Venice is the capital of the Veneto region of Italy. Veneto spans from Venice towards Verona and up to the Dolomites. The region itself has a very fascinating history beginning in the 5th century AD with the Roman Empire and spanning centuries under various rulers.
Today Venice is famous for being a city of canals, masks, and bridges. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 118 islands!
Venice was also the birthplace of Marco Polo, Casanova, Vivaldi, Bellini, and Capraccio. Being the center of the artisan world, Venice cultivated and exchanged ideas and products from all over the world.
Traveling beyond Venice and looking for more inspiration? Try these articles
- How to Spend One Day in Bologna
- Why You Should Never Drive in Italy Without an International Driver’s License
- Exploring Verona, Italy
Table of Contents
2 Day Venice Itinerary
I use the word itinerary loosely as even I don’t make an itinerary when I travel! I prefer to make a list of everything with notes about working hours, costs, and time needed and just go about my day choosing what feels good at the moment.
This itinerary is planned in a way to help you get acquainted with the city. The first day is the highlights of Venice, the “must see” on everyone’s list, perfect for first time visitors of Venice.
The second day are basically bonus items. Spend the first day orienting yourself with Venice and getting a feel for the way it ebbs and flows and the second day diving deeper into the culture, history, and arts.
Day 1 | Highlights of Venice
Campanile di San Marco | St Mark’s Campanile
The Campanile, or bell tower, is found in St. Mark’s Square. It is a 99 meters high tower that was once a lighthouse. It was here that Galileo used it to study the skies and it is where he premiered his telescope.
A unique feature to the tower is that there is an elevator. Most towers in Europe only provides stairs to the top leaving the bird’s eye view to those who are physically able to climb hundreds of stairs.
Pro tip: arrive very early to avoid long lines or buy skip the line tickets. By mid-day this line can be very long and mid-summer it is completely without shade.
Basilica di San Marco | St Mark’s Basilica
The church is free to enter but there are little stops along the walking path through the basilica where you can choose to pay a few euros to see additional items. I paid the additional 2€ to see the Pala d’Oro. A magnificant work of Byzantine art; complete with 1300 pearls, 300 sapphires, 300 emeralds, and 400 garnets – all original gems.
Be mindful that it is a place of worship. Photos under any circumstances are not allowed. There is only one path through the church and it can take around 15 minutes to go through.
The line to visit the Basilica can stretch hundreds of meters down the square and can be a miserable experience during a hot day. This is why these two items are added first on the itinerary.
Torre dell’Orologio | St. Marks Clock Tower
Also found in St. Mark’s Square – yes there is a lot to do and see here – is St. Marks Clock Tower. The tower is just near St Mark’s Basilica and dates back to the 15th century. The clock tower not only shares the current time but also the dominant Zodiac sign and current phase of the moon.
While you can enjoy the clock for free from San Marco’s Square you can also arrange a guided tour. Tours in English take place several times a day throughout the week and last around one hour. *As of 2020 tours are temporarily suspended. Check the official site for opening hours and prices.
Tip: If you go through the arch below the clock tower and continue until you reach the Grand Canal, just two streets over to the right you will find Rialto Bridge (~6 minute walk) (info below)
Palazzo Ducale | Doge’s Palace
Palazzo Ducale, or Doge’s Palace in English, was the residence for the Doge (the senior-most official of Venice) during the Republic of Venice (over 1000 years!).
I realize that my fascination with castles and palaces makes me love almost every single one I visit but Doge’s Palace was the seat of an incredible force of innovation and this is reflected in your visit.
The palace is full of meticulously decorated rooms of stunning paintings and gold painted accents. A personal favorite is a painting called Il Paradiso and is found in the main hall. It is one of the largest canvas paintings in the world. Dominating an entire wall, it includes around 500 figures! Painted by Tintoretto in the 1500’s.
