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. Touring it in a single day may seem crazy, but if you follow this circular itinerary you will be able to visit the most important monuments and experience its essence in 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 board a vaporetto or book a gondola ride to discover the Grand Canal, the city's water artery.
On the way to St. Mark's Square you will see from the water buildings such as the Ca' Pesaro, the Venice Casino or the iconic Rialto Bridge.
More information about the tour
- 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.
More information about the city
- Check the weather forecast and the acqua alta phenomenon.
- Complete guide to St. Mark's Square
Enter St. Mark's Basilica
This impressive Byzantine-style church holds the relics of the patron saint. Its golden facade 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 Doges and seat of the Venetian government. Inside you will visit the rooms of power and also the dungeons connected by the Bridge of Sighs.
More information about the basilica
- Tickets to the Doge's Palace with skip-the-line access.
- Prices and what to see inside
Don't miss the Bridge of Sighs
The most famous bridge in Venice is crossed from the inside during the 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.
More information about the palace
Stop for lunch near St. Mark's Square
Take the opportunity to sample Venetian gastronomy: pasta, seafood and local dishes. In streets near the square you will find more affordable places like Da Mamo or Rossopomodoro.
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Take a leisurely stroll to the Rialto Bridge
After lunch, walk 10-15 minutes to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal. Take the opportunity to enjoy the view, cross from one neighborhood to another and browse the stalls around it, where you can buy souvenirs or try a gelato.
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Back to the canal to get to 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 Accademia Gallery, a must-see museum if you have more time.
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- Even if you don't visit it inside, its exterior and location are worth the stop.
Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
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 recognizable 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 finish 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 facade of the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, just opposite, on the other shore.
It is 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 dine in the area.