Venice, Italy is a city of romance, good food, fine wine, and the epitome of la dolce vita; a life of indolence and self-indulgence. It’s no wonder why people from around the world flock to this city every year. By using this guide, you won’t just be another face in a crowd full of tourists. We’ll share with you the very best of Venice in two days.
Although a trip to Venice can be crowded and a little over your monthly budget, this floating city is so charmingly rustic that spending any amount of time here is worth it. From the iconic gondolas to the beautiful Doge’s Palace, getting lost in this city maze of narrow streets and tiny canals is truly magical.
This Venice itinerary will give you the best of both worlds: the city’s local gems and tourist attractions. Our Venice 2 day itinerary will open your eyes to discover what makes this Italian city so enchanting.
Venice in 2 Days
Is 48 hours enough? What are the things to see in Venice, Italy in 2 days? There is plenty to do in such a short space of time and of course and since time is of the essence, you can definitely make the most of Venice in two days.
We recommend that within your 2 days in Venice, Italy, you avoid swarms of people during the day and rather sightsee at night. The buzz of the city during the day drops to a low hum at night. Two nights in this beautiful city is magical and if love is in the air, this is one way to busk in it.
Venice Itinerary 2 Days
The moment you land in Italy, we promise that you’ll be itching to make this city your playground. Luckily, Venice is a city run by pedestrians so wear your most comfortable shoes and put on your Fitbit; it’s time to get in your steps.
Doge’s Palace
Doge’s Palace is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Venice. There is so much history to learn here and with its marble floors and gilded walls, it’s a gorgeous sight as well. This is also where you can walk across the Bridge of Sighs and see the view it is so famous for.
Once open, people flood in and it can become a stampede of tourists eager to take in the enormity of the palace. We recommend booking a day pass ticket or joining a group tour to avoid long lines.
Piazza San Marco
This is one place you will probably be passing by a lot through your 2-day stay. But nothing beats the sight of the Piazza San Marco when nobody is around. Try coming here early in the morning or at night to admire its opulence. If you time things perfectly, you can have a morning espresso from Caffe Florian, the world’s oldest coffee shop, and watch the sunrise.
Gelato di Natura
No matter how young or old you are, everyone has a sweet tooth and Gelato di Natura is happy to cater to its needs. Here you can sample some of Venice’s delicious, creamy rich Gelato flavors. Take note, there are dozens of Gelato di Natura shops pinned all around Venice. So if you miss one, don’t panic, there’s sure to be another around the corner.
Campo Santo Stefano
The town square of Campo Santo Stefano is a swift change from the Venetian maze-like passages and alleyways. This is an open area filled with an assortment of cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. All surrounded by multiple churches and brightly painted facades.
Mercato di Rialto
There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of local farmers or fishermans markets. The Mercato di Rialto specializes in fresh seafood, with a couple of stalls dedicated to organic produce.
Even if you have no intention to make a home-cooked meal on your 2-day vacay, the market showcases a charm and authenticity to Venice that tourists rarely get to see.
Gondola Rides
It would be heartless of us not to mention a canal ride in this Italian city. When you think of Venice you cannot picture it without a gondola or two. If you’re tired of sightseeing on foot, explore the city this way instead. Pro tip: not all gondola rides are the same. There are three types available: a private gondola, a shared gondola, and the Vaporetto (a boat taxi).
The main differences of these gondolas are dependent on price and desired atmosphere. The private gondola is the most expensive of the three but perfect for a romantic time for two. Whereas the Vaporetto is the public transit of Venice. This is the cheapest and the quickest gondola experience. Perfect for efficiency on a Venice two-day itinerary.
Ponte Dell’Accademia
This is yet another spectacular bridge in Venice to cross over. However, this bridge is famous for the panoramic views it provides, rather than its architectural design. From atop of the Ponte Dell’Accademia, you can view Venice in its entirety. Remember to visit both sides of the bridge to admire each unique vantage point.
No matter the time of day, sunset to sunrise, watch boats and gondolas pass along the canal and out towards the open water.
Italy Travel Visa
For most countries, traveling to Italy is fairly easy. As part of the Schengen Agreement, most countries outside of Europe can enter Italy for up to 90 days, however there are some complications if you have already been traveling in other Schengen zone countries for a total of 90 days.
To ensure a smooth trip, without any visa hassles, we always recommend checking to see if your country has any conflicts or restrictions for entering. The best way to do that is through a specialized visa company, such as Travel Visa Pro agency, to double check any entry or stay requirements.
Final Thoughts: What to do in Venice Italy in 2 days
There are dozens of honorable mentions that we didn’t get to in this post. Like the Grand Canal, Libreria Acqua Alta, or Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute. But the beauty of Venice is that wherever you aimlessly wonder, you are sure to see these attractions and more along your way.
Whenever you have the opportunity to visit Venice for a couple of days, be sure to take some time to wander around the pretty alleys, bridges, and squares. Ultimately, this Italian city is a year-round destination, in rain or shine you’ll be in awe at how incredibly beautiful Venice, Italy can be.
