One Day in Venice: Everything You Need to Know
Venice was just one stop on my meticulously planned three-week European vacation. But the moment I stepped onto the Vaporetto, with the city’s faded palaces rising from the water, I knew spending one day in Venice, Italy, would be unforgettable.
What was supposed to be a quick stop turned into a whirlwind of stunning views, incredible food, and unexpected discoveries. With only one day to soak it all in, I had to make every moment count. From gliding past gondolas on the Grand Canal to standing in the shadow of St. Mark’s Basilica, my time in Venice was anything but ordinary.
Here’s how my day unfolded and a guide to help you enjoy your day in Venice.
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Arriving in Venice
My European trip started with a layover in Paris, where I squeezed in a fantastic seven-hour airport layover tour.
From there, I flew to the Marco Polo Airport in Venice, landing late afternoon and ready to explore.
I hopped on the Alilaguna water taxi, a straightforward and scenic way to your hotel from the airport.
For about €15, you get a boat ride that feels like a mini-tour of Venice’s outer islands.
Tickets can be purchased in the airport at the kiosk by baggage claim, or you can follow the Alilaguna signs and purchase your ticket from the ticket agents.
You can also arrive in Venice via the city center’s Venice Santa Lucia train station.
There is a convenient public water bus called the vaporetto that stops right in front of the train station, and luggage storage is available right outside the station by the Grand Canal.
I used the Italian train to get from Rome to Florence, and it is quite simple to use if you want to take a day trip to Venice.
When visiting Venice, I stayed at the Hyatt Centric Murano on Murano, one of Venice’s small outer islands known worldwide for its glassmaking.
The hotel has a modern vibe, a welcoming staff, and a super convenient vaporetto stop right outside its front doors.
After settling in, I explored all the things to do in Murano, soaking in its quieter charm.
It was the perfect spot to recharge for the adventure ahead.
Morning: A Scenic Ride to Venice
I suggest beginning your day in Venice early. The earlier you arrive, the better, as crowds can get overwhelming by mid-morning.
You’ll want to buy vaporetto tickets, which are the Venice water bus tickets. Tickets are €7.50 for a one-way trip or €25 for a day pass.
You can buy tickets at the kiosks, which are located at each of the vaporetto stops. The stops are well-marked, with maps at each stop to guide you.
I boarded the water bus right outside my hotel in Murano. With no real plan, I set off to explore.
The ride to Venice is breathtaking, with views of colorful buildings and boats zipping by. You can see for yourself in my video below.
I got off at Fondamente Nove and switched to another vaporetto heading to St. Mark’s Square. Switching between vaporetti is quite easy with an all day pass.
St. Mark’s Square, also called Piazzo San Marco, was alive with tourists, street performers, and bustling shops. With its stunning clock tower, it is easily one of the most famous squares in the world.
Gondolas glided by, picking up passengers for dreamy rides through the canals. It’s the perfect place to start your day in Venice.
Exploring St. Mark’s Square
Venice has several beautiful churches, but its most famous is the Basilica di San Marco or St. Mark’s Basilica. It is a must-see for its breathtaking mosaics, the intricate domes, and the golden details.
Consider reserving a skip-the-line ticket if you want to enter because the lines will be long and you don’t want to eat up precious time waiting.
Right next to the basilica, I wandered into Doge’s Palace, a stunning Gothic building with grand halls and fascinating history.
If you want to cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, you can book a Doge’s Palace Skip the Line ticket. Walking through the opulent rooms and crossing the Bridge of Sighs is an unforgettable experience.
For an alternative view of the Bridge of Sighs, you can cross the Ponte della Paglia, Venice’s oldest bridge. It’s just next to San Marco Square and has gorgeous views.
St. Mark’s Campanile for the Best View in Venice
If you want the best panoramic view of Venice, St. Mark’s Campanile is where you must go. This towering red-brick bell tower stands 323 feet (98.6 meters) tall and is the tallest structure in the city.
Originally built in the 12th century, it has seen a lot—fires, lightning strikes, and even a full collapse in 1902.
Thankfully, it was rebuilt exactly as it was, so you’re still getting that classic Venetian skyline view.
The best part? No stairs!
Unlike some European towers that require a never-ending climb, St. Mark’s Campanile has an elevator, making it an easy must-do even if you’re short on time.
Once you reach the top, you’ll get a 360-degree view of Venice’s red rooftops, the Grand Canal, and even the distant Dolomite Mountains on a clear day. It’s one of those “wow” moments you won’t forget. Go early in the morning or around sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
After exploring Piazza San Marco, take a leisurely walk along the Grand Canal.
The views of historic palazzos lining the waterway are stunning. As I followed the pathways along the canals, I discovered signs pointing to the Rialto Bridge. It’s one of Venice’s most iconic sights, and despite the crowds, it’s worth a visit. The bridge offers fantastic views of the Grand Canal.
Even though Venice has no roads, there are cobblestone paths with signs leading to the popular sites.
Venice is one of those cities where, if you only have one day, I suggest just walking and taking in all the sights, sounds, smells, and ambiance.
You won’t be disappointed.
A Grand Canal Adventure
With my vaporetto pass, I decided to cruise the Grand Canal, Venice’s main waterway.
With the Vaporetto all-day ticket, you can hop on and hop off at all the stops or ride the full route for a complete tour of the Grand Canal.
I hopped on the #1 to ride the entire Grand Canal at the suggestion of my hotel concierge.
The views you get from the water are incredible. The ride feels like a front-row seat to Venice’s beauty, with elegant palazzos and bustling activity on the water. It didn’t hurt that the weather on the summer day I visited topped 76°F (24°C).
I hopped off near the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, admired its unique modern art collection from the outside, and continued my walk along the canal.
The weather was perfect, and the whole experience felt surreal.
When hunger struck, I found Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta To Go. Having to-go food in Italy seems so taboo, but I wanted to make the most of my one day.
This takeout spot serves freshly made pasta in a to-go box. It’s affordable, delicious, and perfect for eating while you walk around or find a place to people-watch.
I also snuck in a quick stop at I Tre Mercanti for some of the best tiramisu I have ever tasted.
The sweet Italian ladies make it right in the front of the store.
I know everyone talks about Italian gelato, but trust me when I tell you, you need to stop here.
A Gondola Ride
A gondola ride is probably on your must-do list if you visit Venice for just one day. But before you hop into the first one you see, here’s what you need to know.
A gondola ride is the classic, romantic experience in a private boat, a gondolier in a striped shirt, and a slow cruise through Venice’s quieter canals.
The city sets the prices for a gondola ride at €90 for 30 minutes during the day and €110 in the evening (after 7 PM) for a maximum of five people.
You can book in advance through sites like GetYourGuide or Viator or just walk up to one of the many gondola stations near St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, or the Grand Canal.
If you want to experience the gondola ride without the price tag, hop on a traghetto instead.
Traghettos are shared gondola ferries that cross the Grand Canal at seven designated points. Although used mainly by locals, tourists can also ride in one.
A traghetto ride costs about €2–€3 per person. While the ride lasts only a couple of minutes, it’s a fun (and budget-friendly) way to say you rode in a gondola in Venice.
Whichever you choose, just know that gondoliers don’t sing unless you pay extra, and tipping isn’t required but appreciated.
For the best experience, go early in the morning or just before sunset when the canals are quieter. And if you’re short on time, skip the Grand Canal because it’s busy!
You can also ask your gondolier to take you through the smaller, charming canals for that dreamy, postcard-perfect Venice moment.
Other Things to Do in Venice, Italy
One of the best parts of Venice is wandering without a plan. While many visitors stick to the main attractions, Venice has plenty of hidden spots worth seeing.
Though I didn’t get to visit all of these, they are highly recommended and would make excellent additions to your day in Venice.
Libreria Acqua Alta
You won’t find traditional bookshelves at the Libreria Acqua Alta. This whimsical bookstore keeps its collection safe from Venice’s frequent floods by storing books in gondolas, bathtubs, and barrels.
You’ll find fun and quirky things to see here and fun photo ops like a staircase made from books, curious cats, and a gondola waiting outside its emergency exit.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
Located at the entrance of the Grand Canal, step inside this impressive basilica.
It is a great spot to escape the crowds and admire the beautiful Baroque architecture.
Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop Terrace
You can visit St. Mark’s bell tower for breathtaking views of Venice, but it will cost you at least €12. However, a free alternative is to visit the Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop terrace in a historic building near the Rialto Bridge.
Originally a trading post for German merchants, it’s now a luxury shopping center with a terrace offering panoramic cityscapes.
You can access the rooftop for free, but you must book your time slot a month in advance through their website. Unfortunately, the time slots were all booked for my visit, but hopefully, you can set an alarm and grab a timeslot for your visit.
Caffe Florian
Established in 1720, Caffè Florian is Italy’s oldest coffee house in St. Mark’s Square.
With its elegant interiors and rich history, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a coffee and soak in the ambiance of Venice’s most famous piazza.
Be prepared for higher prices due to its prime location and historical significance.
San Giorgio Maggiore
A stop on Vaporetto #2 line, this island offers stunning panoramic views of Venice and a beautiful 16th-century church you can explore for free.
Evening: Aperitivo & Murano
As the sun started to set, I returned to Murano. Dinner was a relaxed affair, featuring cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and an Aperol Spritz, enjoyed by the water.
Murano’s peacefulness is the perfect counterbalance to Venice’s bustling energy, and I highly recommend you catch a vaporetto to visit the glass museums there.
Tips for Spending One Day in Venice
- Start Early: Arrive in Venice as early as possible, especially if you visit in the summer when crowds are larger.
- Plan Your Transport: The easiest way to get around is to purchase a vaporetto day pass for unlimited rides.
- Pack Light: You’ll walk a lot and navigate cobblestone streets and bridges.
- Book Ahead: Reserve your free tickets in advance to enjoy stunning views from the Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep a refillable water bottle handy, as Venice can get warm and crowded.
- Don’t forget to pay your Venice Visitor Fee.
Venice Visitor Fee
In 2024, Venice implemented a visitor fee to manage tourism and preserve the city’s historic charm. Here’s what you need to know:
- What Is It? The Venice Visitor Fee is a daily charge for entering Venice on certain days. It is designed to limit overcrowding and fund the city’s maintenance.
- Who Has to Pay? Daytrippers are required to pay the fee. If you stay overnight in a hotel, the fee is typically covered by your stay.
- Cost: €5 per person for most visitors, but the fee may vary based on the time of year and the city’s crowd levels.
- How to Pay: Payment is made online or via designated kiosks before entering Venice.
- What Happens If You Don’t Pay? Non-payment can result in fines ranging from €50 to €300.
Top Five Places I Suggest You Visit in 24 Hours in Venice, Italy
When you have limited time but still want to see the best of Venice, these are the five spots I would make sure to see in one day.
Piazza San Marco
Cost: Free entry, fees for museum and basilica tours.
Location: Central Venice.
Hours: Open 24/7; specific attractions vary
Rialto Bridge
Cost: Free.
Location: Spans the Grand Canal.
Hours: Open 24/7
St. Mark’s Basilica
Cost: Free entry; skip-the-line tickets start at €10.
Location: Piazza San Marco.
Hours: 9:30 AM–5:15 PM (seasonal variations)
The Grand Canal
Cost: Vaporetto ride starting at €7.50.
Location: Runs through Venice.
Hours: Accessible via vaporettos all day
Murano Island
Cost: Free; costs for museum entry or glassblowing tours.
Location: A short vaporetto ride from Venice.
Hours: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (shops and museums)
Final Thoughts on a Perfect Day in Venice
Did I have this day perfectly planned? Absolutely not. But that’s the beauty of Venice.
Venice is a city meant for wandering, discovering, and soaking in the moment.
Whether you’re cruising down the Grand Canal, admiring iconic churches, or savoring tiramisu, Venice will charm you at every turn.
One day in Venice might not be enough, but it certainly will be unforgettable.
