Planning to spend 4 days in Venice? This itinerary is designed to give you the best of Venice, combining its main attractions with unique spots that show a local side of the city.
While you’ll experience the must-sees like St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, you’ll also have time to wander into lesser-known neighborhoods, explore artisan shops, and visit small museums.
Having visited Venice several times, I’m sharing practical tips and insights in this guide based on my experience to help you have a memorable, stress-free experience. Read on to discover the best things to do with four days in Venice.
Venice Planning Tips
Venice is one of the most visited cities in Italy (and Europe), and it is busy for most of the year. Restaurants and tickets for major attractions book up quickly, and top hotels often sell out well in advance. With 4 days in Venice, planning ahead is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Here are a few tips to help you plan your trip:
- Book Your Hotel Well in Advance
We stayed at two beautiful hotels in Venice recently – Hotel Flora and Cima Rosa – but even when I tried making reservations in July for our October trip, I could only snag one or two nights at each because they were mostly booked. I recommend booking your hotel at least six months in advance, especially if you have a particular place in mind. Availability can be limited, and you don’t want to compromise on accommodations. - Reserve Restaurants Before Your Trip
Some of the top restaurants in Venice, like Al Covo and Antiche Carampane, are booked out at least one month ahead of time during peak season. Luckily, several places offer online reservations, so I suggest securing a table at least 1 month before your trip. If you’re unable to book online, calling 3 weeks in advance is the next best option. I found making reservations myself to be a bit tricky, so if you can, ask your hotel concierge to handle it for you – it will save you time and effort. - Pre-book Tickets for Major Sights
Venice’s top sights – Basilica San Marco, Campanile di San Marco, and the Doge’s Palace – are extremely popular, and the lines can be long. Yes, you can wait in line, but with limited time, it’s best to pre-book tickets and avoid the hassle. Without a reservation, you either need to wake up early to beat the crowds or be prepared to wait for an hour or more. In the section below, I’ll provide more details on how to reserve tickets for these sights in advance.
Day 1: San Marco Attractions
Breakfast from a Local Pastry Shop
Venice has no shortage of cafes where you can enjoy a quick pastry and coffee to start your day. Here are two of my favorites, both authentically Italian. You won’t find any seating at either place; instead, do as the Italians do and stand at the counter as you eat and drink.
- Pasticceria Rizzardini – A small, unassuming cake shop with marbled counters and classic wooden decor. I can’t resist any of their cream-filled pastries, and the tiramisu here is truly a must-try.
- Pasticceria Marchini Time – Recommended by a local, this pastry shop offers a large selection of cakes and viennoiseries. If you’re looking for something a little different, try the Pan del Doge.
Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square)
For centuries, Piazza San Marco has been the commercial, political, and religious center of Venice. Napoleon famously called it “the drawing room of Europe,” and it remains the heart of Venetian life today.
The square is home to the city’s main attractions – St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Campanile – making it the busiest part of the city. Plan to spend most of your morning here.
Along the square’s edges, a beautiful portico is lined with classic cafes and high-end shops. The most famous is Caffe Florian, a beautiful, old world cafe with splendid decor. However, be prepared for steep prices – a cappuccino here can run up to €12.
Tip: skip the restaurants in the square. They are overpriced tourist traps with average food. Instead, check out my list of the best restaurants in Venice.
Basilica San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica)
After exploring St. Mark’s square, head to St. Mark’s Basilica. Plan to spend 1-1.5 hours here and aim to book the first time slot of the day at 9:30 AM.
Completed in 1094, this stunning basilica is influenced by Roman and Byzantine architecture and designed in the shape of a Greek cross. Inside, you’ll find gold mosaics covering the ceilings and columns – it’s absolutely breathtaking.
Take time to explore the Pala d’Oro, an exquisite Byzantine altarpiece crafted from gold, the basilica museum, and the terrace, which offers sweeping views over Piazza San Marco.
Reserve your time slot at least one month in advance. Tickets to the church, including all sights inside, cost €20 if booked online. Book your tickets online here.
Practical Info: The basilica is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM – 5:15 PM (last entry at 4:45 PM), and on Sundays and holidays from 2:00 PM – 5:15 PM (last entry at 4:45 PM). Check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and ticket prices.
READ ALSO: 25 Best things to do in Venice, Italy
Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace served as both the residence of the Doge, Venice’s head of state, and as the government’s headquarters for centuries. Built in distinctive Gothic style, the palace is filled with lavish rooms, including the Chamber of the Great Council, one of Europe’s largest halls.
The palace is also home to the infamous Bridge of Sighs, which leads to the old prisons, where convicts took their final glimpse of Venice before imprisonment.
Being one of the top sights in Venice, the Doge’s palace is extremely busy and advance reservations are highly recommended. Reserve your ticket online at the official website. Tickets cost €30 if purchased within 30 days of your visit, or €25 if purchased more than 30 days before your visit.
If you have the 9:30 AM slot for St. Mark’s Basilica, try to book your Doge’s Palace visit for 11:00 or 11:15 AM. Plan on spending 1.5–2 hours here.
The Doge’s Palace is open everyday from:
- April 1 – October 31 between 9:00am – 7:00pm (last entry at 6:00 pm)
- November 1 – March 31 between 9:00am – 6:00pm (last entry at 5:00pm)
Check the official website for updated hours and prices.
TOUR OPTION: I highly recommend booking this 3-hour guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica (including the terraces) and the Doge’s Palace.
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most photographed bridges in Venice. Built in 1600, it was built to connect the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace to the prisons. Legend has it that the bridge’s name reflects the sighs of prisoners as they took their final glimpse of Venice before being led to their cells.
During your visit to the Doge’s Palace, you’ll have the chance to walk across the bridge and explore the prisons. For a great view of the bridge itself, head to the Ponte della Paglia.
READ ALSO: One Day in Venice Itinerary
Cicchetti for Lunch
For a true Venetian experience, head to a bacaro (local wine bar) to try cicchetti—small, delicious bites that are perfect for lunch. Popular cicchetti options include polpette (meatballs), crostini (open-faced sandwiches), and fried fish. Pair them with a glass of Prosecco or local wine to complete the experience.
My favorite spots, all just a short walk from the Rialto Bridge, are All’Arco, Cantina do Spade, Cantina do Mori, and Al Merca. Keep in mind, most of these bars close around 2:30 PM for lunch.
Rialto Bridge
The oldest bridge across the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, completed in 1591, is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Vendors line the inner part of the bridge, making it a good spot to browse for souvenirs or local goods like Murano glass – Giberto Venezia is a must-stop for beautiful glassware.
Tip: For the best views of the bridge, hop on a Vaporetto and try to get a spot in the front or back of the boat, or book a gondola ride that passes under the bridge. Alternatively, you can head to the dock in front of Hotel Rialto or here for good photos.
Museo Fortuny
In the mid-afternoon, head to the Museo Fortuny, one of my favorite museums in Venice and a must-see for anyone interested in art and design.
Housed in the Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei (also known as the Palazzo Fortuny), this museum is dedicated to Mariano Fortuny, a Spanish artist known for his work in fashion, art, photography, and textiles.
The museum preserves his eclectic designs and inventions in his former home and studio. Inside, the walls are draped in sumptuous fabrics and textiles, designed by Fortuny himself, along with his family’s personal collection of artworks and objects from their travels.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the museum and the cost is €10 per person. Opening hours are:
- April 1 – October 31 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
- November 1 – March 31 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
For more information, visit the official website.
Recommendation: If you’re looking for another unique museum to visit but don’t think this one is for you, then I also recommend the Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Just a short walk from the Museo Fortuny, is a unique 15th century spiral staircase built as part of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. The palace was nicknamed “bovolo”, meaning snail in Venetian, which refers to the shape of the staircase that resembles a snail’s shell.
Wind your way to the top of the staircase for a great view of Venice’s rooftops. It’s a quick stop but definitely worth a visit.
There’s no need to purchase tickets in advance, although you can online here. Opening hours are:
- February 26th – October 27th from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- October 28th – February 23th from 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
For up-to-date information, check the official website.
READ ALSO: 2 Days in Venice
Gondola Ride
In the early evening or around sunset, head back to St. Mark’s Square for a gondola ride. While gondoliers can be found throughout Venice, one of the easiest spots to pick one up is at Riva degli Schiavoni, near the Doge’s Palace.
As of 2024, a 30-minute gondola ride costs €90 between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM, and €110 from 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM.
Tip: To save on costs, consider sharing a ride with another person or group. I did this on my first visit to Venice, and it worked out wonderfully.
READ ALSO: 3 Days in Venice Itinerary
Dinner at a local restaurant
Venice has some incredible restaurants, but it also has its share of tourist traps. I’ve spent hours researching the best places to eat, determined to experience the true flavors of the city. I’m sharing a fantastic list of restaurants here, or you can also check out my complete Venice restaurant guide here.
Just be sure to call ahead (if online reservations aren’t available) at least two weeks in advance. Some places book up quickly, and I wouldn’t want you to miss out!
- La Zucca | Fresh dishes and great vegetarian options.
- Birraria La Corte | One of the best pizza restaurants in Venice.
- Da Ivo | Red tablecloths, classic wood furniture, and wonderful Venetian cuisine. A bit pricey but highly recommend.
- Al Covo | One of the most beloved traditional restaurants in Venice. Book your table online at least a month in advance.
- Antiche Carampane | A traditional seafood restaurant with an incredible menu. book your table online at least 2 months in advance during the high season.
Day 2: Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, and Cannaregio
Stop by a Cafe in Santa Croce
I love Venice’s Santa Croce neighborhood. It’s only a 15-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge, yet it feels tucked away and authentic.
For breakfast, I recommend stopping by Majer or Boresso. Both serve excellent pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
Explore the Dorsoduro District
After breakfast, hop on the vaporetto at San Stae and ride along the Grand Canal until you reach the Accademia stop. This is a quick and budget-friendly way to take in the canal’s sights and get around Venice.
The Dorsoduro is an artsy neighborhood, home to some of Venice’s best museums, independent galleries, and artisanal shops. It’s a neighborhood that’s easy to wander around for hours because there’s something cool to see on every corner!
Laguna B, a contemporary glassware shop, and Olbi Paolo, a handmade journal shop, are a couple of my favorite stores in the area.
Ponte dell’Accademia
Before you start exploring the neighborhood, make sure to go to the top of the Ponte dell’Accademia, right next to the vaporetto stop. This wooden bridge has one of the best views of the Grand Canal, especially looking out towards the iconic Basilica di Santa Maria della salute.
Visit an Art Museum
Dorsoduro is home to two incredible museums: the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell’Accademia. You can easily visit both in a single day or pick the one that intrigues you most.
Each museum takes about 1–1.5 hours to explore, and they showcase very different styles of art. I recommend both if you have the time, otherwise, the Peggy Guggenheim museum is my first pick.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
This museum, located in Peggy Guggenheim’s former home, houses one of the most important collections of modern art in Italy. Guggenheim was a passionate art collector, and her collection includes works by Picasso, Pollock, Dalí, and other major 20th-century artists.
The museum has a peaceful garden, filled with sculptures, as well as a sit-down cafe. Make sure to go to the terrace to enjoy the views along the Grand Canal.
The museum is open Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays) from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM with the last entrance at 5:00 PM. You can purchase tickets online in advance; however, you shouldn’t have a problem purchasing tickets in person upon arrival. I got mine the day of and the line was quick.
Gallerie dell’Accademia
The Gallerie dell’Accademia houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Venetian art in the world. Established in 1750, the museum was originally part of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia, a prestigious fine arts school.
Today, you can discover the museum’s incredible collection of Renaissance masterpieces, featuring works by artists, such as Titian and Bellini.
The museum is open on Monday from 8:15 AM – 2:00 PM (ticket office closes at 1:00 PM). Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 7:15 PM (ticket office closes at 6:15 PM.
Admission is €15 per person; however, if you arrive before 9:15AM, you can purchase a reduced ticket for €10. Tickets are available either online or upon arrival – there is no need to reserve in advance. For more information, visit the official website.
READ ALSO: 16 Best Museums in Venice
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
At the very edge of the Dorsoduro is the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, a beautiful 17th century Baroque church. The church’s massive dome, or Cupola, is one of the most recognizable features of the Venetian skyline.
You can visit the top of the dome for €8 from Friday to Sunday. Opening hours vary throughout the year; check out the official website for updated information.
Lunch
Here are a few options for lunch in the Dorsoduro neighborhood:
- Linead’ombra
- Ristorante San Trovaso
- Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti
These options are on the pricier side, but if you’re looking for something quick and affordable, grab some cicchetti at the Corner Pub.
For lunch in San Marco (across the Grand Canal), I recommend Da Ivo.
San Giorgio Maggiore Church & Campanile
For one of the most incredible views of Venice, skip the crowded bell tower in St. Mark’s Square and take the vaporetto to the small island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
From the top, you’ll see all of Venice spread out before you, including St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Campanile, and the Doge’s Palace. You won’t find a better view than this!
For €8 per person (cash only), you can take a lift to the top and enjoy a stunning, crowd-free view of Venice’s skyline. The bell tower is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
To reach the island, take the vaporetto from S. Marco San Zaccaria “B” to the S. Giorgio stop (just one stop away).
Wander & Shop
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city and popping into some local shops or checking out another museum in Venice’s Cannaregio, San Marco, and Santa Croce neighborhoods. Here are a few recommendations:
- Galleria Giorgio Franchetti – A wonderful art gallery and palace with marble mosaics and a terrace with a lovely view overlooking the Grand Canal.
- Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art – Venice’s Modern Art museum.
- Piedàterre – A shoe store selling the cutest velvet Venetian slippers.
- Gelato di Natura – My favorite gelato shop in Venice.
- Ambrus Antichità Venezia – A beautiful antique store.
READ ALSO: 5 Best Gelato Shops in Venice
Drinks along the Fondamenta della Misericordia
Step away from the crowds and into Venice’s Cannaregio neighborhood. Along this canal street, you won’t encounter any tourist traps – just small, welcoming bars and restaurants that line the Fondamenta.
This street is one of the best places in Venice for local nightlife, with affordable drinks and a laid-back vibe. Here are a few wine bars that were recommended to me by a local:
The Casino stop on the vaporetto along the Grand Canal is the closest stop to the Fondamenta.
Dinner
If you’re in the Cannaregio neighborhood, I highly recommend reserving a table at L’Anice Stellato. Their inventive small plates offer a fresh take on Venetian cuisine
La Zucca is located just across the Grand Canal and has a great selection of pastas and vegetable dishes. And if you’re craving pizza, Birraria La Corte is my top pick.
Day 3: Day Trip to the Islands + Castello district
Your final day in Venice includes a day trip to the most popular islands in the Venetian Lagoon, including Murano, Burano, and Torcello. I have outlined a self-guided day trip below, or alternatively, you can book one of the guided half-day tours below.
Day Tour Options:
- Half-day tour to Murano and Burano with a glass blowing demonstration
- Luxury half-day trip to Murano and Burano on private boat
- Murano, Burano, Torcello, and Glass Factory Half-Day Tour
Murano Island
Start your day in Murano, the island famous for its incredible glassmaking traditions. To get a sense of Murano’s history, begin at the Glass Museum, which takes you on a journey through centuries of glassmaking – from Roman times to present day.
Afterward, explore the island’s many glass studios. You’ll find shops selling glassware all around the island and Fondamenta Manin is a good place to start. I personally love these studios:
For an even closer look, you can book a glassblowing demonstration like this one.
How to get to Murano from Venice: From the Fondamente Nove A vaporetto station, take the water bus to the Murano Faro stop. It only takes about 10-15 minutes. There are several lines that go to Murano from this station, you can ask the attendant for the best choice. We took line 12 from here.
Burano Island
From Murano, take the scenic 35-minute vaporetto ride to Burano, famous for its vibrant, colorfully painted houses and rich lace-making heritage. Wander through the charming streets, stop into lace shops, and, if time permits, visit the Lace Museum to see this intricate art up close.
For lunch, I recommend Trattoria al Gatto Nero or Trattoria da Romano (the risotto at Romano is a must!). Be sure to book a few weeks in advance, as tables fill up quickly at these popular spots.
How to get from Murano to Burano: Take vaporetto #12 from Murano Faro to Burano.
Torcello Island (Optional)
Just a quick 14-minute vaporetto ride from Burano, Torcello is a quiet, grassy island and one of Venice’s earliest settlements.
Wander its quiet paths and discover the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, home to stunning Byzantine mosaics dating back to the 11th century. With its rustic, untouched charm, Torcello offers a peaceful contrast to Venice’s busier spots and is well worth an hour or so visit.
How to get from Burano to Torcello: Take either vaporetto #9 or #12 to Torcello from Burano. To get back to Venice, you can either take #12 or you may have to take #9 back to Burano and then catch the #12 to Venice. Double check the daily schedule.
Castello Neighborhood
Your day trip to the islands should only take a little over half a day. Expect to make it back to Venice around 3:00 PM.
Once you’re back in Venice, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Castello neighborhood. I’ve shared a few sights that are worth visiting below:
Museums / Sights
- Museo di Palazzo Grimani
- Fondazione Querini stampalia
- Arsenale di Venezia
- Chiesa di santa maria dei miracoli
- Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Shops
- Libreria Acqua alta
- Papier Machè Venezia
- Archivio Cameraphoto Epoche
- Gianni Basso
Dinner
You have a few options for dinner in Castello. Corta Sconta is a solid option, offering a variety of seafood dishes. Al Covo and Alle Testiere are both highly-rated, and you need to book weeks, if not months, in advance to get a table.
Al Covino is another fantastic option, serving a blend of Napoli and Venetian cuisine. I suggest ordering one of their tasting menus.
Day 4: Explore at your own pace
In my opinion, 4 days is just the right amount of time to spend in Venice. The first 3 days are spent seeing the main sights and getting a feel for the city, and on your final day, you have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.
Revisit your favorite neighborhoods, browse more artisan shops, take a cooking class, go on a food tour, or explore another museum or two.
Below, you’ll find a selection of museums, unique sights, and guided tours to help you make the most of your last day in Venice. I’ve starred my favorite museums to help you decide.
For lunch and dinner options, I recommend reading over my Venice restaurant guide.
MUSEUMS
- Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art and Oriental Art Museum – A modern art gallery with works by Klimt, Rodin, Chagall, and more. Also includes the Oriental Art Museum with a fantastic collection of decorative pieces.
- Museo Correr – Home to Venice’s Civic Museum that takes you through the history of Venice.
- Ca’ Rezzonico (Museum of 18th Century Venice)* – A beautiful palace with lavish grand halls and ballrooms with period furniture and art.
- Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro* – A stunning Gothic palace with a collection of Renaissance art, sculptures, and tapestries. The mosaic floors in the courtyard and the balcony with views overlooking the Grand Canal make this one of my favorite museums in Venice.
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco* – A remarkable Renaissance building renowned for its extraordinary cycle of paintings by Jacopo Tintoretto.
- Museo di Palazzo Grimani* – A palace filled with frescoed ceilings and classical sculptures. Highly recommend.
- Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo – Venice’s costume and perfume museum with a collection of period clothing and Venetian perfumes.
- Fondazione Querini Stampalia – A house museum showcasing contemporary architecture and art. Highly recommend for art and design lovers.
- Pinault Collection – A unique space with contemporary art exhibitions.
UNIQUE SIGHTS
- Jewish ghetto in Cannaregio – Book this 2-hour guided walking tour to learn more about this fascinating neighborhood.
- Squero San Trovaso – Located in the Dosroduro district, this is a working boatyard where you’ll see gondolas being repaired or built.
- T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace – One of the best views overlooking the Grand Canal on the rooftop terrace of the T Fondaco department store. It is free to visit but you must reserve online at least one month in advance. It books up fast.
- Giardini Reali – The Royal Gardens located near St. Mark’s Square. Nice for a quick break – free to visit.
- Teatro La Fenice – Venice’s prestigious opera house. Book tickets for a show or visit the beautiful theater on you own during the day.
TOUR OPTIONS
4-Day Venice Itinerary Overview
DAY 1:
- Breakfast from a local pastry shop
- Piazza San Marco
- Basilica San Marco
- Doge’s Palace
- Bridge of Sighs
- Cicchetti for lunch
- Rialto Bridge
- Museo Fortuny
- Scala Contarini Del Bovolo
- Gondola Ride
- Dinner
DAY 2:
- Breakfast at a cafe in Santa Croce
- Ponte dell’Accademia
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection and/or Gallerie dell’Accademie
- Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
- Lunch
- San Giorgio Maggiore
- Wander & Shop
- Drinks along the Fondamenta della Misericordia
- Dinner in Cannaregio or Santa Croce
DAY 3:
- Day trip to Murano, Burano, and Torcello
- Explore the Castello Neighborhood
- Dinner in Castello
DAY 4:
- Explore the city at your own pace
Where to Stay in Venice
To limit walking, I recommend staying in one of Venice’s central neighborhoods, such as San Polo, San Marco, Dorsoduro, or Santa Croce.
We recently stayed at Hotel Flora, a charming boutique hotel in the San Polo district, and absolutely loved it. If you’re after a laid-back, authentic hotel experience, I highly recommend it. Plus, it’s only a 10-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square.
Another favorite is Cima Rosa, a boutique hotel in the local Santa Croce neighborhood, perfect for a quieter stay. For a high-end option, consider Hotel Danieli, just steps away from the Doge’s Palace, or Il Palazzo Experimental in the Dorsoduro district.
How to Get Around Venice
Venice is incredibly walkable, with most places, including Piazza San Marco, within a 15-20 minute walk from almost anywhere in the city. However, crossing the Grand Canal can be tricky, as there are only four bridges connecting the two sides.
The vaporetto, or water bus, is the most convenient option for getting around via the Grand Canal. To use the water bus, you can either purchase an ACTV daily pass or a single ride ticket.
I recommend purchasing a daily transportation pass for days 2 and 3 of this itinerary. You shouldn’t need it for days 1 and 4. The pass includes unlimited transport around Venice and to the islands outside of Venice, including Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
ACTV Pass Prices:
- 1 Day: €25 per person
- 2 Days: €35 per person
- 3 Days: €45 per person
The pass is available at several locations, including Marco Polo Airport, the train station, and popular vaporetto stops like San Zaccaria, Accademia, and San Marco.
You can also reserve passes online via the Venezia Unica site. Booking online at least 30 days in advance will get you a small discount.
Alternatively, if you only plan to take the water bus once or twice, a standard ticket costs €9.50, valid for 75 minutes. You can pay with a credit card or phone using the tap-on/tap-off system.
How to Get to Venice
Plane
Venice’s Marco Polo airport is an international hub with flights to and from destinations around the world. To get to Venice from the airport, I recommend taking the direct Alilaguna shuttle. It costs €15 for a one-way ride and €27 for a round-trip ticket from the airport to Venice. There are 3 lines from the airport – red, orange, and blue. Make sure to ask your hotel or accommodation, which stop is nearest to where you are staying.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from the airport to Venice Piazzale Roma, which is near the train station. From here, you can hop on a water bus to your destination.
Finally, the quickest way to get from the airport into the city is by private water taxi. Expect to pay around €150 for this service and it takes around 30 minutes each way. You can reserve this through your hotel or you can book this shared water taxi.
Train
There are two train stations for Venice: Venezia Mestre and Venezia Santa Lucia. If you’re staying on the island, be sure to book your tickets to Santa Lucia. Mestre is located on the mainland, and you’ll need to book a separate train ticket to reach Santa Lucia from there.
Once you arrive at Santa Lucia, you can either walk, take a water taxi, or hop on a vaporetto to reach your final destination.
Car
I’ve never driven to Venice, but it’s important to know that you can’t drive around the island since there are no roads. If you have a car, you’ll need to park it at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, both near the Santa Lucia train station, and then take public transportation from there.
When is the Best time to Visit Venice
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Venice, with ideal months being March, April, May, and late September through November. The weather is pleasant during these months, and while you may get a bit of rain in the spring, crowds are much lighter than during peak summer season.
I’ve also visited Venice in August, and it was incredibly hot and crowded. If possible, try to avoid July and August for a more comfortable experience.
More Information for your Trip to Italy
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – We’ve rented a car in Italy many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.