If you only have one day in Venice, planning ahead is crucial. I highly recommend using an efficient one day venice itinerary like this one if you only have 24 hours to spend in this historic city. Venice has so much to see and experience but you can definitely see the most popular attractions in one day and get a sense of this unique city on water.
How to Spend 1 Day in Venice Italy
There is so much to see and do in Venice that it may be difficult to know where to start. You’re in the right place to learn the best things to see in a short one day trip to Venice Italy. We went on an epic 10 day trip to Italy and saw so much of this beautiful country. We did a day trip via train to Venice from our base hotel in Rome and got to see a lot of this beautiful city. Italians have refined the art of slowing down to enjoy life and I think it’s important to take that to heart while visiting.
Is Venice Worth Visiting?
In a word, YES Venice is worth visiting. This city built on water is one of a kind and has a history like no where else. I definitely recommend taking a guided tour of Venice to learn more about the interesting history of this city. We went on the famous Secret Itineraries Tour through the Doge’s Palace and dungeons and it was probably my favorite tour of the whole trip.
How Many Days to Spend in Venice?
This itinerary will show you the best things to do in Venice for one day, however I would say 3-4 days in Venice would be optimal. If you can afford to spend a couple more days in this city I think it is worth it. We only visited Venice for one day on a day trip from Rome during our 10 day Italy itinerary but I wish we had spent more time. 24 hours in Venice is not enough to experience everything this amazing city has to offer. It is, however, enough time to hit the highlights.
Getting to Venice
We did a day trip to Venice from Rome by train. I loved taking the train all over Italy during our trip. The train in Italy is fast, efficient, and not too expensive. We left our luggage at our hotel in Rome and did day trips everywhere. Venice is a 3-4 hour train ride from Rome depending on the speed of train you choose. Wherever you are coming from, take the train to Venezia S. Lucia train station in Venice to be closest to all the attractions.
Boat Taxi in Venice Italy
Once you get to the Venezia S. Lucia train station in Venice you take the boat taxi from outside the train station. Buy your ticket for the Venice boat taxi in the train station at a kiosk. Ride the ACTV Water Bus Route #2 boat taxi down the Grand Canal until you get to Piazza San Marco (S. Marco) shown above. The boat taxis in Venice are an experience in itself and a great first impression of the city.
Rome Day Trip to Venice
Most people fly in to Rome when visiting Italy. Taking a day trip to Venice from Rome is a great plan if you’re trying to see a lot in a short amount of time. If you’re able to stay a night or two in Venice, even better, but 24 hours in Venice is enough to definitely hit the highlights of this famous watery city. You can book high speed train tickets through Get Your Guide, my favorite tour and activity website, or directly through the Italiarail or Trenitalia websites.
Things to Do in Venice in One Day
Secret Itineraries Tour
Doge’s Palace
Churches of Venice
Saint Mark’s Basilica
Venice Gondola Tour
Get Lost
What to eat in Venice
Being a city on the water, Venice is known for its seafood. Some of the most popular dishes in Venice include mantecato (creamed cod), bigoli in salsa (thick pasta with onion and salted fish) or sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines). Venice is also known for having some not-so-great restaurants mostly due to people just trying to make a quick buck off tourists by setting up shop right next to St. Marks Square or other major landmarks. Definitely be wary of restaurants with big signage or prominent displays in English that are right next to major tourist attractions.
Bridge of Sighs, Venice Italy
Venice One Day Itinerary
Morning in Venice
Arrive as early as you can in Venice by plane or train then take a boat taxi down the Grand Canal until you get to Piazza San Marco (S. Marco)
Take a tour in Venice - We took the Secret Itineraries Tour through Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs and it was amazing. The tour also goes through the secret passageways and prisons of Doge’s Palace and you learn the dark history of Venice. One of my favorite experiences in all of Italy.
Doge’s Palace, Venice Italy
Afternoon in Venice
After the tour, stop for lunch at Bacaro Vintido' and try one of the dishes Venice is known for
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Santa Maria dei Frari (St. Mary of the Friars)
Evening in Venice
Gondola ride - book in advance to make sure you get a beautiful sunset gondola ride in Venice
Eat dinner at Osteria Fanal del Codega for classic Italian specialties with a view of the canal.
Head back to your hotel or back to the train station
If you get lost along the way that is part of the charm of Venice. This ancient city of waterways is confusing and beautiful and sometimes difficult to navigate.
Perfect One Day in Venice Italy
I hope you have a fantastic trip and enjoy every minute of your one day itinerary in Venice! Hopefully this itinerary helped you plan the perfect day in Venice with your loved ones that you will cherish for years to come. If you’d like more information about our 10 day trip to Italy please check out my 10 day Italy itinerary.
