Venice in 2 days makes for a fantastic short itinerary idea. We’ve been to Venice many times, in all seasons, and it never fails to enchant us. Sure, other cities might claim to be romantic and alluring as it is, but let’s be honest, nothing comes close to the real one. Venice is simply in a league of its own. Come hear our story and see the magic for yourself in this incredible city.
 

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My 2-Day Itinerary in Venice: First Day

My trip started along the Grand Canal, the city’s busy waterway, which is also sort of the main street. The canal’s grand palaces and historic buildings made my view truly impressive. But, don’t be naive, it is certainly more than just a waterway. It’s like a floating museum, with a wealth of history and culture along its shores. We took a waterbus, called a Vaporetto in Italian, to savor the scenic view while sipping on a fresh espresso.
 

We enjoyed this laid-back ride along the Grand Canal, sharing the views in real time – a truly delightful experience. If you’re a seasoned traveler, as I believe I am, you know the struggle of finding a reliable and fair-priced eSIM provider for our trips abroad. In that sense, my journey went smoothly with Yoho Mobile’s Italy eSIM plan. I could easily stay connected in every corner of the city, thanks to its global coverage and easy-to-use features. Want to learn more about it? Read our detailed review.

 
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Then, I headed to the amazing St Mark Square, the largest piazza in Venice. As I marveled at the Byzantine and Gothic architecture, St Mark Basilica and the Campanile Tower took my breath away. The basilica, also called the Golden Church, shines with dazzling gold mosaics, making it a truly spellbinding sight in the world of art. To avoid the crowds and standing in lines, I got skip-the-ticket-line entries. No regrets about that, I highly recommend it. With the help of an immersive audioguide, I could take my time to enjoy the detailed sculptures, marble columns, and biblical scenes depicted on the golden mosaics.
 

 
Even on a cultural journey, we still need to fill the stomach. Indeed, I craved a taste of authentic Venetian food, so I used my eSIM data plan to find a café or trattoria nearby. With tons of places serving tasty seafood and local specialties, we couldn’t check them all one by one. So, we decided to narrow them down based on user reviews. Finally, we picked Rio Novo to try the famous Risotto al Nero di Seppia. I’ve been craving that dish for a long time! A tasty squid ink risotto that captures the essence of the city’s maritime flavors. It was really good with top-quality fresh products. Also, the setting by the canal was nice, and the waiters were very helpful and friendly. We’ll definitely come back on our next trip.
 
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After lunch, we took a gondola ride along the winding canals. Be sure to add this to your agenda while you’re there! After all, who visits Venice and doesn’t hop on one? A gondola is a classic rowing boat designed for the Venetian lagoon’s conditions with its flat bottom. The ride is guided by a gondolier with a long oar. Sometimes, they sing melodies, and you can book this experience for a slightly higher cost. For us, it was a romantic and immersive experience, seeing the city’s architecture in a unique way while the gondolier shared stories about its history and folklore. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we strolled through narrow alleys, watching magnificent places, hidden gems, and artisan shops. This is the best and most genuine experience for anyone visiting Venice for the first time.
 

 

My 2-Day Itinerary in Venice: Last Day

I kicked off my second day with a visit to the Doge’s Palace, the site that was the head of a 1000-year republic. Touring the lavish rooms and walking across the Bridge of Sighs made me feel like I was back in a time of grandeur and political intrigue in the Venetian Republic. This palace, once home to the leader or Duke, is worth a visit, even if you’re just spending a day or two in town. Many grand halls, chambers, and rooms are filled with artwork, frescoes, and sculptures.
 

 
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This building is famous not only for its design but also for its Great Council chamber which houses one of the largest oil paintings on canvas: The Glory of Paradise. Palazzo Ducale is the best place to learn more about history, and its splendid interiors will take your breath away.

Later, I was eager to visit the Gallery of the Academy in Dorsoduro. I checked it on Google Maps using my Italy data plan, and it was easy to find. The reason why I wanted to visit is because this art museum has a great collection of paintings. The initial intention was to gather all scattered artworks in Venice under one roof. So, imagine how huge this is! Sculptures by Michelangelo, his renowned David and the Prisoners among them, and a rich collection of early Italian painting and Renaissance art. If you like art, you’ll likely love this museum.

After that, we took a water taxi to the colorful island known for its skilled glass-blowing artists: Murano. We watched expert craftsmen create beautiful glass art, and I couldn’t resist bringing home a piece of such artistry.

Back in Venice, we enjoyed walking through the lovely Cannaregio district. We took a stroll along its pretty canals and stopped at Ostaria dai Zemei to try some cicchetti, which are Venetian tapas-style appetizers. We had a bunch of small, tasty cicchetti with tuna, pickles, and spiced salami. The service was great, and we loved the drinks, especially the local beer and Aperol Spritz.

To wrap up my adventure, we chose to enjoy a classic opera at La Fenice. Venice’s main theater remains a top global spot for opera and classical music shows. So, we enjoyed the famous opera house, where I got to experience classical music in a historic setting.
 

 

Final Thoughts

Even though we tend to idealize such a dreamy destination, this city’s timeless beauty and rich cultural tapestry didn’t let us down. During my 2-day itinerary in Venice, we explored the city’s grandeur, traversed its intricate streets, and uncovered hidden treasures. Every moment we spent there left me with cherished memories that will for a lifetime.