One Day in Venice: The 12 BEST Things To Do in Venice (2025)

Last Updated on: 9th June 2025, 10:57 am

I first visited Venice on a quick stopover when flights out of Venice Airport were cheapter than out of Milan! I honestly didn’t have high hopes – I expected it to be so touristy most of the charm was gone. I was so wrong. I absolutely adored Venice and it’s still possible to have an authentic, gorgeous, gritty experience in Venice – all while avoiding crowds! Follow this one day in Venice itinerary and you will see many major sights in Venice and attractions in Venice, even with little time!

When I (Cate) first visited Venice as a quick 2-night stopover on my way from spending one day in Milan to visiting Belfast for some research. I did very little research beforehand, but I found the most wonderful hostel in an old Monastery (Combo Venezia), met another pastor staying there, and had an amazing time exploring Venice for a day before I flew out! I feel in love with Venice – especially when you walk just off the main tourist trail! One of the reasons I love Venice is it’s absolutely stunning churches.

Venice is nearby to two beautiful cities in Italy I also love: Verona and Padua. Verona also has beautiful churches, and Padua or Padova, is a great option for overnights and visiting Venice as a day-trip!

Follow our guide below to plan your own one day in Venice, starting with the 12 best things to do in Venice (most of which you can do even if you only have one day in Venice!), then giving my top tips on getting around Venice and getting to Venice! I hope you love Venice as much as I did!

How to Make the Most of Spending One Day in Venice

To make the most of your one day in Venice, it’s a good idea to research the ins and outs of your visit before you arrive and have a plan.

Know how you’ll get from the airport, the train station, the cruise port, or the hotel to St Mark’s Square, read up on the Venice tourist fee and how much your day will cost.

If you need any attraction tickets, booking them in advance is best to avoid the day’s queues and ensure you don’t miss out!

If you have one day in Venice, it’s best to head straight to St. Mark’s Square and spend the morning exploring the sights and attractions there. After a late lunch, exploring Venice’s bridges, canals, and hidden gems is best. If you’re lucky enough to still be in Venice for the evening, you can enjoy a gondola ride, have dinner at a canal-side restaurant, and watch the sunset.

If you stay one day in Venice with one overnight, it’s best to base yourself in the central area. This way, you’ll be close to the main attractions and not have to pay the tourist fee.

The Visitor Entry Fee to Venice: What You Need to Know

As of April 2024, day-time visitors to Venice pay €5 as a visitor’s entry fee.

This applies on April 25-30, May 1-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, June 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, and July 6-7, 13-14.

• If you stay the night in Venice, you will not need to pay the fee (as long as you register online before your stay).

• The fee is waived from 4:00 PM to 8:30 AM.

• Various exemptions exist, including those under 14, people with a European Disability Card, and their companions.

Pay the Venice visitor entry fee here >>>

Morning in Venice: Piazza San Marco

Location: Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia

Start your day early to make the most of your time in Venice. If you have one day in Venice, it’s best to spend the morning in the St Marks Square area (known locally as  Piazza San Marco), the center of Venice and home to most of the major landmarks and sites.

As you enter the square, you’ll immediately see St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco).

Just next to it, you’ll find Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), a Gothic masterpiece that served as the Doge of Venice’s residence and the Venetian government’s seat.

The Campanile di San Marco, the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica, stands tall and offers breathtaking city views if you decide to climb it later.

The piazza is lively, often filled with tourists, locals, and street performers. You might hear live music from one of the many cafés that line the square, such as the famous Caffè Florian or Gran Caffè Quadri, which have served guests since the 18th century.

1. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

Location: P.za San Marco, 328, 30124

Cost: Free…but there will be a long line for free entry. (Entry to the basilica is free; fees apply for the museum, Pala d’Oro, and treasury).

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:15 PM and Sunday and Holidays: 2:00 PM – 5:15 PM (Opening hours may vary; check the official website before your visit)

No visit to Venice is complete without exploring St. Mark’s Basilica, also known as the Basilica di San Marco. Built in the 11th century, the basilica is famous for its beautiful architecture and detailed mosaics.

Make sure you spot the façade, which features sculptures, marble columns, and five grand domes. The golden mosaics depicting biblical scenes are a highlight.

Make sure you also leave time to go inside the basilica. The interior features over 8,000 square meters of mosaics, mainly crafted from gold, which tell stories from the Old and New Testaments.

One of the basilica’s most famous features is the Pala d’Oro, a magnificent altarpiece made of gold and covered with precious gems. AViewingthe Pala d’Oro up close requires a small fee, but it’s well worth the cost.

Another must-see is the Treasury of St. Mark’s, which houses a collection of relics, artifacts, and treasures accumulated over the centuries.

For a panoramic view of Venice, climb up to the Museum of St. Mark’s Basilica, which provides access to the basilica’s upper floor and the Terrace of the Horses. Here, you can see the famous bronze horses.

Tip: Dress modestly, as this is a place of worship. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

Save time on your one day in Venice – Book Your Skip-the-Line Ticket to Saint Mark’s Here ->>

2. Tour the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Location: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia

Cost: Adults: €25 Students (15-25 years) and Seniors (65+): €13 | Children (6-14 years): €9 | Free for children under 6 (Prices may vary; check the official website)

Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission is one hour before closing; hours may vary seasonally)

After exploring St. Mark’s Basilica, your next stop should be the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), which is located next to it. The basilica was once the residence of the Doge of Venice.

The outside of the palace has a detailed marble façade. The Piazza San Marco side of the palace is particularly impressive, with its delicate lace-like stonework and pointed arches.

A highlight of the inside is the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, one of the largest rooms in Europe, where the Great Council of Venice met.

Another must-see is the Chamber of the Council of Ten, a secretive and powerful body responsible for state security. Nearby, you’ll find the Chamber of the Inquisition and the Interrogation Rooms.

One of the most famous features of the Doge’s Palace is the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), which connects the palace to the prison. As you walk across the bridge, you’ll see the stone grills on the windows, which allowed prisoners to take their last look at Venice before being led to their cells.

Descending into the prisons, known as the Piombi (so-called because they were under the lead roof of the palace), you can explore the cells where prisoners, including the infamous Giacomo Casanova, were held.

Before you leave, take advantage of the courtyard of the Doge’s Palace. Here, you can admire the Scala dei Giganti.

Tip: Consider booking a skip-the-line ticket to save time during peak hours.

3. Climb the Campanile di San Marco (St. Mark’s Bell Tower)

Location: Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy

Cost: Adults: €10 | Students and Seniors: €8 | Children (6-18 years): €5 | Free for children under 6 | (Prices may vary; check the official website for the latest information)

Opening Hours: Daily: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM (The last admission is 45 minutes before closing; hours may vary seasonally)

After visiting Doge’s Palace, visit Campanile di San Marco (St. Mark’s Bell Tower). Standing at an impressive 98.6 meters (323 feet), it is the tallest structure in Venice and offers fantastic views of the Floating City.

The original bell tower, completed in 912 AD, served as a lighthouse for sailors navigating the Venetian Lagoon. However, today’s structure was reconstructed after the original tower collapsed in 1902. The reconstruction was completed in 1912 and remains faithful to the original design.

The brick structure is topped with a pyramidal spire, crowned by a golden statue of the Archangel Gabriel. The tower’s base features the Loggetta del Sansovino, a small loggia designed by Jacopo Sansovino in the 16th century, which once served as a gathering place for Venetian nobility.

To reach the top, you’ll take an elevator that whisks you up to the belfry, sparing you the effort of climbing the tower’s many steps.

Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Venice and beyond. On a clear day, you can see the red-tiled roofs of the city, the winding canals, and the waters of the Grand Canal. Look for landmarks such as the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and the distant island of San Giorgio Maggiore.

The belfry houses five bells, each with a unique purpose in Venice’s history. The largest bell, the Marangona, rang to signal the beginning and end of the workday, while the Nona marked the midday hour. The other bells, the Trottiera, Mezza Terza, and Renghiera, were used for various religious and civic purposes.

After descending, you can relax in one of the nearby cafes in St. Mark’s Square. Enjoy an Italian coffee or a gelato as you people-watch in the square.

4. Cross the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)

Location: Grand Canal, Venice

The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, gracefully arching over the Grand Canal. Built between 1588 and 1591, it is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the canal and has become a symbol of the city’s architectural prowess and rich history.

Start your visit by strolling across the bridge and admiring its stunning design, which features a single span with a central entrance. The bridge is lined with shops offering a variety of goods, from jewelry and Murano glass to Venetian masks and souvenirs.

The Rialto Bridge offers some of the best views of the Grand Canal, making it a perfect spot for photography.

After crossing the bridge, take a moment to explore the nearby Rialto Market. This vibrant market is a great place to experience local Venetian life, offering fresh produce, seafood, and a variety of local delicacies.

For a different perspective, consider taking a gondola ride that passes under the bridge.

5. Enjoy a Delicious Lunch in Venice

Venice is known for its delicious food. For lunch, stop at one of the many cafes or restaurants near the Rialto Bridge.

Enjoy traditional Venetian dishes like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) or sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines).

Here are some of our top recommendations

• Caffè Florian: One of Europe’s oldest coffee houses, dating back to 1720. Enjoy traditional Venetian dishes like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) and sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines). There is also outdoor seating with views of St Mark’s Square. 
• Gran Caffè Lavena: A historic café known for its elegant atmosphere and excellent Venetian cuisine. Try their seafood pasta or Venetian-style cicchetti (small snacks).
• Al Todaro: A casual dining experience with various pizzas, pasta, and paninis at affordable prices. The outdoor seating has a lovely view of the nearby canals.
• Farini: A famous bakery and pizzeria known for its delicious and budget-friendly offerings. You can grab a slice of freshly made pizza, a sandwich, or a pastry.

Afternoon: Exploring Venice’s Hidden Gems

6. Visit the Famous Venice Bookstore: Libreria Acqua Alta

Location: Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176/B, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

After lunch, visit the Libreria Acqua Alta, a quirky bookshop in the Castello district. Due to Venice’s frequent floods, books are stored in bathtubs, waterproof bins, and even a full-sized gondola.

Discover books stored in bathtubs, gondolas, and other creative containers to protect them from high water.

Climb the “book staircase” made from old, water-damaged books for a great photo opportunity with a view over the canal.

7. Enjoy Art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Location: Dorsoduro 701-704, 30123 Venice, Italy

Cost: €15 (adults)

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays)

After exploring the charming Libreria Acqua Alta, visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. This museum is in Peggy Guggenheim’s former home, the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, along the Grand Canal. It houses one of Italy’s most important collections of European and American modern art.

You can view work from artists such as Picasso, Pollock, Kandinsky, and Dalí.

The museum’s sculpture garden is an excellent spot to find works by artists like Giacometti and Moore. The garden also offers a stunning view of the Grand Canal.

8. Ponte dell’Accademia

Location: Accademia, 30123 Venice, Italy

Continue your afternoon by visiting the Ponte dell’Accademia, one of Venice’s four main bridges that span the Grand Canal. This wooden bridge connects the districts of Dorsoduro and San Marco.

Take in the views of the Grand Canal and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

9. Santa Maria della Salut

Location: Dorsoduro, 1, 30123

Cost: Free (Donations welcome)

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM (hours may vary, check ahead)

Next, make your way to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute at the entrance to the Grand Canal. This stunning church, often called La Salute, was built in the 17th century.

The basilica houses several significant artworks, including paintings by Titian and Tintoretto. Titian’s “Descent of the Holy Ghost” is the most notable, which graces the high altar.

One of the highlights of visiting Santa Maria della Salute is its panoramic view of Venice. The basilica’s location provides stunning vistas of the Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco, and the islands of the Venetian lagoon.

Remember to explore the sacristy, which houses additional artworks and relics.

Evening in Venice: One Day in Venice

Evenings in Venice are best spent taking in the canal views from a restaurant or gondola and watching the sunset!

10. Sunset at San Giorgio Maggiore

Cost: €6 (Bell tower entry)

Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Take a vaporetto (water taxi) to San Giorgio Maggiore, an island just across the lagoon from St. Mark’s Square. This is the perfect spot for the best sunset view over Venice.

For a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and sunset, climb up the bell tower.

11. Dinner at a Canal-side Restaurant

After soaking in the sunset, return to the main islands for dinner. Venice is famous for its cuisine, and there’s no better way to end your day than dining at a canal-side restaurant.

Here are some of our top recommendations:

• Osteria Al Squero: near the Squero di San Trovaso gondola workshop, this cozy spot offers tasty cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and spritz cocktails. Grab a seat outside by the canal for a laid-back dining experience with a view.
• Antiche Carampane: Antiche Carampane is a hidden gem in the San Polo district, known for its authentic Venetian cuisine. The restaurant’s specialties include bigoli in salsa (thick spaghetti in anchovy sauce) and fegato alla veneziana (Venetian-style liver).
• Ristorante da Raffaele: A charming dining experience right on a quiet canal. Enjoy Venetian classics like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) and fritto misto (mixed fried seafood) while watching gondolas glide.

12. Evening Stroll and Gondola Ride

Cost: Approximately €80 for a 30-minute gondola ride

Opening Hours: Gondola rides are available until late evening

Cap off your evening with a stroll through Venice’s narrow streets and picturesque canals. The city takes on a different character at night, quieter and more peaceful.

Book an evening boat cruise to view Venice during Sunset —>>>>

How to Get to Venice

Venice is easily accessible from various parts of Italy and Europe by train, car, or plane.

Venice Airport (Marco Polo Airport)

Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is 13 km from the city. From the airport, you have several options to reach the city center:

• Water Taxi: Take a water taxi for a scenic and direct route. It’s more expensive but offers a unique arrival experience directly to your accommodation or a nearby dock. Book your water taxi ahead of time here ->>>

• Alilaguna Water Bus: A more affordable option, the Alilaguna water bus takes you from the airport to various stops around Venice, including St. Mark’s Square.

• Bus and Vaporetto: You can take the ACTV bus to Piazzale Roma, then transfer to a Vaporetto (water bus) to reach your destination.

—>>>> Book an easy Bus Transfer from Marco Polo Airport to Venice City

Trains to Venice

If you’re arriving by train, you’ll likely get off at Santa Lucia Train Station, which is located near the Grand Canal.

Santa Lucia is well-connected to major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and international destinations.

From the train station, you can walk or take a vaporetto to reach your hotel or other parts of the city.

Driving to Venice

While you can drive to Venice, you’ll need to park your car at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto as the city itself is car-free.

Piazzale Roma is closer to the main attractions and offers easier access to the Vaporetti, while Tronchetto provides more parking space.

Venice Cruise Port

The Venice Cruise Terminal is located on the western end of the city.

You can take a shuttle bus or taxi from the cruise terminal to Piazzale Roma.

How to Get Around Venice

The best way to get around Venice is on foot. You can see the squares, beautiful bridges, and narrow alleys up close.

The Vaporetto (water bus) is the primary mode of public transport for longer distances or when you need a break from walking.

Vaporetti runs along the Grand Canal and connects the main islands, making reaching major attractions like St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge easy.

A single ticket costs €7.50, but a day pass is cheaper if you plan to use the Vaporetti frequently.

For a more private and romantic experience, consider hiring a water taxi. While more expensive, water taxis provide direct and scenic routes to your destination.

Another option is a gondola ride, perfect for a leisurely tour of Venice’s picturesque canals. Gondola rides are pricier, with standard rates around €80 for a 30-minute ride.

Lastly, the traghetto is a less expensive way to cross the Grand Canal. Locals use These gondolas for short trips across the canal, costing just €2.

Where to Stay in Venice for One Night

If you stay one night in Venice, it’s best to stay in the central area of Venice. Although accommodation can be expensive, there are still some affordable options. Here are some recommendations to suit all budgets:

Hotel	Budget	Star Rating	Location	Highlights	Book Link
Hotel Florida	$	⭐⭐	📍 Calle Priuli Cavalletti, 106/a, 30121 Venice	2-min walk from Santa Lucia Station, cozy rooms for up to 5, free breakfast, classic decor, 20-min walk to St. Mark’s	Check Availability and Book Early
Hotel Bucintoro	$$	⭐⭐⭐⭐	📍 Castello, 2135/A, 30122 Venice	Lagoon-view rooms, near St. Mark’s, intimate breakfast room, ideal for romantic stays	View Hotel Details
Hotel Rialto	$$$	⭐⭐⭐⭐	📍 Riva del Ferro, 5149, 30124 Venice	Located on Rialto Bridge, rooms with Grand Canal balconies, rooftop breakfast terrace	Book Early at this Gorgeous Hotel
BONUS: Combo Hostel	$–$$	Hostel (Historic)	📍 Campo dei Gesuiti, Cannaregio 4878, 30121 Venice	Set in a 12th-century monastery, sleek design, shared & private rooms, lively courtyard café	View Room Types and Book Here

Map of Venice Accomodation Options

Venice is a special place and a must-see if you’re visiting Italy, even if you have just one day in Venice to experience the city. Enjoy Italian cuisine, explore the many churches, and take in the peaceful and beautiful canal views. 

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Author Bio

Cate Michelle previously served as pastor to the oldest Mennonite church in the United States (founded in 1683!) and now writes about religious travel and is a prominent researcher in religion and healthcare. She particularly loves traveling around Europe and has a special love for Northern Italy and the Veneto. If it’s a city filled with old churches and monasteries – you will eventually find her there! Outside of writing and research, Cate is an active adult figure skater and classical harpist.

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