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3 day itinerary in Venice

3 day itinerary in Venice

All Days

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 1

1. Church of Saint Sebastian

St. Sebastian Church

The Church of Saint Sebastian (Chiesa di San Sebastiano) in Venice is a peaceful and beautiful place, especially known for its amazing art. Built in the 16th century in the Dorsoduro district, this church may look simple from the outside, but inside it holds a treasure of Renaissance masterpieces.

The church is most famous for the work of Paolo Veronese, one of Venice’s greatest painters. He decorated much of the interior with large, colorful paintings that cover the walls and ceiling. Veronese loved this church so much that he chose to be buried here.

Visitors can admire the detailed artwork, the peaceful atmosphere, and the lovely design of the church. It’s less crowded than some of Venice’s bigger landmarks, making it a perfect spot to enjoy art and history in a quiet setting. If you love hidden gems, the Church of Saint Sebastian is a special place worth visiting.

2. Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is one of the most charming and relaxed areas in Venice. It’s known for its art, beautiful canals, and peaceful atmosphere. Located across the Grand Canal from San Marco, Dorsoduro feels more local and less crowded, making it a great place to explore.

This neighborhood is home to some of Venice’s best museums, like the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, where you can see amazing art from the past and present. You’ll also find lovely churches like the Church of Saint Sebastian and Santa Maria della Salute.

Dorsoduro has quiet streets, cute bridges, and great spots to sit by the water and watch the gondolas go by. There are also cozy cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy tasty Venetian food.

3. Tintoretto Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Tintoretto Scuola Grande di San Rocco

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice is a must-see for art lovers, especially fans of the famous painter Tintoretto. This historic building was once a meeting place for a religious group, and today it’s known for having one of the largest collections of Tintoretto’s paintings in the world.

Tintoretto worked on the Scuola for over 20 years, filling the walls and ceilings with dramatic and powerful scenes from the Bible. The most impressive room is the Grand Hall, where visitors can look up and see beautiful ceiling paintings full of color, light, and movement. His artwork here is known for its emotional power and creative use of light and shadow.

The building itself is also very beautiful, with rich wood carvings, marble details, and a peaceful atmosphere. Located in the San Polo district, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a quiet but unforgettable place where you can admire the genius of Tintoretto and experience the deep artistic soul of Venice.

4. Grand Canal and Ponte di Rialto

Ponte di Rialto

The Grand Canal is the main waterway in Venice and one of the city’s most famous sights. It winds through the heart of the city in an S-shape, lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and colorful buildings that reflect Venice’s rich history. Instead of cars, boats and gondolas travel up and down the canal, making it feel like a scene from a storybook.

One of the highlights of the Grand Canal is the Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge), the oldest and most famous bridge in Venice. Built in the late 1500s, the stone bridge has a graceful arch and is lined with small shops selling jewelry, souvenirs, and local crafts. From the top of the bridge, you get one of the best views of the canal, with boats passing beneath and buildings glowing in the light.

Whether you take a vaporetto (water bus) ride along the Grand Canal or walk across the Rialto Bridge, this area is a must-see. It captures the charm, beauty, and magic that make Venice so special.

5. T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace

T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace

The T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace in Venice is a hidden gem that offers one of the best free views of the city. Located on top of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a historic building near the Rialto Bridge, this modern terrace lets you see the Grand Canal, Venetian rooftops, and church domes from above.

The building itself has been turned into a stylish shopping center, but the real highlight is the panoramic rooftop, which you can visit for free. You just need to book a time slot online in advance to go up. The elevator ride takes you to a peaceful open-air space where you can enjoy amazing 360° views of Venice—perfect for photos or a quiet break from the busy streets.

6. Saint Mark's Basilica and Saint Mark's Square

Saint Mark's Basilica

Saint Mark’s Basilica is a stunning church known for its golden mosaics, domes, and detailed decorations. Built over 900 years ago, it was once the private chapel of the Doge (the ruler of Venice). Inside, you’ll find shining artwork made of tiny glass tiles, marble floors, and even treasures brought from faraway places. The church blends Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, making it truly unique. You can also visit the terrace for a great view over the square and see the famous Horses of Saint Mark, ancient statues that once stood above the entrance.

Right in front of the basilica is Saint Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), the most famous square in Venice. It’s a wide open space surrounded by historic buildings like the Doge’s Palace and the Campanile (bell tower), which you can climb for an amazing view of the city and lagoon. The square is always full of life—street musicians, cafés, and people from all over the world enjoying the view.

7. St Mark's Campanile

St Mark's Campanile

St. Mark’s Campanile (Campanile di San Marco) is the tallest building in Venice and one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Standing at nearly 100 meters (328 feet) high, it offers breathtaking views over Saint Mark’s Square, the Basilica, the Grand Canal, and even the distant Alps on a clear day.

The bell tower we see today was rebuilt in 1912 after the original collapsed in 1902. It looks simple from the outside, with red bricks and a golden weather vane of the Archangel Gabriel on top, but it has a long and important history. In the past, it was used as a lighthouse, a watchtower, and, of course, to ring the bells for special events.

You can take an elevator to the top, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the amazing view without climbing stairs. Whether you visit during the day or at sunset, the St. Mark’s Campanile offers one of the best viewpoints in Venice and is a must-see for anyone exploring the city.

8. Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace

The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Venice is one of the city’s most famous and impressive buildings. Located next to St. Mark’s Basilica in St. Mark’s Square, it was once the home of the Doge—the leader of Venice—and the center of the city’s government for hundreds of years.

The palace is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with its elegant arches, pink and white marble façade, and rich decorations. Inside, you’ll find grand halls, gold-covered ceilings, and famous paintings by artists like Tintoretto and Veronese. One of the most impressive rooms is the Great Council Hall, one of the largest rooms in Europe with no pillars, used for big government meetings.

Visitors can also walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the old prison. It’s called that because prisoners would sigh as they saw their last view of Venice before being jailed.

9. Ponte dei Sospiri

Made of white limestone and built in the 17th century, it connects the Doge’s Palace to the old prison.

The bridge got its name from the idea that prisoners would sigh as they crossed it—taking one last look at the beauty of Venice through its small stone windows before being taken to their cells. Even though the walk across the bridge was short, it marked a big change in their lives.

Today, the Bridge of Sighs is a popular spot for photos, especially from the nearby Ponte della Paglia, where you can see its graceful arch over the canal. It’s a small but powerful symbol of Venice’s rich history and mystery, and a must-see when exploring the area around St. Mark’s Square.

10. Teatro La Fenice

Teatro la Fenice

Teatro La Fenice is one of the most famous and beautiful opera houses in Venice, and also one of the most important in the world. Its name, La Fenice, means "The Phoenix"—a symbol of rebirth—which fits perfectly, because the theater has burned down and been rebuilt several times, always rising from the ashes.

First opened in 1792, La Fenice has hosted premieres of operas by great composers like Verdi, Rossini, and Bellini. The inside of the theater is stunning, with gold balconies, red velvet seats, and a giant crystal chandelier, creating a magical setting for music and performance.

Today, La Fenice is still a working theater, offering opera, ballet, and concerts throughout the year. You can also take a guided tour during the day to explore its elegant halls and learn about its dramatic history.

Day 2

1. Cannaregio

Cannaregio

Cannaregio is one of the most charming and authentic neighborhoods in Venice. Located in the northern part of the city, it’s a peaceful area where many local Venetians live, offering a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busy tourist spots.

Cannaregio is full of beautiful canals, local shops, cafés, and restaurants, where you can enjoy real Venetian life. One of the most important places here is the Jewish Ghetto, the oldest in the world, with a deep and powerful history. You can visit synagogues, the Jewish Museum, and try traditional Jewish-Venetian food.

The neighborhood is also home to lovely churches like Madonna dell’Orto and the wide Canale di Cannaregio, where you can take a peaceful stroll and watch boats pass by. At night, the area around Fondamenta della Misericordia comes alive with cozy bars and places to eat by the water.

If you want to see the true, everyday side of Venice, away from the big crowds, Cannaregio is the perfect place to explore.

2. Chiesa della Madonna dell'Orto

Chiesa della Madonna dell'Orto

The Chiesa della Madonna dell’Orto is a peaceful and beautiful church in the Cannaregio district of Venice. It’s one of the city’s hidden gems, known for its quiet atmosphere, elegant Gothic style, and incredible artwork.

Built in the 14th century, the church gets its name from a statue of the Virgin Mary that was once found in a nearby garden (orto in Italian). The statue was believed to be miraculous, and the church was built to honor it.

One of the most special things about this church is its connection to the famous painter Tintoretto, who lived nearby. He created many of the church’s most impressive paintings and is buried here. Inside, you can admire his dramatic and colorful works, as well as the beautiful arches, stained-glass windows, and peaceful side chapels.

3. Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta detta I Gesuiti

Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta detta I Gesuiti

Located in the Cannaregio district near the northern edge of the city, this Baroque-style church stands out for its grand design and stunning interior.

Built in the 18th century by the Jesuit order, the church has a striking white marble façade with statues and columns that give it a majestic look. But the real surprise is inside—walls covered in green and white marble, massive paintings, gold details, and an atmosphere of pure elegance.

One of the highlights is the painting "The Martyrdom of St. Lawrence" by Titian, one of Venice’s most famous artists. The church also has a beautiful organ and a peaceful, light-filled space that makes it perfect for quiet reflection.

Although not as well-known as some of Venice’s other churches, I Gesuiti is a must-see for those who enjoy art, history, and hidden treasures. It’s a peaceful place with breathtaking beauty and a deep spiritual feeling.

4. Murano

Murano

Murano is a small island just a short boat ride from Venice, famous all over the world for its glassmaking tradition. For over 700 years, skilled glass artists have lived and worked here, creating beautiful vases, chandeliers, jewelry, and sculptures by hand.

Walking through Murano, you’ll find glass shops, studios, and museums where you can watch live glassblowing demonstrations and see how the magic happens. The Murano Glass Museum shows the history of this amazing craft, with pieces from ancient times to modern designs.

Besides glass, Murano is a lovely island to explore. It has peaceful canals, colorful houses, and pretty churches like Santa Maria e Donato, which has a stunning mosaic floor from the 12th century.

Murano is quieter than the main part of Venice, making it a perfect place for a relaxing visit, some shopping, and learning about a unique part of Venetian culture.

5. Burano

Burano

Burano is one of the most colorful and charming islands near Venice, known for its brightly painted houses, peaceful canals, and traditional lace-making. Just a 40-minute boat ride from Venice, it feels like stepping into a storybook.

Every house on Burano is painted in a different bold color—pink, blue, yellow, green—making the island a dream for photographers and artists. Legend says the houses were painted like this so fishermen could find their homes in the fog.

Burano is also famous for its handmade lace, a tradition that goes back centuries. You can visit the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) and see how delicate lace is made by hand, or buy a special piece as a souvenir.

The island is small and easy to walk around. You can enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant, visit the leaning bell tower of the church San Martino, or just relax by the water and enjoy the peaceful vibe.

Day 3

1. San Lazzaro degli Armeni

San Lazzaro Island in Venice

San Lazzaro degli Armeni is a small, peaceful island in the Venetian Lagoon with a rich history and a unique cultural treasure. It is home to a historic Armenian monastery, which has been a center of Armenian culture, learning, and religion for over 300 years.

In 1717, the Armenian monk Mechitar and his followers were given the island by the Venetian Republic. They turned it into a beautiful monastery where they preserved the Armenian language, printed books, and collected art, manuscripts, and artifacts. Even today, monks still live and work there.

The island is famous for its library, which holds thousands of rare Armenian books and manuscripts, and its small but impressive museum, which includes gifts from famous visitors like Lord Byron, who studied Armenian here in the 19th century.

2. Lido di Venezia

Lido di Venezia

Lido di Venezia is a long, narrow island in the Venetian Lagoon, known as Venice’s beach escape. Just a short vaporetto (water bus) ride from the city center, the Lido offers a peaceful break from the busy streets of Venice, with sandy beaches, fresh sea air, and a more relaxed vibe.

The island became famous in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a luxury seaside resort, and it still has that elegant charm today, with grand hotels, tree-lined avenues, and Art Nouveau villas. One of the most famous spots is the Hotel Excelsior, which hosts stars during the Venice Film Festival, held on the Lido every year in early September.

Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming in the Adriatic Sea, biking, or simply strolling through the town’s shops and cafés. The Lido also has quiet neighborhoods, a golf course, and lovely views of both Venice and the open sea.

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