Itinerary for a weekend in Venice

Anya Stieglitz • April 16, 2025

How to spend a weekend away in Venice!

Venice is a beautiful city and a perfect location for a three day trip. I visited Venice in late March while the sun was out the whole time but jackets were still needed. I recommend going early spring or autumn as you can avoid the crowds and properly explore what the city has to offer without suffering from heat stroke.

St Mark’s square is first on my itinerary as it’s what Venice is most known for. In the day you can browse all the adorable souvenir stands and antique shops along the street before reaching the bridge, make sure to grab a fresh crepe or a traditional cannoli on the way! If you’re visiting over the weekend, the square opens up a huge market with lots of goodies to look through. The Rialto bridge is the biggest, oldest and most famous bridge in Venice and offers a gorgeous view of the river and the city along it, in the day you can watch the gondolas travel up and down (definitely recommend taking a ride in one), and in the evening you can admire the twinkle of the lit up streets. While this is the most famous bridge there are many other quaint and beautiful bridges all over the city and to see these I simply recommend walking around with no plan or map to explore all the tiny streets which make Venice.. well Venice.

Next on the list to visit while here is St Mark’s Basilica, a jaw-dropping church where every inch is a work of art. There are tours and guides on offer when you book tickets to explore inside, however I would recommend booking beforehand as even in off season the queues go for miles. The streets around St Mark’s basilica are lively and so beautiful, from high end shops to little leather stores, you can look for hours. I would also definitely recommend getting lunch at an authentic Italian restaurant here, and trust me you will not be short of options! One that stuck out to me was Leone d’Oro, best Tiramisu ever.

On the topic of restaurant one that you have to visit is Hostaria Sant’Aponal where the pasta is to die for and and staff are so lovely, if you’re lucky you’ll get a free shot of Limoncello after your meal! The restaurant sits on a tiny bridge over the river and is picture perfect with its little lit up tables out the front. The street next to Hostaria Stant’Aponal has amazing brunch places such as FluffyBrunch which has adorable decor and a delicious, trendy menu (including fluffy pancakes!)

Overall Venice should definitely be on your bucket list for short and sweet trips, with everything in walking distance and the most beautiful Italian streets you really can’t go wrong when visiting this gorgeous city!