1 day in Venice: 10 local experiences you can’t miss

Our guests often ask us: “What can I see in just one day? What local experiences shouldn’t I miss?”

It’s true: every corner of Venice tells a story, every narrow street is a journey through time. But if you’ve only got 24 hours, seeing it all isn’t possible.

So what’s the secret?
Don’t just visit Venice – live it.

Let yourself be wrapped in the sound of water lapping at the foundations, in the taste of a glass of wine sipped in a hidden courtyard. There’s no need to rush, just choose wisely.

Here are 10 things to do in Venice in a single day that will let you take the city home in your heart, not just in your camera roll.

1. Try cicchetti at a traditional bacaro

Order an ombra (a small glass of local wine) and a few cicchetti, maybe some baccalà mantecato, meatballs, or sarde in saor. It’s the perfect break between strolls.
👉 We’ve put together a list of our favorite bacari for you.

2. Take a vaporetto to San Giorgio Maggiore

Just a few minutes by waterbus and you’ll reach a peaceful island with one of the most stunning views of Venice.
Climb the bell tower for a unique view; plus without the long queues you’ll find at St. Mark’s Campanile.

3. Watch the sunset from the Zattere

Facing the Giudecca and the lagoon, the Zattere promenade is perfect for ending your day.
With a gelato in hand (try Gelato da Nico: their gianduiotto is legendary) or a glass of wine, watch the sun melt into the water and feel Venice leave its mark, even in just one day.

4. Treat yourself at Rosa Salva or Tonolo

Take a sweet break: a tiny pastry, a cream-filled bignè, or a slice of traditional Venetian cake.
Pastry-making is part of the city’s soul, and here it’s still the real deal.

5. Ride a traghetto across the Grand Canal

You don’t need a gondola to enjoy Venice from the water. For just a few euros, hop on a traghetto da parada – a gondola used by locals to cross the Grand Canal.

6. Stroll through the Giardini della Biennale

A quiet, green escape often missed by tourists.
The Biennale Gardens are perfect for a breath of fresh air, birdsong, and the soft light of the lagoon filtering through the trees.

7. Visit the Libreria Acqua Alta

This one-of-a-kind bookstore is worth the detour: stacks of books in gondolas, boats, and staircases that dip into the water.
It’s a bookstore, yes, but also an experience. Flip through a volume, greet the cats, snap a photo on the book staircase. A little poetic chaos.

8. Cross the Rialto Bridge and wander the market

Beyond the iconic photo, explore the bustling fish and produce market, it’s a vibrant glimpse of everyday Venice.
Colors, voices, scents, and tradition blend in a truly authentic scene.

9. Step into a hidden artisan workshop

Whether it’s a mask maker or a glass artist, step inside, watch, ask questions.
In Venice, craftsmanship isn’t just a trade – it’s a living memory. Each object holds a story.

10. Explore the Jewish Ghetto

Quiet, authentic, steeped in history: it’s the first ghetto in the world and one of the city’s most atmospheric spots.
Wander through the squares, visit the museum, and soak in the calm of this place, far from the usual crowds.