A visit to Venice is a dream we all want to fulfill at least once in our lives, and even though it may seem a cliché destination, it is a remarkable place for many reasons. Its charming canals, stunning architecture, and rich history make it a must-see destination. In short, Venice is a unique city that deserves all its fame.
Thoroughly exploring this beautiful city can take several days. Sometimes, however, you only have a short time, so we’ll show you the main attractions and things to do if you’re only able to visit Venice in a day.
The essential Venice in a day sights
St. Mark’s Square and Basilica
No visit to Venice is possible without visiting St. Mark’s Square and Basilica. These attractions are located in St. Mark’s, the most famous district of Venice, where we can find the most attractive places.
The remarkable Piazza St. Mark is surrounded by architectural wonders, the most important of which is the Basilica San Marco (Plaza San Marco, 328). The piazza is home to beautiful cafes and impressive monuments, making it an ideal starting point for your day of exploration.
After admiring the square and the impressive facade of the basilica, explore the church interior, full of Byzantine art, decoration, and golden mosaics, in addition to its imposing ceilings that give a sense of grandeur.
Rialto Bridge
One of the most emblematic landmarks of Venice is the Rialto Bridge.
Because of its shape and arches, this bridge is especially attractive for visitors to Venice, besides offering a picturesque view of the Grand Canal, where you can appreciate the gondolas, vaporetti, and terraces of restaurants.
Rialto Market
As you cross the bridge, you will find the Rialto Market (Calle Prima de la Donzella, 306), one of the liveliest areas of the city, known for its fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties.
Experience the colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, and spices while taking in the sights, sounds, and smells. You’ll get a taste of Venetian culture through a sensory experience.
Doge’s Palace
When exploring Venice, it is impossible not to be impressed by the beautiful Byzantine architecture of the Doge’s Palace. This historic building is one of the symbols of the power of Venice, which served as the seat of government and residence of the Duke of the City.
The palace is available for guided tours to discover the stunning interior and fascinating history. Inside you will find its magnificent decoration, the senate and council chambers, and impressive works of art.
To visit the museum, you can purchase a ticket on their website.
Gondola ride
Gondola rides are one of the most touristy things to do in Venice, but despite the clichés, you should take one at least once since they are part of the essence of the city and a tradition that has endured for centuries.
The tour also offers a different perspective on the city, admiring the picturesque buildings lining the waterways. It is a romantic and timeless experience that will transport you back in time.
Try cicchetti and spritz in a Bacaro
A must-experience for the palate when visiting Venice, even for a day, is to visit a Bacaro and taste its famous cicchetti (small bites of food) and a spritz of the destination where they were born. Baccari are cozy and typical bars of the city where the locals usually go to have a glass of wine or any drink and cicchetti to go with it.
To find the best options to eat cicchetti in Venice, stay away from the more touristy and massive places, mainly in the areas of San Polo, Dorsoduro, and Cannaregio.
Explore the hidden streets and neighborhoods
After seeing and visiting the main attractions of Venice, if you still have time left, buy a gelato and start to get lost in the narrow streets of the city and discover the fantastic corners that this destination houses, appreciating the beautiful facades of the palaces that you will find among the canals.
Something that will help you save time and get to know much more about the city of Venice is to take the Welcome to Venice: Walking Tour, St. Mark’s Basilica & Gondola Ride, with which in 3 hours, you will soak up many of the most important things of the city, besides enjoying a gondola ride.
