To celebrate my 30th birthday, my boyfriend and I embarked on a trip to Venice, spending four nights and three days exploring the picturesque floating city.
Venice is a city like no other, characterized by its maze of canals, bridges, and narrow streets that exude history, art, and culture.
- Venice is built on 118 small islands that are separated by canals and connected by bridges. The city has more than 400 bridges in total.
- The buildings in Venice are supported by wooden pilings that are driven deep into the soft, marshy ground beneath the city.
- Venice is known for its gondolas, which are flat-bottomed boats that are traditionally used for transportation in the city’s canals. There are only around 400 licensed gondoliers in Venice today.
- Venice is famous for its seafood dishes, including squid ink pasta and baccalà mantecato, a creamy spread made from salt cod.
- The Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, was built in 1591 and was the only bridge across the Grand Canal until the 19th century.
Arriving in Venice
Venice is a pedestrian city, so be prepared to do a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and pack light.
We flew to Venice, with the main gateway to the city being the Venice Marco Polo Airport, located on the mainland about eight miles from the city center. From the airport, you can reach the city by taking a water taxi, a public water bus (vaporetto), or a land taxi.
If you are arriving by train, the Venice Santa Lucia train station is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the Grand Canal.
Day 1
Begin your day with a coffee and pastry, then head to Piazza San Marco, the main square in Venice. It is one of the most popular tourist spots, so arriving early is recommended to avoid the crowds. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Torre dell’Orologio.
Afterward, take a walk across the Rialto Bridge, one of the oldest and most iconic bridges in Venice. Explore the Rialto Market, where you can find fresh produce, seafood, and handmade souvenirs. In the afternoon, experience a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, an authentic Venetian experience and a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You can also visit some of the palaces that line the canal, such as the Ca’ d’Oro or the Ca’ Rezzonico.
Day 2
Begin your second day by visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which is one of the best collections of modern art in Italy. The museum is located in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, a beautiful 18th-century palace that was once home to the American art collector Peggy Guggenheim.
Afterward, take a walk through the streets of the Dorsoduro district, which is known for its bohemian atmosphere and artistic vibe. Stop by the Church of Santa Maria della Salute, a beautiful baroque church that sits at the entrance to the Grand Canal.
In the afternoon, visit the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for its glass-making, and you can watch glassblowers at work in the many workshops on the island. Burano is known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making tradition. Both islands are easily accessible by vaporetto (water bus) from Venice
Day 3
On your final day in Venice, explore the Castello district, which is the largest and most diverse sestiere (district) in Venice. Visit the Arsenale, which was once the heart of Venice’s naval power and is now home to the Venice Biennale, a major contemporary art exhibition. Then, take a stroll through the quiet streets of the Sant’Elena neighborhood, which offers a glimpse of local Venetian life.
In the afternoon, visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a beautiful 16th-century building that houses an impressive collection of paintings by Tintoretto. The building is decorated with some of the most intricate and detailed woodcarvings in Venice.
In the evening, head to a bacaro, a traditional Venetian wine bar, for some cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and a glass of wine. Some popular options include Cantina do Spade or All’Arco, both of which are located in the San Polo district.
I hope you find this itinerary helpful in planning your 3 days in Venice. Remember to take some time to simply wander through the city’s streets and alleys, and enjoy the beauty and unique atmosphere of this enchanting city.
