Begin your first day in Venice with a visit to the stunning St. Mark's Square. Take a stroll around the square and marvel at the unique architecture of the Basilica di San Marco. Next, take a Gondola ride across the beautiful Grand Canal and enjoy the scenic views. End your day with a visit to the classic Rialto Bridge and the nearby Rialto Market to indulge in some local Venetian cuisine.
On day 2, explore the unique art and culture Venice has to offer. Begin with a visit to the world-famous Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in the beautiful Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. Next, admire the masterpieces in the Accademia Galleries and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. End your day with a visit to the Teatro La Fenice, a beautiful opera house with a rich history.
On your final day in Venice, explore the nearby islands. Begin with a visit to the colourful island of Burano, famous for its lace-making and brightly painted houses. Next, visit the island of Murano to witness the unique glass-making techniques its artisans have honed for centuries. End your day with a visit to the quieter island of Torcello to witness the beautiful Byzantine mosaics in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Travelers can easily get around Venice via water buses, known as vaporettos, or by hiring a water taxi. A single vaporetto ticket costs €7.50, and a 24-hour pass is €20. Travel time between major attractions is typically 10-15 minutes.
If you have more time, consider visiting the charming island of San Giorgio Maggiore to witness the beautiful views of Venice from the top of its bell tower. If you have less time, skip the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and visit the Palazzo Ducale, which offers stunning views of the city from the top of the Bridge of Sighs.
The Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the main airport serving Venice, and is located approximately 13 km away from the city center. Travelers can take the Alilaguna water bus to get from the airport to Venice, with a ticket costing €15-20 and a travel time of approximately 1 hour.