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 even if it's just for a day!
1 Day in Venice - How To Spend Your Day
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.
- 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 - 3 pm during the week. It's closed on Sundays.
- The market gets very crowded towards noon, 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.
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 is stunning, featuring golden mosaics, intricate patterns, white marble, a Greek cross floor plan, and wavy stone arches, all inspired by Byzantine architecture. Take some time to absorb the bustling atmosphere of the piazza, watch the world go by at a café, or feed the pigeons that flock here.
- 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.
After visiting the St. Mark's Basilica, step into the Doge's Palace, once the seat of Venetian political power. Explore its lavish chambers filled with masterpieces of art, the grandiose council rooms, and the eerie prisons accessed by the Bridge of Sighs. As you wander through these historic halls, you'll gain insights into the republic’s history and the lives of the doges who ruled Venice.
- 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.
Next head to the artsy Dorsoduro district where you can visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to see a wealth of modern art. Walk along the picturesque Zattere promenade, ideal for a leisurely stroll with stunning views of the Giudecca Canal. Savor a gelato as you go, and perhaps pop into a few galleries or artisan shops that showcase Venetian craftsmanship. This area, known for its bohemian vibe, is perfect for those looking to experience a quieter side of Venice
Ride: End your day in Venice with the quintessential gondola ride. As the evening light casts a golden hue over the canals, glide through the quiet backwaters and under stone bridges in a traditional gondola. Your gondolier might share stories of the city’s history as you pass by hidden palaces and secret courtyards.
- 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
€70.5
Afternoon : Dorsoduro
Free
Evening : Gondola Ride
€30
Total
€100.5
Book your Venice Attractions tickets on Headout, and spend €100.5 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.
