Italy

Helpful guides for travel in Italy to help you get the most out of your trip, from first-hand experience!

Apr

2023

24 Hours in Venice – Complete Guide

Venice is a city that we’ve all heard of; the romantic Gondola rides through weaving canals, festive masks, art, and ancient tales about an underground order. There is so much to see in the historic city within just 24 hours in Venice!

Located in the Venetian Lagoon, Venice’s unique construction has replaced traditional roads and cars, with boats and canals.

Venice is a world-renowned city for its unique construction using shallow canals. It is romantic, beautiful, accessible, and has so much history for you to get a glimpse of in one day in Venice. Explore churches, basilicas, gardens, and beautiful viewpoints to take in this coastal city!

Check out my top suggestions for what to do & see in Venice, with helpful guidance on getting to the city and parking as well! Spend less time planning, and more time seeing with this guide on 24 hours in Venice.

Know Before You Go

There are no cars or scooters, so there will be a lot of walking! Wear comfortable walking shoes.
There are stairs to cross over the canals, make sure everyone you’re traveling with is comfortable with a lot of stairs.
Venice experiences a lot of over-tourism. If you are planning to visit, go in non-peak times like the winter and weekdays.
Plan to arrive in the city early, parking and the streets fill up quickly.
Watch out for the seagulls! They will shamelessly steal food straight out of your mouth.
Check the conditions of the canals. If you’re planning a Gondola ride, look at the schedule of the tides & plan your ride during high tide.
As with any city, watch for pick-pocketers and stay safe!
Be respectful of the culture 🙂

Climate change has caused some major changes to the Venetian canals, and overtourism is making things worse. In recent years, the city has faced intense flooding, and this past year a drought has struck the area. Do your part to reduce your carbon footprint so world heritage sites like this can be maintained!

Venice Visitor Fee

The city of Canals will officially be imposing a tourist fee for daily visitors. All non-residents will be required to pay a €5 daily fee during peak travel times including summer months and weekends. This is their latest overtourism solution to help reduce the impact that excessive travelers cause in the city.

This is different from the Tourist Tax, which is required by all travelers staying in the city of Venice.

24 hours in Venice Must-Do's

Things to do if you have extra time

Parking Areas

Morning in Venice

If you are lucky to have some early-morning time to explore Venice before the crowds roll in during your 24 hours in Venice, use it well! Find yourself a nice cappuccino and croissant, and hit the city to explore. Since there are a few iconic sights that everyone hustles to get to, I suggest getting there early so you can enjoy them all without the crowds.

St. Mark's Square

The most iconic place in Venice is St. Mark’s Square. Here, you will be surrounded by historic buildings including St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Procuratie Vecchie. By far the most popular, it is also the most crowded, especially in the afternoon. This is a perfect first stop during your 24 hours in Venice!

This serves as the religious, political, and social center in the city of Venice. Take some time to experience the grandeur.

Cost: FREE
Time: 30 minutes

St. Mark's Basilica

The most notable building in Venice is St. Mark’s Basilica. Construction began in the 9th century and was continuously expanded over 8 centuries with impressive detail and accuracy. Access to the Basilica is FREE for an adult, with possible add-ons if you want to explore fully so I highly recommend it! Entrance lines can be over 45 minutes of a wait, but you can purchase ‘skip-the-line’ tickets for only €6 between April-November!

While in the Basilica, no photos or videos are permitted, audio guides must be through headphones, and appropriate clothing must be worn (no bare shoulders or shorts). The Basilica is open 9:30-17:15 Monday-Saturday, and Sunday is 2:00-17:15. The Basilica also houses the Pala d’Oro alter (€5) and a Museum (€7). The Basilica’s bell tower is also by extra ticket only, for €10 (*see below).

If you don’t want to spend the time and money to go inside the Basilica, you can still marvel at the artistic masterpiece from the front. Grab some gelato, sit back, and look in awe at the work done over generations to create the centerpiece of the city.

Cost: Basilica: free (or €6) | Pala d’Oro: €5 | Museum: €7 | Basilica Bell Tower: €10
Time: 90 minutes – 3 hours

Skip the line and buy your tickets online here.

Doge's Palace

Located next to St. Mark’s Basilica on the waterfront, Doge’s Palace is another iconic destination in Venice. This palace was constructed with a unique Venetian Gothic style and used as the residence of the Doge (seat of the government). There have been centuries of history in these walls, which you can now explore in the Doge Palace Museum!

Take a quick peak at the Bridge of Sighs connecting the back of the Palace to an old prison!

*If you are doing Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica, check out the combined tours to save!

Giardini Reali Garden

Now that you’ve seen the best sights before the busy afternoon, take a moment to sit back in this serene garden and relax (and rest your legs, you’re not done yet)! A city this compactly built doesn’t have a ton of green space, so it’s nice to take it when you can!

While you’re letting some of that art and history sink in, you may start to feel your stomach grumbling ready for lunch. Check out the bottom of this article on some of my top recommendations for food in the city before you head off for some more exploring.

Near St. Mark’s Square, you’ll find medieval gardens lined with benches in the shade. This is a perfect place to sit down with a slice of pizza, do some planning, or sit back and listen to an audio tour of the area.

Afternoon in Venice

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is the most notable bridge that spans the Central Canal. This is a great place to watch the boats come in from above, and it’s totally free! However I will say, this bridge is usually packed with tourists all trying to get the best photo.

In my opinion, the best photos are taken from the small bridges in the private narrow canals where you can see Venice in a more intimate setting, but with only 3 bridges crossing the Grand Canal, you’ll inevitably cross Rialto at some point within your 24 hours in Venice!

Gondola Ride

Now that you’ve seen the iconic gondolas in the canals, it’s time to check it out yourself. It is time to take a ride in the famous Gondola where you get serenaded by a local in a striped shirt, as you weave through the old city. You get many different perspectives of the city, and experience how the city was designed to be used – by boat!

Typically a gondola ride costs €80 for 40 minutes (€100 after 19:00). Be sure to agree on the cost and duration before getting into the boat! If you want your driver to sing, that will cost extra. There are places to book online in advance, which may be necessary for peak season, but in the off-season, you will see the gondoliers standing on the sidewalks waiting for someone to want a ride.

Cost: €80
Time: 45 minutes

T Fondoca Terrace

One of the best free attractions in Venice that you cannot miss out on! The T Fondoca Terrace is completely free of charge, but you cannot enter without a reservation, so make sure you plan!

Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a luxury retail area, that has an awesome opportunity to sightsee as well as shop! The terrace can be reached by a spiral staircase or an elevator making it accessible to everyone.

If you don’t mind spending a little bit of money for a unique experience, check out ‘Scala Contarini Del Bovolo’ below in the honorable mentions!

Cost: FREE
Time: 20 minutes

Time slots must be booked online here.

Just Walk & Explore!

By this time in the day, you’ve seen a lot of the ‘main attractions’. But, in my opinion, the best of Venice lies within the smaller side streets that tourists usually pass over. Venice has some very well-known spots, some of which are on this list, but it’s always refreshing to get off the beaten trail a bit and see the city more authentically.

Take some time to explore local glass-blowing shops, a local claim to fame. Find yourself a classic Venetian mask and learn about the interesting history and people behind it, or check out the second-hand stores with one-of-a-kind gems! This city is filled with so much beauty and history, that you could fill your entire 24 hours in Venice by just wandering around.

Download a Venice walking audio tour from Voice Maps, and check out the other best travel apps to get the most out of your travels!

Evening in Venice

Sunset Cruise to Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

This is the only attraction listed here that you cannot access by walking, so no better way to explore it than a sunset cruise to the island! San Giorgio is an island to the south of the central part of Venice, which boasts a huge white church with a tempting black door. This is a great spot to go to escape the crowds and get off the beaten path.

Entry to the church is free, and you can go into the bell towers for €8 to get the best views! To get here, you’ll need to take the water bus or a water taxi.

Live Music @ Venice Jazz Club

The best part about having a whole 24 hours in Venice is being around for the night life. Venice hosts a vibrant jazz scene with many clubs around the city. Although I haven’t been myself, the Venice Jazz Club stands out as a fan favorite. Check out some of the upcoming performances so you can grab dinner and a show!

Performance at the Teatro la Fenice

If you’re a theater lover, then you can’t miss the chance to witness a performance at the Teatro la Fenice – a world-renowned performance hall. Here, you can find operas, ballets, orchestras, and concerts, all for a reasonable price! Although the theater isn’t my cup of tea, it’s always fun to join in on the local affairs!

Grab a drink at a Bacaro

A bacaro is a traditional Italian tavern with a laid-back atmosphere, small bites, and nice cocktails. It gives the feels of what it could have been like during the prohibition era, and it’s a great way to tap into the underground scene in Venice. Usually, there is a tasteful selection of live music, making it a perfect stopping point before going out for dinner!

Other Things To Do In Venice

The world is big and you will never see it all, so I am a huge proponent of seeing a few things fully! Since this is focused on just 24 hours in Venice, some awesome options were left off my list. However, they are still worth mentioning so you can plan your trip exactly how you want!

Bridge of Sighs. Cross the Ponte della Paglia bridge to get a glimpse at the eerie covered bridge where inmates used to walk.
St. Mark’s Campanile. Get unique views of the city from the top of the tower that stands in St. Mark’s Square, for only €10!
Scala Conarini Del Bovolo. Featured in the classic film, Othello, this funky spiral staircase feels like old Italy, accessible for only €8.
Libreria Acqua Alta. For any book lovers, this is a must-see. A library filled with quirky set-ups including books inside of boats and gondolas to protect them from the frequent flooding.
Glass Blowing Class. Venice is renowned for its glass arts. Get your hands involved and try it out for yourself, earning a self-made souvenir to take home with you!

Getting To Venice

The Old City of Venice is a car-free zone, leaving a few limited options to get into the city. You can either take a bus/train across the lagoon, park your car just outside the city, or take a boat from the mainland (but I don’t recommend that last option).

If you have 24 hours in Venice, try to find a parking location that offers rates by the day, since hourly prices will get pretty steep!

For more info on parking prices, check out Parkopedia.

Parking Inside the City

Piazzale Roma – the closest you can park, but it costs €4/hour and is limited to 1 hour, not leaving enough time to explore
Autorimessa Comunale – Parking garage just across Liberty Bridge costing €35/24-hours, limited to 2.2-meter tall vehicles
Garage San Marco – Various rates based on the length of stay (€20/5 hours, €32/10 hours, €45/24 hours). There are 2 lines for shorts vs long-term parking so be sure to get in the right line!
Park 280 (RECOMMENDED) – A little bit further to walk into the city but it only costs €4/hour, perfect for short-term visitors. Be aware: once you come to the entrance of this parking lot, if you don’t enter, you have to go back across Liberty Bridge… it happened to us 2 times!

Parking Outside the City

If you don’t want to risk not finding a spot across the Liberty Bridge in Old Venice, you will have plenty of options in Mestre on the mainland of Italy. Here you will find much more affordable options, with cheap and convenient public transport that will drop you off as close as you can get!

The best option is Venice City Park SRL at only €5.5/day, and is located right next to a bus stop! There are a ton of options around here, including Parcheggio via Righi Venezia and Park Petroli.

From Mestre, you can take either the bus or tram across the Liberty Bridge, with daily times available at the parking gate.

Summary - 24 Hours in Venice

Venice is a city of romance and unique architecture, with a medieval history (and the Illuminati, but you didn’t hear it from me). No matter what you may have seen in photos or heard in stories, this is a city that needs to be explored in person to get a feel for its beauty and impressive construction.

Even if you only have 24 hours in Venice, you can see a lot! With only a few hours, get a good parking spot that will give you the freedom to explore for as long as you want. Weave through the city towards Rialto Bridge, where you’ll get your first glimpse of the Grand Canal. Cross over the Bridge and check out the city from above at the T Fondaco terrace!

From here, make your way to the main attraction; St. Mark’s Square. Take some time here to sit and marvel at the beauty of the Basilica before you head inside!

Head towards the Grand Canal and find a restaurant where you can sit outside and watch the boats go by with a Cappuccino. And then, head down the nearest side street until you find a Gondolier to take you out on the boat!

If you want more than just 24 hours in Venice, find ways to take on more slow travel, so you can see the sights without racing through them!

Explore the other destinations waiting for you in Europe!

Two people clinking cups on an airplane, on the way to travel Europe!

The Ultimate Europe Packing List

July 13, 2023

Church of St. John in the Dolomites with the mountains in the background

Exploring The Dolomites In Winter

March 17, 2023

Mar

2023

Exploring The Dolomites In Winter

If you don’t have the Dolomites on the top of your travel bucket list, that needs to change. The steep and jagged peaks are impressive all the time, but if you’re in the Dolomites in winter, you’ll experience the intensity of these mountains.

Exploring the Dolomites is a life changing experience that will bring you amazement with the beauty of our natural world. Whether you’re an avid sports enthusiast, into photography, or simply a nature lover the Dolomites have something for you. These mountain peaks and narrow valleys are filled with excitement and awe, that will leave you with a sense of amazement that a place like this is real.

Stay connected during your mountain explorations by getting the Best Phone Plan for Italy.

Where Are The Dolomites

The Dolomites are a specific set of 18 mountain peaks in the Alps mountain range that rise over 3,000 meters. The Dolomites are distinguished by their jagged peaks and sheer rock faces. There are icy glaciers, alpine meadows and it’s all a playground for outdoor sports. They were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2009, due to the unique landscape and geological features.

This area draws in thousands of people a year to take in their beauty and explore the peaks and valleys they create the dynamic landscape. Comprised of volcanic and dolomitic rock, the Dolomites span across the Italian provinces of Trento, Bolzano, Belluno, Verona, Vicenza, Udine, and Pordenone. This region is often called “Sudtyrol”, or South Tyrol.

The region is almost 142,000 hectares (350,000 acres), and has a relatively recent explorative history. Although the mountains formation began almost 250,000,000 years ago during the Triassic Period, when a coral reef covered the area in the ‘Tethys Ocean’. The mountains were first explored and documented by an Austrian geologist in 1860.

Since this time 160 years ago, many climbers, cyclists, photographers, skiers and geologists have explored the remnants of the ancient world.

Dolomites In Winter

The Dolomites are stunning any time of year, but there are some major advantages of visiting during the winter. During this time, there are less crowds so you can enjoy the best views all to yourself! It allows the natural beauty of the region to sink in, since you won’t have the influences and families impeding on nature in the summer.

The steep peaks don’t hold snow everywhere, so you’ll get the impression of how much vertical they have as snow covers the rest of the landscape.

The Dolomites can be accessed through public bus, train or bus tours, however this will be limiting. As much as I will forever be a proponent of public transport due to the carbon intensity of driving, you will miss out on a lot if you don’t drive and take control of your schedule.

That’s why we rented a Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicle so we could reduce our emissions, but maintain the reliability of getting where we needed to go. A fully-electric vehicle would have been possible as many of the destinations had charging stations available!

Green Tip - If you're going to drive a personal vehicle around the Dolomites, opt for a low emissions vehicle like an all-electric, or a hybrid vehicle to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling.

1. Ski

The Dolomites are a skier’s paradise! Most of the ski areas in the region are covered with the same ticket; Dolomiti Superski. This includes 15 major ski resorts, over 1,200 km of slopes, and over 450 lifts, all for only €74.

This includes the most famous ski route which crosses through 4 major ski resorts; the Sellaronda. Named the ‘Best Ski Circuit in 2020’, this isn’t just one resort, but a circular track of 40 km that circulates the ‘Sella Group’ of Dolomite mountains. The resorts include Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, and Arabba.

You can ski this circuit in either direction. Clockwise is a bit more diverse with less time spent on the lift, which is dictated by the orange signs. Counter-clockwise is more laid back and easy, which is dictated by the green signs.

You can purchase single-day passes for just 1 resort, but the price still comes in around €65 on average. There are discounts if you purchase multiple days at a time!

Although snowfall has been dramatically low the past few years across the Alps, there is high-quality man-made snow that covers the groomed runs, so you can explore the mountains and take in all the views! This does, however, limit the ability for backcountry/off-piste skiing. Check the conditions before booking your ticket!

*Tickets are always cheaper online – purchase ahead and save.

Cost: €74
Time: 8 hours

2. Church of Saint John

One of the most iconic images of the Dolomites, is taken at St. John’s church. A small structure situated in the center of an open field, with massive peaks in the backdrop. It is one of those areas that has become famous, so is worth stopping for that reason, but there are a lot of beautiful spots to take in the mountains that have a more unique vantage point!

Visiting in winter has the advantage of exploring the area freely, without payment. In summer the amount of tourists is extreme, so to protect the land there is a fence that keeps visitors far back. Entry is €4 and is enforced with a 1-way turnstile.

*Note: This is a no-drone area. Please respect this as it is in a very quiet community!

To get a better view up close, check out Treffpunkt Zans Restaurant only a 10-minute drive from the St. John church! Address: Treffpunkt Zans, Zanser Str., 39040 Funes BZ.

Cost: €4 (parking) + €4 (entry)
Time: 30 minutes

Green Tip - Places like this often get over-touristed in the peak season, which is why it is a great option to travel in the off-season. Not only do you reduce the impact that is put on the land, but you get to experience these places without the crazy summer crowds!

3. Seceda Ridgeline

The mountains you see at St. John Church can be explored on foot (and skis as well)! This is up at Seceda Ridgeline, which is at the top of Seceda Ski Resort. It’s not a cheap ticket either way, so if you ski maybe it’s worth it to get a full day in while you’re there!

You can ski here for the day and stop at the top to take in the views or take a cable car up just for the views (€38). If you take a cable car up to the top for the views, be aware you will have to walk uphill on the ski run for about 1/4 mile. It’s not too steep, but if you struggle with walking in snow some microspikes would be a good thing to have.

Cost: €64 (Ski Pass) OR €38 (View Only)
Time: 1.5 hours

4. Cadini Di Misuina Viewpoint

The Cadini Group is the most dramatic part of the Dolomites (in my opinion). This range of jagged peaks is both beautiful and eerie as clouds roll over the snow-covered shards. You can see this group from a couple of places, but nothing compares to the iconic viewpoint.

It’s not too hard to get to the viewpoint in summer. There is a parking lot (Parcheggio Auronzo), which costs €30 to park at (if you can even find a spot), and then it’s about a 2-mile hike along the ridge.

However, in Winter, you need to be a bit more committed (it’s worth it)! The road is closed in the winter, so the furthest you can drive is to Chalet Lago Antorno. From there, you can either hike the 5.8 km to Rifugio Auronzo where the hike starts, or get a ride from the ‘Tre Cime Service’.

Snowmobile rides go up the base of Tre Cime, where the hike to Cadini di Misurina starts. The cost is €15 one-way or €30 round trip. At the top, you have the option for a ride back down on the snowcat, or you can use one of their toboggans to zip down the 5km track! The snowmobile rides run from 9:00 am to 3:45 pm, and you can check out their website for more info!

The hike itself should not be taken lightly. The viewpoint itself is inaccessible, but there are alternative spots nearby that get the same perspective. BE CAUTIOUS and don’t approach the end of a cliff when it is covered in snow!! There were not a lot of footprints when we went, for good reason. This is only advised for experienced hikers.

Cost: €30 for a snowmobile ride, OR free if you walk!
Time: 2-5 hours

5. Tre Cime

When you get up to the Cadini di Misurina hiking trail, you’re also at the base of Tre Cime! This is an iconic peak in the Dolomites, which literally caused a war!

If you’re really looking for an adventure, check out the Tre Cime Grotto, an intense hike that leads through a cave in the mountain with a unique perspective of the mountains.

However, there is an even better place to view them from, with a perfect viewpoint that highlights the 3 individual pillars. This is on route 51 that runs north from Cortina d’Ampezzo, where there is a free place to pull off and park to get a glimpse of the features.

6. Cortina d'Ampezzo

You won’t be able to drive through the Dolomites without going through Cortina d’Ampezzo. This idyllic mountain town sits in the valley of incredible mountains, with views in every direction. It’s definitely on the higher end for cost, with a lot of luxury brands and expensive accommodation options for the ritzy tourists. But that should deter you from stopping!

There is a no-car area in the center of town, where you can walk around and get a bite to eat! This town held the Winter Olympics in 1956 and will be hosting the games again in the 2026 Olympics with Milan.

7. Passo Giau & Snake Road

You can’t miss driving over the Passo Giau mountain pass, in the southeastern region of the Dolomites region. This is a perfect spot to take in 360-degree views, or catch a sunset!

Passo Giau is a mountain pass that connects some winding mountain roads with the heart of the Dolomites at Cortina d’Ampezzo. If you’re coming from the South, you will instantly feel awe as you see the valley open up with peaks in every direction. And if you’re coming from the North, you will see your horizons open up as you reach the top of the valley.

There is a restaurant at the top, with decent food to stop and enjoy the scenery. However, I recommend heading down into Cortina d’Ampezzo and exploring the scenic mountain town.

Cost: FREE
Time: 30 minutes

Just North of Passo Giau heading into the valley of Cortina d’Ampezzo, you’ll hit another iconic photo spot. However, this one won’t jump out at you until you’re on top of it, because it’s a road. But this isn’t just any road, this spot perfectly zig-zags resembling a snake with symmetrical hair-pin turns.

You’ll go on a lot of sharp turns driving through these mountains, but if you have a drone, I highly suggest stopping to get a few shots of this satisfying spot as cars weave down the pass.

From here you can also pan up and fly close to Cinque Torre! Although it is not mentioned as a destination in this post, it is another iconic spot in the Dolomites.

8. Seiser alm / Alpe di Suisi

Seiser Alm is the largest alpine plateau in Europe. This area is a meadow of rolling hills, where wildflowers bloom in spring, and ski runs line the gradual slopes. But it’s not just any meadow, this meadow has the most dramatic backdrop of the dolomite mountains, making it a picturesque landscape for any nature lover.

The Seiser Alm region is the furthest west towards Bolzano, so even if you’re only passing through the area briefly, you can still get to the beauty of the Dolomites with a short amount of time.

This is also a great location for beginner level skiers!

Not Mentioned

The Dolomites are world-class, and there are so many destinations here to check out. Although I didn’t name all of the iconic spots, I wanted to at least mention a few more that didn’t make it on my top list! Hopefully, this will help you plan your trip to the Dolomites, and make the decision of what to do/see.

Lago di Braies (also called Pragser Wildsee) is a huge hit. In summer the turquoise water reflects a dramatic peak that sits on its southern edge, however, in the winter it was pretty underwhelming. Parking was expensive, and without the turquoise water, it was just a shaded frozen lake (sorry).

Cinque Torri is also a well-known spot in the Dolomites, near Passo Giau and Snake Road, however, we didn’t want to take the time away from anything else to stop by. It is a unique structure standing on its own, but it’s pretty small compared to some other peaks.

A lot of World War I history lies within these mountains. There are remnants of hideouts, bunkers, and more from the Great War, as the region (previously part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire) defended itself from the Italian Army.

Summary - Exploring the Dolomites In Winter

The Dolomites are a well-known region of the Alp mountains, that every outdoor adventurist and nature lover dreams of. The dramatic peaks loom over narrow valleys, where conifers and Austrian-style homes cover the land. Although the Dolomites can be explored throughout the year, there is no better time than in the peak of winter to take in the magnitude of their beauty.

This region is ideal for skiers, paragliders, cyclists, photographers, and literally everyone else. There is so much to do and see here, and I guarantee you will leave feeling a greater appreciation and connection to the world.

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