Venice in 2 days: an hour-by-hour itinerary
Quick answer
For two days in Venice, spend the first on the centre (St Mark's, Doge's Palace, Rialto, Dorsoduro) and the second on Cannaregio and the islands of Murano and Burano. If you sleep in Venice or Mestre you are exempt from the access fee, which cost day-trippers €5 or €10 in 2026.
Hours and prices checked on
Point your camera at any artwork
Try it free in Venice
AnyArt recognizes paintings, sculptures and monuments and tells you their story in seconds, like a personal audio guide. Free for iPhone, iPad and Android.
Day 1: the heart of Venice
- 1
08:30 · San Marco
St Mark's Basilica and Square
Arrive early to see the golden mosaics in peace.
- 2
10:00 · San Marco
Doge's Palace
Book a time and give it 1.5 to 2 hours, including the Bridge of Sighs.
- 3
13:00 · San Polo
Rialto and lunch in a bacaro
Stand-up lunch of cicchetti near the market.
- 4
15:00 · Dorsoduro
Accademia or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Pick Venetian painting or modern art. Check hours on the official sites.
- 5
18:00 · Zattere
Sunset and dinner in Dorsoduro
Stroll the Zattere and dine in the neighbourhood.
Day 2: Cannaregio and the islands
- 1
09:00 · Cannaregio
The Jewish Ghetto
Europe's first ghetto (1516), with synagogues, a museum and shops, in a quieter part of the city.
- 2
10:30 · Cannaregio
Fondamenta della Misericordia and Madonna dell'Orto
A canalside walk without crowds to Tintoretto's church, where he is buried.
- 3
12:30 · Fondamente Nove
Vaporetto to Murano
Visit a glass workshop. The furnaces and Glass Museum explain the island's history.
- 4
15:00 · Burano
Burano and its coloured houses
Walk the lace island and photograph the facades. Late afternoon is best, after the groups leave.
- 5
18:30 · Cannaregio
Return and aperitivo
Head back and have a spritz in Cannaregio before dinner.
Tips for two days
- Sleep in Venice or Mestre to avoid the access fee on designated days.
- Book the Doge's Palace and Accademia ahead on their official sites.
- A 48-hour vaporetto pass usually pays off once you add the island trips.
- Scan facades, sculptures and paintings with AnyArt to hear their story.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 days enough for Venice?
Yes, for the centre and a trip to Murano and Burano.
What should you see on day two in Venice?
Cannaregio, the Ghetto and the islands of Murano and Burano.
Do I pay the fee if I sleep in Venice?
No. Guests staying in the municipality are exempt, though you may need to register as the official site directs.
How do you get to Murano and Burano?
By vaporetto from Fondamente Nove. Check current lines on the transport website.
What is the access fee situation for 2027?
Dates and amounts for 2027 are not yet confirmed. Check cda.ve.it.