Things to do in Venice

Explore Venice in 1 day with this 24-hour itinerary

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Got just 24 hours in Venice? Here's a power-packed itinerary for you to experience all of Venice and its charming thoroughfare in just 1 day. Tick these off your bucket list and you won't regret being in Venice for just a day!

1 Day in Venice - How To Spend Your Day


Rialto Market

MORNING 8 AM || RECOMMENDED DURATION: 2 HOURS

Flea & Street Market

Cultural Landmark

Early-Morning Risers

For the early birds, we've got a special treat for you. If you wish to engage in the typical Venetian ways of life, wake up bright and early and head over to the historic Rialto Market, located on the western banks of the Grand Canal. Stroll past fish markets, vegetable & fruit markets, and try your hand at haggling. This is the best space to experience Venetian culture firsthand and pick up some delicious produce as you pass along.

Travel Tips
  • Consider getting the guided walking tour of Venice in the morning if you want to experience the Rialto Market along with other exciting attractions.
  • The market timings are from 7:30 AM - 2 PM during the week.
  • The market gets very crowded later in the morning, so keep your belongings close.
  • To reach the market via vaporetto (water bus) take waterbus number 1 and stop at "Rialto Mercato".
  • Remember that since the market houses a fish market as well, the smell of fish is almost inevitable.

A Venetian Experience: Guided Walking tour

Headout Price: €22

Book Now

St. Mark's Basilica

MORNING 11 AM || RECOMMENDED DURATION: 1-1.5 HOURS

Top 5 Venice Attractions

Historic Landmark

Guided Tours

After your early-morning dose of Venetian culture, it's time to move onto to the classics: key among them being Basilica di San Marco, also known as St. Mark's Basilica. The building in itself is a sight to behold: with its gold ground mosaics, intricate designs, white marbles, a Greek cross layout, rippled stonework arches and elements from Byzantine architecture- you'll be dumbfounded. Don't leave without climbing up the Bell Tower and drinking in remarkable panoramic views of St. Mark's Square. Check out the St. Mark's Basilica tickets available online and peruse your options.

Travel Tips
  • Shorts and tank tops are not to be worn here.
  • For security reasons, tote bags and backpacks are not allowed inside.
  • Ticket lines outside the attraction can be pretty long (45 min - 1 hour) so your best bet is getting skip the line + guided tour tickets.

Doge's Palace

NOON 12 PM || RECOMMENDED DURATION: 1-1.5 HOURS

Top 5 Venice Attractions

Historic Landmark

Guided Tours

A quick walk away from the Basilica is the Doge's Palace, the seat of political and administrative power of the Venitian Republic from its birth to its end. Popularly known as the "Palazzo Ducale", this attraction is a true testament to the serenity of the La Serenissima (Venice). The striking blend of contemporary and primaeval eras in its architecture is worth noting. Walk past Renaissance masterpieces, grand staircases, opulent rooms and monumental entrances inside the Palace. Peruse your Doge's Palace ticket options here.

Travel Tips
  • While the Doge's Palace should not be missed, visiting around 11 AM- 12 Noon can be hectic: it gets very crowded. Avoid weekends.
  • We recommend getting skip the line or guided tour tickets for this experience.
  • Photography is not allowed in most rooms inside the Palace.
  • The secret itineraries tour is highly recommended for gaining access to rooms that are not a part of the usual guided tour.
  • We recommend purchasing the Museum Pass - which gives you access to the Doge's Palace along with 10 other Venetian museums.
  • You may also choose the St. Mark's City Pass which gives you access to the Doge's Palace along with a selection of churches, museums and more.

Dorsoduro

AFTERNOON 2 PM || RECOMMENDED DURATION: 2 HOURS

Walking Tours

Families & Couples

After visiting the bustling attractions of Venice, head over to the quieter, quainter part of the city: Dorsoduro. Embrace the bohemian vibes of this cobbled town, lined with colorful eateries, lively pubs, many indie shops and vintage boutiques, and a collection of museums & churches. Visit Accademia Gallery, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Cà Rezzonico, San Sebastiano, Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and Scuola Grande dei Carmini, among others as you pass them by. Most of these attractions are a part of the Venice Museum Pass or the Chorus Circuit Pass, so if you purchase either of these passes, you can waltz into them without standing in queues.

Gondola Ride

EVENING 5 PM || RECOMMENDED DURATION: 30-45 MIN

Top Venetian Experiences

Ideal for Couples

After a spirited walking tour through the vibrant streets of Dorsoduro, head on over to the Grand Canal and take your pick of gondola rides. Glide romantically across the canals on a 30-45 minute ride and watch the sun slowly set over the now-sleepy city of Venice. Watch the sky change from orange to pink to pitch black, all on your ride. It is most recommended to board the Gondola between 5:30 & 6 PM. Explore your Gondola Ride ticket options here.

Travel Tips
  • Consider booking your tickets online: at the location, they tend to overcharge tourists.
  • Consider booking a combo deal: a gondola ride with dinner or another tourist attraction for the most economically feasible option.
  • Consider hiring a gondolier and be serenaded by Italian melodies while you're rowed around the serene canals of Venice.

How To Spend A Day In Venice Under 100 Euros


Morning : Rialto Market, Basilica di San Marco& Doge's Palace
€66
Afternoon : Dorsoduro
Free
Evening : Gondola Ride
€28

Total

€94

Book your Venice Attractions tickets on Headout, and spend just €94 on your 1-day vacation in Venice! Hit up all the prime attractions in the Floating city and save more while you explore more. Read on to see our detailed 1-day Venice Itinerary and learn more about visiting each of these attractions.

More Venice Itinerary Options?


Have more time to kill in Venice than just 24 Hours? Check out our 2 days in Venice and 3 days in Venice itineraries for further inspiration.

More Venice Guides


Here are a few detailed guides that will help you plan your trip to Venice better.

Venice in 1 Day - Itinerary