Venice in 7 Days: a guidebook for discovering the city in detail

There’s so much to do and so many places to see in Venice that planning a long trip to the city can be tricky. My advice is to spend one day in each district or neighborhood so you can explore it at a leisurely pace. You’ll be spending a whole week in the City of Gondolas, so you’ll have plenty of time to get to know both the main island and its surroundings.

Of course, iconic spots like St. Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge will have a special place on your itinerary, but Venice has many other secrets, hidden corners, and traditions waiting for you. Want to hear about my favorites? To make it easier for you, I’ve put together what would be my perfect 7-day visit to Venice.

When you arrive in Venice from the airport and head out into the streets to explore, you’ll quickly realize that St. Mark’s Square is the central hub. The heart of this Italian city beats around it, as its approximately 100 square meters are home to some of Venice’s most iconic buildings, such as the Doge’s Palace—for which you can book tickets in advance—or St. Mark’s Basilica, for which you can also purchase tickets beforehand. Without a doubt, this square should be your first stop during your trip.

Feel like a doge at the Doge’s Palace

Your first stop should undoubtedly be the former Palace of the Doges, where the city’s rulers resided for years. Although tickets to visit the Doge’s Palace are somewhat expensive (starting at €40), they also include access to the Correr Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Library—but it will be well worth it. If you love culture, you’ll enjoy this visit, though I recommend booking your tickets in advance and, if possible, opting for the skip-the-line option, as wait times can get quite long.

The interior of the Ducal Palace is incredible and gives you a sense of the luxury and decorative style of the Renaissance era. You’ll walk through important rooms such as the former voting chambers or the armory. As if that weren’t enough, from the Palace you can cross the famous Bridge of Sighs and reach the dungeons, where the famous Casanova was imprisoned.

Experience the art of St. Mark’s Basilica

Before the morning ends, it’s the perfect time to visit another of St. Mark’s Square’s iconic buildings: the Basilica. As soon as you enter, you’ll be struck by its golden hue, which casts a special light and glow over every corner, and the altar, beneath which St. Mark rests. If you go with a specialized guide—which I recommend because it allows you to skip the lines—they’ll explain each of the images in the wall mosaics.

Although admission to the Basilica is free, there are areas, such as the Museum and the Horses of St. Mark, for which you must pay a separate admission fee (approximately €5). My advice is not to miss the chance to visit this room, which is where most of the mosaics are located, along with the original sculptures of the horses, made of bronze and gold.

Hear the twelve noon chimes from the heights

With a special ticket (approximately €10), you can climb the Basilica’s bell tower. Personally, I was fascinated by the views of Venice from 100 meters up, so I recommend booking a ticket so you can see them too. In addition to the panoramic views, if you’re on the rooftop at noon (or any other on-the-hour time), you’ll have an incredible vantage point to hear and see the two figures of the St. Mark’s Astronomical Clock strike the hour.

It might seem like nothing special, since you can hear the clock’s bells from anywhere else in the city, but I assure you that observing the delicate artistry and intricate details with which the clock was designed and crafted is a real treat.

Take a break for lunch around St. Mark’s

By lunchtime, you’re sure to be hungry, and the truth is that there are plenty of dining options around St. Mark’s Basilica. Be warned, these are touristy and historic establishments, so be prepared to pay up to €10 for a meal. Even so, there are places I really liked, which is why I want to recommend them to you.

After lunch, you have to try a good Venetian coffee, which is made with cream and is usually quite strong. In short, it’s just what you need to recharge your batteries and continue with your first day in Venice.

Learn about the history of Venice at the Correr Museum

If you’ve bought a ticket for the Doge’s Palace, know that access to the Correr Museum is included. Although there are many museums in Venice, this one in particular has always caught my attention. Why? Because as you walk through its galleries, you’ll take a journey through the history of Venice from its founding to the moment it was annexed by Italy.

A visit to the Correr Museum will help you better understand the city’s key events—something I consider essential before continuing your tour of Venice. Additionally, the museum houses the Archaeological Collection, where you can admire sculptures and other works of art dating back hundreds of years.

Watch the sunset during a cruise along the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is undoubtedly the place to book a gondola ride. Aboard Venice’s quintessential mode of transportation, you’ll discover the city’s history through the eyes of your gondolier or a local guide. As you glide along, you’ll see buildings like the Gothic mansion Ca’ d’Oro and pass under famous Venetian bridges such as the Rialto.

If you book your gondola ride on the Grand Canal in the late afternoon, you’ll have the luxury of watching the sun set as you glide peacefully through the waters. This is undoubtedly the best way to end your first day exploring Venice.

They say it’s the favorite spot for young people, but I think Dorsoduro is enjoyable at any age, which is why I recommend spending a day exploring it. Along its streets, you’ll find not only the Venice Academy Gallery but also beautiful churches and palaces.

Take in all of Venice’s art at the Accademia Gallery

When you cross the Accademia Bridge—made of wood because it was originally intended to be temporary—one of the first places you’ll see is the Accademia Gallery. In this museum, which costs approximately €4, you’ll find the largest collection of Venetian art, featuring works by artists such as Bellini and Titian.

Did you know that this museum was founded in 1817 with the aim of housing all of Venice’s artworks? Well, yes—that’s why this visit is practically a must if you want to admire the more than 800 paintings on display.

Continue your art tour at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

It’s clear that art plays an essential role in Venice, but don’t assume that all the works have centuries of history behind them. In fact, I recommend visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, located inside the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, which features works by Picasso, Magritte, and Pollock.

If you love painting and enjoy modern art, this is a must-see during your visit to Venice and the Dorsoduro neighborhood.

End the morning at the Church of Santa Maria della Salute

When you arrive in the Dorsoduro neighborhood, I’m sure there’s one building that will catch your eye more than the others: the Church of Santa Maria della Salute. Plus, its dome will look familiar to you, as it appears on most postcards of the city. This church is one of Venice’s most important religious buildings and was built to celebrate the end of the plague, so you can imagine the symbolism it holds. Admission costs approximately €4, so it’s quite affordable.

Even beyond the fact that its exterior alone will leave you speechless, I recommend going inside because the sacristy houses Tintoretto’s famous painting “The Wedding at Cana, ” as well as other works by him and artists like Titian.

Stop for a bite to eat and some shopping

If there’s one lively square in Dorsoduro packed with shops and restaurants, it’s Campo Santa Margherita. It’s undoubtedly a magnificent spot to enjoy an aperitif or even buy some fresh produce from the street vendors who set up there every morning.

But in addition to the delicious cuisine of Santa Margherita, sitting at one of its terraces, you can admire the facades of the Baroque buildings that surround it. Among these, I recommend paying special attention to the ancient Scuola dei Varoteri and the Scuola Grande dei Carmini, which you can visit if you’re interested by purchasing tickets.

Visit the legendary Palazzo Ca' Rezzonico

It’s impossible to spend a day in Venice without seeing one of its palaces, but the great thing about Ca’ Rezzonico is that it’s one of the few you can actually tour inside. You’ve probably seen its façade in a photo before, as it’s located on the banks of the Grand Canal and is absolutely stunning.

Although it’s naturally smaller than the Doge’s Palace, it’s just as interesting to visit, especially since it houses the Museo del Settecento Veneziano, where you’ll find objects once used by the city’s nobility. You can also visit an old pharmacy.

Of all Venice’s districts, Castello is the largest. To get there, you’ll need to take a vaporetto, so now you have an excuse to try this iconic mode of transportation. This neighborhood combines the luxury and crowds of one of the city’s most touristy areas with the poorer streets surrounding the shipyard.

Walk among the tombs of the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo

I’m pretty sure what one of the first stops should be: the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Not only because it’s the largest church in Venice, but because artistically speaking, it’s a true landmark. For one thing, inside you’ll find the tombs of the doges, so you can imagine the rich decoration that accompanies the former Venetian dukes. The entrance fee is nominal (around €2) and is considered a donation to the Basilica.

Once you’ve finished exploring the vast interior of the basilica, its tombs, and works of art, I recommend stepping outside to the square of the same name. There you’ll find the statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni, an impressive Renaissance piece by the sculptor Verrocchio. The square is also home to the Scuola Grande di San Marco, another Renaissance building that is currently used as a hospital.

Visit the Naval Museum at the Arsenale Complex

Did you know that the site where the Venice Biennale was held years ago used to be a naval complex? That’s right—this was the Arsenale’s original purpose, which explains why it now houses the Naval History Museum. This old shipyard is a highly recommended spot to end your morning by exploring the evolution of Venetian gondolas. Admission costs around €10, and even if you’re not particularly interested, this is where warships were once repaired and built.

Around the Arsenale, you can also visit other historic buildings, but above all, I recommend relaxing in the Gardens, which were designed by Napoleon Bonaparte. There, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.

Take a break to shop and eat at the Via Garibaldi Market

You’re probably starting to feel hungry by now, and there’s nothing better on those occasions than enjoying fresh produce just bought at the market. The Garibaldi market is open on weekdays from early morning, though the fruit, vegetable, and other fresh food stalls start closing around noon. However, on this street—one of the widest and straightest in Venice—you can also find affordable local eateries.

In addition to grabbing a bite to eat, you can also do some shopping. Although it’s a fairly large and central street, the shops you’ll find there are mostly local, making it a great opportunity to pick up a more unique souvenir.

Step back in time at the Acqua Alta Library

In recent years, technology has taken over our daily lives, so I recommend leaving your mobile devices in your backpack for a while and getting lost among the bookshelves at the Acqua Alta Library. The building is located in the heart of the Castello district and has a very special feature: sometimes the bookshelves are replaced by gondolas and bathtubs.

As you can imagine, when floods hit Venice—a common occurrence at certain times of the year—this bookstore turns into an indoor lagoon, and the best way to save its books is by placing them in bathtubs or gondolas. It sounds incredible, butif you visit Venice in winter and go see it for yourself, you’ll see it’s true.

The San Polo district is one of my favorites because of its beauty and the culture it embodies. This neighborhood is the smallest in Venice, though also one of the oldest, as the city’s first inhabitants settled here because it was a flood-free zone. You’ll find it near the Rialto Bridge.

Cross the Rialto Bridge to the market

It was clear this would be one of my top recommended stops, as this famous bridge is worth crossing at least once. In addition to being one of the most unique, the Rialto is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. It is characterized by its distinctive portico and, historically, by having served as an economic hub.

Once you’ve crossed the bridge—if you do so in the morning—you’ll have the chance to visit the Rialto Market, which has been held since the early 11th century. If you haven’t had breakfast yet, you’ll find it hard to resist the temptation when you see how delicious the fruit sold there looks.

Near this bridge is the Palazzo Mocenigo, an 18th-century nobleman’s house turned museum where you can discover a collection of period clothing and accessories, as well as Rococo-style furniture and frescoes.

Step inside Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and explore its interior

Once you’ve fully immersed yourself in San Polo, head to the Frari, the name given to this church, which is deceptive from the outside. What do I mean? That its exterior is rather plain, without much ornamentation. However, when you step inside (admission costs approximately €3), you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

One of the most striking features is the stained-glass work that adorns the walls of Santa Maria Gloriosa, though the spotlight undoubtedly belongs to Titian’s painting “The Assumption, ” which presides over the altar.

Gather your strength and visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco

After making a quick stop for lunch at one of the rustic taverns you’ll find in the San Polo district, it’s time to continue your Venetian art tour at San Rocco, which is every bit as impressive as the Sistine Chapel. Why? Its interior was decorated by Tintoretto, so get ready to admire a masterpiece brimming with color, light, and intricate detail.

There’s just one drawback: although the building is quite large and its architecture is impressive, only three rooms are open to visitors. Still, if you love art as much as I do, I highly recommend going inside (the approximate ticket price is €10).

Enjoy a Venetian evening with a traditional dinner

The entire area near the Rialto Bridge is one of the most traditional in Venice, so I can’t give you a better recommendation than to take advantage of your time there to book a food tour that lets you sample the city’s most traditional dishes, hear legends, and experience Venice’s nightlife.

During the approximately three hours these tours last, you’ll visit small bars where you’ll get to sample some “cicchetti” —that is, small portions of fish, meat, or vegetable dishes. Of course, food goes down better with a few glasses of wine, so you’ll also taste some Venetian specialties.

The best part is that when you book this type of tour in Venice, you’ll be accompanied by a professional guide who, in addition to joining you for the food tastings, will share the city’s secrets and legends.

This district is actually an island, but it has three spots that immediately caught my interest—and I’m sure they’ll catch yours too. For one thing, San Giorgio Maggiore is home to a monastery and a church that are well worth a visit. But beyond that, this island offers incredible views of Venice.

The grandeur of the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore

This massive building catches your eye from afar, as it can be seen from St. Mark’s Square. Once you’re on the island, it’s even more imposing. Its marble construction was designed by Andrea Palladio and blends various classical styles, though its inspiration is primarily Roman.

Its exterior is truly fascinating, but inside you’ll also find plenty of art, specifically several works of Italian Mannerism. My advice is not to forget to admire these pieces even if your main goal is to climb to the top of the bell tower, where you’ll enjoy an incredible panoramic view of Venice. The photos you’ll take from there are priceless, believe me, and will make the roughly €6 admission fee well worth it. After all, there’s a reason they say this is the best viewpoint in the city.

Take a vaporetto and visit Giudecca Island

Venice is a large island, but there are other equally interesting, albeit smaller, islands surrounding it. Giudecca is one of them, so I recommend taking vaporetto number 2, which takes you there from San Giorgio, and spending the afternoon visiting two of its most important buildings: the Convent of the Zitelle and the Church of the Santissimo Redentore.

The Convent of the Zitelle has a rich history, as it was built to shelter women in need. It is now a hotel, but the name has been retained. Meanwhile, the Church of the Santissimo Redentore was designed by Andrea Palladio as a reminder of the terror caused by the plague in the city, which was considered a divine punishment. Its architecture stands out for its imposing Roman pediment.

If you’re spending a week in Venice, I recommend taking a day trip from Venice, especially to the area of Murano, Burano, and Torcello—three nearby islands where you can experience some of the most traditional crafts firsthand.

Learn the art of glassblowing on the island of Murano

Have you ever been fascinated by watching how glass is made? Using only air, master artisans design glass objects with seemingly impossible shapes. During your visit to Murano, you’ll have the chance to tour an old factory to watch a live demonstration of this craft. If you also book a tour that includes a workshop, you’ll return home with a piece you made yourself, thanks to the guidance of the glassblower and the tour guide accompanying you.

In Murano, you can also visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria and San Donato, a Byzantine-style building that is part of the city’s heritage. My advice is to go with a guide who can explain all the references and allegories that the floor and wall mosaics make to religious motifs.

Visit the fishing village on the island of Burano

This island is known for its handmade lace, but also for being a charming fishing village. As you can imagine, the quality of the fish in Burano is top-notch, so I recommend taking advantage of your visit to sit down at a restaurant by the harbor and savor the local catch.

Once you’ve regained your strength after lunch, wander through its streets lined with colorful little houses and head to its bell tower, which you’ll recognize instantly because it’s slightly leaning. Don’t worry, there’s no danger of it falling, as its structure was stabilized after World War II.

Explore the former seat of the Huns on the island of Torcello

Although only about 20,000 people live there now, Torcello was actually the first inhabited island and therefore has Venice’s first church, the Church of Santa Fosca. The reason there aren’t as many people now is that, hundreds of years ago, due to a malaria epidemic, the population declined and power shifted to Venice.

Although its importance is no longer what it once was, in Torcello you can get a sense of what the area was like years ago, as it seems as though time has stood still. In fact, in the town square stands what is believed to have been the throne of Attila, king of the Huns.

In a couple of hours, you’ll have explored Torcello and will be more than ready to head back to Venice.

On your trip to Venice, you’ll surely love exploring the city’s most traditional areas, but if I may offer a tip, you can’t leave without visiting the Lido—one of the area’s most modern summer destinations. This island is just a 10-minute vaporetto ride from Venice (lines 5, 1, and .1), making it the perfect place to spend your last day in the city.

Take a stroll along the beaches of the Lido

If you’re visiting Venice in the summer, there’s no better way to enjoy the season and beat the heat than with a swim at the Lido’s beaches. My favorite (and that of many others) is Alberoni Beach, with its impressive dunes. If you’re traveling to Venice with kids, a stroll and a swim at this beach is a great idea.

Be warned, these beaches get very crowded, so keep that in mind when you go because you’ll likely run into many Italians spending their vacations there, in addition to tourists like you and me. My advice is to go first thing in the morning.

Feel like a movie star in the north of the Lido

You’ve surely heard of the Venice Film Festival, and images of big movie stars arriving by boat probably come to mind. Well, you can have a similar experience if you head to the Palazzo del Cinema, where this event is held every year. If you’re visiting Venice in August or September, keep in mind that this is when the festival takes place, so access may be restricted.

If the glamour of the movies isn’t your thing and you prefer something more traditional, head over to the San Nicoló neighborhood, also in the northern part of the Lido. There you can visit the monastery and the church, where the relics of Saint Nicholas are kept, though you may know it better as the location where the film Death in Venice was filmed.

Savour the best fish on the Lido

In the center of the Lido lies Malamocco, a small fishing village where I recommend stopping for lunch. Of course, the star dish at any of the local restaurants is fish, though you can also try more typical dishes like pizza.

Malamocco is one of the most authentic areas of the Lido, so the best thing to do is stroll through its streets and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. As you walk around, you’re sure to be surprised by the houses and buildings, which have a unique yet charming style.

Cycle along the murazzi

Fancy getting some exercise? On the Lido, you can rent a bike to ride along the murazzi—the seawalls built to prevent erosion of the island and ensure safe navigation through its waters.

Without a doubt, biking is a great way to explore the Lido, and along the murazzi you’ll have the chance to see the waves of the Adriatic Sea on one side and the city center on the other. You’ll feel like a true Italian!

Dine and gamble at the Venice Casino

Want to experience the glamour and sophistication of the Lido up close? Then you have to go to the Venice Casino. Just a heads-up: if you do go, remember to dress for the occasion, as they have a dress code and won’t let you in if you’re wearing beachwear. Even if you don’t gamble, the interior is quite spectacular, so my advice is to go inside to soak up the atmosphere and, if you can afford it, have dinner there.

The Casino’s restaurants, as you’d expect, are absolutely luxurious, and you can enjoy top-notch dishes there. It’s not for every budget, but at least you can have a drink and admire the decor filled with crystal chandeliers.

And to get around quickly and safely, your best bet is to get a city transit pass that will let you move freely around Venice without any issues. You can choose the hours that suit you best and travel unlimitedly on the vaporettos and buses.

How excited are you to spend a week in Venice? I hope these tips and the complete itinerary help you organize your vacation in the city of gondolas. Enjoy it!