The Best Itinerary for a Weekend Trip to Venice

Venice is one of the only cities in the world that leaves people in a state of wonder. Stepping from the train station, and immediately seeing the Grand Canal ahead, my first reaction was that I walked into a scene from a film. Instead of cars, there were boats moving by, and people were chatting along the water.

The city of Venice is perfect for even just a weekend trip. It is so small that you can walk or take a boat everywhere, and every day is so full on account of history, art, and food.

You may see both the renowned sights and the little things in three days here. The backdrop makes having coffee in St. Mark's Square in the morning feel unique, while a gondola ride at dusk gives you a different view of the city. A weekend trip to Venice isn't only about visiting the sites; it's also about taking your time and enjoying the city.

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Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Venice

Begin your journey at St. Mark’s Basilica, a wonder where glittering mosaics catch the light. Every step through the domed interior feels as if you are entering a treasure chest, with almost every surface covered in grand stories made with glimmering tile. I recommend booking your tickets ahead of time online to skip the long lines.

Across the piazza is the Doge’s Palace, where the chambers within the pink and white facade hold a wealth of history. Here, the rulers of Venice debated and decided the fate of the Republic. Cross the Bridge of Sighs and envision the prisoners who used to look out at the lagoon and catch a last glimpse of their freedom. History is palpable, and the walls seem to whisper the secrets of the city.

Continue on to the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most recognizable landmarks. From its arch, the view of the Grand Canal is unforgettable, with gondolas drifting beneath and palazzi rising proudly along the banks. The surrounding market buzzes with energy, filled with the colors of fresh produce and the scent of the sea.

When hunger sets in, stop at a trattoria for lunch. Order cicchetti, small plates of typical Venetian food, perhaps baccalà mantecato on bread or marinated sardines in saor. Pair them with an ombra of local wine and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

In the afternoon, take a gondola along the Grand Canal. As you glide past marble façades and under graceful bridges, Venice reveals itself as a living stage. The rhythm of the water, the soft voice of the gondolier, and the glow of light on the water create a memory that feels almost dreamlike.

For dinner, choose a restaurant near St. Mark’s Square and try risotto al nero di seppia (cuttlefish risotto with its black ink) or fegato alla veneziana (calf’s liver with onions and white wine). Afterward, enjoy a spritz in one of Venice’s lively squares, called campi in Italian, where locals and travelers gather as night falls. This is the perfect way to end the first day of your weekend trip to Venice.

Day 2: Venice as an Art City

On the second day, focus on some of Venice's artistic riches, starting with the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in her former residence, the partly-completed Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, overlooking the Grand Canal. Here, examine her remarkable collection of modern masterpieces by Picasso, Dalí, Pollock, and others; in particular, Brancusi's Bird in Space is a remarkable avant garde sculpture. On the terrace, enjoy sitting and watching the boats pass by, an example of how Venice uniquely marries art and setting.

Proceed to the Gallerie dell’Accademia Museum to view the Venetian Renaissance in full bloom. The walls are adorned with masterpieces created by Bellini, Tintoretto, and Veronese. Their colors are as shocking and true to life today as they were centuries ago. Among these is Gentile Bellini's majestic Procession in St. Mark's Square, which not only shows life in the 15th century but also represents the dazzling spectacle of Venice's past. You begin to appreciate the meaning of being present in a city at the height of art and culture.

For lunch, you can relax in Dorsoduro, where you'll discover a youthful atmosphere that schools and artists create. Students can be seen waiting to enter classes, cafés can be observed spilling into the streets, and the aroma of coffee and fresh pizza fills the air. You are now seeing Venice as something more than a moment in history.

After lunch, you may wish to visit Ca’ Rezzonico, another gracious palace that tells the story of 18th century Venice. The chandeliers that hang from the ceilings, paintings on the walls, frescoes on the ceiling, and intricate furniture all contribute to creating a true experience of one of the grand masquerade balls of the 18th century. As you walk the halls of this palace you feel as if you've just stepped into the 18th century.

As the evening unfolds, attend a classical music concert. Most churches offer concerts, generally containing the music of Vivaldi, who was born in Venice. There will be few experiences more memorable in Venice than to listen to The Four Seasons, by candlelight, in a Venetian church.

Day 3: Islands and Local Experiences

You can't go to Venice on a 3 without visiting its islands. Start with Murano, which is known for glass-making. You can reach the island approximately in 15 minutes by taking vaporetto line 12 or line 4.1/4.2 from Fondamente Nove. We recommend checking the current schedules as they may vary depending on the season you visit. Step into a workshop and watch craftsmen blow molten glass into beautiful chandeliers or delicate vases. This tradition is fascinating for its heat, skill, and artistry.

Next, take the same vaporetto line 12 from Murano to Burano, which is famous for its colorful houses and lace-making. Each façade is painted a different color, creating a cheerful palette reflected in the canals. Walking here feels like being in a postcard. Before heading back to Venice, have risotto di go, a local dish made with lagoon fish, for lunch at a family-run trattoria by the water.

If time allows, continue to Torcello, one of the oldest islands in the lagoon. With its ancient basilica and peaceful fields, it offers a glimpse of Venice’s earliest days. Few tourists make the journey, which makes the atmosphere quiet and contemplative.

Return to Venice in the evening and take one last walk through Cannaregio. The bacari glow warmly, locals gather for their nightly glass of wine, and the city feels both eternal and fleeting. It is a fitting way to say goodbye.

Accommodation Options in Venice

A weekend trip to Venice is made even more memorable when paired with the right hotel. NH Hotels offer several options that combine style, comfort, and location.

The NH Collection Venezia Grand Hotel Palazzo dei Dogi hotel offers tranquillity and elegance within Cannaregio, Venice’s most genuine neighborhood. Relax in the peaceful gardens and stylish interiors before heading out to experience the vibrant Italian culture of the Jewish Ghetto and canal-side dining options.

If you are someone who prefers a contemporary space, consider the Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel in Dorsoduro. The contemporary design clashes with the historic space beautifully and positions you right next to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Accademia Gallery, and the social student cafés that line Campo Santa Margherita.

If you want to experience the island lifestyle, consider a stay at the NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa hotel in Murano Island. Not only can you learn about the world-famous glass-making tradition, but you also have the modern comfort in a distinct architectural space, plus being just a vaporetto ride of about 20 minutes away from central Venice.

For easy access, the NH Venezia Santa Lucia fits the bill perfectly. It is located right next door to the Santa Lucia train station, providing elegance and convenience with easy arrivals and departures while still walking distance from the Grand Canal.

A Weekend to Remember

In merely a weekend in Venice, you'll find yourself captivated by luminous mosaics that appear as if adorned in gold, glide through canals that seem like silver ribbons, and meander among islands with houses that seem painted. You'll leave with memories that last well after you've returned home. An audible footfall down a deserted alley; the taste of fresh seafood; the sight of palaces glistening in the dusk light.

A weekend trip to Venice may not be long, but it is enough to fall in love with this wonderful city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-see attractions for a weekend trip to Venice?

St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and a gondola ride on the Grand Canal are highlights. Adding Murano and Burano to your visit enriches the experience.

How can I make the most of a weekend in Venice?

Wake early to enjoy the city before the crowds arrive, plan each day around a mix of landmarks and quiet moments, and stay in a centrally located hotel to maximize your time.

What are the best places to stay for a weekend trip to Venice?

Excellent options include the NH Collection Venezia Grand Hotel Palazzo dei Dogi, Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel, NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa and NH Venezia Santa Lucia. Each offers its own unique charm.

What are the best restaurants to try on a weekend trip to Venice?

Look for trattorias near Rialto or in Cannaregio for cicchetti and seafood. Dorsoduro is full of lively cafés, and Burano is renowned for its lagoon specialties such as risotto di go.