24 Hours in Venice - Discovering the City of Canals

  • 9:00 AM: St. Mark's Basilica
    10 minutes (1.2 km) from Piazza San Marco

    Marvel at the opulence of St. Mark's Basilica, an iconic and historic building that showcases Byzantine architecture. This cathedral is adorned with beautiful mosaics and is sure to leave you awestruck with its grandeur.

  • 11:00 AM: Rialto Bridge
    17 minutes (1.4 km) from St. Mark's Basilica

    The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most famous of the bridges that span the Grand Canal. Cross the bridge and experience the local Rialto market, full of hustle and bustle where locals sell flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

  • 1:00 PM: La Cantina
    12 minutes (1 km) from Rialto Bridge

    Head to La Cantina for some delicious Italian cuisine that includes fresh seafood, pasta and grilled meat dishes. The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent service.

  • 3:00 PM: Doge's Palace
    9 minutes (750 m) from La Cantina

    Doge's Palace is a Venetian gothic palace and was the residence of the Doge of Venice-the supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice. This vast palace is filled with beautifully dark and intricate detailing and houses the Museo dell'Opera, an art museum.

  • 5:00 PM: Grand Canal Cruise
    5 minutes (400 m) from Doge's Palace

    No trip to Venice is complete without cruising the Grand Canal. Take in the stunning architecture of Venice while enjoying a leisurely ride on a gondola, it's a quintessential experience.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • St. Mark's Basilica (1 hour, free)
  • Rialto Bridge and Market (2 hours, free)
  • La Cantina (2 hours, $35 per person)
  • Doge's Palace (2 hours, $22 per person)
  • Grand Canal Cruise (1 hour, $60 per boat ride)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $174 per person

Transportation

The best way to get around Venice is on foot or by boat. Walking is an easy way to explore the city and its maze of streets, canals, and bridges. Vaporetti, the water taxis, are also another method of transportation and can take you almost anywhere in the city. A combination of both walking and boating can make for a great day out. Vaporetti rides cost around $7.50-$20 for a 75-minute pass, depending on the number of trips one takes.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a trip to the colorful island of Burano or the quieter island of Murano, known for its glassblowing industry. If you have less time, consider skipping Doge’s Palace or St. Mark's Basilica.

Airports

Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the main airport in Venice and is located 13 km from the city center. It is easily accessible via taxi or bus.

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