2 Days in Venice: Tips for Visiting Venice
Venice is one of the most breathtaking cities in Italy. It is also very convenient for those who want to spend only a couple of days there. While the place offers plenty of things to see and do, 2 days in Venice is just enough to make the most out of your trip. If you plan your itinerary right, you will explore most of the city and enjoy all the features it offers.
However, if this is your first time going to Italy for such a short period, then having a good plan is a must. When it comes to Venice, many people are unsure how to handle their itinerary and manage their time. That is why I have come up with several Venice travel tips so you can organise your trip easily.
2 days in Venice
Tips for Planning The Perfect Venice 2 day Itinerary
If you only have two days to discover the city of art and canals, you should try to make it epic. Since it is not a big city, two days would be enough to explore all the major things to see in Venice. However, you will undoubtedly want to stay longer due to its magnificence. It is a place that will keep calling you back because it has a lot to offer, making you enjoy every single minute you spend there.
Nonetheless, you will have to work with what you have, i.e., you will need to figure out the best way to spend 2 days in Venice. Luckily, I have everything covered in this guide, allowing you to plan your trip easily and seamlessly.
The view from the Rialto Bridge in Venice
Find Your Perfect Accommodation
You should start with the basics, which means you have to figure out where you will stay. Even if it is only a couple of days, you still need decent accommodation that will allow you to rest well. At the same time, it also needs to be convenient for getting around the city. Fortunately, Venice has a lot of options when it comes to accommodations, so you can find whatever suits you best.
There is an abundance of luxurious hotels with majestic architecture and exceptional service. On the other hand, there are also more affordable choices that will allow you to stay on a budget while still getting everything you need. You should choose your hotel based on your preferences, but consider practicality, as well.
One of the best pieces of travel advice for Venice I can give you is to stay in the city centre. If you spend only 2 days here, you should not waste your time commuting from one place to another. Plus, there are both luxurious and affordable hotels with central locations, meaning you will surely find what you are looking for.
For the best experience, I always suggest San Marco. It is true that this is one of the busiest areas of Venice, but it provides a central position, making it easy to go from place to place. What is more, it is a scenic area and a meeting point for city tours and similar activities. If you think about it, booking a hotel in San Marco will help you save time and money as well since you will not need any kind of transportation.
Highlights from St Marks square in Venice, including the facade of St Market Basicila.
Getting From The Airport to The City
Along with accommodation is your transport to the city. You can reach your hotel in several ways, and you can choose according to your preferences and needs. You can take a water taxi, land taxi, the train, or a bus from the airport. Each option will take you to the city at approximately the same time, but the fares will be different.
My best recommendation is to take a water taxi, which will take you to the city in around 30 minutes. This is actually a shared taxi, meaning you will be commuting with other people as well. However, it is one of the best ways to experience the miraculousness of Venice. The water taxi can take you to San Marco, i.e., the city’s central location, or you can choose a station closer to your accommodation. Since you are staying for 2 days in Venice, you should go for options guided by the good old “follow what the locals do”.
If you do not feel comfortable with a shared water taxi, then you can choose the land taxi option. You will easily find one as you exit from the airport. There are signs everywhere, all of them white, so you will not make a mistake. The fare is generally around $50. However, you should know that the taxi will take you 15-20 minutes away from San Marco because cars are not allowed in that area. If your hotel is around the main square, you will have to walk, so take into consideration your baggage.
Alternatively, if you come by train, you’ll either stop at Santa Lucia or Mestre – the city’s two main train stations. The lines are pretty constant, meaning you’ll easily reach the center. However, as the most convenient approach, try to reach Santa Lucia station first as it is closer to the center. If no lines are available at the time you arrive (which is very rare), you’ll need to stop at Mestre and then take another train to Santa Lucia.
The fourth recommendation in my Venice travel tips is the bus. It is another traditional method to get to the city, and of course, the cheapest one. It will take you to the city centre in around 20 minutes, but the time can vary depending on traffic.
Doge’s Palace (left) The Venice Main Canal (right)
Venice Must-See Attractions
Once you arrive in the city, don’t be too surprised by the number of attractions around you! Naturally, you’d want to visit as many of them as possible during your 2 days in Venice, but unfortunately, that’s impossible. That’s why I’m sharing a few of the must-see attractions you should definitely check out.
Even if you’re not planning a typical “touristy” vacation, you’re bound to end up on St. Mark’s Square. This is one of Venice’s most significant symbols and you can also find the iconic St. Mark’s Cathedral. The architecture of this place will take your breath away, and you’ll instantly know why it’s the most visited attraction in the city. While on the topic of iconic locations, I have to mention the Doge’s Palace, located at the same square. ‘Beautiful’ doesn’t even begin to describe both of these attractions, but they do have a downside – they’re flooded with tourists year-round. That said, if you’re on a tight schedule and want to visit other places around the city, you might want to skip on touring their interiors.
Of course, crossing the Rialto Bridge is a must on your Venice 2-day itinerary. This is the oldest bridge that connects the two banks of the Grand Canal and it was originally wooden! As you’re passing through, be sure to stop by at one of the many cute shops of the Rialto Market. Finally, if you have the time to squeeze in one more place, I wholeheartedly recommend admiring the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in the museum located on Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.
Still, there’s no need to worry if you can’t make it to all of these locations during your 2 days in Venice. Think of it this way – you now have a reason to come back!
Venice’s natural atmosphere is a serene blend of water and architecture, where the soft murmur of canals and the whisper of history through its narrow streets create a uniquely tranquil cityscape.
Be Aware of The “Rose” Scam
There is a trick that has been going on in Venice for years. The “Rose” scam refers to being forced to pay for something you may consider a nice romantic gesture. That is, you may be fooled by being approached by a person who will hand you a rose. Then, they will ask you to pay for it, and the price is usually unreasonable. With that in mind, if you see someone approaching you like this, ignore them and decline their offer no matter how pushy they are.
Choose Restaurants Out of The Tourist Hot Spots
Venice can be quite expensive, especially when it comes to food and fine dining. Even when staying for two days only, you will want to have a taste of the heavenly Italian food in a splendid ambience. So, the chances are that you will be prompted to get a table in one of the popular restaurants in Venice’s most popular tourist sites.
However, just because the restaurants are in a popular location does not mean they offer exceptional service and food as you expect. Although I am not saying that these restaurants are not good, remember that most of them are overpriced.
There are many restaurants that offer delightful traditional dishes at a reasonable price and in stunning surroundings. But you will not find them in the popular spots. My travel advice for Venice regarding food is to look for places hidden in the city’s narrow streets where locals eat. There are plenty of them, and the food is heavenly! Additionally, you can ask the hotel staff for suggestions as local tips always come in handy. Lastly, check Instagram to see if any places have been garnering attention – influencers usually have excellent recommendations!
Here are some spots you may like:
- All’Arco: A lovely wine bar with delicious snacks and classic Italian sandwiches.
- Trattoria Antiche Carampane: Charming and intimate restaurant with delightful Italian recipes.
- Osteria Alla Testiere: The perfect place for seafood lovers, as recommended by the experts.
Go on a Street Food Tour
Italy is the Mecca of delicious food, and Venice is one of the places where you can try the most delicious dishes. If you want to avoid expensive restaurants, one of the greatest things to do in Venice is to sign up for a street food tour. This is an opportunity to try the best of Venice with a tour guide and a story of the places you visit along the way.
You will have the chance to experience the flavours of the city accompanied by the historical sights along the way. In a way, this can be your walking tour around the city with distinguished original tastes from the local markets.
You should not miss out on the Rialto Market and the exceptional tapas, such as cicchetti which also can be found pretty much everywhere around the city! Nonetheless, you will get to taste so many flavours, so you will never regret going on the tour in the first place.
Like many places in Italy, Venice has its unique dishes and pastries
A Gondola Ride Is a Must
The city is known for its romantic gondola rides along the famous canals. It’s one of the most important things to see in Venice, after all! So, you should definitely not miss out on an opportunity to see the city from a different perspective. It is a unique experience you cannot experience elsewhere in the world, meaning it is absolutely worth the money and time.
You will sit back and enjoy the sights around you and the colourfulness of the whole city. What is more, you will take a break from the crowded streets and enjoy the tranquillity on your own. This is one of the best Venice travel tips I can give you, so consider it when planning your itinerary!
Experience The Coffee Culture
Even though you will stay only 2 days in Venice, you should not miss out on the opportunity to experience the coffee culture Italians are so keen on. The Historic Caffe Florian is one of the best spots to have a cup of astonishing coffee while enjoying the miraculous sights around you. This is actually the oldest coffee shop in all of Europe, dating back to 1647.
The coffee shop is located on the San Marco Square, which is always crowded. You may not like the crowds, but this is where you should make an exception. You will have the opportunity to drink your coffee with the elegant music of a band that regularly plays in the cafe. Also, you will pay a little bit more than you expect for coffee, but it will be absolutely worth it.
Cool Off With Some Gelato
To make the most out of your 2 days in Venice, you need to have a taste of the famous Italian gelato. This traditional dessert will provide the ultimate refreshment, especially on those summer days when the heat gets too much to bear. You may have tried gelato before, but the one in Venice is something different. The numerous flavours will make your decision difficult, but you can be sure whatever you choose will not disappoint you.
Moreover, the gelato shops look adorable, so you will enjoy your surroundings while savouring this amazing sweet snack. Calories do not count while travelling, so treat yourself and surprise your palate with something heavenly! For the best experience, I suggest checking out La Mela Verde right by the Rio di San Provolo canal, or the vibrantly-tiled Gelato di Natura.
Even if you stay 2 days in Venice, your trip can be unforgettable with the right planning. Hopefully, these tips will help you create the Venice 2-day itinerary you want and experience the city exactly as you imagine. So, book up that trip no matter how short it is and have the time of your life.
Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo
Experience The Ultimate Enjoyment During Your 2 Days in Venice
Now, you have the most amazing itinerary for spending a couple of days in this iconic city. Don’t forget to visit my blog page for more helpful itinerary ideas and travel tips for Italy. If you still haven’t decided on your next location, I am sure you will find the inspiration you seek!
