A Weekend in Venice Italy

Venice is one of those places that has been a victim of its own beauty and desirability. I’m a fan of tourist taxes, restricting cruise ship numbers, and finding that balance between the tourist economy and the people who actually live in the city. So, while I encourage you to spend a weekend in Venice, I also suggest that you go in the off season; and remain aware of the overcrowding.

I also suggest you stay overnight in Venice. This adds money into the economy and means you get to enjoy the city at the end and beginning of the day, when the day tourists have gone.

Arriving from Venice Airport

The water taxi shuttles are a short walk from the Venice airport terminal. This fun version of public transport took us all the way to our stop, San Marco-Vallaresso, next to Harry’s Bar and Rio dei Giardinetti. If the water shuttles don’t stop exactly where you need them to, you can always get a private water taxi. There is also an airport bus, which is very reasonably priced. Your other option is to stay near the train station and use this form of transport.

Things to do on a weekend in Venice

Saint Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace

Saint Mark’s Basilica on Piazza San Marco is an incredible building – but you have to get there really early to get in, otherwise the queues are horrendous.  

The Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) next door is a good alternative. This Venetian gothic edifice is impressive in its grandeur; with ornate architecture and a museum inside. It also serves as a good place to cool down when it gets hot outside.

Peggy Guggenheim Museum

One of the absolute delights of our visit to Venice was seeing the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Set in the 6th century suburb of Dorsoduro, the Peggy Guggenheim collection lives up to the family reputation. The gardens are packed full of incredible sculptures from the Guggenheim, alongside the Nasher collection from Dallas. The museum’s position on the Grand Canal are quite spectacular too.

Ferry rides to Burano, Murano & Torcello

Vaporetto (local ferry) rides around the islands make for a great half or full day activity. Burano is famous for its lacework and colourful buildings, and Murano for its glass-blowing. The Vaporetto stops at Murano first and therefore most get off here; however I recommend you stay on the ferry and visit Burano first. This way you can avoid the tourists in Burano, and by the time you get back to Murano, the first crowd will have moved on. You can take a group boat tour, private tour, or vaporetto to explore the islands.

My personal favourite of the three islands is Torcello. Sitting at the northern end of the lagoon, it is sparsely populated, and we found it to be exponentially cheaper for buying silk and lace. Highlights were the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta for its incredible mosaics, and the 11th century Santa Fosca church.  Torcello seems more authentic, and feels entirely different from the other islands. Perhaps purely because there are fewer tourists.

Wander the canals

Wandering the narrow streets, alleyways; and grabbing glimpses of tranquil canals is one of the pure joys of visiting Venice.

Every time I visit Venice, I discover new areas to wander – and they are all a delight. The little streets behind the main squares and away from the crowds – it is magical. I enjoy the areas on either side of the Rialto Bridge, around Campo Santa Margherita in Dorsoduro, and the area between the train station and San Marco, called Villaggio Eden.

Visit Lido

It’s tempting to stay put in the centre of Venice. But I would urge you to have an evening on Lido too. With fascinating architecture, and great bars, restaurants and casinos; it is a fun sunset water taxi ride away from Venice.

Have Aperitivo and Cicchetti on a Square

As far as I’m concerned, there’s little more convivial in the world than sitting on a buzzing square in Italy with an aperol and a cicchetti (small bite-sized sandwiches and snacks).

Venezia has some marvellous squares, like Ruga Vecchia (Ile Refolo), Campo San Giacomo, or the delightful Campo Santo Stefano (Terrazza Aperol).

If you want to save money, sit on the edge of a fountain or park bench and grab yourself an arancini or cannolo to bunch on as you watch the world go by.

Touristy things you can avoid:

• A Bellini at Harry’s Bar – While having one of the famous Bellinis at Harry’s Bar is one of those activities lauded by many, it is a little overrated. There are many nicer bars where you can get a cheaper bellini – try around Campo Santa Margherita. While it may be the original home of the Bellini, only visit for the full experience rather than the drink itself. At last check they cost €18 per glass.

• A gondola ride – Don’t look so shocked, it is actually very easy and very enjoyable to enjoy Venice without taking a ride on a gondola. If you must do it, choose wisely and expect to pay a premium.

Where to stay in Venice for a weekend or short break

If you are wanting to stick to a budget, or perhaps stay for longer, then Mestre is a great alternative to staying in the heart of Venice. It sits on the mainland, just over the causeway to Venice proper, and is only a few minutes by bus or train into Venice central station. Top pics are the Four Points by Sheraton, and NH Venezia Laguna Palace.

If you want to be in the centre of all the action for your weekend in Venice, then San Marco and San Polo are the most central. But that means they are the most expensive too. Try Al Theatro Palace or the Hotel Aquarius.

For better prices, Castello and Dorsoduro are great options. In Dorsoduro, the Hotel Pausania is classic 3-star within walking distance of the Grand Canal. In Castello, try the Hotel Scandinavia, on the vibrant Campo Santa Maria Formosa square.

A Weekend in Venice

Venice is a remarkably beautiful city, with dreamy sunsets, romantic gondolas and history.

While it has suffered over the years with the volume of people visiting and the number of large ships coming to into the area. It is in all our best interests to respect any measures the Venetian government wants to enforce to help protect the city. As travellers we should want to preserve the places we visit for the future. Don’t be put off, but just understand the issues and do your best to travel responsibly.

Enjoy your weekend in Venice!

European weekend breaks are my speciality. Check out my weekend adventures in Barcelona, Brussels and Nice!

All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!).