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3 Days in Venice: The Best Itinerary for Your Visit
Table of contents
The Best Things to Do with 3 Days in Venice
Itinerary in Venice: day 1
Piazza San Marco
Start your 3 days in Venice itinerary off in the iconic Piazza San Marco. It is the largest square in the city and is framed by architectural masterpieces that will take your breath away. Several sides of the piazza feature arcades lined with fashionable shops and cafés where you can grab a coffee and a bite to eat. Some of the city's most famous structures are located here and will be included in your itinerary. These include the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica.
St Mark’s Basilica
There is no doubt that St Mark's Basilica is the most recognizable church in Venice and one of the most acclaimed in the world. It is one of the key focal points along the Piazza San Marco and is the perfect place to head after spending some time exploring the area. Considered to be one of Europe's most beautiful cathedrals, the Basilica has been at the heart of religious and public life in Venice since its initial construction in 829 CE. It was later rebuilt between 1063 and 1094 and features Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. Points of interest to check out during your visit include the St Mark's Basilica Collection, which features an impressive array of relics and art pieces that are housed in the building. Spend some time looking at the Pala d'Oro. This intricate altarpiece is covered in gold and decorated with nearly 2,000 gems. You can also pay a visit to the Tomb of St Mark or take in the views of the city from the terrace that runs along the southern and western facades.
Itinerary in Venice: day 2
Cruise the canals
Taking a canal cruise is a must for your 3 days in Venice itinerary and a great way to kick off the 2nd leg of your getaway. Cruising through the city in a gondola offers you a unique perspective of its historic architecture and key points of interest. These waterways are at the heart of Venetian life, and experiencing them for yourself will leave you with some incredible memories. You will find local cruise operators situated conveniently throughout the city centre. These tours generally run for around 30 minutes. It is important to note that gondola rides at night tend to cost more than those during the day.
Explore Venice's dining and nightlife scene
Venice enjoys plenty of renown for both its dining scene and its nightlife opportunities. We recommend wrapping up day 2 of your itinerary by heading out for an amazing meal followed by an exploration of the city's top party hotspots. We have a few recommendations for you to consider. If a fine dining experience is what you seek, check out Oro Restaurant. This Michelin-starred eatery is known for its offering of fresh seafood and for the amazing views that you can enjoy while you eat. Travellers who want to pair fine wine with delicious food should visit Osteria Enoteca San Marco. Popular dishes include roasted lamb and spaghetti with tiger prawns. For a small plate dining experience, try Cantina Do Spade. This Cicchetteria has been serving hungry customers since 1448 and offers a variety of dishes that pair perfectly with a glass of red wine. After your meal, it is time to hit the best nightlife spots in Venice. Whether you seek a relaxed bar or a happening nightclub, you have plenty of options. They include The Venice Jazz Club, Bar ai Artisti, the Experimental Cocktail Club, Cantine del Vino già Schiavi, Tag Club and Molocinque.
Itinerary in Venice: day 3
The Campanile
The Campanile is the tallest structure in Venice at a height of 98.6 metres. The original tower was built in the 9th century though it collapsed in 1902 and was subsequently rebuilt. The building is located in the Piazza San Marco and features a platform where you can take in some of the best views of the city, its lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. This is the perfect way to start the final leg of your 3 days in Venice itinerary.
The Doge's Palace
Wrap up your 3-day itinerary by visiting another one of the most iconic structures in the Piazza San Marco. Built in 1340 and known for its Venetian Gothic architecture and its lavishly decorated interiors, the palace once served as the official residence of the Doge of Venice. These rulers were the supreme authority throughout the history of the Republic of Venice. Since 1923, the Doge's Palace has served as a museum. It is one of 11 that are run by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.
Places to visit around Venice
The islands of Burano and Murano
The islands of Burano and Murano offer excellent day trip opportunities for your 3 days in Venice itinerary. Both of them feel like mini-versions of the city and have their own sets of canals and bridges. They are among the best spots to head if you want to experience traditional Venetian art. Murano is famed for its glassblowing industry, which was originally set up on the island as a way to isolate the glass specialists so their secrets could not be discovered by others. The island of Burano is a bit further away and was historically known as a fishing area. It is renowned for its brightly painted homes that reflect magically on the water. There are boat tours available as a convenient way to explore these iconic locations.
The Dolomite Mountains
If you are looking for a day trip option where you escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, the Dolomite Mountains are a great choice. This is a perfect excursion for travellers who have hired a car for their holiday, though the area can also be reached via public transportation. There are also tour groups you can join for an unforgettable escape to this stunning area known for its magnificent landscapes and charming villages. While you are there, take a hike along the mountain trails. Afterwards, you can stop off for a coffee in Pieve di Cadore. This community was the birthplace of the famed Renaissance artist Titian.
Verona
About 1 hour and 30 minutes to the west of Venice, you will find the beautiful city of Verona. It is another outstanding day trip option to include in your 3-day itinerary. This is the community that many associate with Shakespeare's Juliet, and it is known for its narrow streets that are paved with stone. In the historic centre, you will find medieval and Renaissance buildings. You will also note the Roman gates that arch over the roadways. Other points of interest include Verona's lavish churches, its castle that has been transformed into an art museum, and its Roman-era arena.
Where to stay in Venice
1. Hotel Metropole Venice 5*
Enjoy an incredible city break when you book a stay at the Hotel Metropole Venice 5*. The property offers stunning views of the city's iconic lagoon, and you will be comfortably accommodated in a Grand Deluxe Room during your stay.
The hotel's features include a concierge service, a laundry service, a babysitting service and airport transfers. During your stay, enjoy delicious meals served at the Oriental Bar & Bistro. The air-conditioned rooms are furnished with a mini-fridge, a safe, and a hairdryer.
What we like: We love the excellent location that this family-friendly property offers for travellers who want to explore the heart of Venice. On-site massage treatments add to the appeal of this booking, as does the hotel's impressive collection of antiques that are on display for your viewing pleasure.
2. Hotel Aquarius Venice 4*
An impeccable break awaits you when you select the Hotel Aquarius Venice 4* through Voyage Privé. This chic property enjoys a location in a tranquil quarter of the city while also enjoying proximity to popular attractions.
This luxurious accommodation features Wi-Fi, air conditioning, multilingual staff, 3 restaurant and bar facilities, a fitness centre, spa treatments, a library and in-room amenities, such as kitchens, kettles, mini-fridges, coffee machines and microwaves.
What we like: We love the laid-back vibe of this excellent booking option with features such as Schubert Bar, where you can relax with a drink after a busy day spent exploring the sights and sounds of Venice.
3. UnaHotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only
With 77 well-appointed rooms to choose from, the UnaHotels Ala Venezia - Adults Only is a great choice for 3 days in Venice spent with your partner or friends. The property features elegant interiors and is just a short walk from the iconic Piazza San Marco.
Enjoy hotel features during your stay that include a 24-hour reception desk, a luggage storage service, Wi-Fi, a concierge service, air conditioning, a breakfast buffet, the Altana Roof Terrace, Tarnowaska's American Bar and in-room amenities, such as a safe, a mini-fridge and a hairdryer.
What we like: We love this property's convenient proximity to the city's top points of interest and the spectacular views you can enjoy from the hotel terrace.
4. Voco Venice Mestre - The Quid 4*
There are 128 rooms to choose from at the Voco Venice Mestre - The Quid 4*. It enjoys a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle while also being located close to the major attractions you will want to visit during your 3 days in Venice itinerary.
Hotel features include Wi-Fi, outdoor parking, a 24-hour reception desk, air conditioning, the Ludico Venice Restaurant and in-room amenities like a courtesy tray of tea and coffee, a safe and a mini-fridge.
What we like: We love the excellent dining options at this property as well as the on-site gym where you can get in an invigorating workout before heading out to explore the area.
5. San Zaccaria Hotel
The San Zaccaria Hotel is an enchanting property that is just a short walk from iconic locations like the Bridge of Sighs. With grand interiors and features like a relaxing sauna, it is a great option for your 3 days in Venice itinerary.
The hotel's amenities include luggage storage, Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception desk, air conditioning, luggage storage and a fitness centre.
What we like: We love this 19th-century property's stunning interiors and its excellent dining opportunities that are available at Principessa Restaurant.
Practical tips for visiting Venice
We have a few tips to help you get the most out of your holiday. To start things off, we recommend booking at least a 2 to 3 days in Venice itinerary to give yourself plenty of time to experience what the area offers. We also suggest packing a pair of comfortable, high-quality walking shoes as exploring on foot is the best way to see this historic city. It is also a good idea to bring along a travel umbrella as rain is a common enough occurrence in the area. Prepare yourself for big crowds and visit attractions early in the day when possible to avoid long queues. It is also a good idea to book tickets in advance if you can. The local currency is the euro, and it is a good idea to carry a bit of cash when you go out as you could encounter some establishments that do not accept card payments. If you plan on using any electronic devices that require a UK outlet, make sure you pack a travel plug adapter.
When to visit Venice
The best time to book a getaway in Venice is mid-spring or early autumn. The weather tends to be pleasant and warm during these months, but the crowds are not as big, and prices are generally lower. The summer months represent the peak of the tourist season. This is a great time to visit as well, but you must be prepared for larger crowds if you come in June, July or August when temperatures are at their highest.
How to get to Venice
The primary airport for arrivals is Venice Marco Polo Airport. Flights head out from the United Kingdom's major travel hubs daily with an average in-air time for direct routes of around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Upon landing, you can get to the city centre by taking the bus. Once there, exploring on foot is going to often be the best option to get around to the various points of interest you wish to visit. Beyond walking, ways to move around the area include water taxis, vaporetto boat buses and gondolas.
What to eat in Venice
As one of the most vibrant corners of Italy, Venice is home to a dynamic food scene and is known for a variety of local dishes that you must sample during your 3-day itinerary. A few recommendations include the rice dish called risi e bisi. It is made with garden peas and is one of the most iconic local specialities. Another must-try rice dish is the risotto al nero di seppia, which is made with wine, tomatoes, onions and squid ink. Bigoli in salsa is a unique pasta dish made with salt-cured fish that is often served as a starter. You should also try the sarde in saor, which features sardines paired with pine nuts, raisins and vinegar. For dessert, we suggest the sweet pastry fritters known as fritole.