The Best Things to Do in Venice: 1, 2, or 3 Days
Whether you have one, two, or three days to explore, Venice will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. To help you plan, here are the best things to do in Venice—plus, how Vidal Venice Tours can make your trip even more unforgettable.
1 Day in Venice: A Taste of the Classics
If you only have one day, focus on the highlights:
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Piazza San Marco – Start at Venice’s heart. Admire the Basilica di San Marco, the Campanile, and the stunning Doge’s Palace, once the seat of Venetian power.
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Bridge of Sighs & Rialto Bridge – Walk through narrow alleys and cross the most iconic bridges, stopping at Rialto Market to soak up the atmosphere.
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Canal-side lunch – Enjoy Venetian specialties like cicchetti or fresh seafood in a traditional osteria.
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A Boat Tour on the Lagoon – In just 90 minutes, you can experience Venice from its best angle: the water. Our A Venetian Aperitif on the Lagoon tour is perfect for a short trip, taking you off the beaten path around Giudecca, San Marco Bay, and the southern lagoon—all while sipping prosecco.
👉 Even with just one day, a private boat tour gives you a side of Venice most visitors never see. Just click here to book!
2 Days in Venice: Going Beyond the Obvious
With an extra day, you can explore Venice at a deeper level.
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Day 1 – Follow the one-day itinerary to tick off the must-sees.
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Day 2 – Discover Venice’s hidden corners:
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Cannaregio & the Jewish Ghetto – A quieter, authentic area filled with history, cosy wine bars, and beautiful canals.
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Dorsoduro – Home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Accademia Gallery, perfect for art lovers.
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Sunset on the Water – Book our Venetian Sunset Tour for a magical evening on the lagoon. Watching the sky change colors while gliding past San Marco and Zattere is a memory you’ll never forget.
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👉 Two days let you balance sightseeing with relaxation, especially when you end your evenings with a boat tour.
3 Days in Venice: Immersed in the Lagoon
If you’re lucky enough to spend three days, dedicate one to Venice’s lagoon and its enchanting islands.
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Day 1 & 2 – Follow the itineraries above.
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Day 3 – Take to the water:
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Murano – Famous for its glass-blowing tradition.
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Burano – A colourful fishing island perfect for photography and lace shopping.
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Torcello – A peaceful island where Venice’s story began, with its ancient basilica.
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Private Boat Day Trip – With Vidal Venice Tours, you can design your own lagoon adventure: stop for a seafood lunch on a local island, enjoy swimming in summer, or explore hidden spots far from the tourist crowds.
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👉 Three days in Venice means you truly get to know both the city and its lagoon, the element that makes Venice unique.
Why Choose Vidal Venice Tours?
Exploring Venice by boat is not just transportation—it’s the essence of the city. At Vidal Venice Tours, we offer intimate, small-group and private tours (maximum 10 guests) that let you see Venice and its lagoon from the perspective of a local. From short aperitif cruises to full-day island explorations, we help travellers discover the real Venice—beyond the postcard. Just drop us a message here to book your boat tour!
✨ Whether you have 1, 2, or 3 days, we’ll make sure you experience Venice in the most authentic and unforgettable way.