Venice 7 Day Itinerary

Here is a 7-day itinerary for traveling in Venice:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Main Island

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Arrive at Marco Polo Airport.
  • 10:00 AM: Take a vaporetto (water bus) to Rialto or San Zaccaria, both near St. Mark’s Square.
  • 11:00 AM: Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at Al Covo, a restaurant near the basilica serving traditional Venetian cuisine.
  • 2:30 PM: Explore the Dorsuduro area and get lost in its narrow streets to discover hidden gems.
  • 5:00 PM: Visit the Rialto Bridge for shopping or just to enjoy the view.

Evening

  • 8:00 PM: Dinner at Osteria La Zucca, known for its creative takes on traditional Venetian dishes.
  • 10:00 PM: Enjoy a drink in Campo San Polo, a quieter square with a nice atmosphere.

Day 2: Murano and Burano Islands

Morning

  • 8:30 AM: Take a vaporetto to the Lido and then take a ferry or private boat to Murano.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Murano Glass Museum and see artisans at work in their factories.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Lunch on Murano. Try some seafood.
  • 3:00 PM: Continue exploring Murano, perhaps visiting a glass factory or taking a tour of an island home.
  • 5:30 PM: Return to the Lido and take a ferry to Burano.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Dinner in Burano. This could be a fun experience as you see many locals enjoying their evening meals outside their homes.
  • 9:00 PM: Explore Burano’s colorful houses, especially at night when they are lit up.

Day 3: Exploring the Main Island Further

Morning

  • 8:30 AM: Start the day by visiting San Giorgio Maggiore and its beautiful campanile for a panoramic view of Venice.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Accademia Gallery to see works by Titian, including “Bacchus and Ariadne”.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Lunch in the Santa Croce area. Try some more traditional Venetian cuisine.
  • 2:30 PM: Explore the San Polo district, known for its shopping and eating options.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant in the Cannaregio neighborhood, such as Trattoria Al Teatro, which offers traditional Venetian dishes in an atmospheric setting.
  • 9:00 PM: Enjoy some live music or a drink in Campo San Polo again.

Day 4: Hidden Gems

Morning

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Ca’ Pesaro, home to the modern art museum. The building itself is worth seeing for its stunning architecture.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Santa Maria Formosa church and its surrounding area.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at a restaurant near your accommodation, such as La Piscina or Al Muro, both serving delicious Venetian food in beautiful settings.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Jewish Ghetto for some history and to see the old synagogue.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant that serves modern Italian cuisine.
  • 9:00 PM: Consider taking a night tour of the city with a guide who knows the best spots to visit at night.

Day 5: More Islands

Morning

  • 8:30 AM: Take a ferry or private boat to the island of Lido.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Museo di Palazzo Abadessi, which features works by modern artists.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch on the Lido. You could also visit the Lido’s beaches.

Afternoon

  • 2:30 PM: Visit the San Nicolò l’Arena church and explore the surrounding area for its beautiful views of the city.
  • 4:00 PM: Return to your accommodation and rest.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant that serves seafood, such as La Zucca or Al Teatro.
  • 9:00 PM: Enjoy some live music in one of Venice’s many bars and cafes.

Day 6: More of the Main Island

Morning

  • 8:30 AM: Visit the San Marco district again to see any sights you missed on your first visit, such as the Campanile.
  • 10:00 AM: Explore the Rialto area for shopping or lunch at a restaurant.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Lunch in the Cannaregio neighborhood.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Santa Maria dei Miracoli church, known as one of the most beautiful small churches in Venice.
  • 5:00 PM: Enjoy some shopping or browsing around the Rialto area.

Evening

  • 8:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant that serves traditional Venetian cuisine.
  • 10:00 PM: Consider taking a romantic gondola ride through the canals of Venice.

Day 7: Last Day in Venice

Morning

  • 9:30 AM: Visit any last-minute sights you haven’t seen yet, such as the Museo Correr.
  • 11:30 AM: Check out of your accommodation and return to Marco Polo Airport for your departure flight.

Transportation:

  • Vaporetto (Water Bus): This is a convenient way to get around Venice. There are different lines that cover various areas of the city.
  • Ferries: These can be used to travel between islands, such as Murano and Burano, which are not easily accessible by land.
  • Gondola Rides: A traditional gondola ride is a romantic way to see Venice from the water. However, it may take some time and might be more expensive than using public transportation.

Places to Eat:

  • Osteria La Zucca: Known for its creative takes on traditional Venetian dishes.
  • Al Covo: A restaurant near St. Mark’s Basilica serving traditional Venetian cuisine.
  • La Piscina: A restaurant in the Santa Croce area offering delicious Venetian food.

Tips:

  • Book Accommodation and Restaurants Early: Venice is a popular destination, so booking early ensures that you get your preferred options.
  • Use Public Transportation: The vaporetto is an efficient way to see the city without having to worry about traffic or parking.
  • Explore Hidden Areas: While it’s tempting to stick with well-known attractions, exploring the lesser-known areas of Venice can be very rewarding.

Things to Know:

  • Venice is a City Built on Water: This means that there are some unique challenges in getting around. Be prepared for narrow streets and possible delays due to high water (acqua alta).
  • Respect Local Customs: Venice is a city where locals live and work. Be respectful of their space, especially in quiet areas or during late evening/early morning hours.

This itinerary provides a mix of popular attractions, hidden gems, and relaxation time to help you make the most out of your trip to Venice. Enjoy your visit!