48 Hours in Venice

A pensive gondolier

What can you do in Venice if you have 48 hours? A friend of mine had this dilemma last year and I sent her this itinerary as a “guide.” Venice maybe small but it’s beautiful and romantic. Don’t be intimidated by the labyrinthine layout because she is navigable on land and water. If you are coming from the Marco Polo Airport, you can take either a cab or ACTV bus #’s 5, 15, or 45. If you prefer to travel by sea, you can take an Alilaguna water bus. This water bus takes passengers to Murano, Lido, and Venice islands. I personally prefer taking the train (if you’re coming from another Italian city) and disembark at the Venezia Santa Lucia train station. You will not need to take a boat or bus from the station if your hotel is in Venice. However, if you’re staying at the Lido or Murano, you will need to take a water bus (Alilaguna).

A word of caution to my fellow travelers. If you are staying in Venice, be mindful of your luggage. There is nothing worse than schlepping 2 giant suitcases and a tote around Venice. Her 400+ footbridges maybe beautiful and romantic but they are not merciful. Pack light if you can.

Below is my suggested 48-hour Venice jaunt. With a guidebook on hand and an open-mind, enjoy Venice in all her splendor. Don’t hold back 🙂

Helpful website:

www.hellovenezia.com
http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/BSMjesusFlashEng.bsm
http://www.mondonovomaschere.it/

Day 1:

– Hang out at the Piazza San Marco then visit Basilica di San Marco. No photography or video is allowed inside the church. There is no entrance fee to the church but if you decide to check out the treasury, Pala D’Oro, and St. Mark’s Musuem, they all come with a fee (2-4 euros). The interior of this church is beautiful. It’s by far, one of the most unique I have ever visited. It’s not your typical Romanesque or Gothic church. The mosaics inside and on the floor of the basilica were incredible! But due to the acqua alta and consequent water damage, they rendered the floors uneven. It’s still a beauty, though. This tour should take no more than 20 minutes unless you decide to stay longer and worship, of course. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately before entering the church or you will be turned away.
– Now back to the Piazza, walk around it’s cloisters and check out the high end shops and tourist traps that they call restaurants. Don’t eat there.
– I find that hole-in-the-wall restaurants that don’t have English translations on their menus offer the most authentic Venetian fare. These are the restaurants frequented by the locals.
– After the Piazza, head on over to the Rialto area (Jewish Ghetto) to check out the bridge, the famed Rialto market and I Frari church. Start walking towards Calle de Fabbri from St. Mark’s Square, then right on Riva del Carbon then you will see the Rialto Bridge on the left. Take pictures here. Look for Calle dei Botteri and start walking towards Campo San Polo for more photo ops. I Frari cathedral is not far from here. A stunning Venetian Gothic church!  3.25 euros as entrance fee.
– Have dinner or snack here if you like. You can take the vaporetto back to Piazza San Marco or walk back using a different route.
–  Most of the places like the Doge Palace, Campanile, etc. are already closed before dinner time.
– Get lost in Piazza San Marco and listen to orchestras with a drink in one of the bars around the Piazza.
– I recommend to experience Venice during nighttime when all the lampposts are lit and is less crowded. **The Rialto market might be closed around this time too** check with the concierge. If it’s already closed for the day, stay in Piazza San Marco, check out the church, walk around the nearby streets and alleys for some souvenir shopping. 

Beautiful day at the piazza

Day 2:
 
– While in Piazza San Marco, visit the Belltower (campanile) to see the views around Venice (8 euros).
– Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) is next to the cathedral. It’s also worth a visit but there’s a fee and needs reservations.
– Museo Correr is also a noteworthy museum in the same vicinity of the Piazza
– The exterior facade of both Palazzo Ducale and Museo Correr are great photo ops as well.
– When done at the Piazza, walk towards the water where you take the vaporetto and walk along the bank (this is Riva Degli Schiavoni)
– Interesting shops and restaurants along this street
– Take the vaporetto from Schiavoni to Dorsoduro (stop is Accademia)
– Check out Mondonovo for some authentic Venetian masks in Dorsoduro 3063.
– You should end your day here. Lots of  not-so-touristy restaurants and shops.

Day 3: Take the Alilaguna back to San Marco Airport..Say “Ciao e arrividerci, Venezia”