3 Days in Venice Things to Do Where to Stay and Must Sees

Venice, known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, is a popular travel destination for tourists from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip to this romantic city, here are some travel tips to make your experience even more enjoyable.

Buy a Venice Card: This card offers access to all of the major attractions in the city, as well as unlimited use of public transportation.
Get lost in the backstreets: Some of Venice’s most charming spots can be found off the beaten path, so take some time to wander and explore.
Visit the Rialto Market: This bustling market is a great place to pick up local produce and souvenirs, as well as to see Venetians going about their daily lives.
Take a vaporetto ride: Instead of an expensive gondola ride, opt for a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal for a more affordable and equally scenic experience.
Book tours and attractions in advance: Venice can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s a good idea to book tours and attractions in advance to avoid long lines.

Things to do in Venice Now / Top must-see sites and monuments in Venice:

St. Mark’s Basilica: The iconic Saint Mark’s Basilica cathedral is known for its beautiful Byzantine architecture and stunning mosaics. Admission is free, but there is a small fee to access the museum and treasury. To get there, you can take a vaporetto to the San Zaccaria stop. [Reference: https://www.basilicasanmarco.it/en/]
Doge’s Palace: This impressive Gothic palace was once the residence of the Doge of Venice. Tickets cost around €20 for adults and can be purchased online or at the entrance. To reach the palace, you can walk from St. Mark’s Basilica or take a vaporetto to the San Marco stop. [Reference: https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/]
Rialto Bridge: One of the most famous bridges in Venice, the Rialto Bridge offers stunning views of the Grand Canal. There is no entrance fee to visit the bridge, and it is easily accessible by vaporetto or on foot. [Reference: https://www.venetoinside.com/attractions-in-veneto/venice/rialto-bridge-venice/]
Peggy Guggenheim Collection: This modern art museum is located in Peggy Guggenheim’s former residence and features works by artists such as Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí. Tickets cost around €15 for adults and can be purchased at the museum. To get there, you can take a vaporetto to the Accademia stop. [Reference: https://www.guggenheim-venice.it/]
Murano: Known for its glassmaking traditions, Murano is a series of islands located just off the coast of Venice. You can visit glass factories and shops, as well as the Murano Glass Museum. To get to Murano, you can take a vaporetto from Venice. [Reference: https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/venice/wander-murano-tour-create-own-venetian-glass-souvenirs/]
Gallerie dell’Accademia: This art museum is home to an impressive collection of Venetian art, including works by Bellini, Titian, and Tintoretto. Tickets cost around €15 for adults and can be purchased at the museum. To reach the museum, you can take a vaporetto to the Accademia stop. [Reference: https://www.galleriedellaccademia.it/en/]
Ca’ d’Oro: Also known as the Palace of Gold, Ca’ d’Oro is a beautiful Venetian Gothic palace that now houses an art museum. Tickets cost around €10 for adults and can be purchased at the museum. To get there, you can take a vaporetto to the Ca’ d’Oro stop. [Reference: https://cadoro.org/]
Torcello: This peaceful island is home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the oldest churches in the Venetian lagoon. To reach Torcello, you can take a vaporetto from Venice. [Reference: https://www.italyguides.it/en/veneto/venice/torcello]
Scuola Grande di San Rocco: This stunning Renaissance building is home to a vast collection of paintings by Tintoretto. Tickets cost around €10 for adults and can be purchased at the entrance. To reach the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, you can take a vaporetto to the San Stae stop. [Reference: https://www.scuolagrandesanrocco.org/]
La Fenice Theatre: This historic opera house is renowned for its stunning architecture and world-class performances. Tickets for opera and ballet productions can vary in price and should be booked in advance. To reach La Fenice Theatre, you can take a vaporetto to the Rialto or San Marco stop. [Reference: https://www.teatrolafenice.it/en/]
Campo Santa Margherita: This bustling square is a great place to experience local Venetian culture. You can find cafes, bars, and markets here, as well as a lively atmosphere. To reach Campo Santa Margherita, you can take a vaporetto to the Ca’ Rezzonico stop. [Reference: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/veneto/articles/the-best-venetian-bacari-to-visit-in-venice/]
Ponte dei Sospiri: Also known as the Bridge of Sighs, this iconic bridge connects the Doge’s Palace to the New Prison. Legend has it that the bridge is named after the sighs of prisoners as they crossed from the courthouse to the prison. There is no entrance fee to view the bridge, and it can be accessed on foot
Piazza San Marco: As one of Venice’s main squares, Piazza San Marco is surrounded by stunning architecture, including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. It is a great place to people-watch, enjoy a coffee, or visit the many shops and cafes. There is no entrance fee to visit the square, and it can easily be reached on foot or by vaporetto. [Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_San_Marco]
Gondola Ride: A trip to Venice wouldn’t be complete without a traditional gondola ride along the canals. Prices can vary depending on the route and duration of the ride, but expect to pay around €80 for a 30-minute tour. Gondolas can be found throughout the city, but a popular starting point is near St. Mark’s Square. [Reference: https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/venice/how-to-take-gondola-ride-in-venice]
Burano: Known for its colorful houses and lace-making traditions, Burano is a charming island that is worth a visit. To reach Burano, you can take a vaporetto from Venice. Once there, you can explore
the colorful streets, visit local shops, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the island’s restaurants. [Reference: https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-12-27/burano-italy-photos]

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3 Days in Venice / Suggested 3-day Visit for Venice:

Day 1:

Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace in the morning.
Enjoy a traditional Venetian lunch at a local trattoria.
Take a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal in the afternoon.
Explore the Rialto Bridge and Market.
End the day with a gondola ride at sunset.

Day 2:

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in the morning.
Enjoy lunch at a cafe overlooking the Grand Canal.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Gallerie dell’Accademia and Ca’ d’Oro.
Take a vaporetto to the island of Murano.
Dinner at a seafood restaurant in Venice.

Day 3:

Visit Torcello and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Explore the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and La Fenice Theatre.
Relax in Campo Santa Margherita and enjoy drinks at a local bacaro.
End the day with a visit to Piazza San Marco and a gondola ride.

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