48 Hours in Venice: A Dream Weekend Getaway

Venice – a city where the streets are made of water, the sunsets feel like art, and every corner seems pulled from a romantic movie scene. I recently spent a magical weekend in this floating city, and here's my detailed guide to making the most out of 48 hours in Venice.

Day 1: Arrival and Getting Lost in the Best Way

✈️ Arrival

I arrived at Venice Marco Polo Airport mid-morning and took the Alilaguna water bus straight to the city. There’s something surreal about gliding into a city on water rather than wheels—it sets the tone for what’s to come.

🏨 Check-in: A Room with a View

I stayed at a charming boutique hotel in Cannaregio, slightly away from the crowds but full of character and canals. My room overlooked a quiet waterway where gondolas floated by every now and then. Tip: Book early if you want canal views!

🏛️ Afternoon: St. Mark’s Square & Basilica

I walked to Piazza San Marco, Venice’s iconic square. The grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, with its golden mosaics and domes, was breathtaking. I climbed the Campanile (bell tower) for panoramic views—definitely worth it.

☕ Coffee with a View

Next, I indulged in an overpriced but unforgettable espresso at Caffè Florian, the oldest café in the world. Live classical music played as I watched the world go by.

🌅 Evening: Gondola Ride & Cicchetti Crawl

As the sun dipped, I treated myself to a gondola ride. Yes, it’s touristy and expensive (€80 for 30 minutes), but gliding through silent canals at sunset felt timeless.

Later, I joined a cicchetti crawl (Venetian tapas) across bars in Dorsoduro. Think mini sandwiches, fried seafood, and glasses of Aperol Spritz. My favorites: bacalà mantecato (creamed cod) and sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines).

Day 2: Art, Islands & Hidden Alleys

☀️ Morning: Rialto Market & Hidden Gems

I woke early and headed to Rialto Market. The vibrant stalls of fresh fish and produce were a feast for the senses. Nearby, I explored lesser-known spots like the Libreria Acqua Alta, a quirky bookstore with gondolas full of books and a staircase made of old volumes.

🎨 Midday: Peggy Guggenheim Collection

I crossed the Accademia Bridge to visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection—a small but powerful modern art museum on the Grand Canal. Picasso, Dalí, and Pollock all in one place, with a beautiful sculpture garden to relax in.

🚤 Afternoon: Murano & Burano Islands

A quick Vaporetto ride took me to Murano, famous for its glass-blowing heritage. Watching artisans at work was mesmerizing.

Then, onto Burano, a kaleidoscope of color with candy-colored houses and lace-making shops. I had lunch at Trattoria da Romano, known for its seafood risotto.

🌇 Evening: Sunset on the Zattere

Back in the city, I walked along Zattere promenade with gelato in hand and found a bench to watch the sun set over Giudecca Island. Peaceful and far from the tourist frenzy.

🍽️ Final Dinner: Canal-side Romance

I wrapped up my weekend with dinner at Osteria alle Testiere, a small seafood restaurant with incredible local flavors. The grilled scallops and spaghetti alle vongole were unforgettable.

Tips for a Venice Weekend

Get lost intentionally: Venice is a maze and its charm lies in wandering aimlessly.

Buy a Vaporetto pass: It's cheaper and makes getting around easy.

Book skip-the-line tickets for major attractions in advance.

Bring comfortable shoes: No cars means a lot of walking.

Respect the city: Venice is fragile—avoid littering, don’t feed the pigeons, and stay on the paths.

Final Thoughts

Venice isn’t just a city—it’s a dream you step into. Two days felt both full and fleeting, and I left with a heart full of art, water, and wonder. Whether you're into history, food, or simply soaking in beauty, Venice delivers in the most poetic way.