Venice Weekend Getaway: Explore Canals, Art, and Cuisine

Day 1: Historic Venice Exploration

Venice, Italy on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Enjoy a traditional Venetian breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee at this historic café open from 7:30am, offering a perfect start to your day near Piazza San Marco.
EUR8, 1h

9:45am

Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Explore this iconic Byzantine cathedral with stunning mosaics and architecture; guided tours available from 9:30am, ensure to book in advance to avoid lines.
EUR3, 1h

11:00am

Tour Doge's Palace

Discover the seat of Venetian power with its lavish chambers and historic prisons, open from 8:30am to 7pm with last entry at 6pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti

Savor Venetian seafood specialties and regional wines in this cozy spot open from 12pm to 3pm for lunch on Calle dei Artisti.
EUR35, 1h15m

2:15pm

Walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni

Stroll the scenic waterfront promenade for views of the lagoon and gondolas, a relaxing way to experience Venice’s vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Explore the Bridge of Sighs and nearby Piazzetta San Marco

See the famous enclosed bridge linking the palace to former prisons, followed by a coffee at a nearby café to soak in the ambiance.
Included with Doge's Palace ticket, 45m

5:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice’s canals on an iconic gondola ride lasting about 30-40 minutes; rides operate until sunset but book early to secure a spot.
EUR80 per gondola, 40m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria al Gatto Nero

Dine on authentic Venetian dishes including fresh fish and risotto in a charming setting; the restaurant is open from 7pm, reservation recommended.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 2: Art & Local Life

Venice, Italy on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Torrefazione Cannaregio

Start your day with strong Italian coffee and pastries at this popular café in the Cannaregio district, open from 7am.
EUR7, 1h

9:00am

Visit Gallerie dell'Accademia

Explore one of Venice’s premier art museums housing masterpieces of Venetian Renaissance art, open from 8:15am to 7:15pm.
EUR14, 2h

11:15am

Walk to Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Discover modern art by Picasso, Pollock and others in this museum set in Peggy Guggenheim’s former home, open from 10am to 6pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria La Bottega ai Promessi Sposi

Taste Venetian cicchetti and traditional seafood dishes in this friendly local osteria open weekdays 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Dorsoduro Canals and Santa Maria della Salute

Wander through less touristy neighborhoods admiring baroque churches and quiet canals, with the church open from 9am to 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:15pm

Relax at Campo Santa Margherita

Enjoy the lively atmosphere full of cafes and student life before preparing for departure or further travel.
Free, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Indulge in high-quality Venetian seafood dishes in this well-regarded restaurant open from 7pm, so plan accordingly or have an early dinner at 6pm if possible.
EUR60, 1h30m
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