What to See in Venice in 1 Day

Venice is a unique and charming city that should be on your bucket list! If you only have one day to explore Venice, there are definitely some must-see sights that you shouldn’t miss! But don’t worry, most of Venice is just soaking up the charm so you will have not trouble fitting it in. You may wish you had longer to take more strolls, but when you have a budget and only so many days off – you do what you need to do. So whether you are looking for what to see in Venice in 1 day as part of a week-long family vacation in Italy, you are nearby for work, or you are swinging through before/after a Mediterranean Cruise – let me help you plan your day in Venice! Some must see sights in Venic include St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, a gondolar ride through the picturesque canals, and of course a stroll over the famous Rialto Bridge!

Venice, the enchanting floating city in Italy, has a history as rich and captivating as its romantic canals. Founded in the 5th century by refugees fleeing barbarian invasions on the mainland, Venice quickly became a powerful maritime republic known for its vibrant trade, art, and culture. The city’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and the East allowed it to flourish and dominate the trade routes of the Mediterranean. Venice was also known for its unique form of government, with the Doge as the head of state and a complex system of councils and aristocratic families governing the city. The city’s iconic architecture, including the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica and the grand palazzos lining the Grand Canal, reflects its prosperity and power during the Renaissance. Throughout its history, Venice faced numerous challenges, including wars, plagues, and the gradual decline of its maritime empire. However, the city remained a center of art and culture, attracting artists, writers, and musicians from all over Europe. Today, Venice continues to captivate visitors with its timeless beauty and vibrant history, making it a must-see destination for anyone seeking to experience the magic of this unique city.

Arriving in Venice

If you are following along our family Italy vacation, this was our last stop in Italy. We arrived at the Venezia Santa Lucia train station at 9:34am, we left (after finishing what to see in Florence Italy) the Florence Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station at 7:20am. There are a variety of train times to choose from. You should pre-book your tickets for better pricing and availability. We used Omio to pre-book our tickets and scan them from the ap.

Luggage Storage Lockers

Because we didn’t want to trapse up and down canals with suitcases (although plenty of people do) so we opted to leave our luggage at a convenient luggage locker by the train station. It was simple to book, find and use – I higly recommend it! You will want to book it ahead or you may arrive and find there is no availability! We brought with us just a backpack with essentials for one night in Venice. Venice is a popular tourist destination with a high demand on hotel rooms – that means higher prices and less availability, so plan accordingly.

Venice Hotels

We stayed at Hotel San Zulian which was nice, but not too nice, and very centrally located. If that doesn’t work for you, or it’s already booked, I suggest looking for other options here.

what to see in venice

You can take a lovely 23 minute walk or to the city center or take a Vaparetto to get to the city center. A vaporetto is another name for a water taxi or water bus in Venice, operated by ACTV, the public transport authority for Venice. We opted to walk as it gave us a chance to get to see more of Venice for our limited stay.

what to Do in venice

We spent the morning wandering the canals, eating gelato, and enjoying the live music on San Marco square. It truly is a magical city!

what to do in venice italy

At 2pm we did a Venice Highlights: St.Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace tour. I love that tours help make sure we see all the really important, especially great stuff that we may otherwise miss. It also gives us information we might not otherwise get. If you prefer, you can do both these things on your own with a guide book, like Rick Steves.

st mark’s basilica

The outside is beautiful, but when you get in get ready to be wowed! Unlike all the other churches we’ve see in Italy that were in the western roman catholic style, this church was in the Byzantine style. Byzantine churches, influenced by the architecture of the Byzantine Empire, are known for their domes, intricate mosaics, and ornate decorations. Another famous Byzantine churches in Italy is the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, with its stunning mosaics depicting biblical scenes and figures.

On the other hand, Western Roman Catholic churches, like St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, follow a different architectural style characterized by large, soaring arches, ornate sculptures, and grand designs. These churches often have a more symmetrical layout and emphasize verticality to create a sense of awe and grandeur. Despite their differences, both styles of churches in Italy offer a glimpse into the rich history, art, and architecture of the country. Whether you prefer the intricate mosaics of Byzantine churches or the grandeur of Western Roman Catholic architecture, Italy’s churches are sure to captivate and inspire all who visit.

saint mark’s basilica

Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice is a breathtaking masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. This iconic cathedral is a symbol of Venetian pride and has stood as a symbol of the city’s wealth and power for centuries. With its stunning domes, intricate mosaics, and ornate marble columns, it is a true testament to the grandeur of the Venetian Republic.

Visiting Saint Mark’s Basilica is like stepping back in time to a place of opulence and grandeur. As you walk through the awe-inspiring interior, you can’t help but be mesmerized by the beauty that surrounds you. The intricate details of the mosaics, the golden ceilings, and the majestic artwork all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy is a magnificent piece of history that dates back to the 14th century. This iconic landmark served as the residence of the Doge of Venice, the city’s supreme authority, as well as the seat of government and justice.

With its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate details, the Doge’s Palace stands as a testament to the wealth and power of Venice during its heyday as a major maritime power. The palace’s grand halls, stately corridors, and ornate chambers reflect the opulence and prestige of the Venetian Republic. Throughout its storied history, the Doge’s Palace has witnessed political intrigues, diplomatic negotiations, and extravagant celebrations. Visitors can explore its rich heritage by admiring the elaborate artwork, magnificent sculptures, and beautiful frescoes that adorn its walls.

Doges Prison

This stunning Gothic masterpiece not only served as the residence of the Doge (the former ruler of Venice), but also housed the city’s judicial and administrative offices. One of the most intriguing parts of this historic building is the prison and the Bridge of Sighs. The prison within the Doge’s Palace was notorious for its harsh conditions and cramped cells. Many prisoners, including political dissidents and criminals, were held here awaiting trial or serving out their sentences. The conditions were so grim that prisoners often died from diseases or starvation.

But perhaps the most famous feature of the prison is the Bridge of Sighs. This enclosed bridge connected the interrogation rooms in the palace to the prison, earning its name from the sighs of prisoners who caught their last glimpse of beautiful Venice before being imprisoned. The bridge has since become a symbol of romance and mystery in this enchanting city. Visiting the Doge’s Palace and walking across the Bridge of Sighs is a must-do when in Venice. The history and atmosphere of these ancient buildings will transport you back in time and leave you in awe of the city’s past.

what to see in venice Italy

We ended our day going on a classic gondola ride down the picturesque canals, admiring the stunning architecture and soaking in the unique atmosphere of the city. I came here as a teen and again as a newlywed. Things have gotten a lot more commercialized. There is very little haggling or attentive gondeliers anymore. Go off of San Marco’s square where all the gondoliers hang out. The price is less during the day and goes up after 6pm. There are several route choices, but they are all very set and expensive. Boats generally hold up to 4 passengers. When you get on they will point out a few things as you go by, but it has a feeling of a long queue of boats. O well, it is still a fun, unique experience my kids loved.

There’s something truly magical about gliding through the water on a gondola ride. The gentle sway of the boat, the picturesque views of the surrounding architecture, and the peaceful atmosphere all combine to create an unforgettable experience.

The history of the gondola ride dates back to the 11th century, when these iconic boats were the primary mode of transportation for Venetians in the city’s unique waterways. Originally propelled by rowing, gondolas were designed to be sleek and agile, making them perfect for maneuvering through the narrow canals of Venice. Over the years, gondolas became a symbol of romance and luxury, with elaborately decorated boats and skilled gondoliers serenading passengers with traditional Venetian songs. Today, a gondola ride is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice Don’t forget to take a stroll over the famous Rialto Bridge (pictured above) and browse the bustling Rialto Market for a taste of local life.

Grab some dinner for anywhere that looks good and affordable. You can’t go wrong with some homemade pasta.

The next morning we took a train to Ravenna to catch our Greek Isles Cruise. If you are just spending a week in Italy, Venice is a great place to fly home from.

Don’t miss the rest of our 7 day Family Trip to Italy here! Including: