First time; 1 full day Venice

Just want to ask if you are aware that you need to make reservations to visit Fondaco dei Tedeschi's roof-deck?

I did not know that! Thank you

Venice is made for aimless wandering so no real plan is necessary, unless there's something you definitely want to see. To get back to the train station, just hop on one of the public water taxis on the Grand Canal that's headed that direction and it will drop you right there.

The Guggenheim Museum is very good and very popular. If you don't buy a ticket ahead of time, you will not get in without a considerable wait in line--and you might find the entire day sold out. The Aacademia, however, was a walk-right-in situation for me last September. The same was true at other art venues, so check online to see what each one is showing so you have a list of possibilities.

You should expect the vaporetti always to be crowded and allow for the possibility that you'll have to wait for the next boat once or twice, due to crowding. Vaporetto tickets are now 9.50 euros each. You can buy a 48-hour pass for 35 euros. That might (or might not) save you money.

Stay off the direct path from the train station to the Rialto Bridge and on to San Marco. The area around San Marco, extending several blocks in all directions, also tends to be tourist-clogged. When you leave your hotel and want to avoid the mobs, don't walk straignt toward San Marco.

It seems a shame not to go to the Basilica di San Marco, but that's another place where you have a choice between pre-booking online and standing in line; it took me about 30 minutes to get inside.

Thank you for mentioning the need for reservations for the Tedeschi rooftop. Just did that for our March trip!

For Guerino—after the rooftop, cross the Rialto bridge and make your way through San Polo ( wandering through the Rialto market area if you like, or not), aiming for Campo San Giacomo d l’Oria. This is my favorite campo—-little-known by tourists but used by locals. Then head to the vaporetto stop at Piazzale Roma instead of the Ferrovia stop. That one is a zoo; boarding at Piazzale Roma you will get aboard one stop earlier and find a less crowded boat.

If you leave your hotel near Campo Santa Maria Formosa in the early morning and walk over to or across Rio del Mondo Nuovo (on the west side), you may get to watch one of the delivery boats stocking the Coop grocery store on Salizada San Lio through a passageway to the back storeroom, using a little crane with a long arm to move whole pallets of beverages. It is fascinating!

That’s perfect insider info. Thank you!

In the early morning golden hour, you can watch the canal boats do their Amazon deliveries- this one tickled me.

I believe the rooftop reservations can be made 21 days in advance.

In the post- COVID airline chaos, be forewarned that your incoming flight may be canceled or significantly delayed. If you lost your first day in Venice, how upset would you be? This has actually happened on our last two international flights, so I add an extra day to our first city. You can use Flight Aware to research the dependability of your flights.

Safe travels!

The views from the campanile di San Giorgio are great.

To get away from the crowds, get away from St. Marks. You might consider visiting Piazza San Marco later in the evening, after dinner when some of the crowds are gone, and the orchestras are playing. It’s a completely different scene. We were there about 9 or 10 one summer evening and it was magical.

Hi, we stayed at a hotel at Campo Santa Maria Formosa during our second time to Venice (have been to Venice multiple times). It’s a nice spot away from the Rialto-to-San Marco route. It’s a bit tricky to find from the vaporetto stops, so look it up on a map (maybe even print it), so you aren’t backtracking over bridges with your suitcases. I would take either the Aliguna boat (the orange line - arancio) from the airport or the vaporetto down the Grand Canal if you’re arriving by train. Go to the Rialto stop and walk from there.

While you’re printing a map, add Suso’s to it if you like gelato. It’s between you and the Rialto Bridge.

I couldn’t figure out why you’re taking the vaporetto over to San Zaccaria?

When we stayed at Campo SMF, we rarely took the vaporetto since it’s easy to head from there where you want to go without taking a vaporetto around the outer perimeter. Definitely don’t take one from the Ospedale near you around the Arsenale that finally reaches San Marco - not a pretty route.

The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is in your vicinity, too, and now you can buy a ticket there to walk up the outer spiral staircase.

Be sure to take a vaporetto in the evening after the day tourists have left. You could ride down the Grand Canal from the Rialto and getting off at San Marco.

To head back to the train, walk back to the Rialto stop and catch the vaporetto to the train station.

I know you are concerned about crowds. I was in Venice again last June and August. Yes, San Marco piazza is a swarm during the day, but unless you’re at that spot or along the Rialto/San Marco route, it’s pleasant, especially crossing the Accademia Bridge and exploring the Dorsoduro neighborhood. Or just stop for a bit, sit at an outdoor cafe and watch the scenery. I reserved a ticket on-line ahead of time to go into St. Mark’s - selected the first opening time. The church was quiet this time, and I was able to completely enjoy the gorgeous mosaics. The museum above it is worth seeing. Also, we’ve enjoyed the Clock Tower tour which lets you see the back-side of the mechanisms, a great view outside at the top, etc. The English version tour is at 10am (I think). Reserve on-line ahead of time.

Have a great time! It’s a unique & magical city!

Thanks all for the good info!

Does someone have the link for booking the Fondaco dei Tedeschi's roof-deck? I googled it, came up with the dfs website but don't see booking options.
Thanks.

Sorry, I think I found it, but it looks like it only books 30 days out?
https://www.dfs.com/t-fondaco/rooftop-terrace-booking/booking/terrace_venice_en.html

Don’t miss the library called sotto aqua .. great fun