Italy is home to many beautiful cities, one of which is Venice. Mostly known as the city built on canals, being here will transport you back to the olden times, especially when you ride a gondola around. Must-visits include St. Mark's Square and Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the well-known Ponte de Rialto over the Grand Canal. With so many things to do in Venice, the fun and adventure will surely not run out!
And hey, if you’re staying only for 2 days in Venice, then we’ve got you covered with what to do and where to go. Read on below to find out more.
Day 1: A little bit of architecture and culture
One of the best ways to explore another country or a different city is through its architecture, history, and culture. With that, here are some things to do in Venice on your first day.
1. Embark on a St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace tour
Marvel at breathtaking sights and architecture when you visit St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace! Going on a St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and Venice City tour is definitely one of the best things to do here. Your trip won’t be complete without a visit to these iconic sites.
St. Mark's Basilica is a major pilgrimage and religious site in Venice
The tour will first take you to Doge’s Palace, where you’ll be delighted by Venetian Gothic architecture, Renaissance art, and a walk across the historic Bridge of Sighs, which is connected to the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) across the Rio di Palazzo waterway. Make sure to explore the palace’s interiors, including grand halls, sculptures, and several chambers.
Immerse yourself in Venetian history, power, and art when you visit Doge’s Palace
After the palace, you’ll then head to St. Mark's Square and Basilica, filled with stunning gold mosaics and a mix of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic architectural styles. It’s also home to the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist, marking its religious significance to Venice.
The tour comes with a guide who will enlighten you more about Venice’s rich history, art, and culture. Feel free to ask questions, too, if you have any as you go about the tour.
2. Go on a romantic gondola ride
Riding a gondola in Venice is perfect for couples, as well as families and friends
If you’re looking to have a unique and unforgettable experience of the city, then this Grand Canal gondola ride should be on your list of things to do in Venice. Gondolas played a big part in Venice’s history and culture when they were once the city’s primary mode of transportation. If anything, gondolas symbolize Venice’s artistry and craftsmanship, as these boats are carefully handcrafted using wood.
Apart from admiring Venice’s amazing waterways, you’ll also be going along the Grand Canal, which promises breathtaking scenery and views of the city.
3. Sample local cuisine and wines
Make sure to try local wines in Venice, especially Italian Prosecco! (Credit: Aleisha Kalina)
No trip to Italy would be complete without trying out its world-famous cuisine, and Venice is one of the best places to do just that. Whether you’re craving classic Italian fare or curious about local Venetian specialties such as cichetti (small plates similar to Spanish tapas), you’ll have plenty of options during your two days in Venice.
Klook tip: If you’re short on time, you can even go on a street food and sightseeing walking tour in Venice, which combines two activities into one convenient itinerary.
Sampling Italian wines is also a must-try in Venice, especially with the extensive options available. From red to white and even sparkling varieties, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice during your time here. An Italian wine tasting experience in Venice is a great way to introduce yourself to winemaking techniques used in Italy, and you get to sample a curated selection too.
Day 2: Explore some free things to do in Venice
Let’s fill the second day of your Venice 2-day itinerary with some free things to do in the city!
1. Visit the Jewish Ghetto
The Jewish Ghetto was established in 1516 / Photo from Steven Zucker on Flickr
Considered one of the world's oldest Jewish ghettos in the Cannaregio district, this site is surely one of the best free things to do in Venice. It has five synagogues, the Jewish Museum, and a memorial for the victims of the Holocaust. As you walk around, get ready to unpack more of the life and history of the Jews back in the olden times and discover the significance of the Jewish Ghetto today.
Klook tip: For a more in-depth look into the history of the area, we recommend joining a tour of the Jewish Quarter in Venice, where a guide will share insights into Jewish history in Venice from the Renaissance period to the present time.
2. Via Garibaldi
Via Garibaldi is a hidden gem in Venice where you can explore freely with fewer crowds / Photo from Jorge Franganillo on Flickr
Experience the local Venetian life and a vibrant atmosphere at Via Garibaldi, a district in the Castello neighborhood. Here, you’ll be mesmerized by some sights to see, such as the Arsenale, a shipyard and naval base, and San Pietro di Castello, a former basilica. There are also picturesque canals here, as well as buildings showing Venetian architecture.
After all the strolling and sightseeing, grab a bite at some of the restaurants nearby, like Nevodi, serving classic Italian food; La Nuova Perla, offering traditional Venetian dishes; and Trattoria-Pizzeria Sottoprova, specializing in pizzas and many more. You can easily spend hours here with all the walking, eating, and shopping!
Tips for Visiting Venice in 48 Hours
1. Stay connected during your trip with an Italy eSIM
To make navigation during your trip to Venice fuss-free, we highly recommend getting a 5G Italy eSIM! You’ll need one for multiple reasons, such as using Google Maps, communicating both locally and internationally, or simply checking important information on establishments and attractions you plan to visit.
2. Buy a Venice Vaporetto Pass for convenient transportation
The Venice Vaporetto Pass is an all-inclusive public transportation ticket that gives you unlimited access to vaporetti, or water buses, in Venice, Lido, and the Lagoon Islands. You can also use the pass for buses in Mestre and Marghera. And hey, it also comes with a one-way airport transfer! The pass offers many validity options: 75 minutes, 1, 2, 3, or 7 days.
This pass is perfect for your 48-hour Venice trip, as it provides convenient transportation and amazing scenery on the way to key attractions such as the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square.
3. Start your day early
Venice is extra beautiful before 7:00 am. Since you’ll only be spending 2 days in Venice, why not start both days early to make sure you maximize every minute, right? The city in the early morning is much more peaceful, misty, and definitely more stunning, and less crowded for photos. We highly recommend watching the sun rise at St. Mark’s Square or walking across the Rialto Bridge, where there aren’t many people yet.
Enjoy your trip to Venice!
Fall in love with Venice, the floating city, and its beautiful canals and amazing gondola rides
Fall in love with Venice, the floating city, and its beautiful canals and amazing gondola rides
2 days in Venice may seem short, but you can easily maximize that time by visiting famous sites on Day 1 and exploring hidden gems on Day 2. There are so many things to do in Venice that are perfect for different types of travelers. So, what are you waiting for? Book your flights, secure your activities, and have a wonderful Venetian trip! Safe travels, everyone!
FAQs
What are the do's and don'ts in Venice, Italy?
During your weekend away in Venice, it’s important to remember the following:
- Do’s: Walk on the right side of the street and stay hydrated using the free water fountains in the city.
- Dont’s: Avoid blocking narrow streets, feeding pigeons, sitting on historic monuments and religious sites, and swimming in the canals, which can incur fines.
What to do in Venice for two nights?
An ideal Venice 2 day itinerary includes:
- Sightseeing St. Mark's Square and Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Grand Canal
- Sampling local dishes and wines such as cichetti and prosecco
- Learning about history at the Jewish Quarters
Is Venice worth visiting for 2 days?
Yes, 2 days in Venice are definitely worth it to experience local culture and sightseeing famous attractions such as St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the Grand Canal. A weekend trip to Venice is highly-recommended if you’re visiting Italy and want to get away from the crowds.
If you have the time to spare, a day trip to Lake Braies from Venice is also a must for the picturesque sight of its emerald waters and dramatic mountain backdrop.
What is the blue hour in Venice?
The blue hour in Venice is a 20-minute period just before sunrise or right after sunset where deep blue and indigo hues can be seen in the sky. This spectacular natural phenomenon is especially famous among couples due to the romantic atmosphere it brings. Key viewing points include Ponte de Rialto, the Grand Canal, and the Accademia bridge.
What is the prettiest area in Venice?
The prettiest area in Venice is along the Grand Canal, where you can sightsee Ponte di Rialto, Piazza San Marco, and even enjoy various activities such as a gondola ride! If you only have 2 days in Venice, Italy, then make sure you stop by.
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