Once in a lifetime trip to Venice for 2.5 days - what to do?

[Goingonagondola]

I'm taking my mum to Venice for her 70th in mid October (I've really booked it now!) We'll arrive on a Friday about midday and leave on Monday morning.

I don't want to plan/schedule too much because I want it to be relaxed and to just enjoy being there.We're staying in San Marco, 10 mins walk from St Mark's square so can go there early/late to do things if necessary. The only thing I think we're bound by is Rialto Market (worth seeing?) as I think it'll only be on the Saturday morning not Sun/Mon, right?

People who know Venice, if you were in Venice for this time frame (and for the first and probably only ever once in a lifetime visit), what would you do? Should we fit in Murano/Burano? Take a gondola ride? (And if so during the day or in the evening?) Are there things that are good to do as a group (so should we do the Doge's palace and Basilica in one stint, for example? And on our own or on a tour?) I'm going to get the 3 day vaporetto pass so we can just sit and cruise if we're tired.

Thank you for all your advice and, for anyone on my previous threads, for being so kind and supportive and motivational that I've actually managed to book this and am excited about it.

The Biennale will be on while you are there, pop into a few of the exhibitions, lots are free and very interesting.

These tips are amazing, thank you!

Apologies for the brief reply to all your kind help - I have broken my fingers so typing is hard. Should all be healed before we go! Thank you again, so much.

I agree to arrive by private boat. It’s spectacular.

As for the rest, tbh our favourite parts were non-touristy. We got out to some of the smaller islands - visited cemetery island and also the insane asylum museum at the university. The touristy stuff can be packed and not as interesting (IMO).

The bell tower someone mentioned is definitely worth it for the view. We also enjoyed Murano and Burano (the latter was less touristy). Doge’s palace secret itineraries tour was well worth it for us as we are history buffs, but it will eat a few hours.

Aqua Alta bookshop is well worth finding - absolutely brilliant and quirky.

Also plan where you will dine in advance. Tourist restaurants are crazy expensive and really poor quality.

Have fun!

We had a magic 3 days in Venice which started with a food tour, I'd definitely recommend! It was a morning and gave us such a wonderful experience, tiny shops and local traditions and stories. Oh and yes, fork out for a water taxi from the airport!

Hello

I'm off to Venice shortly for a similar amount of time with 2 friends. Loving the idea of the water taxi from the airport. How much money are we talking & do you need to pre book?

Thank you

I think about €80. But I’ve had really mixed messages. Some people say 100% get a taxi, arrive like a film star etc. Some people say don’t bother just get the bus and it goes the same route for a fraction of the price.

Hey! I just got back from 2.5 days in Venice (following 2.5 in Rome)
We pre booked an excursion thru easyJet for the doges palace, st marks and a gondola ride - was cheaper than splitting it all down and we got quick access and no queues
I’d do that again absolutely
We also got a glass blowing display and a free gift 🎁

We went to Venice for a week at Easter last year. It was magical, yes. But overrun with tourists (especially daytrippers/cruise passengers). I feel for the locals as this makes it hard to live your life. So many citizens have left, and property is in short supply because of AirB&B etc. Young people can't afford to live and rent there anymore, and mostly commute.

We probably wouldn't go back for all these reasons as we felt like part of the problem, but I'm glad to have seen it. My tips would be:

• don't use AirB&B

• arrive by private water taxi to your hotel, it's a lovely way to enter the city

• try to learn just a few words of Italian, it is so appreciated

• give up you seat on water buses to locals who need one

• try to go out early in the morning (very early - it's breathtaking when quiet and still)

• spend money in the local economy

• just wander around, away from the main tourist areas

• do visit the islands. Each one has a different character.

Have a lovely time!

If both you and your mum are up to it, I'd say walk around - so much of Venetian life goes on in the little passages and squares. And definitely go to see the big sights in the Basilica - but if you want a bit more time there (you do feel a bit sausage-factoried through) then go to a service- you can just sit in the back drinking in the atmosphere. If you're early risers, I think there are 7am services when it's empty and magical.

Also, things shut down quite early in the evening, because the waiters etc can't afford to live there (which is rubbish) so make sure you've eaten by 9ish.

Scuola di San Rocco is gorgeous and small. Definitely the Doge's Palace. I wouldn't bother with the museum in Piazza San Marco (memory blank) if I had that little time. Santa Maria dei Miracoli is an absolute jewel of a church - Madonna del'Orto ditto but more of a hike from the centre.

One thing I'd definitely do is make use of the vaporetto ticket - get on the one that goes right round, from the Grand Canal to the Arsenale. It's all just so beautiful.

Water taxi from Venice back to the airport, about 5 years ago, was 130 euros (the exchange rate was better but it was still a bit wince-inducing). If you can afford it, though, it is ABSOLUTELY worth it.