Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Venice?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Venice?
Many travelers spend two to seven days in Venice during their visit. After all, the magical city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the quaint atmosphere.
Venice is one of the most popular attractions in Italy, and at times it does feel more like an attraction than a city. But that doesn't mean that it's not truly beautiful and romantic - a not -to-be-missed stop on any Italian itinerary. Part of the experience in Venice is simply getting lost. Tucked away in the hidden corners you'll find what really makes this city one-of-a-kind.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Venice? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Venice?
One week is more than enough time to see everything that Venice has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend two to seven days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, the quaint atmosphere, and the gorgeous scenery at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend a week in Venice
When visiting Venice, you absolutely can't miss St. Mark's Basilica as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
Venice is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city's beautiful canals, architecture, and gondolas make it among the most stunning and unique places to visit in the world.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Small-Group Walking Tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice ($71)
- 2 Hour Night Kayak Tour in Venice, premium experience with sunset ($168)
- Venice Small Group Walking Tour with St. Mark's Basilica Terrace ($143)
Venice is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.
Venice is known for it's world-class museums and famous landmarks, so make sure you spend at least a day exploring at one or more of the most appealing. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for any traveler. Known for its huge collection of 20th-century artwork in the former home of the artist, entry is €17.
Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for Scuola Grande di San Rocco, which is €10. It's great for couples and is known for ornate and beautiful halls adorned with Renaissance art.
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for families and couples. Known for its terrific views overlooking the city and interesting art exhibits, entry is €8.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Ca' Rezzonico. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its wide array of Venetian art from the 18th century. It's €10 and children are reduced price.
It's worth around 2 hours for Gallerie dell'Accademia. Entry is €15 and children are free. It's known for its huge collection of Venetian paintings from the 14th to 18th century.
The Doge's Palace is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for families and couples. Known for its stunning architecture, historic artwork, and classic Venetian style, entry is €30.
It's worth around 1 hour for St. Mark's Campanile. Entry is €10. It's known for its scenic views overlooking the city.
You'll want to have around 1 hour for The Grand Canal. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for being the life of the city and the main mode of transportation. It's free.
Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for Rialto Bridge, which is free. It's great for families and couples and is known for being a romantic spot to admire the surrounding city and Grand Canal.
You'll want to have around 1 hour for The Bridge of Sighs. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for being a popular photo spot with gorgeous architecture. It's free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- St Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip the Line - Semi-Private ($190)
- Basilica, Doge's Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option ($54)
- Vivaldi's Four Seasons Concert and Music Museum Visit ($47)
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables. Many of the restaurants are excellent, but head into the local neighborhoods for the best options.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Prosecco Wine Tour. Half-day. From Venice ($170)
- Private Venice Cooking Class and Market Tour with Fun Local Laura ($159)
- Join A Local Venetian Cooking Class ($179)
The public transit in Venice is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.
Piazza San Marco is worth visiting for around 1 hour, which is great for families and couples. Known for its grand arcades, ornate architecture, and historic events in the heart of the city, entry is free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Small-Group Walking Tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice ($71)
- Venice Small Group Walking Tour with St. Mark's Basilica Terrace ($143)
- Venice City Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP ($15)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Venice.
Venice offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. The colorful buildings and quaint canals give this city a character unlike any other.
The Doge's Palace is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for families and couples. Known for its stunning architecture, historic artwork, and classic Venetian style, entry is €30.
Piazza San Marco is worth visiting for around 1 hour, which is great for families and couples. Known for its grand arcades, ornate architecture, and historic events in the heart of the city, entry is free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Small-Group Walking Tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Venice ($71)
- Venice Small Group Walking Tour with St. Mark's Basilica Terrace ($143)
- Venice City Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP ($15)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Venice.
Shopping in Venice is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Venice.
After you've explored most of Venice, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Discover the Dolomites and Lake Braies on a Day Trip from Venice ($240)
- Dolomites Day Trip from Venice: Scenic Mountain Escape ($203)
- Murano and Burano half-day trip from Punta Sabbioni Jesolo ($36)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Venice.
Because this is a world-class shopping destination, you'll need yet another day to find the best deals. Each area of Venice offers a different vibe and atmosphere, and along with it, different styles of shops.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Venice.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Venice?
Two weeks is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Venice. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Venice as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
Venice
How to spend 2 weeks in Venice
With 2 weeks in Venice, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time perusing the musuems, exploring the historic town, and browsing the shops. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Discover the Dolomites and Lake Braies on a Day Trip from Venice ($240)
- Dolomites Day Trip from Venice: Scenic Mountain Escape ($203)
- Murano and Burano half-day trip from Punta Sabbioni Jesolo ($36)
More Info
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