How to spend 3 days in Venice: The best itinerary + Where to stay

You’re planning to spend 3 days in Venice and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you this 3-day itinerary in Venice.

During your trip, you will discover all must-see attractions of the city such as St. Mark’s square and Basilica, the Doge’s Palace or the Rialto Bridge.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in Venice in 3 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

My best Tips to save time at Venice’s must-see attractions

Venice, as you might already know, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.

Tens of thousands of people come to the City of Canals everyday to see its iconic monuments such as the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica!

However, this popularity comes at a cost: be prepared to potentially spend several hours waiting to buy your ticket to Venice’s top tourist attractions.

Hopefully, there are ways to avoid this 😉.

You actually have 3 options to save a lot of time (and money!) during your 3-day visit to Venice.

Here they are:

1. Venice Pass

The first solution to save a lot of time and money during your 3-day stay in Venice is to get the “Venice Pass”.

It’s really super convenient: you’ll skip the queues and have priority access to the most famous tourist attractions of the city.

Another advantage: the Venice Pass is 100% digital. You don’t have to go anywhere to pick up your tickets, you’ll receive them immediately by email!

When buying the Venice Pass,  you will need to reserve a date and time slot for the included tours when you purchase your Venice pass.

The pass includes the following:

• Saint Mark’s Basilica fast track entrance ticket (1st day of my itinerary)
• Doge’s Palace skip the line entrance (1st day)
• A gondola ride (1st day)
• An audio guide app with commentaries on all the most famous sites
• 10% discount on other activities in Venice, that you can book on Tiqets website.

In my opinion, the Venice pass is simply the best option to visit Venice in 3 days!

To purchase your Venice Pass, it’s very simple – you just have to click on the green button below:

2. Venice City Pass

Another way to visit Venice in 3 days and get fast track access to the best places to visit in the city is to buy the Venice City Pass. 

It’s quite similar to the Venice Pass I’ve mentioned above, as it’s also a digital pass. 

The difference is that you have to choose the validity period of your pass when you book. For 3 days in Venice, it’s very simple: you should take the 3-day Venice City Pass.

The Venice City Pass includes the following entrance tickets:

• Doge’s Palace
• 11 museums: Museo Correr, Archaeological Museum, Biblioteca Marciana, Ca’Rezzonico, Ca’Pesaro, Glass Museum on Murano Island, Natural History Museum, Mocenigo Palace, Carlo Goldoni House, Lace Museum on Burano Island, Fortuny Museum.
• 16 churches: Santa Maria del Giglio, San Stae, Santo Stefano, Sant’Alvise, Santa Maria Formos, San Pietro di Castello, Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Santissimo Redentore, S.Giovanni Elemosinario, Santa Maria del Rosario, San Polo, San Sebastiano, San Giacomo dall’Orio, San Giobbe, Santa Maria del Carmelo, S.Giovanni Battista in Bragora
• Querini Stampalia Foundation.

With this pass, you can also use public transport network free of charge during your 72 hours in Venice (bus and waterbus on the ACTV network).

A little warning: access to St. Mark’s Basilica is not included. You’ll have to buy an extra ticket if you want to visit it.

To buy your Venice City Pass, you just need to click on the button below:

3. Skip-the-line tickets for Venice’s main tourist attractions

The last solution to save time is to buy skip-the-line tickets online for each attraction, depending on what you will want to visit during your 3-day itinerary in Venice.

Skip the line tickets are available for all historical monuments. In addition to entrance tickets, you can also book all guided visits and activities in advance. It’s super convenient!

To view the prices and to book, simply click on the links below (you’ll also find them throughout this article):

3 Days in Venice – Must-See Attractions:

• Saint Mark’s Basilica
• Guided tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica
• Saint Mark’s campanile
• Doge’s Palace
• Guided tour of the Doge’s Palace + Saint Mark’s Basilica
• Secret of Doge’s Palace VIP tour
• Gondola tour
• Private gondola ride
• Venice secrets spots walking tour
• Ca d’Oro
• Rialto Market
• Guided tour of Venice wine bars + food tastings
• Ca’Rezzonico
• Accademia Gallery
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection
• Private tour of Peggy Guggenheim
• Concert or opera in Venice
• Excursion to Burano + Murano + Torcello
• Excursion to Burano + Murano
• Kayak tour on Venice canals
• Ghost tour
• Teatro La Fenice
• Guided tour of teatro La Fenice
• Scala Contarini del Bovolo
• Museo di Storia Naturale
• ACTV Card, also called “Vaporetto Pass” to use public transportation
• Day trip to Verona
• Day trip to the Dolomites

3 Days in Venice: The Best Itinerary

Let’s now start to plan your 3-day itinerary in Venice!

For each day, I will give you all the details you need to plan your visits + a map that will allow you to visualize the itinerary a bit better.

I’m assuming you will be staying in Venice for 3 full days and that you will be using a City Pass (Venice Pass / Venice City pass) or have purchased Skip-the-Line tickets. It’s the best way to save time and money during your stay!

If you still have questions after reading this 3 day itinerary in Venice (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the very end of this article.

I will be glad to help you plan your trip .

Day 1 – Must-sees in Venice

Day 1 visits:

A. Saint Mark’s Square
B. Saint Mark’s Basilica
C. Saint Mark’s campanile
D. Doge’s Palace
E. Optional: Correr Museum
F. Gondola tour
G. Santa Maria Formosa / Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo / Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli
H. Rialto Bridge

A. Saint Mark’s Square

Let’s start your 3-day trip to Venice with the city’s most famous public square: Saint Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco).

Being the heart of Venice, it’s surrounded by noteworthy historical buildings and is a significant social, religious, and political center.

This vast, open square often serves as the entry point for most tourists and is an absolute must-visit on any Venice itinerary.

My favorite part of the square is the impressive architecture and the atmosphere, especially in the early morning when it’s less crowded. You can also enjoy a coffee in one of the cafés under the square’s arcades.

B. Saint Mark’s Basilica

Right at the eastern end of Saint Mark’s Square, you’ll find Saint Mark’s Basilica, a monument you can’t miss during your 3-day stay in Venice.

This iconic cathedral features Byzantine architecture and golden mosaics, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Mark and stories from the Bible. It’s a testimony to Venice’s glorious past.

Inside, you can also admire the Pala d’Oro, an exceptional piece of Byzantine craftsmanship and one of the most precious items in the Basilica. It’s encrusted with thousands of gems and precious stones.

Saint Mark’s Basilica also houses “The Treasury” (a collection of precious religious artifacts brought back from the 4th Crusade); the “Quadriga of St Mark’s” (4 bronze statues) and a museum offering a closer look at the Basilica’s history.

And to wrap up your visit, I’d also recommend climbing up to the basilica’s terrace.

As I told you before, the queues to enter the Basilica can be quite long and it’s not unusual to have to wait 2 or 3 hours.

To avoid waiting, you have 3 different options:

• The Venice Pass which includes a fast track ticket for the Basilica:

• The classic skip-the-line ticket (if you don’t want to buy the entire pass):

• A guided tour, to learn more about St Mark’s Basilica and its history:

C. Saint Mark’s Campanile

The third place you shouldn’t miss during your 3-day Venice trip is the Saint Mark’s Campanile. 

Standing proud at 98.6 meters, this tower offers a beautiful panoramic view of Venice. 

From the lagoon to the rooftops, and even the Dolomite mountains (on a clear day!),  you can see a large part of the city and its surrounding.

And don’t worry, if you can’t climb too many stairs, an elevator will take you right up there.

D. The Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs

After visiting the 3 must-see attractions mentioned above, let’s now head to the Doge’s Palace.

You don’t have to go very far as it’s located right next to the Basilica and the campanile.

The Doge’s Palace is a jewel of Venetian Gothic architecture. Trust me, it’s one of the best places to visit during your 3-day itinerary in Venice.

Inside the former residence of the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice, you’ll find beautifully decorated rooms and interesting exhibitions about Venice’s history.

During your visit to the Doge’s Palace, you will also be able to cross the famous Bridge of Sighs.

The Bridge of Sighs, or “Ponte dei Sospiri” in Italian, is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a beautiful, ornate, and enclosed limestone bridge that connects the Doge’s Palace with the historic prisons.

It’s named the “Bridge of Sighs” because prisoners would purportedly sigh at their last view of beautiful Venice through the window before being led to their cells.

If you also want to see the famous bridge from the outside, after the Doge’s Palace, you should also go to the Ponte Della Paglia directly opposite (the best pictures of the bridge are taken from there) or take a gondola ride (book it here!).

E. Correr Museum (optional)

As an optional activity, you can visit the Correr Museum. It’s right there in Saint Mark’s Square, so no additional walking.

Plus, the entrance to the museum is included with the Doge’s Palace ticket, so you don’t have to pay anything more.

It offers a deep dive into Venetian art, history, and culture.

F. Gondola tour on Venice’s Grand Canal

You simply can’t visit Venice without experiencing a gondola ride.

It’s a bit like going to Rome and not seeing the Colosseum, or visiting New York and skipping the Statue of Liberty. A gondola tour on Venice’s Grand Canal is a must-do during your 3-day Venice trip.

You’ll glide along the serene waterways, under quaint bridges, and by historic houses with beautiful balconies spilling over with colorful flowers.

And if you’re lucky, you might even get a gondolier who sings!

If you have the Venice Pass, you can enjoy the superb gondola ride included.

Otherwise, I really advise you to book your gondola ride in advance and online. That way, you are sure the pay a fixed price and not get scammed.

All you have to do is click on the green button below:

If you’ve decided to spend 3 days in Venice with your lover, you might prefer to book a private gondola ride at sunset. To do so, click here!

G. Santa Maria Formosa / Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo / Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

There are 3 beautiful churches that you should definitely see during your 3-day visit to Venice.

First up, Santa Maria Formosa, a beautiful and historic church with some interesting legends associated with it.

According to the story, the Bishop of Altino, St. Magnus, had a vision of the Virgin Mary, who asked him to build a church where he saw a white cloud descend, and this led to the creation of the Santa Maria Formosa – ‘formosa’ meaning ‘shapely’ or ‘beautiful’, in reference to Mary’s apparition.

Santa Maria Formosa is only 5 minutes walking from Piazza San Marco. 

Then, head over to the Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo (from Santa Maria Formosa it’s just a 4-minute walk)— or as the locals call it, “San Zanipolo”.

It’s one of the largest churches in the city and is the final resting place of several Doges.

Last, after a further 5-minute walk, make sure you pass by the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli. It’s smaller than the other two, but its beautiful marble facade is worth a look.

You can visit Santa Maria Formosa and the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli for free with the Venice City Pass.

For the Basilica of San Giovanni, you have to pay around 3.50€. It’s not included in any pass. 

H. Rialto Bridge

As your first day comes to a close, there’s one more stop to make.

You will end your day at the iconic Rialto Bridge, if possible at sunset.

The view of the sun setting over the Grand Canal, with the silhouette of the city skyline against the vibrant hues of the sky, is a spectacle you don’t want to miss during your 3-day tour of Venice.

The Rialto Bridge is just 450 metres from the Santa Maria dei Miracoli church.

After that, it’s time to round off this first day with a nice dinner!

Day 2: What to do in Venice?

Day 2 visits:

A. Ca d’Oro
B. Rialto market
C. Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
D. Scuola Grande di San Roco
E. Ca’Rezzonico
F. Ponte dell Accademia
G. Optional: the Accademia Gallery or Peggy Guggenheim Collection
H. Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
I.  Concert or opera in Venice

A. Ca d’Oro

On the second day of your three-day trip to Venice, you should start with the Ca d’Oro (or “House of Gold”), one of the most beautiful palaces lining the Grand Canal.

Now, don’t be fooled by the name – it’s not actually made of gold.

But with its ornate facade and striking architecture, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Ca d’Oro houses an art museum – the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti – which you must check for its impressive collection of Italian and Flemish masterpieces. In particular, you can admire works by Titian and Mantegna.

However, the real highlight is the view from its balcony, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Grand Canal.

Neither of the 2 passes to visit Venice includes access to Ca d’Oro.

You will therefore need to book your ticket by clicking on the following button:

B. Rialto market

Next, head to the Rialto market, a vibrant market where locals shop for fresh produce, fish, and seafood.

The market buzzes with energy and is a feast for the senses. And who knows, you might even pick up a tip or two about cooking Italian cuisine!

The market operates from Tuesday to Saturday and is best visited in the morning, when the stalls are brimming with fresh goods. If you’re planning on buying anything, don’t forget to bring some cash.

If you really want to discover all the typical Italian products and, above all, taste them, you should book this guided tour of the Rialto market:

C. Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

When you leave the market, you just have to walk 10 minutes to head to the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, one of the city’s greatest churches.

While you step inside this 13th-century gothic church, you will see a treasure chest of artworks, with masterpieces by Titian and Bellini.

And, let’s not forget about the absolutely sublime choir stalls. If you’re into art and history, this is the place for you.

The Basilica is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm, and Sunday afternoons from 1pm. Admission costs €5, and you can rent an audioguide for an additional €2.

D. Scuola Grande di San Roco

Just a stone’s throw away from the Basilica, you will find the Scuola Grande di San Roco, another must-visit on your 3-day Venice itinerary.

It’s home to an incredible collection of Tintoretto paintings. The detailing in these paintings is absolutely incredible!

And if your neck starts aching from looking up at the ceiling (which it probably will), there are mirrored tables available, to give your neck a rest.

Tickets for the Scuola Grande can only be purchased directly on site. Admission costs €10.

E. Ca’Rezzonico

Next on your list should be the Ca’Rezzonico (10-minute walk separates the palace from the scuola grande), a grand palazzo that offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the 18th-century Venetian nobility.

Each room is a masterpiece in itself, with opulent decor and a collection of exquisite art.

The ballroom on the second floor is particularly impressive. You can almost hear the laughter and music from the grand parties once held there.

Keep an eye out for the pastel portraits by Rosalba Carriera which was one of the most famous painters on the century, know for popularizing the use of pastels.

And don’t forget to check out the views of the Grand Canal from the windows!

The Venice City Pass includes admission to Ca’Rezzonico (just keep in mind that the palace is closed on tuesday).

F. Ponte dell Accademia

Then, take the Vaporetto again for 5 minutes and stop at “Academia”.

The Ponte dell’Accademia isn’t just any bridge! It’s not only 1 of the 4 bridges to span the Grand Canal in Venice, but it also offers some of the most amazing views of the city.

Remember the classic postcard view of Venice, with gondolas against a backdrop of pastel-colored buildings? That’s right, it’s taken from this bridge.

This is just the best photo spot over Venice Grand Canal!

G. Optional: the Accademia Gallery or Peggy Guggenheim Collection

If you’re an art aficionado, you now have a choice to make: you can visit the Accademia Gallery or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

The Accademia is a treasure trove of Venetian art from the 14th to 18th centuries. Think names like Bellini, Canaletto, and Carpaccio.

You need to book your tickets here.

On the other hand, the Guggenheim is all about modern art – Kandinsky, Pollock, Picasso, you name it!

Ticket are available by clicking on the button below:

The museum also offers private guided tours with a specialized art guide which need to be booked by clicking here.

H. Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

As your day draws to a close, make your way to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.

You can take the Vaporetto and stop at “Salute”.

Its grand dome and the Baroque architecture make it a standout even in a city full of architectural marvels. Go inside to appreciate the intricate details of the marble structures and altars.

And you know what: it’s free!

The church also organizes paying guided tours of the Sacristy, the dome and the balustrade. You can book them on the official website.

I also recommend that you check the Basilica’s opening times, as they vary considerably depending on the day of the week and the season.

I. Attend a concert or opera in Venice

You can’t possibly spend three days in Venice without immersing yourself in the city’s rich musical culture.

Whether it’s an intimate concert in a historic church or a grand opera at the famous Teatro La Fenice, this is an experience that truly captures the soul of Venice.

If you want to attend an opera in La Fenice, you can book your tickets on the official website of the teatro. But I warn you that tickets can be very expensive!

If you don’t want to break the bank but still want to have a great time with a quality concert, I recommend you choose between:

• The Four Seasons concert at Vivaldi Church (click here for more information): attend a classical concert at Santa Maria della Visitazione.

• Opera in an historic palace on the Grand Canal: if you’re up for a truly Venetian experience, how about an opera in a historic palace, the Palazzo Barbarigo-Minotto?

Day 3 – Visiting Venice’s Islands

A. Murano
B. Burano
C. Torcello

A. Murano

On the third and last day of your 3-day trip to Venice, you should start by visiting Murano, one of the famous Venice’s islands.

Getting to Murano from Venice is straightforward.

You’ll want to take the vaporetto from Fondamente Nove stop in Venice. You can take the Vaporetto for free if you have the Vaporetto Pass.

The lines 12, 13, or N go to Murano, and the journey typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the exact departure and arrival points.

Here are a few things to do and see in Murano, known as the island of glass:

• Visit a Glass Factory: One of the most recommended activities is to tour a glass factory and attend a glassblowing demonstration. You can watch skilled craftsmen create intricate glassworks right in front of you!

If you wish to visit a glass factory and see a glass-blowing demonstration, you need to book here:

In Murano, you can also take part in a glass-blowing workshop. Here, you’ll carry out a few steps yourself, under the supervision of the master glassblower.

You need to book this unique activity here:

• Explore the Glass Museum: the Museo del Vetro provides an in-depth look at the art of glassmaking from ancient times to the present. You’ll see exhibits of archaeological finds and contemporary glass art. Entrance is included with the Venice City Pass.

• Church of Santa Maria e San Donato: This beautiful church is known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and the alleged bones of a dragon slain by Saint Donatus.

• Stroll Around the Island: Murano is made up of seven smaller islands linked by bridges. Take a leisurely walk around these islands, admiring the colorful houses, and stopping by local shops for unique souvenirs.

• Try local cuisine: After exploring, treat yourself to a meal at one of Murano’s local restaurants. Try traditional Venetian dishes, especially the fresh seafood!

B. Burano

Jump back onto the vaporetto and head to the next stop of the day: the island of Burano.

Known for its lace-making and charming colorful houses, this island seems like it has leaped straight out of a painting.

You’ll love strolling through the charming streets and soaking in the lively atmosphere. You can also visit the lace museum, which is included in the Venice City Pass.

If you don’t want to miss a thing of Burano and visit a lace workshop, I recommend booking this one-hour guided tour with a local:

C. Torcello

The last stop of your day is the island of Torcello.

This island may be small, but it’s packed with history and is very enjoyable for its peaceful atmosphere.

While there, you should visithe seventh-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, featuring stunning Byzantine mosaics.

You can also see the famous “Attila’s Throne”, an ancient stone chair. Despite its name, it wasn’t actually used by Attila the Hun, the infamous ruler of the Huns in the 5th century. Instead, the throne likely served as the ceremonial seat for the magistrates of Torcello during the Middle Ages.

And so ends the last day of your trip! Return to the Vaporetto and spend your last night in Venice.

You can find my list of the best accommodations in the city just below.

Where to stay in Venice

Now that you know how to visit Venice in 3 days, you will need to find an hotel.

In order to help you out, here are my favorite hotels of the city, each in a different price category.

And as always, if you already know your travel dates, book your hotel right now! In Venice, the best hotels are fully booked very quickly.

So if you don’t want to end up with a very expensive mediocre room, book your hotel now by clicking on the orange links below:

• Generator Venice: Located on Giudecca. Beds in dormitories from €40. Strong points: very clean, comfortable bed, view.
• Il Lato Azzurro: Located on the picturesque island of Sant’Erasmo, a short boat ride from the bustling streets of Venice. Double rooms, beginning at 85€ per night, with breakfast included. What I loved: the peaceful island location, the garden, the bright rooms.
• Casa Sulla Laguna: Located on Murano, a short boat ride of Venice. Double room overlooking the lagoon, from €120. Strong points: the friendliness of the owners, the peace and quiet, and the quick and easy access to Venice. This is my favourite hotel in Venice for its exceptional value for money!
• San Lio Tourist House: Located in Castelleo district. Modern double room from €150. Strong points: perfect location, super helpful host, near the Rialto bridge.
• Hotel Villa Rosa: Located in the Cannaregio district. Elegantly decorated double room from €190, breakfast included. Strong points: great location, comfortable room, very friendly staff.
• Hotel Moresco: Situated just a short walk from the Grand Canal. This 4* hotel offers spacious and lavishly decorated double rooms, beginning at 330€ per night, with breakfast included. What I loved: the tranquil garden, the enchanting Venetian decor, the hotel’s short distance from key sights. The best hotel in Venice for a luxury stay!
  

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel to stay in Venice, here’s my selection:

• Radisson Collection Hotel: Located on Cannaregio. Well-decorated, comfortable double room from €520, breakfast included. Benefits: the spa, beautiful interior design, great service.
• Ca’di Dio-Small Luxury Hotel: Located 800 metres from the Doge’s Palace. Elegantly decorated double room from € 640 including breakfast. Strong points: great views, friendly and attentive staff, wonderful breakfast.
• Baglioni Hotel Luna – The leading hotels of the world: Just 50 metres from Piazza San Marco. Magnificent and very spacious double room from €690, breakfast €35. Strong points: exceptional staff, very central location, amazing breakfast.
• The St Regis Venice: Located on the banks of Venice’s Grand Canal. Beautiful, elegantly decorated rooms from €1,500 per night, breakfast €50. Strong points: exceptional services, amazing views, beautiful design.

Even more places to visit and activities for your 3-day stay in Venice

You’ve followed my 3-day itinerary in Venice and still have some time left?

In that case, you should read my guide of the 31 best things to do in Venice!

There, you’ll find even more ideas of places to visit and activities to enjoy.

And who knows, maybe after reading my other guide, you’ll even want to extend your stay and spend 4 days or even 5 days in Venice instead of 3!

Map of your 3-day itinerary in Venice

To help you visualize your daily itineraries during your 3 days in Venice, I have created this map with all the places to visit day by day.

You can view the legend of the map by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

Italy travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling in Italy? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Italy: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Italy are listed there.

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• 4 Days in Rome – The best places to visit in 4 days
• 5 Days in Rome – How to spend 5 days in Rome
• 6 Days in Rome – The ultimate Itinerary + Where to stay
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• Where to stay in Rome? – The definitive guide of the best areas!

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