Start the day at Piazza San Marco, home to the iconic St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Enjoy a tour of the palace, where you'll get to see the Bridge of Sighs and learn about the city's history. Afterward, head to the Rialto Bridge for beautiful views of the Grand Canal. Don't forget to explore the Grand Canal via a water taxi for a unique perspective of the city. In the evening, head to Bacaro Risorto for authentic Venetian smorgasbord and live music by the canal.
Begin at the Accademia Gallery, which houses some of the best Venetian art in Italy. Afterward, head to the Teatro La Fenice, a beautiful opera house that has hosted world-class performances since the 18th Century. In the afternoon, take a relaxing gondola ride through the canals, where you'll get a chance to see some of Venice's beautiful hidden streets and charming buildings. End the day at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which showcases modern art in a beautiful mansion overlooking the Grand Canal.
Most of Venice is best explored on foot, but you may also want to take a water taxi or vaporetto (waterbus) to get around the islands. One-way vaporetto fares cost around €7.50 - €10, while a private water taxi rental will set you back around €80 per hour.
If you have more time, consider exploring some of Venice's surrounding islands, like Murano (famous for its glassmaking) or Burano (known for its colorful houses). For those with less time, consider skipping the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the gondola ride. You can also save money by purchasing a City Pass, which will give you discounted access to many of Venice's top attractions.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the main international airport serving Venice. It is located around 13 kilometers north of the city center and is easily accessible by public transportation or private transfer.