2 AMAZING days in Venice – Italy – TREKwithBECK
Venice, an iconic city in Italy which is so high on everyone’s Italian itineraries. This cities history dates back over 1500 years, and it has played a significant role in shaping the culture, architecture, and politics of Italy and Europe.
Venice sadly was not one of my favourite cities in Italy, and honestly I felt it is a bit over hyped. Nether the less, I don’t regret my visit here and I do think it is somewhere you should have on your Italian itinerary, especially if this is your first visit! I think Venice is a one and done type of city. meaning once you’ve seen it all, you don’t need to go back. But hey, that’s just my opinion!
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There are three ways to get to here: Bus, train or flying. I recommend taking the bus or train if you are in Italy already, as it is cheap and efficient. If you are coming internationally, I would look into flying into Venice Marco Polo airport. When catching the bus, I would look into companies such as FlixBus. I have used them multiple times and found every journey smooth.
If you are catching the train into Venice there are two train stations: Venice Mestre and Venice Santa Lucia. Venice Santa Lucia is the closest train station to the iconic Venice attractions. This is just something to keep in mind when planning your travel days! If you can only get a train to Venice Metre, don’t worry it’s very easy to catch a train to Venice Santa Lucia. It’s a 1.45 Euro one way ticket, which can be purchased at the ticket booths at the station. This is the way you will get into Venice if you plan on staying near Venice Mestre Station.
You will most likely walk around on your visit. There is the option to catch water taxis or ferries to certain parts of Venice, which is extremely helpful if you have heaps of luggage and are staying in the main district. However, if you are there to just explore I would recommend walking. This way you can visit hidden alley ways and stumble across restaurants and shops that you usually wouldn’t find.
Where to stay?
If you have money to spare and want to stay somewhere over looking the canals, I would make sure you stay in Venice on the island. I would make sure of this by using the maps feature on booking websites. These types of accommodation, although closer to the main attractions, do tend to be a little more expensive. I personally recommend staying near the Venice Mestre train station. This is still a part of Venice, so It means you don’t have to pay visitors fees (explained below), but it is a lot more affordable. The train into Venice from here only takes 10 mins, so its not to far to travel in and out each day.
I stayed at Anda Venice hostel, and I highly recommend it. It is a 4 min walk to the Venice Mestre train station, has good facilities, clean beds, plenty of space to relax and a kitchen. It isn’t just for backpackers, there are plenty of private and family rooms too. Best of all, it was an extremely affordable price. For three nights in a 6 bed female dorm, it cost me $150 AUD – $50 AUD a night, this is extremely cheap for Europe standards.
Is two days enough?
I believe two days is plenty of time to see everything Venice has to offer. Two days will give you enough time to see everything in the main area and head off to some smaller islands such as Burano for a day. I do believe any longer in this area, and you will get bored. Venice is a very small city compared to other cities in Italy, it can mostly be explored by foot in one day. If you want to visit places at a slower pace, and add in long meal times, I would extend it to three days. However, personally I believe tow is plenty.
Other Important Notes
Venice has recently rolled out a tourist tax of 5 EURO per person, during peak times and weekends. You will have to fill out a form with the days you intend on travelling, pay the fee and have the receipt ready to show on your arrival to the area. This is only for people who place on visiting for a day trip. If you plan on staying in Venice, either on the main island or near the Venice Mestre train station, you are exempt. This means you don’t need to pay the fee, and can complete the form once you arrive at your accommodation.
You can find the form here.
Pickpocketing is also a massive problem in here, so it is wise to take precautions. Especially if you are visiting during the busy season. I would make sure to have a bag that zips up, and can be worn on the front of your body. Either a backpack or cross body bag. If you can buy a buy with anti theft features that is even better – I recommend Pacsafe. There are also a lot of scams in Venice, so just be careful and don’t let anyone put anything on you (bracelet etc) or take photos for you as you may not get your phone back.
Venice – 2 Day Itinerary
For the first day in Venice we are going to explore the main tourist attractions! The order of the sights seen on this itinerary are if you have headed into Venice and got off the train at Venice Santa Lucia train station. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes, as you won’t be catching any public transport today, expect for the train. These are just the attractions listed below in the best order to visit – I haven’t included lunch stops so please make sure to do this!
- First Stop: Grand Canal
- Second Stop: Doges Palace (aim for the 9 am entry)
- Third Stop: Bridge of Sighs (Included in Doges Palace)
- Fourth Stop: St Marks Basilica
- Fifth Stop: Gondola Ride
- Sixth Stop: Liberia Acqua Alta
- Seventh Stop: Suso Gelato
- Eighth Stop: Rialto Bridge
- Ninth Stop: Home
One day two of this Venice Itinerary, we will head to the islands off the main island: Burano, Murano and Torcello. These islands can easily be visited as a joint package tour, or by yourself. I recommend the tour as it takes the hassle out of organising transport and it also includes a glass making demonstration on Murano. You get adequate time at each stop to wonder around and do as you please. There are plenty of beautiful spots to check out, resturants and cafes. It is also a lot quieter than then Venice, which will be nice, especially if you travel during the peak season.
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