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Venice in two days: a day-by-day itinerary with prices and tickets

Venice in two days: a day-by-day itinerary with prices and tickets

Venice can really be seen in two days. The old town is compact, and from Santa Lucia station to St. Mark's Square you can get there by water in half an hour. After that, everything comes down to your feet, an early start, and the right order of sights.

The challenge is not the distances, but the lines. Between ten in the morning and four in the afternoon the main sights are packed, some museums are closed on Mondays, and entry to the cathedrals is by time slot. We put together a route you can do on your own, without a group or transfers.

Below is the order of sights across two days, time estimates, verified opening hours, and honest catches. Prices and schedules were checked against the official websites of the museums and the water bus operator (as of 09/2026).

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Venice in two days: a ready-made route

💡 In short:

  • Day 1: Grand Canal, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and Cannaregio.
  • Day 2: Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, both bridges, and the lagoon islands.
  • Buy a vaporetto pass right at the station: it is cheaper than several single tickets.
  • Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Doge's Palace website.

Day 1: Grand Canal, San Marco and Cannaregio

Start from Santa Lucia station or Piazzale Roma. From here, the first vaporetto line runs along the Grand Canal, the most convenient way to get your first look at the city. A single ticket costs €9.50 (as of 09/2026, ACTV). If you plan to take more than three rides in a day, get a pass: it works out cheaper than single tickets, especially for trips to the islands.

St. Mark's Square

St. Mark's Square in Venice in blue twilight© Matthias Süßen · CC BY-SAPhoto: Matthias Süßen, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

St. Mark's Square serves as Venice's grand drawing room and remains its busiest spot. People come here both at eight in the morning and after sunset, so choose your visit time deliberately. The vaporetto stops at the Vallaresso landing, and the square is a couple of minutes' walk from there.

  • How to get there: vaporetto, Vallaresso stop; a couple of minutes' walk from the landing.
  • Best time: early morning and late evening, when tour groups leave.
  • The catch: during the day the square is crowded, and cafe tables near the orchestras cost noticeably more.

The square is framed on three sides by the long arcades of the Procuratie, where cafes and shops operate under the arches. At the historic establishments, Florian and Quadri, tables were once set out for writers and artists of past centuries, which is why coffee here costs more than in the alley around the corner. In the evening, orchestras play near the arcades, and the square turns into an open-air concert hall.

Venice's most recognizable buildings stand right here: St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the campanile, the clock tower, the Marciana Library building and the museums. The Mercerie, a shopping street that leads to the Rialto Bridge, starts from the square. If you want to see the square almost empty, come at seven in the morning or after ten in the evening.

St. Mark's Basilica

facade of St. Mark's Basilica with arches and statues© Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK · CC BYPhoto: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

St. Mark's Basilica houses the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist and remains the city's main church. It was rebuilt several times, but the building has preserved its 11th-century features: gold-ground mosaics, five domes and marble decoration. The foundation rests on larch piles that have only grown stronger over centuries in the water. Services are still held, and you can attend one of them. Entry to the basilica is paid, and you should book an entry slot in advance, otherwise you will stand in line (as of 09/2026, official basilica website).

  • Ticket: skip-the-line entry to St. Mark's Basilica is booked for a specific date.
  • What to see: apse mosaics, the Pala d'Oro golden altarpiece, the colored marble floor.
  • The catch: in summer the entry line stretches along the wall, and visitors are let in in batches.

From the basilica you can walk to the square, which is surrounded by the Doge's Palace, the Archaeological Museum and the Correr Museum, the bell tower and the Marciana Library. Inside the basilica, mosaics from different centuries and the golden altarpiece with precious stones have been preserved. Many people attend a service, and this is the calmest way to see the interior without queuing.

St. Mark's Clock Tower

St. Mark's Clocktower with bell and lion© Носков А. С. · CC BY-SAPhoto: Носков А. С., CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Torre dell'Orologio clock tower has stood on the square since the late 15th century. Between the first and second floors there is an archway leading to the Mercerie, the shopping street toward the Rialto Bridge and the old Rialto quarter. At the top, bronze Moors strike the bell with a hammer every hour and every quarter hour. Below them, against a blue starry background, you can see the winged lion, the coat of arms of Venice, and lower down in a niche stands a gilded Madonna with child. The dial with a zodiac circle and a globe shows not only the time but also the phases of the moon.

  • How to get in: access is only via museum tours in small groups; tickets on the MUVE website.
  • What to see: the clock mechanism, the tower terrace, the view of the square from above.
  • The catch: the tour does not run if the group does not fill up, and viewing visits are scheduled in pairs by the hour.

St. Mark's Campanile

St. Mark's Campanile and Procuratie in the square in Venice© This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder . Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author and send me a · CC BY-SAPhoto: This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder . Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author and send me a, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

St. Mark's Campanile rises almost a hundred meters and remains the tallest building in the city. It got its current appearance in the early 16th century, and after collapsing in the early 20th century it was rebuilt in its previous form. The bell tower served as a watchtower and a lighthouse for ships, and its bells called citizens to council and warned of executions. Galileo also visited the viewing platform: here he showed citizens his telescope. An elevator takes you to the top, and from the platform you can see the entire lagoon with its islands.

  • Ticket: the ascent is paid, around €10, buy online (as of 09/2026, ascent tickets).
  • Best time: opening or the last hour of operation; in the evening the air is clearer.
  • The catch: in high season a line forms at the elevator, and it is windy at the top.

Doge's Palace

Gilded carved ceiling with painted panels© Armin Kleiner · CC BY-SAPhoto: Armin Kleiner, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Doge's Palace, Palazzo Ducale, was the residence of the head of the republic and the center of Venetian justice. Its Gothic facade of pink marble rises straight out of the water. Inside, you'll find state rooms with paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese, ceiling frescoes, and the legendary Golden Staircase. Part of the route leads across the Bridge of Sighs into the old prisons. In summer, the museum is open from 09:00 to 19:00, with last entry at 18:00. From November to March, it is open from 09:00 to 18:00, with entry until 17:00. On Fridays and Saturdays from early May to late September, the palace extends its hours until 23:00 (as of 09/2026, Doge's Palace schedule).

  • Tip: book an evening slot on extended days, the halls are almost empty.
  • What to see: the Great Council Hall, the Golden Staircase, the walk across the Bridge of Sighs.
  • The catch: during the day the halls are full of organized groups, so the visit moves more slowly.

Ca' d'Oro

Facade of Ca' d'Oro palace in Venice© Didier Descouens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Ca' d'Oro, or the "Golden House," was built in the 15th century for Marino Contarini. The facade was once covered in gold leaf, hence the palace's name. It houses the Franchetti Gallery: paintings, bronzes, a marble well in the courtyard, and mosaic floors. The museum is currently closed for restoration (as of 10/2026). The lacy columns of the two loggias are considered a prime example of Venetian Gothic.

  • Getting there: vaporetto line 1, Ca' d'Oro stop.
  • What to see: the facade from the canal side, the loggias, the courtyard, the gallery.
  • The catch: the facade faces the Grand Canal, so you can't photograph it in full from the ground.

Grand Canal

Panorama of the Grand Canal with the Rialto Bridge in Venice© Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SAPhoto: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Grand Canal curves in an S shape through the entire historic center. It is about four kilometers long, and its banks are lined with palaces: Ca' Rezzonico, Ca' Foscari, Ca' d'Oro, Palazzo Barbarigo. There are no embankments here, so every building has two entrances, one to land and one to water. Four bridges cross the canal: Scalzi, Rialto, Accademia, and Constitution. Vaporettos, water taxis, and gondolas ply the water, docking right by these bridges.

  • How to see it: take line 1 and stay on the open stern.
  • Best time: early morning, when the light on the facades is softer and there is less traffic.
  • The catch: at peak hours the vaporettos get packed, and there are almost no seats left.

Church of San Moisè

Facade of the Church of San Moisè in Venice© Didier Descouens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Church of San Moisè stands a stone's throw from St. Mark's Square. Its ornate Baroque facade dates to the late 17th century and is covered with statues. Inside there is an altar with a relief of Moses and paintings by Venetian masters, including Tintoretto's "Last Supper" and Palma's "Washing of the Feet." Near the facade hang two busts of the Fini brothers, who paid for the church's reconstruction. Admission is free.

  • What to see: the facade with its sculptures, the organ, the altar paintings.
  • The catch: opening hours vary by day, and the church is closed on Mondays.

Museo Correr

The Museo Correr is named after Teodoro Correr, who bequeathed his collection to the city. The exhibition occupies the Procuratie halls on St. Mark's Square. The ground floor displays old paintings, engravings, and ancient sculpture, while the second floor covers the history and daily life of Venetians: coins, seals, coats of arms, portraits of doges, ship models, and costumes from different centuries. The picture gallery features Carpaccio, Bellini, and panels by Lorenzo Veneziano. In summer, the museum is open from 10:00 to 19:00; in winter it closes at 17:00 (as of 09/2026, MUVE museums).

  • Ticket: the combined MUVE ticket is a better deal than separate tickets to the same museums.
  • What to see: the painting gallery, the coin collection, the ship models.
  • The catch: after the basilica and the Doge's Palace, this museum requires an extra hour.

Church of Santi Apostoli

The Basilica of Santi Apostoli stands in Cannaregio, in the oldest part of the city. According to tradition, the first inhabitants of Venice landed here, and the church was founded after a vision of Bishop Magnus in the 9th century. The church got its current appearance in the 18th century: the Gothic lower section was joined with a Renaissance upper section. Nearby rise a bell tower and a chapel with a doge's tomb. The interior features Tiepolo's panel "Communion of Saint Lucy," "The Birth of the Virgin Mary," and paintings by Veronese.

Brick facade and bell tower of the Church of Santi Apostoli© Dimitris Kamaras from Athens, Greece · CC BYPhoto: Dimitris Kamaras from Athens, Greece, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons
  • What to see: the altar paintings, the two rows of pilasters, the chapel by Codussi.
  • The catch: it is open only in the morning and evening, closed during the day.

Church of Santa Fosca

The Basilica of Santa Fosca dates to the 10th century and stands on a canal bank in Cannaregio. It should not be confused with the church of the same name on Torcello: that one appeared earlier and is smaller. Today the church looks as it did after its reconstruction in the first half of the 17th century: a pink neoclassical facade, Corinthian pilasters, columns at the entrance, and three statues of saints on the roof.

Facade of the Church of Santa Fosca with bell tower on the campo© Didier Descouens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

In front of the facade stands a monument to Paolo Sarpi, who fought against the Inquisition. Inside are Tintoretto's painting "The Holy Family with a Donor," Bianchi's canvas "The Trinity and the Madonna," and scenes from the life of Saint Fosca by Migliori.

  • What to see: the facade, the dome with the construction date, the paintings by Tintoretto and Bianchi.
  • The catch: open only in the first half of the day on weekdays.

Ca' Rezzonico

Baroque facade of Ca' Rezzonico on the Grand Canal in Venice© Didier Descouens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Ca' Rezzonico was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style above the waters of the Grand Canal. It was named after Giambattista Rezzonico, brother of Pope Clement XIII. The ceilings were painted by Tiepolo and Canaletto, and the walls are decorated with reliefs and ornaments. It now houses a museum of the 18th century: carved mahogany furniture, porcelain, crystal chandeliers, costumes, and a gallery of views of Venice (as of 09/2026, MUVE collection).

  • What to see: the ceiling frescoes, the hall with Venetian glass, the view of the canal from the windows.
  • The catch: closed on Tuesdays.

Natural History Museum

Facade of the Fondaco dei Turchi on the Grand Canal© Didier Descouens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Natural History Museum is housed in the palazzo Fondaco dei Turchi, a former trading post for merchants from Constantinople. The building rises directly above the Grand Canal and is reflected in the water. The collection numbers millions of items: skeletons of prehistoric animals, stuffed specimens of extinct birds, herbaria from every continent, minerals, and a hall with an aquarium featuring the inhabitants of the Adriatic. Separate rooms are dedicated to the ethnography of Venice across different centuries (As of 09/2026, MUVE collections).

  • What to see: the skeleton of a Uranosaurus tens of millions of years old, the aquarium, the fish and insect collections.
  • The catch: closed on Mondays.

The Venetian Ghetto

Aerial view of the Venetian Ghetto with square and canals© San Marco Venice · CC BY-SAPhoto: San Marco Venice, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Venetian Ghetto emerged in Cannaregio: from the early 16th century, by order of the authorities, Jews relocated from the island of Giudecca settled here. This is where the word "ghetto" spread across Europe and acquired its sinister meaning during the Second World War. The district is connected to the city by several bridges, which used to be locked with gates at night. See the synagogues, the plaque with a threatening inscription, the Holocaust memorial, and the exhibition of the Museum of Jewish Art.

  • What to see: synagogues, the Holocaust memorial, the museum, kosher restaurants on the square.
  • Tip: lunch at a local kosher restaurant will cost less than near San Marco.
  • The catch: on Saturdays some establishments and the museum are closed.

Day 2: Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, and the lagoon islands

Start the second day in the Santa Croce district at the Church of San Stae. From Santa Lucia station, take vaporetto line 1 again: a couple of stops and you are at the right pier. Another trip that same day goes to the lagoon islands, so a travel pass pays for itself right away rather than by evening (as of 09/2026, ACTV fares).

Church of San Stae

The Church of San Stae is visible from the Grand Canal: its white Baroque facade rises above the water. A church has stood on this site since the 11th century and is dedicated to Saint Eustace, to whom, according to tradition, Christ appeared during a hunt. After the 17th-century rebuilding, the facade was decorated with statues, columns, and a rose window. Inside is a small but strong collection of Venetian painting from that era: Tiepolo, Ricci, Piazzetta.

  • Getting there: vaporetto, San Stae pier; the facade is visible from the water right away.
  • What to see: paintings by Tiepolo and Ricci, the rose window, the sculptures on the facade.

Ca' Pesaro Palace

Venetian canal with the Baroque Ca' Pesaro palace in the distance

Ca' Pesaro stands next to the Church of San Stae. It is a snow-white 17th-century Baroque palace and the finest work of architect Baldassare Longhena. Today two museums operate in its halls. On the ground floor is the International Gallery of Modern Art with Matisse, Chagall, Klimt, and Kandinsky. Upstairs is the Museum of Oriental Art with objects from Japan, China, India, and Indonesia (as of 09/2026, MUVE tickets).

  • Getting there: on foot from the Church of San Stae, entrance from the embankment.
  • What to see: the columned facade, the 20th-century gallery, the Oriental collection.

Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Facade of the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice© Didier Descouens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Frari Basilica, built of brick, served as the main church of the Franciscans. Construction began in the mid-13th century and took almost two centuries, hence the austere Gothic facade. Inside, the contrast with the exterior is striking: marble columns, tombs, altars, and a carved wooden choir. Titian is buried here, and his works adorn the cathedral walls. Entry is paid; buy a ticket on site.

The main impression at the Frari comes from the altar with Titian's "Assunta," a huge canvas nearly seven meters tall. Mary in a scarlet dress with raised hands floats surrounded by angels, and her billowing sleeves turn into something like wings. The red color of the painting symbolizes strength of spirit and triumph over the earthly. Other works from the 15th and 16th centuries are displayed nearby, and at the neighboring Campo Santa Margherita you can wait out the crowds over lunch.

  • Getting there: vaporetto to the San Tomà pier, then follow signs for Frari.
  • What to see: Titian's "Assunta," the artist's tomb, the wooden choir.
  • The catch: entry is paid, and between tour groups the halls empty out only briefly.

Church of Santa Maria della Salute

Church of Santa Maria della Salute with domes and bell towers© Didier Descouens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Santa Maria della Salute was built as thanks for deliverance from the plague. The Senate vowed to build a church, and Longhena led the work. Construction took more than half a century, and the architect did not live to see its consecration. The white walls with stucco, sculptures in niches, and the eight-sided dome are visible from afar on the Grand Canal.

Inside, the Salute deserves a slow look: the mosaic floor, the balustrade, the wall paintings, Titian's canvases in the sacristy, and works by Giordano. In the central altar, Longhena depicted the Madonna and Child, the figure of Venice, and the expelled Plague. Entry is free.

  • Getting there: vaporetto, Salute pier; from St. Mark's Square walk across the Accademia Bridge.
  • What to see: the dome, the mosaic floor, the altar, the paintings in the sacristy.
  • The catch: the church stands on the Grand Canal, so there is always traffic and boat noise at the entrance.

Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs over a canal in Venice© Didier Descouens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge's Palace with the city prison. A convicted man walked across it after sentencing and saw the lagoon through a small window, hence the name. The design is attributed to Antonio Conti: stone walls and a roof made escape impossible. The first prisoners crossed here in the early 17th century, and Casanova was once led along this route. Today tourists crowd around the bridge, and the best view is from the Ponte della Paglia.

  • Getting there: from St. Mark's Square across the Ponte della Paglia, a couple of minutes on foot.
  • What to see: the carved marble, the barred window, the passage from the Doge's Palace to the prison.
  • The catch: there is always a line for photos at the parapet, and from the arch itself the canal is barely visible.

Rialto Bridge

Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal with boats© kallerna · CC BY-SAPhoto: kallerna, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Rialto Bridge linked the banks of the Grand Canal as early as the 12th century, when it was made of wood. The stone crossing was built in the late 16th century to a design by Antonio da Ponte. The architects based the structure on the shape of an upturned gondola. The bridge stands on thousands of piles, is about fifty meters long, and has arcaded galleries along both sides. Porticos are tucked between the shops, offering the best view of the canal. The bridge appeared in a Carpaccio painting and in Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice."

  • Getting there: on foot from the San Marco or San Polo districts; by water, the Rialto pier.
  • What to see: the panorama from the central viewing platform, the shop galleries, the nearby market.
  • The catch: during the day the bridge is packed, and the souvenir shops are pricey.

Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore

Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore with campanile, view from the lagoon© Didier Descouens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore stands on a separate island opposite St. Mark's Square. The church was built to a design by Palladio and completed in the early 17th century. The church has two different facades, and the interior surprises with an altar featuring a sculptural composition supported by four apostles. Near the presbytery hang Tintoretto's "The Last Supper" and "The Fall of Manna," and the bell tower has nine bells.

  • Getting there: vaporetto to the San Giorgio stop, one stop from San Marco.
  • What to see: the facade, Tintoretto's paintings, the panorama from the bell tower via elevator.
  • The catch: on Sundays tourists are admitted only after the liturgy.

Teatro La Fenice

Facade of Teatro La Fenice in Venice© Didier Descouens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Teatro La Fenice opera house opened in the late 18th century on the site of a burned-down theater. It was built on the model of Milan's La Scala, matching it in both acoustics and decor. Operas by Rossini, Bellini, and Verdi were staged on this stage. After a fire and restoration, the theater reopened in the early 21st century, with the paintings and gilded balconies restored according to the old drawings. Inside there is an exhibition on the theater's history and a display about Maria Callas.

  • Getting there: guided tours run on a schedule; buy tickets in advance.
  • What to see: the auditorium, the boxes, the Callas exhibition.
  • The catch: without a tour or a performance ticket, you cannot get inside.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Peggy Guggenheim Collection on the Grand Canal in Venice© Abxbay · CC BY-SAPhoto: Abxbay, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection occupies Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, a single-story palace of Istrian stone on the Grand Canal. The facade is decorated with bas-reliefs of lion heads. Inside are about three hundred 20th-century works: Cubism, modernism, futurism, and surrealism. You will see originals by Picasso, Kandinsky, Malevich, Léger, and Chagall. Part of the collection is displayed in the Nasher Sculpture Garden, where Peggy Guggenheim herself is buried.

  • Getting there: vaporetto to the Accademia stop, then along the canal.
  • What to see: avant-garde paintings, sculptures in the garden, the view of the Grand Canal.
  • The catch: closed on Tuesdays, and the ticket costs more than at the city museums.

Murano Island

Dock with water buses by the red buildings on Murano© Didier Descouens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Murano is known for its glassblowers, whose secrets were kept under wraps for centuries. The palette of local glass is gathered in the Glass Museum, and shops sell works by contemporary masters. Besides the workshops, the island is home to the 12th-century Basilica of Santi Maria e Donato with a mosaic floor depicting mythological animals and plant ornaments. You can get there by vaporetto from San Marco or from Santa Lucia station.

  • Getting there: vaporetto to the Murano stop, about half an hour.
  • How to see three islands in one trip: a boat tour to Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
  • The catch: the island is overloaded with souvenir shops near the pier.

Burano Island

Yellow and red houses on the waterfront of Burano© GodeNehler · CC BY-SAPhoto: GodeNehler, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Burano greets you with a palette of multicolored houses and canals that open into the lagoon. The main square is named after the composer Baldassare Galuppi, and on it stands the Church of San Martino with its leaning bell tower. The tower's tilt grew due to soil subsidence and is already visible from the water. The island is famous for lace: the best examples from the 16th to 20th centuries are shown in the Museo dei Merletti, in a former lace-making school. The church houses Tiepolo's painting "The Crucifixion."

  • Getting there: vaporetto from Fondamente Nove or from Murano, with a transfer along the way.
  • What to see: colorful houses, the lace museum, the leaning bell tower.
  • The catch: the lace museum is closed on Mondays, and in summer the little bridges get crowded.

How to get around Venice: vaporetto, on foot, and by water

There is no metro or bus system in the historic center: the canals fill that role. Vaporetto lines run along the Grand Canal and also connect to the lagoon islands. A single ticket costs €9.50 and is valid for a limited time, while a one- or two-day pass pays off from the fourth ride onward (as of 09/2026, ACTV fares and tickets). You buy the ticket at a machine by the pier and validate it before entering the platform.

Line 1 is considered the most convenient for tourists: it runs from Santa Lucia station along the entire Grand Canal. Line 2 follows the same route with fewer stops, so it is faster, but you will miss some of the facades. A route map is posted at every pier, and the number on the display board tells you which direction you need.

Walking through Venice is faster than it seems. Four bridges cross the Grand Canal: Scalzi near the station, Rialto in the center, Accademia, and Constitution on the edges of the historic center. Narrow streets branch off from the Grand Canal and lead to squares with churches. If you are walking between San Marco and Rialto, allow a relaxed twenty minutes rather than five: the route winds, and there are few signs on buildings.

Water taxis and gondolas also operate on the water. Taxis are convenient with luggage, while gondolas are a leisure ride rather than transportation. At night, boats run less frequently than during the day, so plan a late return to a mainland hotel in advance. Carrying heavy luggage over canal bridges is awkward: the center has few ramps and many steps.

Tickets and opening hours: what to book in advance

Lines in Venice eat up more time than walking between sights. The rule is simple: book entry to cathedrals and museums for a time slot, and allow extra time for island tickets. Below are the main stops on the route and what you should know about each.

Sight

When to go

Ticket

Doge's Palace

09:00-19:00 in summer, until 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays on extended days

buy online, museum website

St. Mark's Basilica

morning or evening, between services

paid entry, book a time slot in advance, basilica fares

Campanile

at opening or during the last hour

paid ascent, around €10, basilica tickets

MUVE museums

any day except a given museum's closing day

a combined ticket is cheaper than individual ones, MUVE combined ticket

Vaporetto

all day, less frequent at night

€9.50 for a single ticket, vaporetto tickets

What to buy in advance: a time slot for St. Mark's Basilica and the campanile ascent, and a ticket to the Doge's Palace. What you can decide on the spot: entry to the Frari Basilica, tickets to the Correr Museum, Ca' Rezzonico, and Ca' Pesaro, which almost never sell out in advance.

If you want to put all tickets into one list, check out the Venice selection below.

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Which hotel to choose in Venice

Choosing a hotel here depends on your budget and how much you are willing to pay for the address. Accommodation in the historic center costs more, but you can walk to St. Mark's Square, and your windows may look directly onto a canal. A more modestly priced option is in Mestre on the mainland: trains and buses run from there to Venice, and the trip takes about twenty minutes.

Remember the water underfoot. Most of the route involves canals and piers, so wear comfortable waterproof shoes and pack an umbrella in your bag.

The easiest way to pick dates and compare neighborhoods is through a hotel search: check Venice hotel prices on Trip.com.

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does transport in Venice cost, and do I need a pass?

A single vaporetto ticket costs €9.50 and is time-limited (as of 09/2026, current ACTV fares). A one- or two-day pass is a better deal if you are heading to the islands or planning more than three rides.

What is closed in Venice on Mondays?

On Mondays the Natural History Museum and the Lace Museum on Burano are closed, and on Tuesdays Ca' Rezzonico and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection are closed. Plan these sights for other days of the week, otherwise you will have to adjust your route on the spot.

When is the best time to visit the Doge's Palace?

In summer the palace is open from 09:00 to 19:00, and on Fridays and Saturdays during extended hours it stays open until 23:00 (as of 09/2026, museum opening hours). Arrive at opening time or in the evening slot: between ten and four the halls are packed with organized groups.

Is two days enough for Venice?

Two days is enough for the essentials: St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal and Cannaregio on the first day, Santa Croce, Dorsoduro and the lagoon islands on the second. Add museums and bell tower climbs one per day, otherwise the itinerary turns into a race against the clock.

How do I get to Murano and Burano without a tour?

The islands are connected to the city by vaporetto. Boats to Murano leave from San Marco and from Fondamente Nove, and the easiest way to Burano is via Murano with a transfer. The trip takes from half an hour to an hour, so get a pass and set aside half a day for the islands.

Is a gondola or water taxi worth it?

A gondola and a water taxi cost noticeably more than the vaporetto, but they are part of the Venetian experience. If your budget is tight, choose a short ride through the smaller canals instead of a long route along the Grand Canal: the effect will be almost the same, and the price lower.

In short: what is worth booking

If you have two days and want to see the city without queues, book tickets in advance and spread the sights across neighborhoods. The logic is simple. You want a panorama: climb the campanile and San Giorgio Maggiore. You want painting: the Frari, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the MUVE museums. You want the islands: Murano and Burano in the afternoon.

Tickets with fixed entry times are worth buying before your trip: Venice museum tickets on Tiqets, tours and excursions on GetYourGuide and Venice hotels on Trip.com. Arrive at opening time, wear comfortable shoes and leave room for unplanned turns along the canals.