CHECK-IN

Whether you arrive by bus, train or plane, you will first need to get to your hotel and drop off your luggage. With such a wide range of accommodations, the best choice for you depends on your budget and the experience you want to have.

WANDER VENICE

Once you are checked in, grab a bite to eat. You can find anything from takeout pasta to sit down seafood restaurants all over the city and many have beautiful views of the Grand Canal. Start to wander from your hotel and let your nose be your guide. Maybe try some Spaghetti al Nero, a local delicacy.

Once you've eaten, keep wandering through this labyrinth city. Feast your eyes on Venetian architecture.

You might stumble upon hidden campi with charming cafes and stop for some cappuccino.

Cross bridges and catch sight of gondola.

Venture deeper into the heart of the city and find busy markets where skilled artisans create glassworks and delicate masks.

You'll likely encounter historic churches as you wander. Make sure to download offline Google Maps before your trip to mark historic sights and find your way back when you are done wandering.

Venice's unique layout means that every corner reveals a new surprise, whether it's a picturesque bridge, a quaint courtyard or a hidden gelato shop offering a delicious treat.

Before heading back to your hotel, get another bite to eat, perhaps at Harry's Bar, and watch the sunset transform the city.

With so much to do, it's no wonder this is the busiest part of Venice. You'll want to get here early to avoid the crowds.

PIAZZA SAN MARCO

Book a guided tour or self-guided tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. It's best to do these first thing or at the end of the day to beat the crowds.

Exploring Piazza San Marco is a highlight of any trip to Venice. This iconic square is often considered the heart of the city.

Find Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, with its beautiful spiral staircase or Acqua Alta Bookstore, a unique and beautiful book lover's paradise.

Sit at one of the cafes that line the square and have been gathering places for artists, writers and intellectuals for centuries.

Visit Musee Correr and its rich collection of the art and history of Venice.

If you're feeling especially adventurous, climb to the top of the Campanile di San Marco for one of the best views of the city.

BRIDGE OF SIGHS

Finally, visit the Bridge of Sighs, a famous and one-of-a-kind bridge over one of Venice's canals. For the best viewpoint, walk down Riva degli Schiavoni and cross the Ponte della Paglia bridge.

Maybe try some of Venice's famous seafood on the canal for dinner or find a beautiful rooftop terrace to dine at.

Day three is all about what makes Venice such a unique destination - all the canals.

MURANO DAY TRIP

Travel to Murano by boat and watch a glass blowing demonstration. Murano glass is world famous and known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs. Located in the Venetian lagoon, Murano glass is significant to the story of Venice.

GRAND CANAL

You can book a canal tour, or get tickets to the Vaporetto, Venice's water taxi. In the late afternoon, it's best to take the Vaporetto from Piazzale Roma to St. Mark's Square to avoid the crowds.

Admire the grand palaces and their intricate facades that line the canals, each telling stories of a bygone era of opulence and power.

You can purchase a 24-hour pass for the Vaporetto to hop off and explore or eat before getting back on and continuing your trip down the canal.

On the last day of your trip to Venice, finish strong with these final must dos.

GALLERIA DELL'ACCADEMIA

Cross the Ponte dell'Accademia to the Galleria dell'Accademia. You can self-guide or purchase a guided tour. This museum is full of famous works of art and science, like Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man.

Have lunch on the water, like at Osteria al Squero.

RIALTO BRIDGE AND MARKET

Wander over to Rialto Bridge and Market. It is the most famous bridge in Venice.

GONDOLA RIDE

Finally, take a gondola ride. There are a few different options for this depending on the experience you want.

You could find a gondolier and negotiate your ride with them. The government sets ride prices at 80 Euros per 40 minutes before 7pm and 100 Euros/40 minutes after 7pm. But, you must negotiate your price. If you are not happy with it, you can try a different gondolier.

You can book a romantic gondola ride with Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade for you and your partner.

Lastly, you can take a lesson and learn how to row a gondola yourself with Row Venice.