Your Guide to the Perfect Short Trip to Venice: What to See & Do (Part One)

Venice. It needs no introduction, does it?

If you’re dreaming of the perfect short trip to Venice, this guide covers everything you need from breathtaking landmarks and Murano glass to lazy gondola rides and must-see attractions.

If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful northern Italian city before, you probably fell in love and can’t wait to return. And if you haven’t experienced it yet, there’s a good chance it’s firmly etched onto your bucket list. Despite the weathered appearance of the buildings, you’ll see, while gliding along the canals in a gondola, whether it’s the peeling paint from annual flooding or the exposed plaster and timeworn brickwork, Venice’s charm captivates everyone who lays eyes on it.

There’s so much to explore in Venice, and one of the most enchanting ways to soak it all in is by intentionally getting lost in its labyrinth of streets. I loved wandering the narrow alleyways, even amidst the busy crowds, as I strolled over quaint bridges and past the grand old townhouses that give this city its magic. One quick lesson I learned? No matter how far you stray, all paths seem to lead back to Saint Mark’s Square. As the city’s largest and most iconic piazza, it’s the perfect place to start your adventure, and to find your way again.

Venice boasts a rich and proud history. Dating back to the 5th century, it faced invasions by barbarian tribes, prompting its inhabitants to flee to the area now known as Rialto, home to the famous Rialto Bridge.

🏛 A Thousand Years of Doges

In the 700s, the Venetians elected their first Doge (Duke), Orso Ipato. Remarkably, this system of governance lasted for nearly a thousand years. To learn more about this fascinating dynasty, make sure to visit the Doge’s Palace, just a stone’s throw from Saint Mark’s Square.

But how did Venice rise to such fame? Well, for starters, it cleverly remained neutral between the Western Holy Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire to the east. (A strategy that’s worked wonders for Switzerland, hasn’t it?) Venice soon became a bustling trade hub, with its canals serving as a launch point for Catholic crusaders heading to the Holy Land. The city came to dominate shipping routes and the spice trade, hence the saying, “All roads lead to Venice.”

Later, Venice gifted the world with some of history’s most celebrated artists, including Giovanni, Titian, and Bellini. And let’s not forget the many masterpieces inspired by this picturesque city, painted by the likes of Monet and Renoir.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Venice, you’re in for an absolute treat. I’ll be sharing the highlights of my own four-day adventure in this enchanting city. Grab your phone (for Google Maps!) and your sense of adventure, because getting lost is all part of the fun.

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Day 1: From Lost Mum to Magical Moments—Our First Day in Venice!

Our Venice trip didn’t exactly begin smoothly. While I was still in Florence, I was woken at 2:00 AM by my husband Zac, who was worried that my mum, who had flown in a day earlier, might be in trouble. A delayed flight, a missing water taxi, and a 70-euro boat ride later, Mum finally made it to our Venice hotel.

But after heading out for dinner and soaking up the Venetian atmosphere, she got completely lost trying to find her way back. After four hours of wandering, some help from the local police, and a very kind stranger, she finally made it home safely (with strict instructions from me not to leave again until we arrived!).

If you’d like to read all about my Mum’s misadventures in Venice, and what happened in the end—check out the full post here!

How to Get Here?

One of the great things about Venice is how well-connected it is, with an international airport and countless cruise ships docking here daily. But our journey took a different (and far more scenic) route; we arrived by first-class train from Florence, which turned out to be a fantastic experience. However, it’s also well connected by train from Florence or Milan.

At first, I’ll admit I was a bit confused. How does a train even get to Venice? Does it float across the water somehow? Since Venice is famously surrounded by canals, it’s a fair question! But yes, there’s a major train station located right on the edge of the city. As we approached, we caught glimpses of the skyline through the windows, which only added to the excitement of arriving.

Once we pulled into the station, we were met with a fun surprise: a man holding a sign with our surnames on it. I have to say, it made me feel like a bit of a rock star!

Unlike my Mum’s eventful arrival the day before, everything went smoothly for us. Our lovely tour guide met us at the station and hopped straight into the water taxi, instantly chatting away about Venetian cuisine and some of her favourite hidden gems around the city.

As we cruised along the narrow canals, the buildings seemed to rise out of the water around us. The journey even included a stretch along the famous Grand Canal, lined with gondolas, historic facades, and that picture-perfect Venetian charm.

We Have Arrived

It’s not every day you get to pull up to your accommodation in a speedboat-style water taxi, but it did feel like the ultimate Venetian arrival! From there, it was just a short stroll up a charming, narrow street, bustling with tourists (get used to that), all under the blazing sun

We stayed at the delightful Hotel Violino d’Oro, just a stone’s throw from St. Mark’s Square—an unbeatable location. The moment I stepped inside, I was smitten. The place had that old-world charm that just felt like Venice the moment you walked in.

Our rooms were simply beautiful. The walls were dressed in elegant damask gold wallpaper, with a dainty chandelier above the bed and a quaint little dressing table in the corner. The cream, gold, and navy-blue colour palette was tasteful and timeless. Just outside our bedroom door was a cosy communal sitting area where we’d often gather in the evenings, soaking up the warm Venetian air.

The bathroom had a modern touch, with sleek chrome fittings and stone-toned tiles, it was a lovely blend of classic and contemporary. And through the bathroom, we discovered a small private balcony, giving us outdoor spaces on both sides of the room. So cool!

While we were checking in, I asked the receptionist if she’d seen my mum. “No, she’s already left,” she replied. I felt a wave of panic… had Mum written down the name of the hotel this time? How were we going to find her?

Thankfully, my worry was short-lived. A few minutes later, I overheard my in-laws chatting to someone in the corridor, and I just knew it had to be her. Turns out, she hadn’t left at all. Crisis averted!

Gondola Ride

Now that the gang was back together, we headed out for our first adventure as a group: riding a gondola! We boarded at the San Marino Ferry Wharf, which is an epic spot to kick things off. The harbour is packed with little boats, all bobbing on the water and surrounded by gorgeous old buildings.

We cruised along the Grand Canal, right across from the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. Our gondolier looked exactly how you’d imagine, dressed in the classic black and white striped uniform, straight out of a postcard.

I have to say, riding a gondola in Venice was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Gliding through the narrow canals, passing by little shops and the homes of local Venetians, gave us such a unique glimpse into daily life in this magical city.

Some beautiful buildings to look out for as you sit back and soak in the views include the Hotel Bauer Palazzo, with its stone-coloured façade, striking Arabesque windows, and distinctive checkered frames that really make it stand out.

One of the highlights was gliding under the Rialto Bridge. Getting up close to such a famous Venetian icon (even if it was a little grimy!) was an unforgettable experience. As we floated by, we even spotted a police station, complete with a police speedboat docked out front. Only in Venice!

We also caught a glimpse of the Palazzo Ducale, right next to St. Mark’s Square, home to the legendary Doge’s Palace. Even from the outside, it’s a stunning building. Keep reading to find out what it was like exploring the incredible interior!

💫 A Special Family Night in Venice

That evening, we all dressed up and headed out for a fabulous family meal. Having everyone together, especially with Zac’s parents visiting from Australia while we were living in England at the time, made the night feel extra special.

Over dinner, Mum shared the full (and now slightly hilarious) story of how she’d eaten at the exact same restaurant the night before… all by herself… before getting totally lost. Naturally, we couldn’t resist teasing her about her four-hour adventure with the Venetian police. LOL!

To start the night, I decided to try a local delicacy—anchovies—on the recommendation of our tour guide. We spent the rest of dinner laughing and chatting about the day, then set off on a relaxed stroll to St. Mark’s Square. As we passed our hotel, just a two-minute walk from the restaurant, my mum suddenly realised how close she’d been to “home” the night before. Classic Venice! It’s so easy to lose your bearings here, especially at night, with all the winding alleyways and canals.

🍦Coconut Gelato and Music in the Square

That evening, the square was bathed in warm air and soft light. Even though it was buzzing with people, it didn’t feel overwhelming, just full of energy. To cool off, we grabbed some gelato from a local vendor. I went with coconut, and oh my goodness… it was so good. Mmmmm!

As we enjoyed our gelato, we noticed a group of musicians setting up outside the famous and much-loved Caffè Florian. Naturally, we wandered over to listen. The moment the first few notes rang out, I instantly recognised the tune—Zorba the Greek!

In a flash, the relaxed evening atmosphere turned electric. People began clapping, whooping, and even dancing. It was such a joyful, spontaneous moment, and when the performance wrapped up, the crowd erupted in applause. Truly magical.

Just as the last claps faded, music began drifting from the other side of the square. This time, the unmistakable opening bars of Boléro! If you’re from the UK, you’ll know this one straight away. For those who aren’t familiar, Boléro became iconic after Torvill and Dean’s gold medal-winning ice dance at the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics. It’s a piece etched into the hearts of many Brits, and hearing it performed live in St. Mark’s Square, under the stars, was nothing short of unforgettable.

After the musicians took a break, we wandered around the square a bit more, admiring the stunning architecture all around us. There’s so much to take in here, from the Doge’s Palace with its pink-and-white chevron pattern to the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower) and all the beautiful details in between.

But the real standout in St. Mark’s Square is, without question, the Basilica di San Marco. Its façade is adorned with vibrant mosaics that tell the story of St. Mark’s remains being brought back to Venice. I’ll take you inside this incredible building in the next part of the post, but for now, we were content just gazing at it, glowing against the deep midnight-blue sky. It was absolutely breathtaking.

The only downside to the square at night? The hawkers. While we stood chatting and snapping photos with the family, sellers kept approaching, shining lights at our feet or directly in our faces, trying to push cheap laser toys and trinkets. It was a bit frustrating, but honestly, that, and the ever-present crowds, were the only real drawbacks in an otherwise magical evening. So, if you’re planning the perfect short trip to Venice, don’t miss an evening in Saint Mark’s Square. The live classical music under the stars felt magical.

Day 2: Murano Glass, St. Mark’s Grandeur & the Romance of a Venetian Night

The day started on a high note with brilliant blue skies and a sizzling 32-degree heat. We kicked things off by indulging in the hotel’s fabulous breakfast, which had received glowing reviews online, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Zac and I snagged a window table, where we could sip our coffee while watching gondolas glide quietly past. Venice truly is picture-perfect, isn’t it?

I helped myself to a bit of everything—eggs, bacon, muffins, toast, pastries, and several cups of coffee. Naturally, I was itching to head out for a walk after all that!

🚤 Cruising to Murano in Style

Our first adventure of the day was catching a water taxi to the island of Murano. At 150 euros, it definitely wasn’t cheap! But my mother-in-law was keen to visit the famous Murano glass factory, and it had been on my bucket list for ages, so it felt like a real treat. Thankfully, the in-laws very kindly covered the cost, as it was a little out of our price range. With the sun shining and the breeze off the water, it was a blissful ride over, and we arrived in style!

We docked at the factory and were welcomed by an Italian stallion of a tour guide. Quite the sight, I must say! He turned out to be as charming and friendly as you’d expect, and he gave us a fascinating introduction to the history of glass blowing in Venice. Interestingly, this ancient craft caused so many fires that the Venetian government ordered all glassmakers to relocate to Murano Island back in the 13th century. A clever move to protect the city.

As we stepped inside, our eyes were immediately drawn to a massive kiln dominating the centre of a room that looked like it hadn’t changed since the Dark Ages. We stood in awe as a master glassblower began his demonstration, pulling glowing liquid glass from the furnace and skillfully shaping it into ornate pieces for a chandelier. It was absolutely mesmerising to watch. We even got to see him create a delicate glass leaf with incredible precision.

Next, our guide led us through the studio, and wow, what a place! Honestly, I wanted to buy everything. We even started half-joking (or maybe not?) about whether we really needed to eat or drink for the next few days just so we could afford a souvenir. Somehow, and I still don’t know how, we walked out empty-handed.

Visiting the Murano Glass Factory would definitely be a highlight of the perfect short trip to Venice for any traveller. Watching a glassblower shape molten glass into chandeliers felt like stepping back in time.

If you’re keen to experience the Murano Glass Factory for yourself, including a live glass-blowing demonstration, you can book a tour [here through Viator].

⛪ Discovering the History Behind Saint Mark’s Basilica

After our visit, we caught a boat back to the main island and made our way to Saint Mark’s Square, ready to dive into our next adventure: touring the spectacular St. Mark’s Basilica. As I mentioned during our visit the night before, the church is nothing short of breathtaking. We arrived in the afternoon, and while the place was teeming with people, I didn’t mind, as seeing this iconic building up close made it all worth it.

As you approach, your eyes are instantly drawn to the five large archways at the front. Our guide shared the fascinating backstory of how Saint Mark’s remains ended up in Venice. Originally buried in Egypt, his body was smuggled out in 828 AD by a group of clever Venetian merchants who hid his bones in barrels filled with pork fat. Since Egypt was a Muslim country, the guards wouldn’t go near the barrels, allowing the remains to be transported safely to Venice. Saint Mark was later interred in the basilica, although the current structure wasn’t completed until 1094 AD. Its striking Byzantine design reflects Venice’s status at the time as a powerful and independent republic, distinct from the rest of Europe.

💎 Gold Ceilings, Grand Domes, and 2,000 Gemstones

Unfortunately, photography inside the basilica isn’t allowed, but don’t let that put you off, its interior is absolutely breathtaking. The intricate designs include stunning mosaics and three grand domes featuring scenes from the Bible. The ceiling gleams with so much gold, you won’t know where to look first. It creates the most dazzling backdrop for the artwork throughout.

The lower walls are made from pale marble, which contrasts beautifully with the opulent golden ceilings above. As you walk towards the back of the church, you’ll come across the Pala d’Oro, the ornate altarpiece behind the main altar. This masterpiece is encrusted with around 2,000 gemstones! There’s a small €2 fee to view it but trust me, it’s more than worth it.

We didn’t manage to visit the basilica’s museum this time, but it’s firmly on my list for next time I’m in Venice.

After being completely mesmerised by this architectural wonder, we wandered over to the Palazzo Ducale, home to the famous Doge’s Palace. Another absolutely stunning building. Though, let’s be honest, I’ll probably say that a lot!. I couldn’t stop admiring the delicate pink-and-white patterned stonework and the graceful white archways at ground level. I made a mental note then and there: I couldn’t leave Venice without stepping inside.

🌆 Strolling Through Venice After Dark

That evening, after a delicious dinner, we took a leisurely stroll through the enchanting backstreets of Venice. The atmosphere was buzzing, and every little lane seemed to hold a surprise. I’ve always had a soft spot for window shopping, so I especially enjoyed browsing the shops selling Murano glass. Much of it is genuine, and it’s often far more affordable here than at the factory.

That evening, after a delicious dinner, we decided to take a leisurely walk through the charming backstreets of Venice. It was a beautiful evening, and there was a lively atmosphere around every corner. I have a soft spot for window shopping, and I particularly enjoyed browsing the shops selling Murano glass. Most of it is authentic, and it’s often available at a fraction of the price compared to buying it at the factory. Naturally, I insisted on returning to Saint Mark’s Square to listen to the classical bands play. It’s quite a unique experience, and the only time I’ve ever gone out of my way to enjoy classical music. Now, it forever reminds me of Venice.

And that’s a wrap on the perfect short trip to Venice, and what a whirlwind it’s been! From anchovy tastings and sunset strolls to witnessing ancient glassblowing on Murano and marvelling at the golden ceilings inside St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice completely swept us off our feet. Between the canals, the classical music, and the magic of getting lost in those charming backstreets, it’s safe to say this city lived up to every romantic cliché (and then some!)

👉 But the story doesn’t end here. Don’t forget to subscribe and check out Part Two, which is full of surprises: think torrential rain, unexpected indoor gems, and yes, that awkward moment we got spat at outside a church (true story!)

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If you’re dreaming of your own Venetian escape, check out the tours I’ve linked below. They’re a great way to make the most of this one-of-a-kind city (and avoid those €150 water taxi surprises 😅)
Here’s to planning the perfect short trip to Venice! See below: