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Seeking itinerary advice for a 3-night stay in Venice

We’ll be spending 3 nights in Venice in mid-March 2025. On Day 1, we’re scheduled to fly in around 2 PM and plan to take a water taxi to our hotel, which is a 6-minute walk to the Bell Tower according to Google Maps. I’ve booked tickets for the Bell Tower, valid from 5:30-6 PM (sunset is at 6:10 PM). Would it be too ambitious to make it on time?

For Day 2, I’ve booked tickets for Basilica S. Marco, Pala d’Oro, and Museum Loggia Cavalli, valid from 9:30-10 AM. I’m unsure about the best time to visit Doge’s Palace though - should we go right afterwards, later that afternoon, or on Day 3?

My bucket list includes the Grand Canal, a gondola ride, an Interpreti Veneziani concert, Rialto Market, Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, and possibly Burano and Murano, which might need to be visited early on Day 3. I’d like to avoid an overly rushed itinerary, so I’m open to skipping some activities. Any advice on how to organize these plans would be greatly appreciated.

Posted by
1013 posts

With two nights I would think you will not have time to visit Murano and Burano, it takes time to get to the Islands by vaporetto. You might be able to squeeze Murano in as it is the closest to Venice. If you are hiring a private water taxi, as distinct from the Alilaguna boat from the airport, ask the pilot to take you down the Grand Canal. Late afternoon is a good time for a gondola ride as commercial canal traffic will be quietening down. Rialto is really a walk through and a photo opportunity, especially the fish market. I was surprised at how small the Basilica San Marco is compared with other churches in Venice. I was able to see the interior of the church and the altar in about half an hour……managed to get in without queuing about half an hour before the closed at lunchtime. The church was empty - just myself and a small group.

Take time to wander through the streets of Venice and enjoy the city. I happened to catch the organist practising at Santa Maria del Salute and it was so nice to just sit and listen to music on a rather hot and humid day…an unexpected bonus! I also really enjoyed the Guggenheim Palazzo….a lovely small palazzo with lovely grounds and modern art and as I recall, a rather nice cafe for lunch.

Posted by
5295 posts

In a different post you mentioned the possibility of spending 3 nights in Venice. Try to do that. You will then have enough time (albeit rushed) to do all the things you listed. Otherwise you might have to skip Murano and Burano as they alone will take at least 3/4 of a day.

Posted by
52 posts

Yikes, @TC, you’re absolutely right - I meant to say three nights! Not sure what I was thinking when I said two. I’ve just corrected it.

@Lesley, thanks so much for all the tips! I’ll keep the Guggenheim Palazzo in mind and see if I can find any information about the organist practice.

Posted by
28505 posts

The Guggenheim collection is very appealing for those who like modern art. It will probably be busy even in March. I've been buying a ticket online just a bit before arrival in Venice. I don't know that it's necessary in March, but you don't want to show up at the ticket counter and find ten people in front of you.

Posted by
52 posts

Thank you, acraven. I plan to visit the Guggenheim Collection right after attending the Organ Vespers at the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. I will purchase tickets online in advance.