More about: Venice in 1 Day: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit
Venice is one of the most touristic cities in the world, and also one of the most spectacular. Canals, palaces, churches and squares make this floating city a unique place. It may seem crazy to tour it in a single day, but if you follow this circular itinerary you can visit the most important monuments and experience its essence in just a few hours.
Start by navigating the Grand Canal
Start the tour at Santa Lucia station, the main arrival point in Venice. From there you can hop on a vaporetto or book a gondola ride to discover the Grand Canal, the city's waterway.
On the way to St. Mark's Square you will see buildings such as the Ca' Pesaro, the Venice Casino and the iconic Rialto Bridge from the water.
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- What to see and do on the Grand Canal
- Cruises and boat trips
- Venice Transport Card to get around by vaporetto.
Choose St. Mark's Square as your starting point
St. Mark's Square is the heart of Venice and the ideal starting point. St . Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Clock Tower and the Procuracies await you here. You can take a break at the historic Caffè Florian, even if the prices are high.
Further information
- Check the weather forecast and the acqua alta phenomenon.
- Complete guide to St. Mark's Square
Step inside St. Mark's Basilica
This impressive Byzantine-style church holds the relics of the patron saint. Its golden façade and mosaic-filled interior will leave you speechless. Don't forget to climb its bell tower for one of the best views of Venice.
More information about the church
- Book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
- Best option: guided tour for priority access.
Discover the Doge's Palace
Right next to the basilica, this Gothic building was the residence of the Doge and seat of the Venetian government. Inside you will see the rooms of power and also the dungeons connected by the Bridge of Sighs.
Further information
- Tickets to the Doge's Palace with skip-the-line access.
- Prices and what to see inside
Don't miss the Bridge of Sighs
Venice's most famous bridge is crossed from the inside on a visit to the palace, but don't forget to see it from the outside as well. Its name has nothing to do with love, but with the sighs of the prisoners when they saw the sun for the last time.
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Stop for lunch near St Mark's Square
Take the opportunity to sample Venetian cuisine: pasta, seafood and local dishes. In the streets near the square you'll find more affordable places like Da Mamo or Rossopomodoro.
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Take a leisurely stroll to the Rialto Bridge
After lunch, take a 10-15 minute walk to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal. Enjoy the views, cross from one neighbourhood to another and browse the stalls around the bridge, where you can buy souvenirs or try a gelato.
More info on the Rialto
Back along the canal to reach the Accademia Bridge
From Rialto you can take a vaporetto to the Accademia Bridge, one of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. This wooden bridge is very photogenic and offers direct views of the dome of Santa Maria della Salute.
It also connects to the Dorsoduro district, where you will find the Galleria dell'Accademia, a must-see museum if you have more time.
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- Even if you don't visit the inside, its exterior and location are worth a stop.
Visit Santa Maria della Salute Basilica
Just a few steps from the bridge, this Baroque church stands out for its monumental dome and its location on the Punta della Dogana. It was built in thanksgiving to the Virgin after a devastating plague, and today it is one of the most recognisable temples in Venice.
Inside you will find several works by Titian and a sober and monumental atmosphere.
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Glimpse a sunset in Santa Maria to end the day
Punta della Dogana is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Venice. From here you can watch the sun set over the lagoon and reflect on the façade of the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, just opposite on the other side.
It's a perfect end to a full day in Venice. You can stay a while longer, take photos, or take the vaporetto back to St Mark's Square and have dinner in the area.