A 2023 Must See Guide to Venice: How to Spend 48 Hours in Venice

Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces.

Discover the best sights in Venice and plan your trip with this wonderful two day itinerary.

Day 1

The colourful houses of Burano

The perfect picture moment! The island's history as a fishing community. Venice Lagoon's thick fog made navigating a challenge for local fishermen. To find their way back to town, they painted the houses in bright colours to stand out in the mist.

Libreria Acqua Alta

The name itself even means “Book Store of High Water.” You have to see the bookstore that due to flooding keeps its books in bathtubs and a gondola! This whimsical place needs to be seen and experienced.

Caffe Florian

Italy is known for its coffee. With every sip you enjoy, take in the rich history and breathtaking interior, a place where Venice and the world meet.

Grand Canal

Enjoy a Gondola ride and take in the sights from the water. Another alternative is the Vaporetto, aka Venetian water bus. Do both! Enjoy the afternoon on the water.

Day 2

Ponte dell’Accademia

The Ponte dell’Accademia is home to one of the most iconic views in all of Venice–don’t forget to capture the stunning vistas.

Piazza San Marco

Venice’s largest and most famous piazza is certainly among the most Instagrammable places in Venice. Explore every corner! The interiors are magnificent and breathtaking.

Le Mercerie

It's time to explore the delights of shopping in Venice. Le Mercerie is the main shopping area in Venice, centrally located between Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Here you'll find streets lined with shops and stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, jewellery and art.

St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is ridiculously beautiful–and perhaps one of the most unique churches in Italy. Built mostly in a Byzantine style with Venetian twists. A sight to behold.

St. Mark’s Campanile

The lovely tower standing tall in Piazza San Marco is St. Mark’s Campanile, and while the tower itself is certainly worth a few photos, it’s the view from the top that truly deserves to be considered one of the most beautiful places in Venice.