I have a pretty busy life, so sometimes, all I have are 24 hours and I´ve made it my mission to get the most out of every single one of my quick trips. This Venice guide is part of a whole section in my profile, so if you feel any resemblance to me, this is just for you!
Because I understand everyone is different and has different budgets, I´m putting more than one option for every meal (including a vegan one), so you can decide what fits best for you.
Breakfast
Budget friendly:
Farini
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This bakery chain offers freshly baked pastries like cornetti (Italian croissants) filled with jam, cream, or chocolate, as well as savory options like focaccia and sandwiches. Pair it with a cappuccino for a perfect Italian breakfast on the go. The atmosphere is casual, and there are a few seating areas if you want to take a moment to enjoy your meal.
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Medium budget:
Caffè Florian
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For a traditional Venetian experience, Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco is an elegant choice. Opened in 1720, it’s one of the oldest coffee houses in Italy, and sipping a coffee here feels like stepping back in time. Order the classic Italian breakfast: espresso or cappuccino, served with a selection of pastries like brioche, biscotti, and cakes. Though slightly more expensive due to its location, the historic setting and charming ambiance make it worth the visit.
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High-end:
Rosa Salva - San Marco
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For those who want to indulge in a refined Venetian breakfast, head to Rosa Salva, a historic pasticceria known for its artisanal sweets and luxurious atmosphere. Famous for its freshly baked pastries and desserts, it offers breakfast items like flaky sfogliatella or delicate zeppole paired with high-quality coffee or tea. Located near Piazza San Marco, the café is renowned for its impeccable service and a selection of handmade chocolates and confections.
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Vegan:
Pasticceria Nobile
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If you're seeking plant-based options, Pasticceria Nobile is a cozy bakery that offers several vegan-friendly choices. Their vegan pastries, including fruit-filled croissants, muffins, and oat-based treats, are made fresh daily. Pair your pastry with a soy or almond milk cappuccino for a guilt-free and tasty start to your day. The relaxed vibe and friendly staff make this a great stop for a casual, health-conscious breakfast.
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Good morning Venice
Begin your day with the iconic Piazza San Marco, the city's most famous square. Surrounded by architectural marvels, the piazza is perfect for soaking in Venice's grandeur. Visit the Basilica di San Marco, a stunning blend of Byzantine and Gothic styles with its intricate mosaics and shimmering golden domes. Climb to the terraces for panoramic views of the square and the lagoon, offering a majestic start to your day.
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Saint Mark's Basilica
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The basilica’s opulent Byzantine architecture, with its golden mosaics and intricate marble floors, will leave you awestruck. The interior features over 8,000 square meters of mosaic work, telling biblical stories in vivid detail. Climb up to the Loggia dei Cavalli for a closer look at the famous bronze horses and enjoy a panoramic view of the square and the lagoon. If you're visiting in the afternoon, the warm light reflecting off the mosaics creates a magical atmosphere inside the basilica. Be sure to also visit the Pala d’Oro, a breathtaking altar screen encrusted with gold and precious gems.
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Just next door, the Palazzo Ducale is a must-see for anyone interested in Venice's political history and artistic heritage. The residence of the Doges, it showcases lavish rooms adorned with Renaissance masterpieces by artists like Titian and Tintoretto. Don't miss the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners crossed to their cells—romantic and eerie in equal measure.
Doge's Palace
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Adjacent to St. Mark’s Basilica is the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Doge (the chief magistrate) of Venice. This stunning Gothic palace is a testament to Venice’s political and artistic history. As you explore the ornate chambers, you’ll encounter masterpieces by Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto, which decorate the vast rooms, including the impressive Sala del Maggior Consiglio. One of the most memorable parts of the visit is crossing the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the old prisons. It’s said that prisoners sighed as they caught their last glimpse of Venice’s beauty before their imprisonment.
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Lunch
Budget friendly:
Dal Moro's® | Fresh Pasta Restaurant
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Dal Moro’s, where fresh pasta is served in takeaway boxes. Choose from a range of sauces, such as classic tomato basil, bolognese, or creamy carbonara, with pasta made right before your eyes. It’s the perfect solution for a fast and flavorful meal as you continue your explorations.
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Medium budget:
Antico Forno
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Pizza lovers should not miss Antico Forno, offering some of the best slices in Venice. Located near the Rialto Bridge, this small yet bustling spot serves crispy Roman-style pizza with a variety of toppings. Grab a slice of margherita or the more indulgent truffle and mushroom—perfect for a casual sit-down or a meal on the go.
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High-end:
Ristorante Quadri
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Located in Piazza San Marco and offering views of the basilica, this Michelin-starred restaurant is ideal for a luxurious Venetian dining experience. The menu is a modern take on Venetian cuisine, with seasonal and regional ingredients featured in dishes such as lobster risotto or turbot with artichokes. The elegant atmosphere and impeccable service make it a memorable dining experience. Book a table on the balcony for an unforgettable view of Venice's main square.
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Vegan:
La Tecia Vegana
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Tucked away in a quieter area of Venice, this cozy spot is the city’s go-to for plant-based cuisine. The menu offers creative vegan interpretations of Italian classics, such as vegan lasagna or seitan scaloppine with lemon sauce. The restaurant’s homey atmosphere and commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients make it a favorite among vegans and non-vegans alike.
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Time to wander
After lunch, make your way to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest and most iconic of Venice’s four bridges across the Grand Canal. Take in the stunning views of the bustling canal life, with gondolas gliding beneath you. Nearby, the Rialto Market is a sensory feast—vendors sell fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Even if you're not buying, it's a great place to experience Venetian life firsthand.
Ponte di Rialto
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The most famous bridge in Venice, the Rialto Bridge, offers picturesque views of the Grand Canal, with its bustling gondolas and vaporetto boats. The bridge itself is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and is lined with shops selling jewelry, Venetian masks, and souvenirs. Take your time walking across and admire the view of the colorful facades of buildings lining the canal. Just next to the bridge is the Rialto Market, where Venetians have been buying fresh produce and seafood for centuries. Even if you’re not planning to cook, it’s worth visiting to experience the vibrant local atmosphere.
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Gallerie dell'Accademia
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Art enthusiasts will love the Gallerie dell’Accademia, home to a stunning collection of pre-19th century Venetian art. Wander through rooms filled with works by Bellini, Veronese, and Tintoretto. This museum offers an intimate glimpse into the development of Venetian art over centuries, housed in a former convent.
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No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride. Glide through the quiet back canals and under ornate bridges, while your gondolier shares stories and songs of the city. Opt for a ride at sunset for the most magical experience as the fading light reflects on the water and casts a golden glow over Venice’s palazzos.
Dinner
Budget friendly:
Osteria Al Squero
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Located along a quiet canal near the Squero di San Trovaso (Venice's oldest gondola workshop), this cozy osteria is the perfect spot for cicchetti, Venice’s version of tapas. Grab a glass of wine or spritz (Venice’s iconic cocktail made with Aperol) and try small plates of baccalà mantecato (creamy cod), marinated vegetables, or fried seafood. With an informal vibe and affordable prices, this spot is ideal for a quick but authentic meal.
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Medium budget:
Trattoria Alla Rivetta
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A popular choice among locals and tourists alike, Trattoria alla Rivetta serves up traditional Venetian dishes in a casual setting. Known for its seafood, try the spaghetti alle vongole (clams) or sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines). The bustling ambiance adds to the charm of this authentic trattoria.
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High-end:
Oro Restaurant
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For a truly upscale dining experience, head to Oro at the Belmond Hotel Cipriani. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers creative, gourmet dishes that blend Venetian tradition with modern techniques. Opt for the tasting menu to experience a culinary journey that might include delicate lobster, tender veal, or hand-rolled tortellini.
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Vegan:
L´ Avocado: a newcomer to Venice’s food scene, L’Avocado focuses on fresh, vibrant, and plant-based dishes. Their menu is brimming with avocado-based dishes, from avocado tartare to colorful bowls. Perfect for a light, healthy, and eco-friendly dinner option that won’t compromise on flavor.
Before you go
Cap off your day with a peaceful stroll along the waterfront at St. Mark’s Basin. Watch as the sun sets over the lagoon, casting pastel hues across the sky. As the lights of Venice twinkle on, the city's romance is fully on display. It's the perfect way to reflect on your day in this magical place.
Tips and tricks
1. Avoiding the Crowds: if you want to enjoy Venice with fewer tourists, head to lesser-known neighborhoods like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro. You’ll find quiet streets, charming cafés, and authentic Venetian life away from the hustle and bustle.
2. Water Taxis & Vaporetto Tips: while gondolas are a romantic way to explore, the vaporetto (water bus) is a more affordable and efficient way to get around. Buy a 24-hour pass if you plan on hopping on and off frequently.
3. Free Museums on Sundays: on the first Sunday of each month, several Venetian museums, including the Museo Correr, offer free entry. Plan your visit accordingly to save a few euros!
4. Dress Code for Churches: many of Venice’s churches, including Basilica di San Marco, require visitors to cover their shoulders and knees. Carry a light scarf or shawl with you for easy access to these awe-inspiring spaces.
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