One Day in Venice: 2025 Itinerary for First-Timers
Maybe you’re only visiting Venice on a day trip, or just passing through on your way to your next stop.
No problem — you can still experience this floating city at its finest and see some of its most iconic sights.
I’ve been to Venice (or Venezia!) a couple of times, and I’ve pulled together everything I learned to give you one great day in the city.
This 1 day in Venice itinerary is designed to help you navigate Venice with ease — even if time is limited — so you can experience the best of Venice without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
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🗓️ 1 Day in Venice Itinerary – Quick Overview
Morning
🏛️ 8:30 AM – St. Mark’s Square & Basilica
🔔 9:15 AM – Climb the Campanile
🏰 10:00 AM – Doge’s Palace & Bridge of Sighs
🚣♂️ 11:30 AM – Gondola Ride
Lunch
🍝 12:15 PM – Eat at a local trattoria (try squid ink risotto or cicchetti)
Afternoon
🌉 1:15 PM – Rialto Bridge & Market
🎭 2:15 PM – Shop for Venetian Masks
🖼️ 2:30 PM – Gallerie dell’Accademia
🏙️ 4:00 PM – Explore the Dorsoduro District
Evening
🌅 6:00 PM – Sunset stroll along the Grand Canal
📚 6:30 PM – Visit Libreria Acqua Alta (optional)
🍷 7:00 PM – Dinner at a canal-side restaurant
🍨 8:30 PM – Gelato + optional evening tour (weather permitting)
1 Day In Venice Itinerary
Ready for the full plan? Below is a carefully curated one-day Venice itinerary, featuring must-see sights, local gems, and a few fun extras.
Even with limited time, you’ll get a real feel for the city — and if you’re sticking around longer, you might be tempted to check out a few more things to do in Venice.
Here’s a tailored list of what to see during your one day in Venice:
Morning
Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square)
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Start your day at Venice’s most famous square, Piazza San Marco, one of the top sights in Venice. Admire the architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile (bell tower).
The basilica is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, with its domes, intricate mosaics, and golden decorations. The basilica is said to house the remains of St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, which makes it a significant pilgrimage site.
After exploring the basilica, take the elevator up the Campanile, the bell tower of St. Mark’s.
The Campanile di San Marco, or St. Mark’s Campanile, is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Also, don’t miss the nearby Baroque church of Santa Maria della Salute.
From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of St. Mark’s Square, for the views of the city of Venice, and the surrounding lagoon.
Guided tours can provide in-depth insights into the history, art, and architecture of the basilica, enriching the visit even further. Be sure to check the hours before you book.
Georgia’s Note: We don’t recommend eating in this area as it is incredibly overpriced- head to the back streets instead. We sat down and had a snack and a drink each and paid €90 for the privilege!
Doge’s Palace
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Just a minute walk from the square, head to the Doge’s Palace, once the political and judicial heart of Venice. The palace is a prime example of Venetian Gothic architecture with its intricate stone carvings, and stunning arches.
You can explore the grand halls, the Doge’s apartments, and the prison cells. The palace also houses an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts.
Don’t miss walking across the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners took their last look at Venice before being incarcerated.
It connected the Doge’s Palace to the old prisons and was used by prisoners as they were led to their cells.
Many tours combine visits to both the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.
This tour will take you through hidden passages and into the palace’s ancient prisons, including the cell of Casanova.
Gondola Ride
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
No visit to Venice is complete without a gondola ride. Gondola rides typically last between 30 minutes to an hour, and are super romantic.
Prices for gondola rides can vary, with standard rates typically being around €80 for a 30-minute ride.
Be sure to confirm the cost before boarding.
Where To Go For Gondola Rides
You can easily book your gondola tour online here, or head to one of these spots!
- Grand Canal: The gondola stations at the Grand Canal are typically located near the Rialto Bridge or the train station (Venezia Santa Lucia).
- Smaller Canals: Gondola stations in areas like San Marco or Dorsoduro can lead you to these smaller, charming canals.
- Canal of San Giorgio: You can catch a gondola ride near the San Giorgio Maggiore island or from nearby spots like the Accademia Bridge. Enjoy views of the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore and the islands of the lagoon.
- Rialto Area: Gondola stations are available near the Rialto Bridge and the surrounding area. Views of the Rialto Bridge and market area.
Lunch at a Local Trattoria
Time: 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Venetian trattoria.
Try your favourite comfort food, or local dishes like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) or sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines).
Maybe even pair your meal with a glass of prosecco or Venetian wine?
Afternoon
Rialto Bridge and Market
Time: 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal and has been a central crossing point since its original construction in the 12th century. Sorry to the history buffs, but it is also the bridge shown in Spiderman: Far From Home for any MCU fans!
From this historic bridge, you get stunning views of the Grand Canal, including beautiful Venetian buildings and gondolas in the water. Take your time to snap photos!
Just a short walk from the bridge is the Rialto Market, where locals shop for fresh produce and seafood. The Rialto Market has been a central hub for trade since the 11th century, making it one of Venice’s oldest markets.
Shop for a Venetian Mask
Venetian masks have a long history, dating back to the 13th century.
They were originally worn during the Carnival of Venice, a festival that allowed people to hide their identities and break free from the rigid social hierarchies of the time.
Venetian masks are crafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Gallerie dell’Accademia
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
The Gallerie dell’Accademia houses the most important collection of Venetian art in the world, spanning from the 14th to the 18th centuries.
The museum is home to some of the most famous artworks in Italy, including Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic drawing “Vitruvian Man,” although it is only occasionally displayed due to its fragility.
You’ll also find other significant works, like Giorgione’s mysterious “The Tempest” and Titian’s powerful “Presentation of the Virgin.”
The museum itself is housed in a historic building that was once part of the Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Carità, a former convent and church.
Compared to the more crowded tourist spots in Venice, the Gallerie dell’Accademia offers a quieter environment.
Explore the Dorsoduro District
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
The Dorsoduro District is one of Venice’s six sestieri (districts).
It’s less touristy than areas like San Marco.
Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection if you’re interested in modern art, or simply enjoy getting lost in the narrow streets and canals.
Fondamenta delle Zattere is a long promenade along the southern edge of Dorsoduro, offering stunning views of the Giudecca Canal.
It’s a perfect place for a walk, with cafes and gelaterias along the way.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is a Baroque church located at the entrance of the Grand Canal, built as a votive offering after the plague.
The church’s striking dome is one of the most recognizable features of Venice’s skyline. Hop between traditional bacari to sample cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and local wines. Popular spots include Cantinone Già Schiavi and Al Bottegon.
Evening
Enjoy The Grand Canal
Time: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
As the day winds down, find a spot along the Grand Canal. It is often referred to as the “main street” of Venice. In winter months, this is the ideal time to stop and watch the sunset.
The Grand Canal is lined with magnificent palaces that once belonged to Venice’s wealthiest families. It’s lined with more than 170 magnificent buildings, most of which date back to the 13th to 18th centuries.
Libreria Acqua Alta is one of Venice’s most charming and unusual bookstores, often referred to as the world’s most beautiful bookstore.
Located in the Castello district, this quirky bookshop is known for its creative and whimsical approach to dealing with the frequent flooding that affects Venice.
Instead of traditional bookshelves, books are stored in bathtubs, gondolas, and other waterproof containers, creating a unique and atmospheric space.
Dinner at a Canal-Side Restaurant
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
End your day with dinner at a canal-side restaurant. Savor Venetian seafood dishes like baccalà mantecato (creamed cod) or spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), and enjoy the serene evening atmosphere of Venice.
In the summer months, this is the ideal time to watch the sunset from your table!
Evening Stroll or Gelato
Time: 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM
After dinner, take a leisurely stroll back to your hotel, or grab a gelato and enjoy one last taste of Venice before the day ends. My favorite is the cherry flavored from Gelateria Ca’ D’Oro.
We took a haunted walking tour of Venice in the evening, which was super fun at first. But then it started raining and wouldn’t let up. By the time we were done (just over an hour walk), our feet were soaked. Weather permitting, this would have been a great addition to the trip.
Best Places To Eat In Venice
Some restaurants offer set menus for tourists, which can be reasonably priced, but quality varies, and it may not represent the best of Venetian cuisine.
Here’s a couple of options for the best places to eat in Venice Italy:
- Cafe Florian – One of the oldest operating cafes in the world.
- Trattoria Dona Onesta – The ambiance is authentic and the location of the restaurant overlooking the canal is just magical.
- Ristorante Bakaro – Beautiful plaza dining or a quiet bistro inside if you prefer. They have fresh ingredients prepared very well and the menus change seasonally.
Good to Know: Some restaurants implement a service charge (usually around 10-12%) or a coperto (cover charge) for bread and table setting.
This is often not included in the menu prices, so check with your server, or prepare to pay this.
FAQs
Here are the answers to a few questions you may have!
Is 1 Day In Venice Enough?
One day in Venice is enough to experience some of the city’s most famous sights, hidden gems, and get a taste of its atmosphere, but you probably won’t see everything.
You can see Venice’s most famous landmarks, such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. These are must-see attractions for any first-time visitor.
If you’re on a tight schedule and just want to see the highlights, one day can give you a good introduction to Venice.
If possible, staying for 2-3 days or more would allow you to explore more deeply, do some day trips, and experience the city’s beauty and culture without feeling rushed. You can find more things to do on my two-day Venice Itinerary including neighbouring islands such as Murano and Burano.
However, if one day in Venice is all you have, it can still be a wonderful and memorable experience with the right planning.
Can You Do Venice And Verona In One Day?
I would not recommend trying to visit both Venice and Verona in one day. The travel time to Verona from Venice takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes by train.
Verona, the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is famous for Juliet’s Balcony. But there’s much more to explore, including the well-preserved Roman Arena, which still hosts performances today. A few days in each area of Northern Italy is ideal.
Final Thoughts
This itinerary was written by Katie, a lovely contributor to our site, and fellow lover of efficient city-hopping. We have personally visited Venice a few times too, and added some extra details and first-timer tips- just to make sure we’ve got you covered!
Venice may be a city of dreamy canals and endless history, but (speaking from my own experience), you don’t need days to catch its vibe.
Armed with this plan, you’ll float through famous sights, find a few hidden gems, and still have time for a gelato (or two!).
Because yes, 1 day in Venice is enough, and Katie’s here to show you how.
At time of writing, there are currently no Coronavirus measures limiting tourists to enter Italy. This is in accordance with the information provided on gov.uk.
