How to Spend One Day in Venice, Italy

Even if you only have 24 hours, Venice is never a bad idea! This walkable city is a perfect stop for a day-trip and it’s definitely possible to see all of the highlights! While you won’t have a ton of time to dig deep into the city, one day in Venice is enough to cover a lot of ground and take it all in. Here is how to spend one day in Venice, Italy!

St. Mark’s Square (Early!)

Dating back to the 12th Century, St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is one of the most iconic places in Venice. 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! I arrived shortly after sunrise and was one of only a handful of other visitors there. It was idyllic to wander and feel like I had the place to myself. 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 cafe 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! The tower is open to visitors to go to the top, however it doesn’t open until later in the morning so if this is a priority, you’ll want to make sure you come back later in the day.

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! You can also tour the inside for only €3, but again, tours do not start until later in the morning. You can view the schedule here.

Doge Palace & Bridge of Sighs

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! They also tours inside, which I’ve heard are totally worth it, but if you’re tight on time you may need to adjust your schedule to make it fit. For me, I was perfectly happy enjoying its beauty from the outside before the world woke up.

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!

Libreria Acqua Alta

The Libreria Acqua Alta definitely got its fame from Instagram, but it’s still a fun stop if you have one day in Venice! It’s located here, about a 10 minute walk from St. Mark’s Square and is a book lover’s dream! Even if you’re not an avid reader, it’s impossible not to love this store. There are so many topics, genres, and languages available. 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 – the one above was hard at work at the checkout counter.

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. You may even have an employee monitoring the area and moving you along quickly after you get your photo. Be quick with the pics!

What makes Libreria Acqua Alta unique, is that the store actually floods! After periods of heavy rain, the floors of the store will fill with water. Since books + water obviously don’t mix, the store has built their shelves off the ground and use things like bathtubs or boats to store their merchandise. One of the many things that make Venice unique!

Fresh Pasta To-Go

Of course, when in Italy it’s a requirement to get fresh pasta! I absolutely loved finding hole-in-the-wall pasta places that offer customized pasta to go. It was so fun to wander down the streets eating fresh spaghetti out of a take-out container. The original and most iconic place for to-go pasta is Dal Moro’s, located here. However, be prepared for a line! When I arrived, it was wound all the way around the corner. I then walked just a few streets over to Pasta & Pasta for a similar experience. 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 will need to either walk and eat, or find a public bench to sit down on.

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is the lifeline of Venice, and one of only four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. This point is one of the busiest in the city, and one of the biggest tourist hot spots. 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. Since this is a tourist-heavy area, be prepared to pay more for goods here than throughout the city. My advice would be walk a few blocks from Rialto in any direction and do your shopping there for better prices.

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 at Al Grill

If you’re like me, all roads while traveling lead to a steakhouse. Dinner at Al Grill was the perfect way to wind down and enjoy a great meal after a long day on my feet. In all my planning, Al Grill was always mentioned as the best steakhouse in the city, and I would have to agree! The cuts of meat were prime and cooked to perfection. They offered daily specials, great sides, a large wine selection, and killer desserts. I’d describe the vibe as “smart casual”, meaning there was no need to dress up and I felt perfectly fine in my sweater and leggings.

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 rose accompanied, and I had to end the meal with a crème brûlée that was caramelized tableside. It was a spectacular meal, and very reasonably priced! The restaurant is small, so you’re definitely going to want to make reservations ahead of time. You can do so by clicking here.

Gelato at Suso

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, located 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!

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