Venice, Italy has been on the bucket list for as long as I have had a bucket list! I traveled to Venice in October of 2019 during a two week trip through Italy with my husband and two friends. We only had 48 hours in Venice but we definitely made the most of the time we had! So if you are wondering what to do in Venice keep on reading.
In all honesty Venice ended up being my least favorite city of the 5 places we visited in Italy. Of course, I absolutely loved the whole country so this does not mean it is not worth visiting. There are just so many wonderful places to visit in all of Italy, choosing where to go can be tough.
You can see our whole two week Italy itinerary if you need help deciding where to go and for how long. It shows a few different options based on how long you have and what you’re looking to get out of the trip.
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Wether you have only 48 hours in Venice like us or a longer amount of time, all theses sights are must see places!
Rialto Bridge
When I was looking up all the things to do in Venice Rialto Bridge kept popping up. My initial thought were that is is just a bridge, which it is but it is also so much more! Rialto bridge spans the Grand Canal, it is surrounded by shops and restaurants and souvineer stands.
The bridge itself is beautiful and great to take pictures with. This picture spot is to the left of the bridge where there are no shops. Super easy to get to! Try and time it so that you get a picture while a gondola is going by.
St. Mark’s Basilica
At St. Marks Square is church called St. Mark’s basilica. It is a beautiful church covered in paintings and the inside ceiling is covered in gold mosaics. It is completely free to visit and only (typically) a short line to get in.
In front of the basilica are hundreds of pigeons everywhere. Some people sell bird seed you can buy to feed them or you can run through them but no matter what watch out for poop. Anyone can get hit anytime.
St. Marks Square
St. Marks Square is the area surrounding the Basilica. This is where the pigeons gather and people are often selling bird seed if you want to try and get a picture with the birds. There are also stands selling souvenirs, places to eat and a beautiful view of the Grand Canal and rows of gondolas.
The people selling bird seed sometimes just walk up and put it in your hand without asking. Just something to be cautious of but don’t let it deter you!
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is just adjacent to St. Marks Square, or kind of behind it in a way. Just go around to the left or the right of the basilica and there are bridges that will give you a great view of the Bridge of Sighs.
The Bridge of Sighs is a fully enclosed bridge that runs between the old courthouse and the prison.
Urban legend says that the Bridge of Sighs got its name from the prisoners that had been sentenced to death in the courthouse. As they were walked back across the bridge the prisoners would sigh their last sigh as they were taking their last look across the city.
So romantic right!
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Take a Gondola Ride
Going on a gondola ride in Venice is kind of a right of passage. If you are in Venice then you must ride a gondola right? The standard price is 80-100 euro’s depending on the time of day and where you want to go.
We found a gondolier that wasn’t busy so he offered us a deal of 60 euro. Sometimes you get what you pay for. He was polite but the ride was short and not a pretty route. I think there would’ve been a bigger wow factor if we had paid full price and also chosen a location that was well known or prettier.
Riding a gondola under the Rialto Bridge or the Bridge of Sighs would be so magical! Whatever you decide, make the most of it and have fun!
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Even when you only have 48 hours in Venice this unique location is a must visit. You’ll have the best view in Venice.
It costs 7 euro per person or 6 euro for students. The Scala Contarini del Bovolo tower offers a great view of Venice from above and you can even see the rooftop of the Basilica in the distance! We came at around 4:30 pm and there were only a few other people there. By the time we were done taking in the view and started taking pictures we were alone until just as we were about to head out!
The hours are 10 am to 6:30 pm but they stop letting people in 30 minutes before closing.
Visit a Book Store
This unique bookstore Libreria Acqua Alta has a staircase made of books in their back courtyard plus a gondola filled with books inside! This place is a book worms dream with books pilled high to the ceiling. So take a look at some books, grab a picture or two and enjoy the company of their furry feline friends. They open at 9 am and it is free to visit.
Make Your Own Magnum Bar
Yes, you heard that right! You can make your own custom magnum bar and eat it too! Located by Ponte degli Scalzi and a delicious pizza place called Vittoria Ristorante Pizzeria, it is not far from the train station.
It is a little pricey at 7 euro a pop but it really is fun and a nice break from walking to stop in this little shop. You get to choose the flavor of ice cream, the flavor of chocolate AND a drizzle. Then you get to pick 3 toppings to top it all off.
Murano & Burano
Near Venice are two small artisan islands that can only be reached by ferry. Murano is known for its blown glass and Burano is known for its lace. Burano has also grown popular because all of its buildings are painted in bright rainbow colors.
Both islands are worth a visit and are only a quick ferry ride away. So if you have time take a trip out!
Read More: How to Visit Murano & Burano While in Venice, Italy. (Coming Soon.
What To Do in Venice for 48 Hours
There you go, all the best things to do for 48 hours in Venice. I know you’ll enjoy your time in Venice but Italy has so much to offer! I hope you’ll consider seeing other cities while you’re there. Italy is such an amazing country with such rich history, culture and FOOD! Have Fun!
We spent two weeks in Italy and I packed everything I needed for that trip into a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. This helped me save money on baggage fees and it was so much easier to move around through Italy. Having an all in one packing list guide that I use for all our trips helps me cut down on unnecessary items and pack smart.
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Lovely post. Venice in an incredible place! I would love to go back! Thanks for sharing this great article 🙂
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you get to go back someday soon!
I love Venice. I was there last year. Great post and lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing:)
I am so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!
I love Venice!! I spent a summer there and fell in love with it even more. Your photos are beautiful! I love your skirt! Thank you for the great post!! 🙂
That is so fun that you got to spend that much time there! Thank you for your kind words!
I’ve been to Venice and most of the sights you listed. I did miss the Bovolo tower which looks like an amazing view of the city. Burano and Murano are also places I would love to see.
Looks like you’ll have to go back, oh darn lol!!
It looks like you visited the best places there are in Venice in the 48 hours you had there! It’s not on the top of my Italy bucket list, but it would be so cool to stop by and take a gondola ride. Also, love your outfits, so cute!
We had a blast for sure! Its hard with only two days to explore and so much to do! Thank you 🙂