What to do in a weekend in Venice: the 3 days itinerary

Venice, with its enchanting Lagoon and extraordinary museums, is full of unmissable things to do. So, a weekend in Venice is a journey into the heart of a city rich in history, art and unparalleled beauty. To fully experience the magic of Venice, the Venice Pass 2 days proves to be an optimal tool, allowing you to explore the wonders of the lagoon city without limits. With this pass, you will have access to iconic sites such as the majestic Doge's Palace, where you can immerse yourself in Venetian art and history, and the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.

If, on the other hand, you are moving from Rome or Naples for your weekend in Venice, you can rely on InStazione, an efficient concierge service, that has physical points in the central stations of these two cities. You will be met at the desk by InStazione staff members who will help you plan the stops and trips for your weekend in Venice, even last minute.  

After this preliminary information, we are ready to go with our itinerary for an unforgettable weekend in the heart of Venice. 

Start your weekend in Venice with a visit to the Doge's Palace, or Palazzo dei Dogi, a true symbol of the city and a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. This magnificent structure is not only an architectural gem, but was also the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of the city's government. With the 2-day Venice Pass, you will have the unique opportunity to explore this historic site, which today serves as a museum and hosts historical exhibitions.

The Doge's Palace has a rich history dating back to the 9th century and has undergone several renovations over the centuries, each adding a new layer to its history and beauty. With over two million visitors a year, it is one of Venice's main attractions.

Continue the morning with a stroll around St Mark's Square. It is one of the most fascinating in the world, built in the 9th century and paved in 1177. It is the lowest area of Venice and the first to flood with high water.

The square is surrounded by important buildings, including, in addition to the Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica, the Correr Museum, the Bell Tower and the Clock Tower. It is also known for its historical cafés and costumes during Carnival. Its historical importance and architectural beauty make it one of the most iconic and photographed squares in the world.

Start the evening with dinner at one of the Venice Pass restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional Venetian cuisine in a unique atmosphere. After dinner, enjoy an evening stroll along the Grand Canal. Approximately 3.8 km long and varying in width from 20 to 70 metres, it is the main canele through the centre of Venice. The canal bisects the historic centre of Venice, from Santa Lucia Station to St Mark's Square.

The Grand Canal is also crossed by several bridges, including the famous Rialto Bridge, and is plied by numerous boats, from traditional gondolas to waterbuses. Every year, it is the venue for important events, such as the Regata Storica, held on the first Sunday in September.

Its 'S' shape makes it a unique element in the urban landscape of Venice, and its historical and cultural importance makes it an essential stop for visitors to the city. Here you can admire the lights reflecting on the water and creating a magical atmosphere.

To make the most of your weekend in Venice, to your Venice Pass, add the option of a transport service, valid for 24 hours or 48 hours, depending on your preferences, making it even more complete and convenient.

When it comes to getting around Venice, the vaporetti are an efficient and picturesque way to get from one point to another in the city or try a gondola ride. For a more intimate experience, explore Venice on foot, walking along the romantic calli and charming bridges. Walking is the best way to discover hidden corners and admire Venice's unique architecture.

Here we are, ready to start our weekend in Venice to discover its beauties, a must-do travel experience to enjoy a few days among the streets of La Serenissima.

In this itinerary, we will detail what to do and see throughout the weekend, trying to concentrate the best of the city in a few hours of visiting. We will start with the first day, Saturday, following an itinerary that will take you from the historic calli of the Jewish Ghetto to the works of art of Ca' Pesaro, passing through the elegance of Palazzo Mocenigo to the home of the famous Carlo Goldoni.

Alternatively, you could enjoy an exciting walking tour, offered by InStazione, through the alleys, districts, and small squares of the enchanting Serenissima. It takes place with the whole day and you can choose to undertake it as a whole or just a section of it.

The starting point of the morning excursion is the enchanting setting of St Mark's Square, near Palazzo Mocenigo. It will take you to discover St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the ancient Procuratie, and the clock tower. The afternoon itinerary, instead, will let you discover the most hidden and picturesque Venetian corners, such as the Bovolo staircase and the area between Campo Sant'Angelo and the La Fenice Theatre. The tourist route includes an evocative and romantic gondola ride.

Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this city, exploring museums rich in history and Gothic architecture, and end the day with a gastronomic evening in the characteristic bacari of San Polo. Get ready for an experience rich in culture, art, and flavor that only a weekend in Venice can offer.

Start your Saturday with a walk through the streets of the Jewish Ghetto, the oldest in Europe. Take time to explore the Jewish Museum of Venice, a place that tells the story and traditions of Venice's Jewish community. As you stroll through the calli and campielli, you'll discover centuries-old synagogues and artisan workshops.

Then, we recommend you see the Church of Sant'Alvise. It is a building of conventual origin built in the 14th century by Antonia Venier and dedicated to St. Louis, Bishop of Toulouse. It features late Gothic conventual architecture.

Continue your artistic journey by visiting Ca' Pesaro, Venice's prestigious Museum of Modern Art. Located in an imposing Venetian palazzo on the Grand Canal, this museum, accessible with the Venice Pass, offers you a rich collection of modern and contemporary artworks, as well as temporary exhibitions by internationally renowned artists.

Continue your itinerary by making a stop at Palazzo Mocenigo. It is a stately building located in the Santa Croce sestiere, at number 1992, along the salizada di San Stae. Once the residence of one of the most important Venetian families, it houses the Museum and Study Center for the History of Textile, Costume and Perfume. Thanks to the 2-day Venice Pass, you can explore its rooms enriched with period furnishings and collections of precious textiles.

In the afternoon, drop by Carlo Goldoni's House, a place that celebrates the life and works of the renowned Venetian playwright. Here, you will immerse yourself in the theatrical atmosphere of the 18th century, discovering the house where Goldoni lived for 12 years (from 1707 to 1793). During his stay in this house, he wrote his most important works, which brought him fame and success and made him a prominent figure in Italian and international theatrical life.

End the afternoon with a stroll along the Fondamenta Nuove, from where you can admire a breathtaking view of the Island of San Michele, Venice's picturesque cemetery.

Then, in the evening, have another unique dining experience at one of the restaurants affiliated with the Venice Pass, enjoying delicious local cuisine. And also treat yourself to a relaxing stroll through the San Polo district. Despite being the smallest of the six sestieri, it is very popular with Venetians. Characterized by numerous craft stores and traditional taverns called Bacari, it is a special place for lovers of good food. Some must-see attractions include the Rialto Bridge, Rialto Market, Campo Erbaria, Ponte delle Tette, and Campo San Polo, which is the largest campo in Venice after St. Mark's Square.

Our journey to discover Venice's weekend attractions continues with enthusiasm and energy, resuming on Sunday with new adventures in store.

After sampling one of the most famous and best-tasting Venetian pastries with a typical breakfast, the day plans to kick off, exploring the islands of Murano and Burano, world-renowned jewels of glass art and lace. Be enchanted by the Fortuny Palace in the heart of San Marco, a testament to Venice's artistic versatility. Admire the Renaissance elegance of the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Cannaregio, an architectural masterpiece. End the day with an authentic dinner at Castello, preceded by a visit to the historic Libreria Acqua Alta. Your weekend in Venice will be an unforgettable journey of culture, history and unique flavors.

Start your day by visiting the islands of Murano and Burano. In Murano, visit the Glass Museum, where you can discover the history and craftsmanship of Murano's world-famous glassmaking art. In Burano, the colorful Lace Museum awaits you with its splendid collections of lace, evidence of a centuries-old craft tradition. Both museums are included in the 2-day Venice Pass.

Visit the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, also included in the Venice Pass. It is located in the Sestiere of Cannaregio, in Campo dei Miracoli, near Campo Santa Maria Nova. It is a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture in Venice, built in the second half of the 15th century.

The Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli is famous for its polychrome marble exterior and interior cladding, which makes it unique compared to other Venetian churches. It was built to house an image of the Madonna believed to be miraculous, which had attracted the attention and devotion of Venetians after saving a woman from a dagger attack.

Pay a visit to the famous Libreria Acqua Alta. Located on Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa in the Sestiere di Castello, the bookstore is known for its unique arrangement of books: instead of traditional shelves, books are arranged on gondolas and tubs to protect them from the high water that periodically hits the lagoon city.

The Acqua Alta Bookstore has become a must-see for book lovers and those who want a unique experience. You can lose yourself among the walls papered with books of all kinds, exploring the various sections and admiring the staircase made from old encyclopedias.

The evening comes alive in a typical restaurant in the Castello district, where you can enjoy traditional Venetian dishes in a warm and genuine atmosphere. For a special dinner, check out the offers of restaurants affiliated with the Venice Pass, where you might find interesting discounts or exclusive menus. Then, we recommend going to admire the night view of the lagoon and St. Mark's Basin along the Riva degli Schiavoni, one of the city's widest foundations.

This journey into the wonders of Venice will make you appreciate the city in its authenticity and beauty. And don't forget to try typical Venetian cuisine in an authentic bacaro, where you can enjoy the famous cicchetti, small appetizers that reflect the local culinary tradition. In addition, many restaurants offer fresh fish dishes, a must in Venetian cuisine.

For a more complete and personalized experience of Venice, consider immersing yourself in activities and places beyond the usual tourist attractions, exploring the city like a local would. This will allow you to discover hidden corners, unique culinary traditions, and lesser-known cultural aspects of this incredible city.