Itineraries for Your Trip to Venice
1 Day in Venice for First Timers
Rome was my first love when I landed in Italy decades ago, but Venice was where I experienced the magic of the bel paese, or beautiful country. This captivating, improbable city built on the waters of the Adriatic astounds me even after more than a dozen visits.
I’m not alone in my love for Venice—the city is among the world's most popular tourist hot spots. Its compact historic center, hemmed in by the Venetian Lagoon on all sides, is overrun with visitors from spring through fall. Arriving with a game plan is key to avoiding crowds and optimizing your time. Here is how to see the A-list sights and savor the quiet magnificence of Venice in one day.
If you only have time for one thing, take a boat ride down the Grand Canal—even the vaporetto (water bus) will do.
Winter brings acqua alta (high tide) floods in Venice, so waterproof footwear is a must.
Venice is relatively compact, and its most famous sights are grouped within easy walking distance. You can cover heavy hitters like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge on your own, but you will likely get caught in the shoulder-to-shoulder throngs along the main streets. Instead, view the highlights on a local-led tour that takes you through the heart of Venice along quieter side alleys and canals. See the blockbusters in a few hours and avoid wasting time by trying to navigate your way through labyrinthine Venice on your own. Many sightseeing tours include skip-the-line access to the city’s A-list attractions.
After checking out the top sights, take in Venice from its two most spectacular vantage points: the sky and the water. Head to the top of the bell tower in St. Mark’s Square (prebook your ticket to skirt the long line) to marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the surrounding rooftops from above. Then hop into a gondola for unforgettable views of the city from its major and minor canals; you can splurge on a private gondola ride or join a small group for a more budget-friendly option.
Once the sun begins to lower over the city and the crowds start to disperse, soak in the quieter side of Venice by exploring one of the five districts, or sestieri, that surround central San Marco—Castello, Cannaregio, San Polo, Santa Croce, or Dorsoduro. Join an insider guide to discover these authentic neighborhoods and their traditional bacaro wine bars that serve classic cicchetti (a tapas-like appetizer) and wines from the surrounding Veneto region. Nibble your way into the evening, swapping out a food tour for a sit-down dinner.
