How to Spend the Best 48 Hours in Venice

The Magic Starts Here

Clearly, Venice requires little introduction but when you hear people say it is unique, please believe them! The truth is, this waterlogged corner of Italy is quite different from anything you’ll ever see. Read on to discover how to spend the best 48 hours in Venice.

Venice is known as a city of romance but it is also a great destination for absolutely everyone. It offers something to suit all tastes and just perfect for a short break.

When is the Best Time to Visit Venice

Between April-October, you’ll get the best temperatures 20^oC-24^oC. Henceforth, you’ll also get the most crowds. However, if you can go late Spring or early Autumn, you will be able to enjoy the warmth, outdoor living and less crowds. These warmer months are also when the Venetian festivals begin.

Between November-February, cooler but far less tourists. Bear in mind that you might be more restricted with regards to sitting outside during this time.

You’ll Need to Wake Up Early to Escape the Crowds

Unfortunately, Venice is a city that does not really have a low season. It is always busy and there are pros and cons with regards to summer or winter months depending upon what you wish to see! This 48 hour itinerary in Venice can be enjoyed at any time!

A daily tourist tax for all visitors is being trialed

Therefore, a new measure in April 2024 has been to introduce a tourist Tax of €5 on day-trippers during peak weekends between April and July. This fee is ordinarily added on to your hotel bill.

This measure is a result of Venice being faced with the threat of sinking and some 20 million annual visitors that crowd out locals. The revenue will go to help enhance, update and improve the city.

Best 48 Hours in Venice Itinerary

Be sure to start early!!

There is so much to see in this floating city that you may have to pick and choose your own personal sights of interest. You’ll see everyone walking around, clutching their phones and following their google maps. However, here, is my suggestion for your best 48 hours in Venice.

What to see on Day 1

Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) is Your First Stop

Your first stop in your 48 hours in Venice trip should definitely be to head over to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). Enjoy the atmosphere of this famous square, feed the pigeons or enjoy a drink in its busy and very expensive cafés. Yes, Venice is beautiful but it comes at a price!

Caffé Florian, established in 1720, is one of the older cafes not only in Venice, but the entire world. It has welcomed the likes of Casanova, Lord Byron, Charles Dickens and Wagner in the past. Enjoy its opulent interiors or if the weather is nice the place to be is outside on the terrace.

Standing proudly at the head of St Mark’s Square, you will want to visit Basilica San Marco and its richly decorated interiors. This Cathedral is one of the highlights of Venice. It is free to enter the Basilica but certain parts, such as the Treasury, do require a fee.

There will undoubtedly be a queue to enter, particularly, in the high season. Try just after opening or early evening to beat the crowds.

If you want to look out over the top of the city and down to the vibrant square below then enter the Campanile di San Marco (St Mark’s Camponile). It is a 12th century bell tower which used to act as a lighthouse for the city warning the approaching sea vessels..

Time it right and you can also be there as the bells ring out over the city. You can buy your ticket online but there are often queues outside. If you’re going in the cooler months, wrap up too, as it does get quite windy up there.

Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) Stands Proudly in Venice

From Piazza San Marco, stroll around the corner to the pink and white marble Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), a stunning masterpiece in Gothic architecture. This grand palace was once the former Doge’s residence and home to the Venetian government.

The rooms are as splendid as they are vast. This palace stuns with its wealth and opulence. It also houses one of the largest oil paintings on canvas in the world “La Gloria del Paradiso” by Tintoretto. It is most definitely worth a visit to admire this historic building with all its artwork, chambers and even prison cells.

There is an entry fee to visit the Palace and St Mark’s Museum. There is also an audio guide which is well worth it if you choose to walk around on your own. Tickets purchased online offer a discount.

Il Ponte dei Sospiri (The Bridge of Sighs) is not to be Missed

Another key attraction of the Palazzo, is that once inside, you’re able to walk over Il Ponte dei Sospiri (The Bridge of Sighs). This wonderful enclosed, limestone bridge spans across a canal joining the Doge’s Palace to the prison cells.

History has it that it got its name from the many prisoners who were led across it, sighing. As they peered out for the last time upon Venice through its shuttered stonework on their way to imprisonment.

Enjoy your Promenade along the Bustling Riva delgi Schiavoni

From the Palazzo, you are already on Riva deli Schiavoni , this is a beautiful wide promenade that stretches from Piazza San Marco to Arsenale. Meander along this lively gondola lined walkway. It does get very busy but the views over to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore are wonderful.

If you’re an early riser, come here again before the crowds and enjoy the embankment and its vista in a more peaceful surround. You’ll see all the gondolas moored up before the start of the day and the canal slowing coming to life as the locals go about their business.

Is it time for an Aperitif with a View?

Why not wander over to the terrace bar at Hotel Danieli for a drink with a view. Located on the promenade, it has a rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the lagoon.

Following lunch or an aperitif, make your way to the San Marco Giardinetti ACTV Fermata/Stop where you can catch a short water bus ride across to Salute on line 1. This is in the Dorsoduro area of Venice.

Enjoy Venice from another angle in Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is a lively neighbourhood with lots of restaurants and bars. It is also Venice’s university district. It has a bohemian feel to it and is quieter than San Marco and great to include in your 48 hours itinerary in Venice.

Furthermore, it is home to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, a stunning baroque church constructed in 1631 and finally completed in 168. It is the proud keeper of 12 works of art by Titian.

Are you Ready for some Serious Culture?

Wander further on and you will reach the Peggy Guggenheim Collection filled with an array of impressive modern art including Pollock, Picasso and Dali. Further still, you come to the Gallerie dell’Accademia, a museum of 13th-18th century Venetian artwork. If you are an art lover, this is a must as it holds Venice’s finest collection of art with paintings by Titian, Canaletto and Tiepolo. 

Upon leaving the Galleria dell’Accademia, you will see the Ponte dell’Accademia crossing over the Grand Canal. This is a super place to watch the sunset. The bridge crosses near the southern end of the Grand Canal, connecting San Marco and Dorsoduro. Great views of Grand Canal and Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute.

A Gondola ride in Venice is Quintessentially Venetian

I think by now you will be feeling very cultured and probably in need of a rest. You could wind the day down with a relaxing gondola ride or of course gradually make your way back to your hotel for a well earned rest before dinner.

TIP: The gondola fares are set officially and not as expensive as you might think. They are charged per gondola and the minimum time is 30 minutes. The official tariff of a 30-minute ride on a gondola is € 80 (£ 68). The price goes up to € 100 (£ 85) from 7 pm onwards. If you want the gondolier to sing or to play an instrument during the ride, you will have to pay extra!

What to See on Day 2

The Rialto Bridge and the Rialto Market Await You

Depending on where your hotel is, you may have already visited the Rialto Bridge. However, if you have not found your way here, this should be on your itinerary.

Your 48 hours in Venice must include this iconic landmark. It is the oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal. It spans the canal between the 2 highest points above sea level, providing an easy way for ships to pass.

Round the corner from the bridge, you’ll find the Rialto Market. It is a traditional Venetian market filled with fruits, vegetables and fresh seafood. The market is always busy with the locals buying their produce. Best to visit in the morning.

Along both sides of the canal below, you will find restaurants and cafes where you can rest your feet and watch the world go by. This is a very busy attraction in Venice. Visitors flock here to watch the world go by underneath whilst snapping selfies and photos.

Time for Another Cultural Treat in Venice

Following this, walk north towards the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro. One of the most prestigious late Gothic palaces in Venice. Inside, you will find the impressive art collection of the Baron Giorgio Franchetti (1865-1927), who in 1916 donated his collections and the building to the Italian State. The collection includes furniture, paintings, medals, tapestries, bronzes, ceramics and sculptures.

From the first and second floor balconies, you can take some great photos looking out onto the Grand Canal.

Be Sure to Visit the Venetian Islands

No trip to Venice in my opinion would be complete without visiting the islands of Burano and Murano. So if you feel you have seen enough museums and palaces, please swap them out for these Venetian islands.

Equally, if you are an early riser, you should be able to do a whistle stop trip to the islands and still visit all the cultural sights above. 48 hours in Venice is not long and if you cant fit these islands in, they’re a great reason to return!

To reach these islands, you will have to take a Vaporetto (water taxi) from Venice. The sections below cover this. Always ensure you leave enough time to catch your vaporettos, particularly once on the islands as this is a well trodden tourist path and you will not be alone.

From Venice Fondamente Nove Stop – Murano

On this itinerary, you will make your way to the vaporetto stop of Fondamente Nove (F.te Nove). If you’re buying your tickets from the machine, please ensure you give some extra time to use the machines. The machines have an English language option to make it easier.

Ideally, you should buy it  online prior to your trip. You want a Venice Daily Pass as this works out more economical than individual tickets. Or you can download the AVM Official Venezia App to your device. Be sure to activate your trip each time you board a water taxi.

From Fte. Nove, you need to catch the Vaporetto line #4.1 or #4.2 to Murano via San Michele the small island in between. They run ever 15 minutes. You can find the timetables for all Vaporetto lines here.

Murano is only a 10 minute ride from Fte.Nove. Get off at the first stop, Murano Colonna, and walk down through the island.

Another alternative, is to hire a private water taxi directly from your hotel or another designated spot directly to and from Murano. On this note, do check with your hotel as many hotels offer free private boat shuttles to the island.

From Murano – Burano

The vaporetto that takes you from Murano to Burano is line #12. It leaves Murano from the Murano – Faro stop, near the lighthouse. If you’ve purchased the day pass, head straight to the “Embarcadère Burano”. There will likely be a queue of tourists waiting to get on the same ferry. Burano C is your stop.

Things to See on the Venetian Islands

Murano Island

• famous for its glass making. Watch a glass blowing demonstration
• numerous glass shops selling glassware and jewellery
• brightly painted houses
• souvenir shops in charming backstreets

Burano

• Island full of colourful houses
• Pop in the lace-making shops
• Visit local artists
• great seafood

NB: If you are really short of time but would like to include an island, my suggestion would be Burano. Take line #12 from Fondamente Nove directly to Burano and back. It is about a 1 hour journey one way and ferries leave every 20-30 minutes.

Luxury Accommodation in Venice

48 hours in Venice, of course, means 2 wonderful nights in this magical city. Fortunately, you’re in for a treat. Venice offers a whole gamut of accommodation suiting all budgets but true to the style of the Glamorous Gallivant, I’m highlighting only these luxury havens below.

These stunning hotels all have their own history to tell. In addition, they benefit from commanding prime views of the lagoon, Doge’s Palace or the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Salute.

• Cipriani, A Belmont Hotel beautiful position with fabulous pool
• Sina Centurion Palace in Dorsoduro looking out over St Mark’s Square
• Gritti Palace with a terrace overlooking the Basilica di Santa Maria Delle Salute. Also has its own Riva speedboat.
• Ca’Sagredo Hotel Great views and very central.
• St Regis The oldest hotel in Venice with beautiful terrace.
• Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal The views from the terrace of the Hotel Monaco and Grand Canal at the mouth of the Grand Canal next to San Marco are stunning.

Time for an Aperitif or a Bite to Eat

Your best 48 hours in Venice would not be complete without reference to a little ‘you’ time.

As you might expect from any island, seafood is very popular in Venice. It’s served super fresh either in an antipasti or as a a mains. There are so many nice restaurants in Venice and I’m sure you’ll find your own hidden gem but I have included some of my favourites.

Chicchetti are also a must have whilst in Venice, they are small plates similar to tapas in Spain. Go to a bácaro (wine bar) and enjoy a drink with your chicchetti.

Restaurants

• Bistrot de Venise
• La Lanterna de Gas
• Rio Novo
• Ristorante Quadri
• Antiche Carampane
• Taverna La Fenice
• Al Covo
• Enoteca al Volto
• Terraza Daniele
• L’Osteria di Santa Marina

Bácari

• Bácaro Vintido
• Cantana do Mori
• Vino Vero
• La Barrique
• I Rusteghi

Fancy an ice cream? Do not miss Suso Gelatoteca – just the best ice cream parlour!

Fancy an Aperitif? Enjoy an Aperol Spritz. Spritz (sunshine in a glass) is the classic Venetian aperitif; it’s a mixture of white wine/prosecco, Aperol and a squirt of seltz or sparkling water. Quite bitter

Or, why not treat yourself to a fizzy peach Bellini at the iconic Harry’s Bar. A bar popularised in the 1930’s by its famous guests from glitterati to royality. It still holds a great appeal nowadays due to its history and celebrity guests that frequent it.

How to get to Venice

• Fly to Venice Marco Polo Airport.
  • From here you can get a private taxi transfer directly from outside the airport.
  • You can also take a water Taxi from the dock at the airport directly to your accomodation.
  • Your hotel may offer this service.
• By train
  • Take the train to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia . This stop is on Venice

I really hope you enjoyed reading this best 48 hour itinerary in Venice. I’ also looking forward to sharing with you shortly my most recent trip to Venice on the glorious Venice Simplon-Orient Express from London to Venice.