Visiting the city of canals has always been one of our travel dreams and after realizing it, we are going to share with you all the must-see places. what to see in Venice in 3 days.
The capital of the Italian region of Veneto was founded in the 5th century, it is made up of 118 islands, and in 1987 it was created by UNESCO. Unesco has listed its historic center as a World Heritage Site..
In the 3 days tour in Venicewe saw his must-see sites and also others less known, but no less recommendable to see, and who better than us to tell you what we thought of them 😉.
ADVICE: A good idea to get in touch with the city is to do this free guided tour where you will discover some of the most important monuments, squares and streets.
We show you our guide to venice in three days?
What to see in Venice in 3 days – Day 1
During our first day watching the Serenissimawe eventually visited his most famous place as is the St. Mark’s Square and we crossed several of its famous bridges, including the Bridge of Sighs.
We first show you Venice on video, then we detail it for you. 😊
Basilica of Santa Maria of the Salute
We come to the Basilica of Santa Maria della SaluteThe huge dome of the basilica had caught our eye and we decided to go inside to see it.
It was built in the 17th century on the Punta della Dogana (the Customs House of Venice) to serve as the seat of the city administration. to thank the Madonna for having preserved the city from the plague..
The central nave is octagonal and is surrounded by 6 chapels. If there’s anything we really liked, it’s the polychrome marble flooring. Of course, you cannot miss the image of the Madonna of the Salute on the main altar, which protects Venice.
On November 21, the feast of the Madonna della Saluteduring which tens of thousands of pilgrims flock to see the Virgin Mary.
TIPS: Free entryunless you want to visit the sacristy, to see the church. collection of works by Tintoretto and other artists.In this case, if you have to pay a small entrance fee.
Academy Bridge
Leaving the basilica, we decided to cross to the other side and what better way to do so than to take one of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal: The Accademia Bridge.
The Grand Canal, which the Venetians call the “canalazzo”, is 3,800 meters long and its banks are home to nearly 200 palaces built between the 12th and 18th centuries.
To tell the truth, we didn’t find the bridge very beautiful in itself, but we found it very beautiful. the views from the bridge are amazing. He is probably the most famous postcard which makes it one of things to do in Venice. And since a picture is worth a thousand words, we show it to you below. 😍
The original bridge dated from the 19th century and was made of iron, but the one you will cross and where you will cross from is made of iron. photos as cool as oursIt is made of wood and was built in the 1930s. Iron parts were added later.
TRICK: Close to the bridge, you will find the Accademia Gallery, one of the most important painting museums in Venice.
St. Mark’s Square, a must in Venice
THE St. Mark’s Square is one of the largest squares in Europe. must-see places in Venice And it’s no wonder, because it’s a wonderful place, one of the most beautiful in the world.the heart of the city.
Its beginnings date back to the 9th century, when it was just a small square in front of St. Mark’s Basilica, and it acquired its current dimensions in the 12th century, although it was only paved 100 years later. late.
You have certainly heard of what is called the Acqua Altawhich does flooding of a large part of the city.Did you know that Piazza San Marco was the first to be flooded? This happens because it is the lowest place in Venice.
Here you will find some of its most famous buildings, such as The Clock Towerthere St. Mark’s Basilica, Campanile and the Ducal Palacewhich we are going to tell you about now. 😎
Clock tower
To the left of the basilica you will see the Torre dell’Orologio or Clock Tower built at the end of the 15th century and where it is located the most important clock in Venice.
The most curious element of the tower is undoubtedly this clock composed of several dials:
- A who marks the hour with 24 Roman numerals.
- What follows represents the 12 signs of the zodiac.
- The one in the center indicates the phases of the moon and the sun.
Interior visit possible by reservation only and includes a visit to the Correr Museum, the National Archaeological Museum and the monumental halls of the Martian Library.
Bridge of Sighs
Who does not know the Bridge of Sighs! Another of the symbols of the city and of course a must in Venice.
This bridge is one of the most photographed in the world.It was built in the 17th century to connect the ducal palace with the prison, and one of its curiosities is that it that it is completely closed, thus preventing any possibility of escape..
You might think his name is romantic, but it’s actually… is linked to the transfer of prisoners. After being condemned to the Ducal Palace, they were led to the prison by this bridge and it is said that They “sighed” as they saw the sunlight and the city for the last time through the windows of the bridge..
To reach it, approach the Doge’s Palace, walk past its entrance and after a few minutes you will be on another bridge. Look left and you will see it in front of you.
ADVICEYou can also see it while passing below in a gondola or inside, when you visit the Doge’s Palace.
Rialto Bridge
And from a famous bridge, we go to another very popular one, the Rialto Bridgewhich you will certainly cross more than once. during the days you will see Venice.Why insure it? To cross the Grand Canal, there are only 4 bridges, so the probability is high 😄.
It is the oldest of the bridges that cross the Grand Canal. and was built at the end of the 16th century to replace a wooden bridge which was not very stable, given that there were no other bridges. it collapsed twice and burned once.. 😓 (The wooden bridge replaced a floating bridge from the 12th century).
Crossing the bridge in the middle you will find shops of all kinds on both sides and in our opinion, sunset is the best time to visit the city as it is less crowded..
TIPSIf you cross the bridge in the morning, you will reach the Rialto market.
What to see in Venice in 3 days – Day 2
In this second day of visiting Venicewe entered some of the the most important in Venice, such as the Correr Museum and the impressive Doge’s Palace..
We show them to you first on video, then we tell you all about what to see there. 😊
St. Mark’s Basilica
There St. Mark’s Basilica no longer needs to be introduced. The current basilica was built between the 11th and 17th centuries on the same site as the original 9th-century basilica, which was destroyed by fire.
It was built to house the remains of Saint Mark. (which still rest today in the basilica) and was the private chapel of the Doge (the ruler of the city), who used it for official ceremonies until the beginning of the 19th century, when he transformed it into private chapel. it became the cathedral of Venice.
Its facade will seem very curious to you because of the mix of styles and materials that make it up.. The explanation is in a law that required merchants who had had good luck in business to donate to beautify it..
Unfortunately we couldn’t see the interior of the basilica because it was closed for restoration, but we were able to see part of the interior of the basilica, seen from above, when we visited the museum, where they are. St. Mark’s Horsesreplicas of which you will see on the balcony. Then, go out on the terrace and enjoy the exhibition. magnificent from Piazza San Marco..
ADVICE: A good way to make sure you don’t miss anything and don’t have a problem. to know all the secretsEast following this guided tour of the basilica.
Bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica (Campanile).
All basilicas usually have a bell tower and this one is no exception, although in this case there is something different: It is separate from the building and believe us, you will see it as soon as you arrive in the square Saint Mark 😉.
It has a height of 98 meters, which makes it the tallest building in the city there is a reconstruction of 1912, after a collapse in 1902.. The original tower served not only as a beacon for navigators, but also as a bell tower..
It is one of the symbols of Venice and if you wish, you can visit the interior. Don’t worry this time there are no stairs to climb, as there is an elevator.. 😅
The 360 degree views are the best in town. and on a clear day you can see one of Europe’s finest monuments. most popular islands in Venice. Be aware, however, that when you are at the top… one of its 5 bells will ring and your ears… 😄
Racing Museum
In St. Mark’s Square, opposite the Doge’s Palace, you can’t miss the running museum. Correr Museumlocated in the former royal palace, created thanks to the collection that Teodoro Correr donated to the city in the 19th century..
Occupies 2 floors of the Napoleonic Wing buildings and part of the New Procuraties. (former seats of government), where you will also see the National Archaeological Museum and the monumental halls of the Martian National Library..
You will first visit the Imperial Rooms of the Royal Palace, where Empress Elisabeth of Austria (whom you may know as Sissi) lived during her visits to Venice.
The museum continues with other magnificent neoclassical rooms such as the ballroom, the dining room and the sculptures of the Cánova collection, as well as rooms where one can learn more about the history of the city. the history, life and culture of Venice.
Almost without realizing it, you will enter the of the National Archaeological Museumwith a marvelous collection of Greek and Roman sculptures. located in one of the former rooms of the royal palace.
The grand finale of the visit is the Monumental rooms of the Martian National Library.built in the 16th century, two of which – empty of books – can be visited, but with a ceiling that will leave you speechless. 😍
TRICK: In the part of the building facing the sea, there are the Royal Gardens of Venice, perfect for relaxing..
The Doge’s Palace, one of the most beautiful places to see in Venice
In St. Mark’s Square we can only recommend you to visit the Doge’s Palace, one of the symbols of the power of the city, where the Doge lived.who was the supreme magistrate and the one who commanded the most in Venice. did you know that they ruled for almost a thousand years?
It is believed to have been built between the 10th and 11th centuries, expanded throughout its history, and its present appearance dates from the 15th century. Outside the residence, It was the seat of the government, the court of justice and the prison..
The first contact with the palace is in the central courtyard, where you can see part of the Basilica of Saint Mark connected to the palace by a passage and on one of its sides is the Doge’s gondola.
To start the tour, go up the spectacular golden staircase (Scala d’oro)built in the middle of the 16th century and in 24 carat gold.
Throughout the visit, you will pass by rooms as important as the one where we took decisions concerning the city were taken and voted onThe doge’s private quarters and armory.
And suddenly you’ll start walking through narrow hallways and down dark stairs, leaving luxury behind to enter the prison 😎 Keep your eyes peeled, though, because you might not realize you’re passing through. interior, one of the most famous sites in Venice: the Bridge of Sighs.. Look through one of the openings and and be amazed by the view.😍
Once you leave the bridge, you will enter an “other world”, dark and cold, from which you will not be able to leave. virtually no one made it out alive or escapedalthough the famous Giacomo Casanova He succeeded in this in 1756, when he fled through the roofs in the company of a monk he met in prison.
Don’t miss the interior of the dungeons and their locks and tries to imagine the life of a prisoner, then goes out into the courtyard and returns to the Doge’s Palace.
The worst place in the prison was the wet pits (pozzi), dungeons located on the two lower floors, therefore damp, dark and full of rats.
If you want to visit the prison with a guide we recommend this tour in which you have including entrance to the 4 museums in Piazza San Marco: Correr Museum, Archaeological Museum, Monumental Hall and Martian National Library..
Acqua Alta Bookstore
This bookstore is one of those places that have become famous on social networks. Despite this, we are going to recommend it to you because is so special and original that you should not miss it..
What is the originality of this library? Neither more nor less than all the books are on high shelves, in bathtubs and even in a real gondola. in the center of the store.
The most famous place is the backyard, “decorated” with books damaged during the acqua alta and where you can climb a staircase made of piles of books.
Apart from that, what caught our attention the most was the emergency exit, which, as it could not be otherwise. leads to a channel.😏
TIPS: As it is a bit complicated to find, Here’s the address: Via Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b.
What to see in Venice in 3 days – Day 3
On our last day of visiting the city, we took a walk in the Cannaregio districtone of the areas to stay in Veniceand return to the center to finish seeing what we had left.
ADVICE: If you are sure you want to go to see Venice for 3 days (or as much as you want… 😄) here you can book good accommodation.
First the video we shot that day and then everything in detail 😉.
The Jewish quarter of Venice
The Jewish Quarter of Venice or Ghetto Nuovo was in an area of the Cannaregio district and was created in 1516 by order of Doge Leonardo Loredan. It expanded over the years with the addition of Ghetto Vecchio in 1541 and Ghetto Nuovissimo in 1633.
The word ghetto originated in this area, which once housed the foundries, known as the geti.
He is the first ghetto in Europe and its gates were closed at nightfall, only letting out Jews with special permits. You can see here the tallest buildings in Venice for lack of space, were extended upwards.
While walking in this district, it is get away from the most touristy areas to enjoy a more authentic environment, where you can visit some of the 5 synagogues, the Hebrew Art Museum and the Campo del Ghetto Nuovo.its most important place.
ADVICE: Another way to to know all its historyit is by doing this free legends of venice tour in which you will discover the jewish ghettoamong others.
Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari
She is popularly known as Iglesia dei Frari (Church of the Friars), it is one of the largest churches in Venice. and was completed in the 15th century. Do not miss its 83 meter high bell tower, is the second tallest in the city.
Inside the church you can see important works such as The Assumption of the Virgin by Titian. on the high altar or the funerary monument of Canova, which contains only his heart..
You also can’t miss the tomb of Titian himselfher an impressive choirTHE large confessional on one side and the magnificent works by artists such as Donatello and Titian..
San Rocco Secondary School
What better way to end a 3 day visit to Venicewho, entering one of the most impressive places in the city.
THE Grande Ecole San Rocco Built in the 16th century, it is a brotherhood formed by Venetian citizens and created to help the people of Venice in times of plague.
To decorate the walls and ceilings, they entrusted the work to the to the Venetian artist Tintoretto, who devoted more than 20 years to it. and the result is simply spectacular.😍
Only the staircase leading to the main room will leave you speechless. and although there aren’t many rooms open to the public, the price of admission is well worth it.
To see in Venice. Gondola ride
¿What is the most famous activity in Venice?? The answer is very simple, take a gondola and we believe that is one of the things you must do at least once in your life..
We are going to give you a tip for taking a little gondola ride: take a traghetto. They are also gondolas, with the difference that they are used to cross the Grand Canal where there is no bridge.
If this side-by-side trip seems short to you, you can book your gondola ride along the canals of Venice there Live a unique experience.😊
Gondola ride on the canals of Venice.
Map of places to see in Venice in 3 days.
With this card all the places to see in 3 days, plan your trip to the city of Venice no problem.
What’s the best way to get around Venice?
The answer to this question is very simple, walk.😁 Of course, we don’t guarantee that you won’t get lost (we lived up to our name), but we will let you in on a secret to… move like an expert in the labyrinthine streets of Venice: Be guided by the yellow signs.
Yes, we said yellow signs, no GPS, no Google Maps, no paper maps (we tell you this from experience). The yellow signs, which you can see in many places in Venice, “saved our lives” and once we discovered them, we wandered around the city like real Venetians.
Of course, it’s not just walking. There is also a way to see the city without getting tired, it is to use the ACTV company’s vaporetto, which is in a way the local “bus”. and you will find several stops along the Grand Canal. We took line 1 to Piazza San Marco and found it to be a great way to get to Piazza San Marco. to see both the city and the facades overlooking the canal..
To buy tickets, just go to the vending machines located on the main platforms, such as Piazzale Roma or San Marco, and don’t forget to validate them before boarding. If you plan to travel several times, it is best to buy the Venezia Unica transport card. because it is more economical than buying a ticket each time you take the “bus”.
And that’s it for our great guide to Venice in 3 days. We hope this article helps you on your next trip to this wonderful city and let us know in the comments what your favorite spot is.
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