Whether you are visiting with friends, have a business trip, or are planning a romantic getaway, choosing Venice to spend it in is an excellent idea. The City of Water is one of the most popular vacation spots in the world and there is something for everyone.
Shopping at the local market or huge mega-mall, visiting the splendid parks, or learning about the local culture at the museums are just a few of the activities you may enjoy. But be sure to store your shopping bags and backpacks at a luggage storage locker in Venice first, so you can go bag-free.
Friday
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza di San Marco)
- Start your weekend off with a bang at Piazza San Marco, better known as St. Mark’s Square. There are many shops, bars, and eateries along the square where you can enjoy drinks, have some dinner, or grab some cool souvenirs. Don’t pass up your chance to hang out in the most popular square in the city.
- St. Mark’s Square is similar to Times Square in New York on a more old-fashioned scale and level. No fancy technology or noise, here! The square (and the city) are traffic-free, so the only noises you may hear are the sounds of tourists and locals enjoying themselves. Hang out for a while before heading back to the hotel for the night.
Saturday
Grab Some Breakfast
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast of eggs and sausages or try the pastries at one of the local bakeries in the city. La Donatella is perfect for croissants, tarts, or crepes, but is also known for the best cappuccino in town. Or grab some cake and coffee for a quick bite on the go.
- For a heartier breakfast in a seated environment, Majer boasts an open kitchen that specializes in grilled dishes. Their menu changes daily, so it may be difficult to plan, but they typically have whatever is freshest from egg pasta with scallops to cream-filled pastries.
Doge's Palace
- After you fuel your body, fuel your mind with the history of Doge’s Palace. Built back in the 1340s, this stunning palace used to be a prison and a government office before becoming the perfect museum in 1923. The courtyard is between St. Mark’s Basilica and the palace where you can see the Foscari Arch made of red Verona marble and Istrian stone.
- Up the golden staircase, see the apartment that once housed many royals and government officials. Inside the palace, see the Four Doors Room, the Compass Room, and the majestic Chamber of the Great Council where they have the Doge’s throne and the longest painting in the world.
St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
- You should not miss St. Mark’s Basilica right next door. It is actually the main attraction in St. Mark’s Square and houses thousands of paintings and other works of art. Built in the 9th century, the palace was actually used to preserve the body of St. Mark.
- The treasury has a collection of precious objects to see such as the golden altar (Pala d’ Oro), and the terrace features a great view as well as rare tapestries and textiles. You’ll also see mosaics all over that tell stories from the Bible. Be sure to have your shoulders and knees covered or you will have to buy a plastic wrap.
Rialto Market
- Are you hungry yet? If so, you can eat at the next stop, which is the Rialto Market to the north of St. Mark’s. Take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal to save time and get off your feet. This fish and produce market is possibly the oldest in the world, dating back to 1097.
- From fruit and veggies to eels and crabs, you can find the freshest food in the city at the market. Local chefs, as well as the local people, shop here, too so you know it has to be the best. They also have clothing and other goods to sell. It is a fantastic spot to get some unique souvenirs.
Rialto Bridge
- Don’t miss the Rialto Bridge while you are nearby. It is the oldest of the four bridges that span the Grand Canal and was first built in 1173, although it has been rebuilt several times. The most recent structure was built in 1591 and was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot for almost 300 years.
- At 75 feet long and 24 feet high, this is a fantastic spot to get some photos or selfies to share on social media. You can find two rows of small boutiques along the bridge that sell souvenirs and gifts. There may be a lot of visitors, but it is definitely worth the trip.
Bakaro for Dinner
- There are many eateries in the Rialto Bridge area, but one of the most popular is Bakaro. They are famous not only for their exquisite salmon tartare and sliced picanha with gridia potatoes, but they also make some excellent burgers. Stop in for dinner before heading back to your hotel for the night.
Sunday
Saint Mary of Health (Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute)
- Built to honor Saint Mary the Virgin, this building is one of the most important religious structures in the city. The outside is a work of beauty on its own with a dome built to resemble the Virgin’s crown. There are also 125 statues including the Virgin herself on the top.
- The inside boasts six chapels around one center open space that houses the high altar crowned by a statue of the Madonna and Child. You can see a collection of gorgeous artworks in the Sacristy, which includes the famous Marriage at Cana by Tintoretto.
Peggy Guggenheim Museum
- If you have time, stop in at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum to see her extensive collection. Some of her most notable include The Enchanted Forest done by Jackson Pollock in 1947, Upward done by Vasily Kandinsky in 1929, and The Studio done by Pablo Picasso in 1928.
- Wherever you decide to go, make sure you take a gondola ride at least once. This is a unique experience that you can only get in Venice. Take a guided tour along the Grand Canal or see some of the smaller canals and alleys in the city. You cannot leave Venice without trying it!
