Venice itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: St. Mark's & the Rialto
St. Mark's Square early, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, and the Grand Canal by boat in the afternoon.
- 1
Early morning
St. Mark's Square
The great square of Venice, with the golden mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica, the Campanile bell tower and the arcades of the old government buildings.
- St. Mark's Basilica
- Campanile
- Clock Tower
Come before 9am to see the square almost empty; the basilica queue grows quickly after that.
Walk across the square to the Piazzetta, about 2 min.
- 2
Late morning
Doge's Palace & the Bridge of Sighs
The pink-and-white Gothic palace of the rulers of Venice, and the small covered bridge that led prisoners across the canal to the cells.
- Doge's Palace
- Bridge of Sighs
- Waterfront
Take the vaporetto from San Zaccaria, then ride the Grand Canal to the station and back.
- 3
Afternoon
The Grand Canal by boat
The main street of Venice, lined with palaces from every century; a vaporetto ride from end to end is the best introduction to the city.
- Rialto Bridge
- Accademia Bridge
- Palazzo façades
Line 1 stops everywhere and is slow, which is exactly what you want for the view.
Day 2: The Rialto & Dorsoduro
The Rialto markets in the morning, a hidden spiral staircase and the Accademia Bridge, and the Salute at sunset.
- 1
Morning
The Rialto Bridge & markets
The stone bridge over the Grand Canal and the market beside it, where fish, fruit and vegetables have been sold for centuries.
- Rialto Bridge
- Fish market
- Campo Erberia
The fish market is open in the mornings and closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Walk through the lanes of San Marco, about 10 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Contarini del Bovolo & Campo Santo Stefano
A hidden palace courtyard with an outdoor spiral staircase, then one of the city's biggest squares on the way to the Accademia Bridge.
- Spiral staircase
- Campo Santo Stefano
- Accademia Bridge
Cross the Accademia Bridge and walk east through Dorsoduro, about 15 min.
- 3
Late afternoon
Dorsoduro & the Salute
The district of galleries and students, ending at the white domed basilica of Santa Maria della Salute at the mouth of the Grand Canal, beautiful at sunset.
- Santa Maria della Salute
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Zattere
Day 3: San Polo, Cannaregio & Castello
The Frari and San Rocco, the canals of Cannaregio and the Ghetto, and an evening stroll in Castello.
- 1
Morning
San Polo & the Frari
The great brick Gothic church of the Frari and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, both full of Venetian painting, in the lanes between the station and the Rialto.
- Frari basilica
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco
- Campo San Polo
Walk north over the Scalzi Bridge into Cannaregio, about 20 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Cannaregio & the Jewish Ghetto
A lived-in district of long canal-side walks, the bridge without railings at Ponte Chiodo, and the Ghetto, where Venice's Jewish community lived for centuries.
- Jewish Ghetto
- Ponte Chiodo
- Strada Nova
Vaporetto from Fondamente Nove round to Giardini, about 25 min.
- 3
Evening
Castello & Via Garibaldi
The quieter east of the city, where the waterfront promenade leads to the wide Via Garibaldi, with washing lines overhead and locals out for the evening.
- Riva degli Schiavoni
- Via Garibaldi
- Riva dei Sette Martiri
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Venice plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Venice
How many days?
Two days covers St. Mark's, the Rialto and the Grand Canal with time to wander. Three days adds Dorsoduro, Cannaregio and Castello at a slower pace, which is when Venice is at its best.
Where to stay
San Marco and the Rialto put you next to the sights; Dorsoduro and Cannaregio are calmer and closer to how locals live. Staying in the city itself lets you see it early and late, without the day-trip crowds. Compare areas →
Getting around
Walk everywhere you can, and use the vaporetto water buses along the Grand Canal and out to the edges. A day pass pays off if you ride more than a few times.
Venice is small enough to cross on foot in under an hour, yet easy to get lost in, and that is half the pleasure. The famous sights sit around St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge; Dorsoduro has the galleries and the Salute; and Cannaregio and Castello are where Venetians still live, with quieter canals and squares. The Grand Canal ties it all together, and the vaporetto water buses do the long hops.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those streets and bridges, so you can see the squares, the canals and the crowds before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to the landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Venice itinerary: common questions
How many days do you need in Venice?
Two days covers the main sights around St. Mark's and the Rialto and a boat ride on the Grand Canal. Three days lets you slow down and see Dorsoduro, Cannaregio and Castello, the parts of Venice where people still live.
Is Venice walkable?
Yes, it is a walking city: there are no cars, and you can cross it on foot in under an hour. Expect many bridges with steps, and use the vaporetto for longer hops or tired legs.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
Spring and autumn are mild and less crowded than summer. Winter is quiet and atmospheric, though high tides can flood the lowest squares for a few hours. Early morning and evening are the calmest times of day in any season.
How do I avoid the crowds in Venice?
See St. Mark's Square early in the morning, then head into Cannaregio, Castello or Dorsoduro, where the lanes empty out a few minutes from the main sights. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the city after the day visitors leave.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Where to stay in Venice
6 areas compared, each with a street walk so you can see the neighborhood before you book.
Read the guide →Keep exploring Venice
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Venice city guide →