How To Spend One Day In Venice, Italy

(Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by sydabroad

If you are planning to spend one day in Venice, Italy, then this guide is for you. 

Venice, Italy is a city like no other. Known for its intricate network of canals, rich architecture, and unique urban planning, Venice is a city that needs to be on everyone’s Italy itinerary. 

In this guide, I’m sharing the best way to spend a day in Venice, Italy. Honestly, whether you are spending a day or an entire week here, this Venice travel guide will be helpful. I’ll share all of the best things to do, how to get around Venice, where to stay, and a map with all of the suggested locations. Often referred to as the “floating city,” Venice is very unique compared to other major Italian cities such as Milan or Rome.

I visited on a European tour with EF Ultimate Break. I absolutely love group travel, it really takes the stress out of planning every detail on your own. If you are interested in traveling with EF, check out their group trips here and save $$$ with this link. 

Looking for more Italy guides? 

• A Day Trip From Venice to Burano 
• The Perfect One Day Florence Itinerary 
• The Best Things To Do in Rome, Italy

This post is all about how to spend one perfect day in Venice, Italy. 

One Day in Venice – The Basics 

Currency = Euro

The currency in Italy is the euro. (EUR)

1 USD = .90 Euro

Many places in Venice will accept card payments but I find it helpful to keep a bit of cash for small purchases. Cash is really useful if you need to tip a guide, split a restaurant bill, or shop at the local markets. There are also plenty of ATMs throughout the city. 

Language = Italian 

The national language in Italy is Italian. However, you will find that it’s easy to get around with English because Venice is a common tourist destination. I do suggest brushing up on your Italian to be respectful to the locals. I use the Duolingo app to practice new languages.  

Phone & Internet 

From my experience, I never had an issue with the phone and internet service in Venice. There was cell service just about everywhere. A majority of the cafes and restaurants had wifi available. You’ll find that many of Italy’s major cities have good cell service. 

For traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data when you travel. The Airalo app makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Check out Airalo here. 

Daily Budget 

Venice is not necessarily cheap but not the most expensive European destination either. It is possible to explore on a budget. An average mid-range daily budget is 150 euros per day. The average budget traveler spends around 55 to 90 euros per day. 

Tipping in Venice

Tipping in Venice, like many other places in Italy, isn’t mandatory. However, if you had an excellent meal or service it’s customary to leave a small tip at restaurants and cafes. It’s typical to round up, leave change, or leave about 10%. For tours, tip 5 to 10 euros if you had a good experience.

Is The Tap Water Drinkable?

Yes, tap water in Venice is safe to drink. It’s pumped in from the mainland.   

Map – Venice Travel Guide 

Below, you’ll find an interactive map with all of the locations mentioned in this article. 

How Many Days in Venice? 

Venice is small, you can certainly see a lot in just one or two days. I think one day in Venice is the perfect amount of time to see the small city. 

2 days in Venice would give you a good amount of time to see Venice and take a couple of boat trips to neighboring islands like Burano or Murano. You can even do a wine tasting in Mestre if you have the time! 

RELATED POST: A Day Trip From Venice to Burano 

Whether you are spending one day in Venice or a week in Venice, this travel guide will be a helpful resource for your trip. 

Getting to Venice From Mestre 

Mestre is the mainland of Venice and whether you are staying on the mainland or on the island of Venice, you’ll need to find your way over to the island eventually.  

The trip to the island from Mestre will take around 15 minutes. You can reach Venice by train, bus, or taxi. 

Staying in Mestre is a great option. You’ll find nice spots for budget travelers and it’s quick and easy to get to the island of Venice. I stayed in Mestre at Anda Venice Hostel and it was wonderful. 

Cost of Getting to Venice from the Mainland

If you are staying on the mainland of Venice, Mestre, it will typically cost about 2 to 20 euros to get to Venice. A taxi typically costs about 12 to 15 euros. 

The most affordable option is the train. The train from Mestre to Venice costs less than 2 euros and takes about 10 minutes. The train runs from Mestre Station to Venice at least 8 times per hour. 

How to Get Around Venice 

Once you are in Venice, you will walk everywhere or take a water taxi if you are visiting a neighboring island. 

How to Spend One Day in Venice, Italy

Start Your Day With Coffee

We are starting our one day in Venice off bright and early with a coffee. Trust me, you’ll want to start early before the island gets crowded with lots of people. 

Start your morning at a local bar with a cappuccino, caffè, espresso, or caffè macchiato. 

St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica 

St. Mark’s Square is the first location on the list as it’s the most popular gathering place in Venice and will get crowded quickly. While you are here make sure to visit St. Mark’s Basilica and you won’t miss St. Mark’s Campanile (the iconic bell tower in Venice).

St. Mark’s Square is the heart of the city and a great central point for exploring Venice. The square is named after St. Mark’s Basilica which is a beautiful Byzantine-style cathedral. One of the most famous in the world. The architecture is absolutely incredible.  

You will certainly want to visit this gorgeous basilica, it’s free to enter but keep in mind there will typically be a line during peak tourist season. Another reason to start your day as early as you can! Make sure you dress appropriately when visiting St. Mark’s Basilica, men and women will need to cover shoulders and knees. 

Note: Photography is not allowed inside St. Mark’s Basilica. 

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) 

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is also located in the square, making it a convenient next stop on our one day in Venice itinerary. This is a Venetian Gothic-style palace that was once the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice. 

The Doges Palace is one of Venice’s most notable landmarks and was center of the Venetian political power for many centuries. Now, you can visit inside and see various chambers, rooms, museums such as the Doge’s Apartments, and more. 

Guided tours are a great way to see Doge’s Palace or you can purchase tickets on your own. It’s suggested to purchase tickets or book tours ahead of time to avoid long lines when you arrive. You can truly immerse yourself in Venice’s rich history with a visit to Doge’s Palace. 

The Bridge of Sighs

Next, head to the Bridge of Sighs. The Bridge of Sighs is part of Doge’s Palace and once connected the interrogation rooms in the palace to the New Prison across the Rio di Palazzo. 

This is an architectural masterpiece in Venice and makes a great photography spot as well. It’s said that the name “Bridge of Sighs” came from the prisoners who would sigh as they crossed the bridge, knowing it would likely be their last view of the city before being imprisoned. 

Climb St. Marks Campanile

For panoramic views of Venice and the surrounding lagoon, climb to the top of Campanile di San Marco (the Bell Tower). You’ll need to purchase a ticket to enter. Currently, they cost 10 euros for a standard adult ticket. 

To reach the top you will have the option to take the stairs or an elevator. There are 360 stairs to reach the top of the Bell Tower. 

Because of the amazing views, St. Mark’s Campanile is the perfect sunset spot. But it will likely be more crowded during this time. Also, make sure to bring your camera.

Note: There are combination tickets to the Campanile and Doge’s Palace. If you plan to visit both, I suggest purchasing the combination ticket. 

Stroll Along The Riva degli Schiavoni 

Riva degli Schiavoni is the iconic waterfront in Venice. Pick up a gelato and stroll along the beautiful waterfront. 

This is a wide pedestrian promenade that stretches from Piazza San Marco to the east. It’s lined with cafes, restaurants, and many shops. Keep in mind that this location will likely be busy all hours of the day. 

Tour a Glass Blowing Factory 

Venice is famous for its traditional glass-blowing. Murano, a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, is the center of Venice’s glassmaking industry.

If you have the time to visit Murano, it’s well worth a trip. If not, you should certainly watch a glassblowing demonstration in Venice where you can see the process from start to finish. It’s a unique experience in Venice. 

That being said, you can find all sorts of fun glass souvenirs in Venice. 

Lunch in St. Mark’s Square 

For lunch, visit one of the many restaurants in St. Mark’s Square for Venetian Cuisine. Try seafood risotto, fresh pasta, or Cicchetti – which are essentially Venetian tapas.

Libreria Acqua Alter – A Hidden Gem in Venice

Next on this one day in Venice itinerary is a “hidden gem” in Venice, Libreria Acqua Alter. This is a cozy bookstore in Venice and one of the most beautiful bookstores in Europe. Libreria Acqua Alta translates to “the bookstore of high water.” 

Due to Venice’s constant flooding, this bookstore keeps its books in bathtubs and even a gondola. It’s a unique place to visit, well worth a spot on your Venice itinerary. This bookstore has become quite common so expect a crowd if you visit in the middle of the day.   

Explore The Canals 

Getting lost in the tiny streets of Venice is such a great way to find hidden gems and pretty canal views. 

Another of my favorite hidden gems in Venice is the dock behind Hotel San Moise. It’s quiet with the best canal view. It’s one of the most instagrammable places in Venice. 

Find it here: S. Marco, 2058, 30173 Venezia VE, Italy. 

Gondola Ride in Venice

Taking a gondola ride in Venice is one of the best ways to explore the city’s intricate network of canals. Gondola rides are expensive – expect to pay at least 80 euros for a standard 30-minute gondola ride. You can book in advance online or along major canals. 

Alternatively, if you are traveling on a budget, I suggest taking a Vaporetto. This is a water bus or water taxi in Venice and a much more affordable way to spend time on the water. Although not quite the same experience as a gondola ride, it is somewhat similar and will save you money. 

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)  

The Rialto Bridge or Ponte di Rialto is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. This is one of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal in Venice it’s known for its rich history, elegant architecture, and amazing views. You can also shop at the Rialto Market nearby – a historic food market. 

Dinner on The Water

End your one day in Venice with a waterfront dinner. Check out Rio Novo or Algiubagio Restaurant. You’ll get pretty views and delicious food at these restaurants. 

If You Have More Time in Venice… 

Day Trip to Burano Island

If you have more time in Venice, I highly suggest taking a day tour of the colorful island of Burano. Burano is known for its fresh seafood, colorful fishermen’s houses, and traditional lace. It’s such a unique little island to visit. 

Read more about taking a day trip from Venice to Burano here.

Best Time to Visit Venice

The best time to visit Venice is in the Spring from March to May or near the fall in September or October. These months will have fewer crowds and the weather should be nice.

The summer months will be very crowded and hot so keep this in mind. 

Also, Venice is susceptible to flooding from November to January, so I would try to avoid these months. 

Where to Stay in Venice 

When choosing where to stay in Venice, you have two options – you can stay in Mestre (the mainland) or in Venice itself. Prices will be higher if you choose to stay in Venice. 

I stayed at Anda Hostel in Mestre and it was great. There were many fun activities, it was in a good location, it was clean and affordable. 

If you are on a budget, I suggest checking out Hostel World to find affordable accommodation. I’ve listed recommended accommodation options below. 

Budget: Hotel Casa Boccassani (Venice), Anda Venice Hostel (Mestre) 

Boutique: Hotel Lisbona 

Luxury: Hotel Danieli, Aman Venice

Venice Travel Tips 

• Starting in 2024, Venice will require a tourist fee of 5 euros to enter on peak days if you are not staying the night. 
• Venice is susceptible to high tides from November through January. 
• Be prepared for crowds.
• Be mindful of pickpockets. 
• If you are staying on the mainland, Mestre, and have extra time, consider doing a wine tasting at Vignaluna. It’s an amazing experience!
• If you are here in the Spring or the Fall pack a light jacket. It can get chilly in the mornings and evenings. 

Don’t Forget To Pack

• Good walking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Disposable camera
• Layers because it might be chilly in the morning.
• Portable charger

I hope this guide helped you plan your one day in Venice. Make sure to check out my other Italian guides here.  If you have any questions about Venice, comment below, DM me on Instagram, or email me at sydabroad@gmail.com. 

Recommended Tours in Venice

Shop My Europe Essentials 

Like this post? Pin it to save for later!

Follow: