VENICE IN ONE DAY

Things to see and do in Venice in 24 hours

Ideas for a one day tour of the main sights of Venice and to get a taste of this beautiful city.

We recommend seeing the Basilica and/or the Doge’s Palace but, as your time is limited, we recommend that you decide which of the St Mark’s Square sights you wish to see because, for example, a guided tour of St Mark’s Basilica and/or the Doge’s Palace can take up to 3 hours.

While seeing the major attractions is on most people’s lists, this tour also includes the “Venice experience” and that is to be in the moment and enjoy the experience – a little of everything.

One Day In Venice

Sample Tour

Start in St Mark’s Square
We’re going to start in the most popular place in Venice, St Mark’s Square. If possible get there early to avoid the crowds.

To start your day off, why not take the number 1 or 2 vaporetto (see the vaporetto routes & timetables page) straight to Piazza San Marco allowing you a cruise down the Grand Canal (depending where your hotel is, of course).

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St Mark’s Square
From Rialto Bridge Direction
As you enter St Mark’s Square from the Rialto (San Polo) district, the Basilica and Doge’s Palace will be on your left, ahead will be the belltower and the clocktower will be behind you. On your right are the two historic cafes, one on one side of the square, the other opposite.

From Vaporetto Station
Walk through Piazzetta San Marco into St Mark’s Square. On your right is the Doge’s Palace and Basilica of San Marco and ahead St Mark’s Clocktower. On your left is the belltower.

See the St Mark’s Square page for all attractions. For the purposes of our tour, we won’t include them all, just the essentials.

For a guided tour encompassing the Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Belltower view this page (external link).
St Mark’s Basilica
It’s definitely worth getting a skip-the-line/guided tour. For St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace (including combined tours) see the Venice Tickets & Tours page.
Doge’s Palace
As per St Mark’s Basilica above. See the Venice Tickets & Tours page.
St Mark’s Clocktower
Tours are available, see this page for details.
St Mark’s Belltower
St Mark’s Belltower

Opens every day from 9.30am to 9.15pm (last admission: 8.45pm)
Ticket: €10 – free for children up to 6 years of age.

You use an elevator/lift to get to the top!
Historic Cafes
For a mid-morning coffee and possibly something sweet you have the two historic cafes – Cafe Florian and Grand Caffe Quadri in St Mark’s Square.

Be aware that both these are expensive (view our cafe prices page for details) so if you’re looking for a cheaper option, head to Ai Do Leoni which around the corner of St Mark’s Basilica. If you stand at the bar it’s even cheaper. If you sit outside it’s more expensive.
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is a very short walk from St Mark’s Square (2 minutes). Walk through Piazzetta San Marco towards the waterfront and turn left. Ahead is the bridge Ponte della Paglia. Walk to the bridge and you will see the Bridge of Sighs on the left hand side.

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Lunch
When lunchtime calls, you’re going to head towards the Rialto Bridge for cicchetti and a break. It’s a few minutes walk from St Mark’s Square through the clocktower gateway.

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Cicchetti
Some of the best cicchetti bars are near the Rialto Bridge so see our cicchetti page here for recommendations & locations
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Rialto Bridge
Our tour starts at the Rialto Bridge with views over the Grand Canal

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Gondola Ride
An option to get the “full” Venice experience. If a ride along the Grand Canal (which gets busy) is not preferable, wander a few streets back and the chances are that you’ll find somewhere quieter to have a ride. The ride lasts 30-35 minutes and costs €90 per gondola (max 5 people). In the evening (7pm onwards) the price is from €110.

See our Gondola Rides page for more details.
Rialto to Salute
Our next stop is the church of Salute, built in 1631, in the area of Venice called Dorsoduro.
It’s a short vaporetto ride away. Go to the Rialto vaporetto station (or any along the Grand Canal) and take a Line 1 vaporetto to Salute.

See the Vaporetto Routes & Timetables page
Salute
One of the most photographed buildings in Venice after St Mark’s Square, Santa Maria della Salute. The church has been painted by many artists including Canaletto, J. M. W. Turner and John Singer Sargent. See our Santa Maria della Salute page.

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Punta della Dogana and Zattere
Time for some relaxation and to enjoy the moment in Venice. From Salute we head towards the end of the land, Punta della Dogana (Customs Point) which is 3 minutes or so walk and built in 1677. There’s a chance to see a contemporary art exhibition here or simply enjoy the view over the Venetian lagoon. After that, a walk along Fondamanta delle Zattere, a sunny promenade for a coffee, gelato or spritz and cicchetti.

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Evening Entertainment
For a little entertainment you might consider a Vivaldi concert or an opera in a private palazzo. See our tours page for more information.