Venice First Visit: 3 Days of Classics
The Grand Canal, St Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace, with a half day on the outer islands of Murano and Burano.
The standard pace for a first trip to Venice. On day one, take the Line 1 water bus along the Grand Canal and browse the Rialto. The second day is set aside for pre-booked visits to St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Campanile. On day three, set out early for the glassworks of Murano and the colorful houses of Burano, then head straight from the outer islands to the airport in the afternoon. Staying in the San Paolo district keeps you central and saves walking, and in-depth museum visits are skipped.
From April to July, day-trippers must pay an access fee on certain days, while overnight guests only need to register.
Day by day
Day 1 · Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge
Venice（Grand Canal & Rialto Bridge、Fondaco dei Tedeschi、Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari）
From the airport, take the bus about 25 minutes to Piazzale Roma, then transfer to the Line 1 water bus along the Grand Canal to the Rialto, and walk the rest.
The rooftop terrace of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi requires a free time-slot reservation on the official website in advance.
Stay: San Polo
Day 2 · St Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace
Venice（St. Mark's Square & Basilica、Doge's Palace、Bridge of Sighs、St Mark's Campanile、Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute）
Walk about 15 minutes from San Paolo to St Mark's Square. In the evening, take a ferry across the canal to Santa Maria della Salute.
Book timed tickets for the basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Campanile in advance, and go in as early in the morning as possible.
Stay: San Polo
Day 3 · Murano Glass and Burano's Colorful Houses
Take the water bus from the New Pier about 10 minutes to Murano, then Line 12 for about 30 minutes to Burano, and return via Murano on the airport boat.
Boats to the outer islands are crowded at midday, so leave between 8 and 9 a.m. You can store your luggage before heading out to the islands.