Venice 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Venice:

Accommodation:

For this itinerary, I’ll recommend the charming Cannaregio district. It offers a mix of local life and hidden gems away from the main tourist crowds while still being within walking distance of many attractions.

Where to Stay in Cannaregio:

  • Hotel Locanda Vivaldi: A boutique hotel with a historic Venetian feel, offering canal views and a quiet location.
  • Palazzo Barbarigo: A luxurious palazzo-turned-hotel, perfect for indulging in the Venetian experience.
  • Airbnb: Consider staying in a traditional “Venetian palazzo” apartment or a charming “pensione” (small guesthouse) in Cannaregio to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Things to know:

  • Venice is a car-free city.
  • The official currency is the Euro (€).
  • Venice is famous for its canals, gondolas, and bridges but be prepared for crowds.
  • High water (acqua alta) can occur, especially during autumn and winter. Check tide forecasts and have waterproof boots on hand!

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in Venice. Take a vaporetto (water bus) from the airport/train station to your hotel or accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Explore the neighborhood around your hotel. Discover hidden piazzas, local shops, and trattorias.
  • Dinner: Enjoy traditional Venetian cuisine at Trattoria Alla Madonna: (Tip: Try their “baccalà alla veneziana” - a classic!)

Day 2-4:

  • Explore the major sights: These days are for diving deeper into Venice’s charm.

    • Day 2:

      • Morning: Visit St. Mark’s Square, marvel at the Basilica di San Marco, climb the Campanile for breathtaking views, and experience the grandeur of Doge’s Palace.
      • Afternoon: Discover the art of Canaletto at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or take a gondola ride through the canals (remember to negotiate a price beforehand!).

    • Day 3: Cross the Rialto Bridge, explore the bustling Rialto Market, and wander through the charming streets of San Polo.

      • Activities in San Polo:

        • Visit the Rialto Market for fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies.
        • Wander through the narrow streets and discover hidden gems like the Scuola Grande di San Rocco or the Frari Church.

  • Explore Venice’s lesser-known wonders:

    • Day 2 (optional): Wander down charming alleyways in Dorsoduro, visit the Church of Santa Maria della Salute and explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a treasure trove of modern art housed in a beautiful Venetian palazzo.

  • (Day 2-4) Take a cooking class at Venice Cooking School.

  • Afternoon (Day 2-4): Visit **the Doge’s Palace, the Basilica di San Marco, and explore the charming “Trattoria Al Gazzettino” in the evenings.

    • Day 3: Visit Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian architecture that will transport you back to the days when Venice was a powerful republic.

Day 5:

  • Explore the canals by day: Take a water taxi ride through the canals for a unique perspective on the city, stopping at different “sestieri” (neighborhoods) to experience their beauty and charm.

Day 6:

  • Visit the Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian architecture.
  • Explore the Dorsoduro: Wander through the charming streets and discover local artisans, hidden cafes, and quiet art galleries.

Day 7:

  • Enjoy a final morning gondola ride: Reflect on your journey through Venice and the beauty you’ve experienced.

Things to do:

  • Take a gondola ride: Enjoy the traditional experience of Venetian canals
  • Explore the Doge’s Palace: A must-see for its history and architecture
  • Visit St. Mark’s Basilica: Climb the Campanile or walk around the Doge’s Palace.

Things to see:

  • The Grand Canal: Experience the beauty of the Venice canals by day and admire the elegant bridges, palaces, and gondolas cruising along.
  • The Rialto Bridge: Climb the bridge for stunning views of the city and its waterways.

Things to consider:

  • Vaporetto tickets: Purchase a vaporetto pass for unlimited rides during your stay.

Things to experience:

  • Dorsoduro’s charming atmosphere: This neighborhood is known for its artistic heritage and stunning architecture.
  • The beauty of the Venetian canals: Enjoy the unique perspective from a “gondola ride” or a “vaporetto” trip.

Things to try:

  • Fresh seafood: Visit the Rialto Market in the morning and enjoy the fresh seafood on display.

Vaporetto etiquette:

  • Validate your ticket upon boarding.
  • Be respectful of other passengers.
  • Avoid loud conversations and music.
  • Offer your seat to elderly, disabled, or pregnant passengers.

Other things that are of interest:

  • The Venetian Lagoon: Take a boat tour to explore the islands around Venice (like Murano and Burano).
  • Venetian Cuisine: Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Venice’s many restaurants serving traditional Venetian dishes.

Things to experience:

  • Enjoy the vibrant arts scene in San Polo: This district is home to many museums, galleries, and art studios.
  • Explore the Doge’s Palace: The Grand Canal is a great place for a gondola ride or boat tour.
  • Sample local delicacies: Try “cicchetti” (Venetian tapas) at various “bacari” (wine bars)

Enjoy the experience!

Let me know if you’d like to hear more about any specific day of your trip, and I can provide detailed information on what to see in Venice.