you will also find the iconic Rialto Market. This open air market is open six days a week (closed on Sundays) and has vendors selling everything from fresh fish, to vegetables, fruits, and other seafoods. It’s not terribly big, but definitely enjoyable to wander through and pick up some fresh snacks.
Dinner & Dessert(s)
When it’s time for dinner, Al Grill is the perfect way to wind down and enjoy a great meal after a long day on your feet. Al Grill is a famous steakhouse that offers prime cuts of meat that are cooked to perfection. They offered daily specials, great sides, a large wine selection, and killer desserts. Most of their dishes are sized for sharing with 2 or more people, so I opted for the single-serving entrecôte and a side of fries. Of course, a glass of rosé accompanied, and I had to end the meal with a crème brûlée that was caramelized tableside. The restaurant is small, so definitely make reservations ahead of time by clicking here.
There is absolutely no better way to end your one day in Venice than with gelato! On my trip to Venice, I ate my fair share, but my absolute favorite was at Suso Gelatoteca. There are two locations in the city that are pretty close to one another. The first is here, on the busy Salizada S. Giovanni Grisostomo. However, their second location here is the one I’d recommend visiting! It’s close to the Rialto Bridge but also tucked away in a quiet courtyard. Right around the corner from the shop is also a beautiful bridge over a quiet canal for pics!
Read More: How to Spend One Day in Venice, Italy
Overnight at Hotel a la Commedia
While on your 48 hours in Venice, I cannot recommend Hotel a la Commedia enough! The location could not be more perfect. It is only about a 2 minute walk from the Rialto Alilaguna stop (the boat that take you to/from the airport), and only about 5 minutes from the Rialto Bridge itself. A ten minute walk will get you to St. Mark’s Square and I found that everwhere I wanted to get in the city was no more than 20 minutes away. It was incredibly convenient. It is also tucked away in a quiet courtyard so the noise and tourists aren’t a factor!
The check-in process was smooth, and the employees make you feel like family during your stay. They greeted me by name each time I walked in the door- which was so considerate and such a warm welcome! The rooms were large, spacious, and had nice views over the quiet streets below. In the summer months, they even have a private rooftop to grab a drink at, or just enjoy the view!
Day 2: Day Trip and Hidden Gems
On day 2 of your 48 hours in Venice, it’s time to dive a little deeper! You’ve hit the highlights, now it’s time to get a little off the beating path (or off the island entirely!) to explore some hidden gems that truly make Venice magical.
Day Trip to Burano
Burano is a small island accessible by ferry, and easy to squeeze onto your itinerary, even if you only have 48 hours in Venice! The island is famous for their bright colored houses: each one is a unique color and makes for the absolute best photo ops! Burano is not huge and you can easily cover the island in a morning, before the crowds roll in. From the F.te Nove docks in Venice, take the #12 ferry to Burano (not to be confused with Murano- another island on the same ferry route!). The ride to Burano is about an hour, but it’s a scenic and easy ride.
Tip: when you get off the ferry in Burano, take a photo of the timetables for the return ferry. That way you can plan your morning accordingly and never be waiting too long for your trip back!
When you first arrive, make your way to the Embarcadero which hugs the main canal. The street is lined with tons of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Make sure you grab yourself some Essi, a famous butter cookie, at Dolcezze Palmisano di Fabio e Federica, right on the main canal. Burano is also famous for their lace, so take time to browse a few shops selling the handmade goods! A few famous ones include Martina Vidal (located near the ferry stop), La Perla (on the main canal), and Laces by Olga (on the east side of the island).
Above all, Burano is a perfect place for wandering off of the main drag and into the narrow streets. The homes are all so beautiful and you’ll find residents just going about their normal day. Some of my favorite photo spots on Burano include the Ponte Pontinello, Tre Ponti (Three Points), and standing outside the In Riva bistrò and looking across the canal. There is no shortage of spectacular photo ops on Burano!
Read More: Day Tripping to Burano from Venice
Back in Venice & Digging Deeper
Once you’re back on the island, continue your 48 hours in Venice by hitting some hidden gems in the city! From the docks, take a stroll over to Calle Varisco, which is the narrowest street in Venice. Not for the claustrophobic, but definitely a fun experience! Also nearby is Ponte Chiodo, one of two remaining bridges in the city without any handrails. The bridge itself is so beautiful, but I got an insane adrenaline rush walking over it! It sounds silly, but being just one misstep away from falling into the canal will definitely get your heart pounding.
Riding a Gondola for Cheap!
From Ponte Chiodo, make your way over to the grand canal- except this time you’re not taking a bridge over! Keep an eye out for green signs along the water that read Traghetto. Traghettos are services that offer rides across the grand canal on an iconic gondola for only €2! This is an affordable way to ride a gondola in Venice, without paying the steep city-set prices (which at time of writing were €90-110 per ride!). Simply pay your fare to the oarsman when you board, sit back, and ride across. The ride is short (only 1-2 minutes), but it’s an affordable way to check off riding a gondola in Venice!
Wandering, but never lost
Venice is the absolute best city for wandering and “getting lost”. Charm awaits you around each corner so take the afternoon a bit slower and spend some time just exploring all that the city has to offer. I actually found my favorite time in the city was when I put my Google Maps down and just walked wherever my heart took me. Over bridges, through tight streets, it’s all the fun!
However, if you’d like an “end goal” for the wandering, focus on making Ca’ Macana your destination. Ca’ Macana is a traditional mask store and workshop right in the heart of the city. As you likely noticed during your 48 hours in Venice, masks are part of the culture in Venice (and especially popular during the Carnival season!). Ca’ Macana offers mask making workshops that you can sign up for in advance, or you can just pop in any time to shop from their wide selection. Makes for such an authentic and unique souvenir to take home! When you arrive, ask if there are any mask makers working in the back. If they are there, the employees will let you peek back to watch the artists at work!
Secret and Not-So-Secret Views
Afterward, make your way back over the Grand Canal- only this time we are not going over the Rialto Bridge! The Ponte dell’Accademia is located further West on the island, and I’ll admit, it’s no secret. But the views are spectacular, and (in my opinion) much better than Rialto! The bridge is just far enough removed from the main tourist hot spots and you will find a lot more locals here. Going over the bridge, the views looking out to the water are spectacular. The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is a focal point and makes for a picture-perfect location.
For a lesser-known viewpoint, make your way to the Fondaco dei Tedeschi department store, back over near Rialto. This store has a rooftop that you can visit with spectacular 360 degree views of the city and canals. It was without a doubt my favorite view! Tickets are free, but reservations are absolutely required (they were turning away everyone without reservations at the door). Time slots open 21 days in advance and fill up quickly, so secure your tickets early by clicking here. Make sure you arrive early for your time slot (if you miss it, that’s it!), so you can take full advantage of the time on the rooftop. While 15 minutes may not seem long, it’s plenty of time to take your photos, videos, and enjoy the views. I’d highly recommend reserving a sunset time, if you can!
Ending Your 48 Hours in Venice
After a full day, and a whirlwind 48 hours in Venice, take some time to slow down in the evening! While for me that involved grabbing take out from a cafe and enjoying it in my hotel bed, wind down however works best for you. If you’re looking to dine out, I always recommend walking at least 10 minutes away from tourist hot spots. Restaurants near places like Rialto or St. Mark’s Square are always going to be overpriced and mediocre. Instead, wander a few minutes away to get a more authentic and enjoyable experience.
Some restaurants that were recommend to me during my planning include Venetika (where locals frequent), Poste Vecie (for classic Venetian cuisine), and Ristorante da Ivo (where celebs like George Clooney have been known to eat). No matter where you decide to sit down, make sure you have a reservation, especially if you’re visiting in peak season!
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