How to Spend 3 Days in Venice

Spending 3 days in Venice, Italy should give you enough time to see all the major highlights of this ever-popular city.

When I first visited Venice, I expected to be slightly disappointed, thinking one of those places which has been over romanticised and built-up in expectations. And yet, despite the throngs of tourists, it still holds this certain old-world magic in its shabby winding lanes that I have not encountered anywhere else in this world. It’s so untouched by modernity in a way unlike anywhere else I have ever seen, giving it an unparalleled old world charm.

You don’t need long to take away an experience that will stay with you long after. I’ve visited Venice three times. All for short trips of one or two days, under varying circumstances. First I visited as a student on a string budget. Next after a cancelled flight following a business trip. And then my favourite trip, with my boyfriend (Matt), where we met up with my best friend and her family.

While a longer trip would give you ample time to take in everything this city has to offer at a leisurely pace, I think 3 days in Venice is a perfect amount of time to see everything you want to in this city. Here’s how to spend 3 days in Venice.

Day 1 in Venice

Morning – Beat the Crowds to Piazza San Marco

Start early and go straight to St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). Tourists overrun the square quickly (although oddly I’ve never seen too many of the much-talked-about pigeons here). But when we went to enjoy it at around 9am one morning, it was quiet. And the early morning light was perfect for photos.

This gives you a chance to take everything in slowly. Looking around you’ll see the impressive Byzantium-inspired St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco); the ornate Doge’s Palace, once Venice’s political and judicial hub; and Torre dell’Orologio, a clock tower built between 1496 and 1506. St. Mark’s opens to visitors from 9:45, so you’ll be there earlier enough to beat the queues.

It will cost you a bit more than your normal brew (at about €9), but you could have your morning latte at one of the many surrounding cafes to take in all the sites and sounds of the city. When I was here on my own for a work trip, sitting in the sun and watching the bustle of the square was something I’ll never forget. Then follow it up by either popping inside another one of the nearby sites, or checking out the Museo Correr.

Make sure to stroll back by the square in the evening, taking in the bands playing in the background and the sunset over the canal.

Afternoon: Get Lost in Venice’s Streets

You’ll inevitably get lost somewhere along the maze that is Venice’s streets. Embrace it. Enjoy it. You’ll wander off the well-beaten path and you can discover some really special places. You never know what you may find. Also, if you are looking take home some Murano glass or a new leather wallet, buy it away from the Rialto Bridge or Piazzo San Marco. Prices are often hiked up on prime tourists routes.

All that wondering is sure to make you hungry and thirsty, so keep an eye out for pizza and aperitivo bars. And make sure to stop for photos when you cross over the always breathtaking Grand Canal.

Dinner near Piazza San Marco

When you’ve gotten your bearings once again, slip over to the quiet Ristorante Antica Sacrestia on Calle della Corona. It’s only a 5-minute walk from Piazza San Marco and the perfect place for a romantic dinner without breaking the bank. They were also kind enough to tolerate our relatively lively group that came barrelling through their doors. Expect good quality classics and superb service, oh, and a wine list to die for.

Day 2 in Venice

Morning: Visit a Museum

For museum lovers, you might feel spoilt for choice by what Venice has to offer. Luckily, even those who might usually rather spend their time shopping are likely to find one that piques their interest. My favourite was Gallerie dell’Accademia, featuring pre-19th-century art such as that from Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, and Canaletto. Go in the morning before it becomes too crowded to truly enjoy.

Afternoon: Take in the Views

Go to San Giorgio Maggiore and take the lift to the top of the 18th-century campanile to enjoy the view. It seems to be less crowded than the one in Piazza San Marco, yet you get a better birds-eye view of the network of islands that make up this one-of-a-kind city. To get there, take the number 2 vaporetto (water taxi) from the San Marco- San Zaccaria stop. Get off at the next stop. Enjoy looking out over Venice, seeing the way this unique city is put together.

Or, if you can’t help but take a gondola ride, now is the time to go. But be wary of price gouging. I’m still yet to take a gondola and I don’t regret it (and my wallet probably thanks me).

Dinner

Head back through Piazza San Marco, towards Trattoria Al Gazzettino. It’s reasonably priced, great atmosphere, and who can say no to a few complimentary drinks?

Day 3 in Venice

Morning: Enjoy the Waterfront

Spend the morning leisurely wondering along the Canale de San Marco. Start at Piazzo San Marco, walking down the Riva degli Schiavoni. When I was last there, Matt and I grabbed an early lunch to go and a quiet bench in Giardini Reali. It was a rare moment on our trip to truly relax.

Afternoon: Take a Boat Ride to Burano 

A little village lined with candy-coloured houses, perfect for some Instagram-ready shots (#nofilter). Take the boat back to Venice around sunset for some romantic views along the water. Grab dinner while you are there, stopping by Al Gatto Nero Da Ruggero.

Boats to Burano depart from the San Zaccaria stop (near St. Mark’s), taking about 45 minutes, and leaves once an hour, though check the timetables, there was a strike on when we went and it was a bit confusing!

Other tips for visiting Venice

Try visiting in the off or shoulder season

My trips to Venice have been in March, end of September and mid-October. Even then it is a little busy, but how people manage to visit here in July/August with heat combined with crowds is beyond me. I hear October is when Venice is most likely to flood, so do keep that in mind as well!

Where to stay in Venice

The places I’ve stayed in Venice has certainly covered a wide range, from the upscale, on-canal and glamorous during a business trip, an Airbnb on the island itself, to a budget/backpacker friendly camping park within easy reach by Ferry. You can find Venice hotels here.

Venice tours

You can find walking tours, boat tours, and skip-the-line tickets to Venice here.

Visiting Italy

There’s always a first time to visiting this incredible country, and if Venice is your destination for your first visiting Italy, you may find these tips helpful.

No matter how long you stay, or how you pass the hours in this enchanting city, it is sure to stay with you long after. Apart from my home in London, I’ve been to Venice the most out of any European city. After my three visits, I still look forward to returning again.

Have you been to Venice? Do you think 3 days in Venice is the perfect amount of time to spend in this city?

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