Select a "must see" in Venice

The Frari Church and a long walk through the Dorsoduro to Santa Maria della Salute.

We just left Venice on Aug. 3rd. We were there for a week. I really enjoyed Murano. It was peaceful and relaxing. I also enjoyed the window shopping for Murano glass; although I didn't purchase a thing! I was disappointed in St. Marks Square, there was a big section under construction and a concert stage was set up. The stage is now down. Both those things really detracted from the square; also the building's surrounding the bridge of Sighs are covered up due to renovations. Take the free taxi service to Murano; then you pay 6.50 pp to get back on your own via vaporetto. You get to see a glass blowing demonstration and tour the glass showrooms. We only bought a few trinkets, then walked the rest of the island on our own.

You're going to get a lot of different perspectives in response. Personally, I would not choose Murano if you only have two days in Venice. It eats up too much time to go there, and it's sort of like the plainer version of Venice imho. I would say that touring the inside of St. Mark's Basilica is a must-see. It's absolutely astonishing to see, and unlike anything else. Do the RS baggage check trick to cut to the front of the line. And, as I always say to travelers to Venice, be sure to wander away from the crowded places and just absorb all the beauty of this incredible location. Happy travels.

It depends on the time of year and the weather. St. Mark's Square can have 2 inches of water after a rain storm. In February that's not fun.

St Mark's Square (the Piazza) very very early to watch the sunrise over the lagoon. The view from the Campanile (bell tower) is lovely. The Basilica - but you must be there from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm, when the golden mosaics are floodlit and so, so lovely. Visit the museum while you are there, that will give you views of the inside of the church from the gallery and of the Piazza from the balcony. The Doge's Palace is right next door. There's a nice cafe inside the Palace, quite reasonable prices, for a short lunch break. You can do all of these in one day, with time for a coffee break and a gelato break. Front seats on the vaporetto along the Grand Canal, once in daytime, once after dark. The Jewish Ghetto tour (4 beautiful synagogue interiors) and the Rialto Bridge. If you go early, you can visit the market next to the bridge. The Frari Church and/or the Correr Museum (in the Piazza) if you are art lovers. The Frari is mainly Renaissance, the Correr, ancient. I agree, you don't have time to spend (i.e. waste) there. You can see Murano glass in the shops in Venice.

I would eat at Al Covo. It is a gem of Venetian cuisine and the co-owner is a delightful Texan who loves to visit.
I would also visit the Art Biennale if you are there before the end of November. When we last toured a Biennale in the Arsenal building it was a fabulous experience. Finally, I would try to experience opera in Venice.

FWIW, the Biennale is held only in odd-numbered years.

wake up early and visit the fish market and the vegy market. The earlier the better to see the fish and the hustle and bustle. It's lively and real. Get coffee and pastries or whatever in the area. Take the stand-up traghetto across the Grand Canal. Wander, as indirectly as possible on the smallest streets you can find, through Cannaregio to the Ghetto. There is no hurry. Take time to see the area. Lunch in the Ghetto at Gam Gam: must haves = one of you must order couscous and the other must order soup (absolutely any soup they serve). We did this and we shared. It was like wolves sharing a dead moose. It was all gone in minutes it was so good. There is no better half day in Venice, or anywhere.

I'm not sure I'd call it a "must-see" unless you love modern art, but I adored the Peggy Guggenhiem Museum. If you're interested at all in 20th Century art, you could spend a few hours here. It's in an interesting house right on the canal and the neighborhood is quite nice as well. Have a great trip,
Rose

The Art Biennale is held on odd years and the Architecture Biennale on even years so each summer and fall Venice offers a look at trends in art and architecture from round the world. The Peggy Guggenheim Museum is wonderful and even more so if you read John Berendt's City of Falling Angels before you go. Guggenheim's life is discussed in the book, especially her treatment by the future curator of her museum and his wife. Believe me, they are not the heroes of this non-fiction account of life in Venice although they make for some fun and scandal-filled tales. Venice's opera house, La Fenice, is the star of the book and certainly a must-see during a Venice visit.

Just seeing Venice itself is more than enough. As Rick suggests, wander the city, get lost (and you will), and get off the beaten path. Walking the narrow streets, especially at night, is amazing. Listening to the string quartets that play nightly at St Marks Square is one of my favorite memories of the city.
I would suggest, if you are in Venice for only 2 days, to save Burano or Murano for your second trip. It's a nice boat ride thru the lagoon, but it will eat up a half a day.

St. Marks Basilica!!! I think it would be a shame to be in Venice and not treat yourself to the eye-popping splendor inside. Also, be sure to visit St Marks Square at night and enjoy the orchestras, a drink and a dance. We made wonderful memories there. Finally, you wouldnt want to miss having at least one ride down the Grand Canal. And, treat yourself to a gondola ride at sunset and bring your own bottle of wine. There is nothing more romantic!!

St. Marks Basilica!!! I think it would be a shame to be in Venice and not treat yourself to the eye-popping splendor inside. Also, be sure to visit St Marks Square at night and enjoy the orchestras, a drink and a dance. We made wonderful memories there. Finally, you wouldnt want to miss having at least one ride down the Grand Canal. And, treat yourself to a gondola ride at sunset and bring your own bottle of wine. There is nothing more romantic!!