48 hours in venice
A Magical Weekend Getaway
If you're craving a whirlwind trip full of history, beauty, and delicious food, Venice is the perfect destination. Here's how we spent an unforgettable 48 hours exploring this magical city.
Friday Evening: A Convenient Start
We arrived late Friday evening, so we stayed near Marco Polo Airport for convenience. There are plenty of hotels close by, and the short commute made it easier to start our adventure fresh the next morning.
Saturday Morning: Exploring Venice's Heart
Early Saturday, we hopped on a bus that took just 20 minutes to reach Venice's centre—super cheap and easy. You can tap your card for fare, so there's no need for a ticket. After dropping our bags at the hotel, we dove straight into the city.
Venice Canals
Despite a light drizzle, Venice’s charm shone through. Every corner presented a beautiful canal, picturesque bridge, or colourful building, with churches and cafés tucked in between. We strolled to the Rialto Bridge, finding a cozy brunch spot with a stunning view of this iconic structure.
St. Mark’s Square & Murano: A Day of Culture
Next, we headed to St. Mark’s Square. The grandeur of the square and St. Mark’s Basilica left us in awe. After exploring the area, we decided to take a boat to Murano, famous for its glassmaking. We were lucky enough to catch a glassblowing demonstration—watching artisans craft intricate pieces was mesmerizing.
Murano Glass Blowing
We spent the afternoon wandering Murano’s colourful streets, enjoying a pizza and Aperol spritz by the canal. The slower pace and relaxed vibe made it the perfect escape from the busier parts of Venice.
Aperol Spritz
Evening in Venice: Drinks & Dinner
Back in Venice, we stumbled upon a charming square where we enjoyed drinks (and loved the complimentary crisps!). After freshening up, we headed out for a seafood dinner, sampling the local fare and ending the night with some fantastic wine.
Sunday Morning: Gondola Ride & Café Culture
Sunday started with a quick coffee and croissant in a quiet square we stumbled upon. Then came the highlight of the trip—a gondola ride. This was truly a magical experience, giving us a unique view of Venice's canals and architecture from the water. It was the highlight of our trip, and a MUST for when you’re in Venice We booked our gondola ride through GetYourGuide before our trip — check it out here.
Gondola Ride
After our ride, we made our way to Caffè Florian for brunch. The café’s opulent gold interior and delicious food made it a special treat. The afternoon was spent leisurely wandering Venice’s streets, visiting the famous Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore, and indulging in cannoli and other sweet treats from various cafés.
Florian Caffe
Final Dinner & Departure
For our last meal, we enjoyed truffle pasta and burrata, savoring every bite before reluctantly heading back to the hotel to grab our bags. A quick 30-minute bus ride got us to the airport in time for our flight, ending our perfect weekend in Venice.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Venice
Venice is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. Whether it’s the stunning canals, incredible food, or simply getting lost in its enchanting streets, Venice offers something unforgettable at every turn. Even with just 48 hours, we left with memories that will last a lifetime. Could not recommend Venice more for a magical weekend getaway!
Venice