Perfect 2-Day Venice Itinerary: The Ultimate Two Days in Venice, Italy

Last Updated on June 28, 2025 by Tori Pines

Planning a short trip to Venice? 2 days in Venice may sound quick, but with the right plan, it’s plenty of time to see the highlights, eat amazing food, and fall in love with this magical floating city.

This 2-day Venice itinerary is pulled straight from my real travel experience, so you know it’s practical, fun, and full of tips you won’t find in generic guides. I’ve done it and can tell you exactly what’s worth doing in just two days!

Day 1: Welcome to Venice — Grand Canal Views, Iconic Landmarks

Morning: Arrive and Get Oriented

Arrive at Santa Lucia Train Station and grab your 48-hour Vaporetto pass (35€) from the self-service station right outside the train station. There will likely be a line so just be prepared to wait in the crowd before eventually purchasing your pass.

Better Yet? I highly recommend getting the vaporetto app before you begin your trip and buying a pass on there! It will save time and prevent you from losing the little ticket during your visit. Plus, all the maps are right there on the app and will make getting around so much easier. Or you can buy a pass online in advance without the app if you’d rather do that.

Hop on Line 1 for your first scenic ride down the Grand Canal—bag in hand, jaw on the floor. It’s the perfect Venice welcome.

Tori Tip: Kick off your 2 days in Venice by learning more about the city you’re in! Download Rick Steves’ Grand Canal audio tour and ride the Vaporetto like a Venetian history buff.

Midday: Check into Your Hotel + Quick Bite

Check into your hotel or vacation rental. During our 2 days in Venice, we stayed at the stunning Gritti Palace thanks to a deal we got (no we did NOT pay over $1,000 a night, omg!!), but AC Hotel Venezia or a VRBO near a canal is a win too.

Get your walking shoes on and start wandering the canals. Grab lunch at 6342 A Le Tole, this hidden gem we found while wandering is an out of this world restaurant that we are so lucky to have happened upon! Here you’ll find fresh pasta, friendly service, and plenty of locals.

Afternoon: See the Rialto & Hidden Alleys

Cross the Rialto Bridge and soak in the bustling atmosphere. It’s touristy, yes—but also iconic. Take some iconic photos out on the nearby docks with the bridge in the background.

Duck into the side streets and wander. This is when Venice starts to feel real, quiet canals, laundry flapping in the breeze, and little bridges that lead to who-knows-where.

Evening: Sunset Views + Cicchetti Crawl

For breathtaking views of Venice, climb the Campanile di San Marco. This bell tower offers a panoramic perspective of the city’s rooftops, canals, and the surrounding lagoon. It’s especially stunning at sunrise or sunset. Tickets are 12 euros and you can (and should) make reservations in advance.

Note: This is a church, so as with every other church in Italy, you must have your shoulders and knees covered! Long pants or skirts are a must!

For dinner, do a cicchetti crawl through Cannaregio or near Campo Santa Margherita. These small plates (think Venetian tapas) and a spritz are the perfect low-key dinner. Try Cantine del Vino già Schiavi or Osteria Al Squero.

Venice by night is magical. Take a romantic gondola ride (pricey but worth doing once), or just stroll along the canals.

Day 2: Island Day Trip

Morning: Coffee + Murano & Burano Day Trip

Grab a quick breakfast at Rosa Salva, a local favorite for baked goods and espresso.

Hop on the Vaporetto from Fondamente Nove to Murano, Venice’s glass-making island. Watch artisans work their magic in glass-blowing studios. You can book tickets for a demonstration in advance which is what I would do!

Once you’re done exploring, continue to the island of Burano, the bright, cheerful island known for its rainbow-colored homes and hand-made lace. Burano was my personal favorite part of our time in Venice. Plan to spend a few hours here just wandering the canals and taking photos.

Be sure to plan your time here during lunch. You won’t want to miss a nice meal at Riva Rosa on Burano. Get the Gran Fritto Misto (fried seafood) or seafood risotto. These are some of their specialties, and you’ll dream about it later. If you get there early enough you might get lucky and get a table right on the water like we did. Or you can make a reservation in advance to be sure you don’t have to wait!

This day trip to Murano and Burano is totally doable on your own by taking the vaporetto, but if you’d rather take a tour, this day tour is the one I recommend for the most time in both places!

Evening: Aperitivo + Classic Venetian Dinner

Start your evening with aperitivo at one of the fanciest spots in Venice for the ultimate experience. Try either The Gritti Terrace for insane views, or Cafe Florian for the most famous spot in town right on San Marco’s Square. The local wine made in this region is Prosecco, so be sure to try some!

For dinner, book a table at Ai Promessi Sposi or Taverna Scalinetto. Keep an open mind at these places, the menus will look a little confusing, and not what you’re used to seeing in the rest of Italy. But I promise, they’re delicious!! Try an authentic Venetian dish wherever you go. Some recommendations are Risotto al nero (rice in squid ink), Risi e Bisi (Rice & Peas), or Sarde in saor (sweet & sour sardines).

End your 2 days in Venice with gelato at Gelatoteca Suso. Not only is the gelato here some of the best quality, it really was some of our favorite in all of our two weeks in Italy.

If you want to try gelato anywhere else in Venice, or anywhere in Italy for that matter, make sure you only eat good gelato! Bad gelato does exist, and it’s awful. Here’s how to find it:

First, wander away from the main tourist areas. The worst gelato is usually in the center of the action. Second, avoid any gelato shops where the gelato is piled high in tall mounds, you want to find a place where it is flatter, or even covered with a lid is best!! And third, avoid places that have brightly colored gelato. If the pistachio is bright green and not a more natural brown-ish green then run away! It won’t be good, I promise!

If You Have Extra Time

• Peggy Guggenheim Collection – A stunning modern art museum with views.
• Jewish Ghetto walking tour – Rich with history and culture.
• Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo – A hidden gem with a fairytale spiral staircase.

Two days in Venice will fly by, but if you plan it right, you can hit up all the best things to do in Venice! From peaceful canals and art-filled palaces to spritzes at golden hour, Venice is more than a checklist—it’s a vibe. Slow down. Look around. And don’t forget to get lost at least once.