Your First Trip? Read my Venice for Beginners Guide
How many Days Do You Need to Visit Venice? And What Can You Do in Venice? 

Venice for beginners – and what you must do in Venice, especially if you stay for over three days. Spending several days in Venice is a sheer delight. Wonderful!

How Much Time Do You Need in Venice for Beginners?

Torre Dell Orologio VeniceCrowds in San Marco Square to see the famous Torre Dell Orologio

The time you need to experience Venice depends on how much you wish to see and do during your stay. Generally, spending at least two or three full days in Venice is recommended to see and experience the major sights.

For example, if you want to visit San Marco Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Doge's Palace, I would suggest a minimum of two full days. This period is the optimal time to explore the picturesque canals and alleys.

However, suppose you also plan to visit nearby islands such as Murano and Burano and spend more time exploring Venice's lesser-known districts.

In that case, I recommend at least three full days. As a general rule, the longer you can stay in Venice, the more you'll be able to see and experience.

Should I Buy a Multi-Day Transport Card?

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Whether you need a multi-day transport card depends on where your hotel is located – in Venice or perhaps in another part of the Veneto province, like the city of Mestre/Marghera.

Venice for beginners; I do not recommend purchasing a 7-day card for a hotel in Venice. Instead, start with a one or three-day card. You'll find that much can be explored on foot, and you may not always need to use the vaporetto boats if your hotel is in
Venice.

If your hotel is outside Venice, then it's a different story. ACTV's daily boat passes are also valid on the metro or bus to Mestre, which can be very convenient and cost-effective!

You can purchase transportation tickets online in advance. However, this is through external partners and might be slightly more expensive than buying them on-site due to the service provided. Alternatively, you can comfortably travel by train to Venice and purchase day tickets at various booths or ticket machines.

Visiting the Doge's Palace and Walking Through Venice

Venice for beginners can sometimes be confusing and quite exciting. But for the Doge's Palace, various parties offer tickets & tours, often with an additional tour and an English-speaking guide. This extra tour is fun because it takes you to parts of the Doge's Palace that you wouldn't see without a tour. You can purchase these tickets through my Doge's Palace article, but please note that these tours are offered externally. I only have a collaboration with them.

Muilerman-RooftopviewEmbark on a fantastic city walk through Venice. Great for beginners.

There are plenty of options for a city walk, and many activities can be done by yourself. Venice isn't huge. It's an open-air museum, and you're so captivated by the sights that you don't even realize you've been walking for an hour. This knowledge is my biggest tip if you visit Venice as a beginner.

However, Venice for beginners; I highly recommend contacting Marian Muilerman. She is a professional guide and offers walks in Dutch from two people upwards. She lives in Venice. The last time I checked with her, it was about €80 for a two-hour walk through Venice.

It's remarkable how she knows everything – much more and many extras than in the guidebooks. You can also visit various museums or the Doge's Palace with her. Contact her at [email protected] or check out her website at www.venetiansteps.com. Let her know you came through NaarVenetie.com. She would appreciate it, and I send her my regards.

The museums for which I would pre-purchase tickets are 'Basilica San Marco' and the 'Doge's Palace.' The lines here can often be long, even in April. Often day-trippers. In recent years, buying tickets online has even been compulsory due to the pandemic.

Capturing the Most Beautiful Photos

I find the most beautiful shots of Venice in the early morning. The sun is just not yet above the lagoon. Red-orange rays of dawn around the historical buildings and the rippling water. I don't have a favorite spot in Venice. Especially that moment in the early morning when hardly any tourists are out yet. Just some cleaners, residents who need to be on the mainland early, and a water taxi preparing for the day. The peace, the chill – those are, for me, the best photos.

Venice for beginners, I also recommend going to Burano, Murano, and the island of Torcello for beautiful shots.

Top 7 Suggestions for Venice Beginners

San-Marco-ReviewI cut away the crowds on San Marco Square before the Basilica. You have to take time to enjoy yourself.

Venice, also known as the "City of Bridges" and the "City of Water" is a stunning city in northeastern Italy, world-famous for its canals, historic architecture, and unique ambiance. If you're planning to visit Venice, here are some tips and suggestions for beginners:

1. Explore St. Mark's Square: St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) is the most famous square in Venice and a key landmark. You'll find the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the bell tower here. Beautiful historic buildings also surround the square, and it is a 'must-visit' for beginners in Venice.

2. Take a Gondola Ride: No visit to Venice is complete without a gondola ride through the canals. It's a romantic and unique way to see the city from the water. Remember that gondola rides can be pretty expensive, especially off-the-beaten tourist paths.

3. Visit the Rialto Bridge: The Rialto Bridge is an iconic structure over the Grand Canal and one of Venice's most recognizable sights. It's a fantastic spot to enjoy the canal views and the city's bustle. Nearby, you'll find plenty of shops, markets, and restaurants.

4. Discover the Neighborhoods: Venice has various districts, each with its character. Stroll through the narrow streets of Dorsoduro, experience the lively Cannaregio, or discover the picturesque island of Burano with its colorful houses. Each area offers a unique experience and a different view of the city.

5. Visit the Islands of Murano and Burano: Take a boat trip to the islands of Murano and Burano in the Venice lagoon. Murano is famous for its glassmaking, where you can watch skilled artisans at work. Burano is known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making. Both islands offer a respite from the hustle of Venice and a chance to see local crafts and traditions.

6. Taste the Local Cuisine: Don't miss out on sampling the delicious Venetian cuisine during your visit. Try classic dishes like risotto, polenta, sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), and the famous Venetian cicchetti, similar to tapas. Head over to my restaurant article for recommendations.

7. Be Prepared to Get Lost: Venice is famous for its labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. Losing your way is easy, but that's part of the charm. Enjoy discovering the city's hidden nooks and crannies.


You've read about my Venice for Beginners tips. There's plenty to discover. Please explore my site about Venice and get even more information about this beautiful Italian city.

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