The Best Quick Trip to Venice (Free Guide)

Venice

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Welcome to Venice! A city that is truly unlike any other. Venice is a mesmerizing blend of art, architecture, and aquatic wonder. The city's intricate network of canals serves as its streets, offering a unique mode of transportation that glides you past stunning palazzos, charming bridges, and bustling piazzas. 

Personally, I had never visited a city that was literally a group of islands where cars are nonexistent. Venice is also one of the most famous cities in the world and no larger than 10 square miles, which means the streets can get packed (or flooded if you are there during the off season months). This made for some learning curves when it came to transportation and finding convenient ways to see everything that I had planned.

How to get around:

Because there are no streets in Venice, you won't see any cars past the train station. This results in only two ways that you can get around the islands:

Walking

Walking through the city is the most common way to get around. It also happens to be the most beneficial as it is the best way to see the city and find some hidden gems. Although just because the city looks small doesn't mean that you won't be walking a lot. An average day can consist of 8-10 miles of walking.

Water taxi/water bus

Water taxi and water bus are the main modes of transportation to get around the city. Water taxis are for longer distances and come with a heftier price tag, whereas water buses are more convenient and have stations set up all along the Grand Canal and throughout the city. You can purchase tickets for either of these accommodations at a standalone kiosk in the city or from the website below:

Venezia City Pass

www.veneziaunica.it

Things to do:

Gondola Ride

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A gondola ride in Venice is commonly a bucket list item. It is the best way to see the hidden canals in the city and get the insider tour. There are many companies that charge €80-100 for a 30 minute ride. Luckily, this price is for the entire boat, not per person. If you are looking for that private and romantic gondola ride, this is the option for you. Unfortunately, I was on a budget when I visited Venice and could not afford this option. When I visited, we paid €2 and took the traghetto. The traghetto is a gondola that will take you across the Grand Canal. It’s not fancy and the journey only takes a minute or two, but it’s enough time to snap a quick photo of yourself with the Rialto Bridge and surrounding buildings. If you are on a budget, the traghetto is the way to go.

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Rialto Bridge

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The Rialto Bridge is debatably the most iconic bridge in Venice. Built in 1591, it replaced earlier wooden structures and stands as a symbol of Venice's history and architecture. Lined with shops, the bridge offers scenic views of the Grand Canal. Its elegant design and arched structure make it a must-visit spot for admiring Venice's beauty and heritage.

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Rialto Market

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The Rialto Market is a historic marketplace near the Rialto Bridge. This market offers fresh produce, seafood, and local goods, and gives visitors a taste of the Venetian daily life. The market is open from Monday-Saturday until 1pm.

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St. Mark's Square

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St. Mark's Square, or Piazza San Marco, is Venice's main public square. Known for its historic and architectural significance, it is the home to St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile bell tower. The square's rich history, cultural importance, and captivating ambiance make it a must-visit spot in Venice.

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Saint Mark's Basilica

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St. Mark's Basilica is a Byzantine masterpiece renowned for its unique architecture. This basilica features intricate mosaics, marble columns, and golden accents, while its exterior features domes, spires, and sculptures of Venetian craftsmanship. St. Mark's Basilica houses the remains of Saint Mark the Evangelist, one of the four authors of the New Testament's Gospels. Entry into the basilica starts at only €3.

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Bridge of Sighs

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Ponte dei Sospiri, better known as the Bridge of Sighs, is an iconic bridge in Venice dating back to the 15th-century. The bridge got its name as it was said that the convicted Venetian prisoners would let out a sigh at their final view of Venice from the bridge before being taken down to their cells.

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Giardini Reali

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The Giardini Reali, translated to the Royal Gardens, are a historic neoclassical garden near St. Mark's Square. Commissioned by Napoleon, they offer a peaceful retreat with pathways, statues, and greenery. A popular spot for relaxation, a picnic, or just a space to escape Venice's bustling streets. Admission into the gardens is free.

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Ponte dell'Accademia

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The Ponte dell'Accademia is an iconic bridge spanning the Grand Canal. It provides stunning views of the waterway, historic buildings, and is located directly next to the Gallerie dell'Accademia. The bridge also serves as one of the most common photo spots in Venice, as it has a perfect view of Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

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Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

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The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, commonly known as Salute, is an iconic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the 17th century. It was built to commemorate the end of a plague and is recognized for its distinctive dome and stunning architecture. Located at the entrance of the Grand Canal, the basilica holds both religious and historical significance, serving as a symbol of Venice's resilience and faith. Entry into this church starts at €4.

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Gallerie dell'Accademia

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The Gallerie dell'Accademia is a renowned art museum featuring a collection of Venetian paintings from the 14th to the 18th century. It showcases works by prominent artists like Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto, with its most famous piece being "Vitruvian Man" by Leonardo da Vinci. Located near the Grand Canal, the museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and those interested in Venetian culture. Entry into the museum starts at €14.

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Peggy Guggenheim Collection

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The Guggenheim Museum, is an art museum in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. Founded by Peggy Guggenheim, it features modern and contemporary art from the 20th century, including works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí. The museum offers a unique experience along the Grand Canal, showcasing a diverse range of artistic styles and movements. Entry into the museum starts at €18.

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Campo Santa Margherita

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Campo Santa Margherita is a piazza located in the Dorsoduro district of Venice. This piazza was my personal favorite during my time in Venice. There is a lively nightlife here, with almost a dozen restaurants and bars that offer outdoor seating. After a long day, this is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the crowd.

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Murano

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Murano is a cluster of islands renowned for its centuries-old tradition of intricate glassmaking. Originating in the 13th century, the artistry was moved to Murano to ensure safety and preserve the secrecy of techniques. The island boasts glass factories, workshops, and museums, where you can observe master artisans. You can get to Murano by water taxi, which is available at Zaccaria Pieta near St Mark’s Square. The journey takes around 15 minutes each way, and tickets are €10 round-trip.

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Burano

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Burano is the iconic island of bright multicolored houses and a perfect day trip from Venice. This town is famous known as the most famous fishing village in the world. Houses were painted with an identifying color so that they could return to their homes and not get lost even in the thickest fog. You can get to Burano by water taxi, which is available at Zaccaria Pieta near St Mark’s Square. The journey takes around 45 minutes each way, and tickets are €15 round-trip.

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Places to eat and drink:

Cafes/Quick Service:

Il Paradiso Perduto

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Al Timon

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Terminal 2.0

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Full Service Restaurants:

Ai Gondolieri

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Moeca Osteria

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Ristorante Lineadombra

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Ristorante ai Barbacani

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Bars and Nightlife:

Terrazza Aperol

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Corner Pub

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Skillà Bar

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If you are planning a trip to Venice or Italy in general, feel free to contact us via Instagram. We’d be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have prior to traveling.

Feel free to check out all of our guides on Italy here:

Andrew & Brenna

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Ciao! During the summer of 2022, we were given the opportunity to live in Florence for three months. Throughout this time, we spent weekends exploring the Tuscan country sides, Sicilian beaches, and everything in between. This one 'master-guide' is all things Italy. Feel free to reach out to me at dentdrew@gmail.com with any questions that you might have regarding my guides or your travels to Italy in general. Thank you for viewing and happy travels!

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