Weekend in Venice: A two days Itinerary
Venice, the enchanting “City of Canals” is a place where every corner tells a story, and every canal is a new adventure waiting to be explored. While Venice deserves an extended stay, a weekend getaway can provide a delightful taste of this unique destination. Join us for an unforgettable 48-hour journey where we’ll uncover the city’s most captivating highlights, suggesting you what to do and what to see in Venice for a weekend to create memories to last a lifetime.
Day 1: Venice’s Timeless Charm
1. Scala Contarini del Bovolo
2. Piazza San Marco
3. Basilica di San Marco
4. Doge’s Palace
5. Rialto Bridge
6. Fondaco dei Tedeschi: An Exterior View
7. Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli
8. Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
9. Libreria AcquaAlta
10. Gondola Ride
11. Teatro La Fenice
Day 1: Venice’s Timeless Charm
Morning
1. Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Start your weekend adventure by visiting Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, a unique architectural gem with a late Gothic look, located in the San Marco district, near Campo Manin overlooking the Rio di San Luca.
Originally constructed in the 14th century, the palace gained its distinctive feature — the spiral staircase — towards the end of the 15th century. Designed by architect Giovanni Candi, the 26-meter-high spiral staircase grants access to the adjacent loggias on all four floors of the palace. From its pinnacle, visitors can savor breathtaking panoramic views of the city.Legend has it that Pietro Contarini built a similar staircase to ride his horse directly into his bedroom on the top floor. The palace later passed through various owners, earning it the nickname “dal Bovolo” after the staircase’s snail-like shape.
2. Piazza San Marco
Continue to delight your morning by reaching Piazza San Marco, the very heart of Venice, close to the place where Ninfea Luxury Suites is located. Get ready to explore this magical city beginning from the biggest square in town, where you can fall in love with the landscape at first sight. Heights don’t scare you? Try to visit the bell tower situated in the square for an unforgettable panoramic view and amazing photo shoots.
3. Basilica di San Marco
In Piazza San Marco you will have the opportunity to visit the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica. The present structure is the third church on the site, built in the 11th century to express Venice’s growing power and wealth.
The Basilica has been inspired by the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, adorned in the interior with over 8000 square meters of intricate gold mosaics, and in the exterior with domes, arches, columns, mosaics, and sculptures, many of which were spoils from the Fourth Crusade.
ADVICE: Book your tickets in advance to skip the line!
4. Doge’s Palace
Explore the adjacent Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The palace was built in several stages, starting from the 9th century, when it was a fortified castle and then modified in the following centuries, especially the 14th and the 15th. The palace contains many artistic treasures and has a rich and varied architecture on the outside, as on the inside, with a distinctive white and pink color scheme for the marble adorning the facade.
Walk across the Bridge of Sighs and imagine the tales of prisoners as they caught their last glimpse of freedom looking from the bridge window while they were moved to the fearsome “Piombi di Venezia”.
Lunch
Make your lunchtime a masterpiece at the Café inside the Museo Correr, overlooking one of the most spectacular views of Venice on St. Mark’s Square. Enjoy the curated gastronomic selection, crafted to showcase the finest of “Made in Italy” while paying homage to the rich Venetian tradition.
Another option is to immerse yourself in the authentic Venetian atmosphere at Rialto Market with fresh products, seafood, and local delicatessen. It’s a sensory delight you will be happy to try and remember.
Afternoon
5. Rialto Bridge
Cross the oldest bridge in Venice, and undoubtedly the most renowned. Built in stone between 1588 and 1591, it offers a view of the Grand Canal in all its splendor. The bridge was designed by Antonio da Ponte, an architect who understood that beauty and functionality could coexist seamlessly, so he decided to design it with graceful arches curve like the strings of a violin, harmonizing with the water below. As you ascend its steps, take a moment to appreciate the intricate details — the balustrades adorned with white Istrian marble, the weathered steps worn smooth by countless footsteps, and the delicate curves that seem to defy gravity.TIP: Visit the Rialto Bridge during the golden hours just before sunset. The sun’s warm embrace bathes the bridge in a soft glow, casting elongated shadows on the water.
6. Fondaco dei Tedeschi: An Exterior View
Beside the Rialto Bridge, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi overlooks the Grand Canal. Once a trading base and lodging house for German merchants, the building reflects Venice’s long history as a commercial crossroads.
The DFS department store stopped trading on April 30, 2025. This itinerary includes the building as an exterior stop, best viewed from the Rialto Bridge. Do not plan on shopping inside or visiting the rooftop terrace.
7. Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a seeker of quiet contemplation, Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli invites you to experience its timeless beauty. Located in the Cannaregio district of Venice this exquisite gem stands as a harmonious blend of elegance and devotion, being a testament to Renaissance architecture and artistry. The Architect Pietro Lombardo masterfully designed the church, built between 1481 and 1489, emphasizing symmetry and delicate details.
The facade is adorned with marble inlays that create a mesmerizing geometric pattern. The central portal features a rounded arch and intricate reliefs, while the upper level showcases a rose window framed by delicate columns.
Step inside to discover a small, intimate space illuminated by soft light filtering through the stained glass windows. The interior boasts a coffered ceiling adorned with golden stars and a marble floor, meticulously laid out in a checkerboard pattern.
8. Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Known locally as San Zanipolo, the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo stands in the Castello district and is one of Venice’s major medieval churches.
Its history is closely tied to the Dominican friars and the Venetian Republic, and its interior contains numerous funerary monuments honoring the doges and other prominent Venetians.
Beyond the Gothic facade, tall columns and pointed arches divide the interior into a central nave and two side aisles. Take time to explore the funerary monuments and Giovanni Bellini’s St. Vincent Ferrer polyptych. The Rosary Chapel also houses significant paintings by Paolo Veronese.
Check the basilica’s official website before visiting, as sightseeing hours differ from the hours reserved for prayer.
9. Libreria Acqua Alta
Discover this book lover’s paradise nestled in Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa, this enchanting bookstore invites visitors to explore its unconventional layout who defies convention by using boats, gondolas, canoes, and even bathtubs as bookshelves! Amidst the books, cats friendly lounge, and occasionally, the rising waters.
As you wander through the narrow aisles, you’ll discover hidden corners where literary treasures are stacked in old wooden boats. Each vessel holds a collection of books, creating a whimsical and surreal atmosphere.
TIP: Climb the precarious staircase made entirely of books, and you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the canal just outside the window. The sight of gondolas gliding by, their passengers lost in stories, adds to the magic of this bibliophile’s haven.
10. Gondola Ride
Treat yourself to a quintessential Venetian experience with a private gondola ride along the city’s picturesque canals. Admire the historic buildings and bridges from the water and if you are feeling romantic share a kiss and sparkling wine while you admire the sunset from the boat.
Evening
Dinner at a Trattoria
Savor authentic Venetian cuisine at one of the many local trattorias you can find in the city. Try dishes like risotto, fresh seafood, and tiramisu to experience the true local culinary culture.
11. Teatro la Fenice
Head to “Teatro La Fenice” for an evening of culture. If there’s a performance, don’t miss the chance to witness the magic of this historic opera house, open since the end of the 1700. You need to know that “Fenice” means “Phoenix” in Italian, and as this legendary creature rises from ashes, also this theater did: burned to the ground a couple of times in the 1836 and 1996, it has been then reborn both the times following the original architecture.
Day 2: Venice’s Artistic Delights
Morning
1. Ponte dell’Accademia
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll across Ponte dell’Accademia. The current wooden bridge dates back to 1933, designed by Eugenio Miozzi, replacing an earlier steel structure, and it is considered one of the best spot for capturing the essence of Venice in the soft morning light, with its picturesque views of the Grand Canal.
2. Venice’s Museums
Next, immerse yourself in one of the well known Museums of Venice. According to your preferences for ancient or modern art, you can alternatively choose:
2.a Gallerie dell’Accademia: a rich artistic heritage, home to Venice’s most significant collection of pre-19th-century art. Among them you will find masterpieces by Tintoretto, Tiziano, Canaletto and Giorgione.
2.b Fondazione Pinault: a Museum for contemporary art enthusiasts, located at Punta della Dogana, that showcases a dynamic selection of over 10.000 modern works in a space where past and present coexist harmonically.
2.c Peggy Guggenheim Collection: housed in the former home of the American heiress, this museum boasts an impressive array of 20th-century European and American art, set against the backdrop of the Grand Canal. The collection includes works of Picasso, Dalì and Pollock, among others. The garden is also a peaceful oasis, where it is possible to enjoy a privileged view of the canal as well as the flowers and plants that create a colorful contrast with the artworks.
3. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
As noon approaches, make your way to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Commonly known as “La Salute,” this grand Baroque church was built in the 17th century as a votive offering for the city’s deliverance from the plague.
4. Punta della Dogana
A historic landmark in Venice, graces the entrance to the Grand Canal. Its triangular shape, adorned with statues and steeped in history, captivates visitors. Restored by architect Tadao Ando, it now harmoniously blends past and present, offering cultural and visual delights.
Lunch
Conclude your morning with a visit to the historic Squero di San Trovaso, where gondolas are crafted and repaired. Just opposite, enjoy a delightful lunch at Cicchetteria allo Squero, where you can savor traditional Venetian ‘cicchetti’ and a glass of local wine while overlooking the quaint Squero.
TIP: Cicchetteria allo Squero has been part of our guide to the best places to eat in Venice. Read the guide and discover the others!
Afternoon
5. Campo di San Trovaso
Located in the Dorsoduro district, Campo di San Trovaso is a picturesque square close to the Squero di San Trovaso. The square’s unusual structure features two levels and a small green area. The majestic Chiesa di San Trovaso stands between these two parts. While not many prominent buildings face the square, the Gothic facade of Palazzo Barbarigo Nani Mocenigo across the canal adds to its charm.
6. Ponte dei Pugni (Bridge of Fists)
Situated near Campo San Barnaba, this bridge is a fascinating piece of Venetian history, famous for its historical tradition the “War of the Fists”. In the past centuries, rival factions, the Castellani from San Pietro di Castello and the Nicolotti from San Nicolò dei Mendicoli, would engage in fistfights on the bridge. The goal was to push opponents into the canal below. The bridge’s top bears the impressions of four footprints, marking the starting position of these fighters.
7. Campo Santa Margherita
A lively square in the Dorsoduro district, Campo Santa Margherita is a favorite gathering spot for both university students and locals. During the day, residents and tourists alike frequent this vibrant Venetian space. It’s a great place to soak in the atmosphere, to people-watch, and to enjoy the energy of the city.
8. Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Founded in 1478, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a lay confraternity. The impressive building, located in the Campo dei Frari, features Tintoretto’s renowned pictorial cycle depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Over 60 paintings are preserved here in their original placement, making it a remarkable site.
9. Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Commonly known as “i Frari”, is the largest basilica in Venice. It received the title of minor basilica from Pope Pius XI in 1926. Situated in the Campo dei Frari, it’s dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. Inside there is the Assumption, an indisputable and extraordinary oil on panel painting by Titian, dated 1516-1518, which, today as then, decorates the central altar. The basilica houses an exceptional collection of art and remains an active place of worship and cultural heritage.
Canal-side Dinner
For your final evening we advise you to dine at one of the many charming canal-side restaurants. Delight yourself with Venetian flavors while you enjoy one of the most charming Venice’s views.
Conclusion: A Weekend to Remember
As you bid farewell to Venice, you’ll carry with you the memories of two unforgettable days in this romantic city. This 48-hour itinerary provides just a glimpse of Venice’s treasures, nevertheless it’s a perfect introduction to the City of Canals’ timeless charm. Whether you’re a romantic couple, an art enthusiast, or a history buff, Venice has something special to offer. Until next time, Venice and Ninfea Luxury Suites will always welcome you back for another magical journey through the canals and alleys of the city.
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