Hopefully you took my advice and only booked a day trip to Venice. There’s so much to see, but if you’re only in the city for a short visit, these five experiences are non-negotiable. And yes, one of the absolute musts is to simply get lost. I didn’t list it below because, let’s be honest, you’re going to wander and get lost anyway—it’s part of the magic of Venice.
5️⃣ Visit the Murano Museum or La Pietra Filosofale
Venice is famous for handblown glass, and the Murano Museum showcases some of the most intricate pieces you’ll ever see. Each work is stunning—seriously, it’ll make your jaw drop. The only catch? You’ll need a water taxi to get there, but the ride is half the experience. Pro tip: for the Murano Museum, consider purchasing tickets in advance if visiting in peak season.
If water taxis aren’t your thing, head to La Pietra Filosofale, a mask shop that’s basically a museum. You can try on any mask in the store (yes, all of them). To find it, cross the Rialto Bridge and head toward Chiesa di San Bartolomeo di Rialto. It’s whimsical, fun, and perfect for a quirky photo.
4️⃣ Snap a Photo on the Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is iconic—Venice without a selfie here is basically illegal. Expect a crowd, and be ready to wait your turn. If you time it right (early morning or late afternoon), you might snag a spot with water right behind you. Bonus points if you capture the gondolas gliding underneath.
3️⃣ Explore Libreria Acqua Alta
This is not your ordinary bookstore. Libreria Acqua Alta is uniquely Venetian: due to the city’s frequent flooding, the bookshelves are stacked everywhere—including in gondolas, bathtubs, and behind steps made of old, worn books. Climb the book staircase for a photo op and take in the charm of this magical, chaotic space.
2️⃣ Visit Saint Mark’s Square
The heart of Venice is Piazza San Marco. Marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica, sip a coffee at one of the historic cafes, and soak in the energy of the square. The architecture, the pigeons, the street musicians—it’s quintessential Venice. Even a short walk through this square is unforgettable.
1️⃣ Take a Gondola Ride
You can’t visit Venice without riding a gondola. Treat yourself and, if your gondolier is up for it, ask them to sing (it’s absolutely worth it). It’s the quintessential Venetian experience: serene canals, charming bridges, and the perfect opportunity to people-watch and soak in the city from the water. The city of Venice sets the standard rates, so a private gondola ride for a couple should be about €80 for 30–40 minutes. We paid €100, leaving our gondolier a tip.
Pro tip: if you want to save your feet, consider combining your gondola ride with a stop at Gelateria del Doge or another gelato shop along the canals. Trust me, nothing pairs with gondola photos better than a cup of creamy gelato.
TRIPPY TULIP 