Venice, the City of Canals, is a dream destination for many. But with its reputation for being expensive, it can be intimidating for budget-conscious travellers. Fear not! With careful planning and some insider tips, you can experience the magic of Venice without breaking the bank.
This itinerary is designed for a 3-day trip, packing in the must-see sights while leaving room for spontaneous exploration and delicious Cicchetti breaks.
Day 1 (Afternoon):
We got an early morning flight for Venice and landed before midday on our first day, making the transfer options straight forward
We opted for a private water taxi to skip the queues. These are priced at a flat rate ~€140, however, as we were waiting in the queue, we chatted to another couple who also wanted to get the private couple, so we were able to negotiate with the taxi firm to charge €100 per couple instead.
If you want to skip the pricey private transfers and opt for the public water bus. The wait might be longer, but the cost savings are significant. Tickets are around €8pp.
We were dropped off close to our hotel, Hotel Kette, where we were staying for 3 nights with breakfast buffet included.
After dropping our bags we headed to explore San Marco and indulged in an afternoon aperitivo at a local bar.
We then headed towards St. Mark's Square. This iconic square is a must-visit, but be prepared for crowds. Take in the architectural marvels like the Doge's Palace and the Basilica di San Marco, and soak up the atmosphere.
Day 2 (Full Day): Murano & Burano
Our first full day started by exploring the charming Castello district. We arrived early at the Libreria Acqua Alta, a unique bookstore with bookshelves built on gondolas and bathtubs. Don't miss the photo opportunity behind the shop with the stacked books and empty gondola behind the store.
Our next stop was a walk to Rialto Bridge. This iconic bridge is a must-see, but be prepared for crowds. Take in the views of the Grand Canal and explore the nearby Rialto Market, a bustling haven for fresh produce and souvenirs.
Our second day was mostly filled by exploring beyond Venice and visiting the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for its glassblowing, and Burano is known for its colourful houses and intricate lacework.
You can join a guided tour (we had a free transfer from our hotel for this) or you can take the public vaporetto (water bus) across to the islands. It is easy to catch the vaporetto between the islands, and tickets can be bought on the platforms or you can opt to buy a single / multi-day travelcard.
Day 3 (Full Day): Doge's Palace, Jewish Quarter & St Mark's Basilica
Our last full day in Venice started with a trip to Doge's Palace where we could take a peek at the Bridge of Sighs, explore the halls of power and marvel at the artwork.
Walking past the Campanile, we headed towards the Jewish Ghetto and Synagogues.
In the afternoon (when the queues had gone down) we headed to St. Mark's Basilica: It is worth the wait, the golden mosaics and intricate architecture are well worth the wait and were the highlight of the trip.
To wrap up our last day, we opted to experience the quintessential Venetian experience with a gondola ride. While not the cheapest activity (€80 for 30 minutes), it's a unique way to see the city from the water and create lasting memories. Although there is a flat rate, look out in quieter alleys outside of peak times from the tourist hotspots.
Food & Drink in Venice:
When dining out in Venice, it's important to be aware of coperto and service charges, as they can add to your bill. By being aware of these charges, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises when dining out in Venice and enjoy your meal without any hidden costs.
Coperto:
- A fixed charge per person, typically ranging from €1 to €5, to cover the cost of things like bread, table settings, and basic service.
- Coperto is usually listed on the menu outside the restaurant, other times it’s in small print on the menu, so be sure to check before ordering.
- Not mandatory by law, but most restaurants charge it and it can be considerably more expensive nearer to St Mark's Square.
Service Charge & Tips:
- A percentage of your bill (usually 10-15%) added automatically by the restaurant for service.
- It’s less common than Coperto, but becoming more frequent in touristy area and some restaurants may not allow you to remove it.
- If you decide to tip, a small amount (a few euros per person) is sufficient.
Here are some additional tips for avoiding Coperto and service charge surprises:
- Look for restaurants that don't charge them: Many local, non-touristy restaurants don't charge Coperto or service charges.
- Ask before you sit down: If you're unsure about the charges, ask the waiter or check the menu carefully before ordering.
- Factor them into your budget: When budgeting for your meals, be sure to factor in the cost of Coperto and service charges.
Favourite Food & Drink in Venice
Ready to tantalise your taste buds on a Venetian adventure? Forget tourist traps and overpriced Coperto close to St Mark's Square, and venture further out to taste the city's culinary gems.
- Cicchetti are mini Venetian delights, perfect for grazing. Head to Oficina Ormesini near the Jewish Quarter for an authentic experience.
- bArCollo in San Polo square offers refreshing drinks and a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for soaking up the Venetian charm.
- Indulge in delectable pastries and breads from Rizzo Pane Pasticceria.
- For pizza that hits the spot, venture to Osteria Al Duomo in Murano.
- Treat yourself to the refined ambiance and impeccable service of Ristorante Vecia Cavana. Live piano music sets the scene for an unforgettable meal, but be prepared for small portions!
- Osteria del Lovo is your go-to for delicious food (try their carbonara!) and a lively atmosphere. Also, don't miss their happy hour spritz and beer specials!
- Grab a panini and a spritz for just €8 at Al Theatro. It's the perfect way to refuel and people-watch in a charming square.
- For a guaranteed spot at the renowned Ristorante La Piazza, be sure to book your table in advance.
- Purchase a Venezia Unica Pass for a multi-day travel pass for public water buses and entry to several museums and attractions.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes
- Avoid overpriced restaurants in tourist areas – seek out restaurants and bars away from St Mark's Square.
- Embrace getting lost – wandering the canals is a delightful way to discover hidden gems.
- We’d booked another water taxi back via Motoscafi Venezia but it transpired that it would have been cheaper buying from the taxi rank instead (outside San Marco pier) (or of course opting for the public transport alternative).
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