Walking Tour of Venice: Walk Venice in a Day
Most people don't spend long in European cities. It's usually part of a travelling trip or a weekend break. Jess has now been to Venice twice, once for the day as a child while on holiday in Italy, and apart of our interrailing trip. Ed has been to Venice one, and we thought we explored the majority of stuff
You, therefore, have to fit in as much as possible in a short space of time. Below is our walking tour of Venice, which can be completed in just a day!
This leaves other days to explore other areas you may want to in-depth without missing anything big. Or if you wish to go inside lots of the attractions, be prepared to wait in some queues and would, therefore, spread it across 2/3 days.
Arriving at the bus station we started the walking tour of Venice by taking the 'main route' along the canals and over the bridges towards the Rialto Bridge. Although named a main route, it definitely doesn’t feel like it, as some streets you have to walk single file
We think this is the perfect route to appreciate the architecture of Venice, the small bridges, and the tiny roads where you can only walk single file yet it is the main route!
Things to Do in Venice
Rialto Bridge
Have you ever seen one of those articles which circulate on social media every so often which show the wonders of the world, what you expect vs reality? Well, the Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sighs are exactly that.
The Rialto Bridge had hundreds of people on it all at once, all taking selfies. The ability to admire the Grand Canal from here is quite difficult so I would suggest not staying on it long. There are also many restaurants and shops around this area so be careful due to some extortionate prices, but lots of choice for those souvenirs!
The Rialto Bridge is thought to originate from the first crossing of the canal in 1181, it was updated to a wooden bridge in 1255 but after multiple collapses in 1444 and 1524 it wasn’t built out of stone until 1591
The bridge comprises of 2 ramps across either side of the bridge and a central portico, which is a row of shops
If you’re wanting a really good view of the Rialto Bridge, the grand canal and roof top views of Venice, visit the T Fondaco dei Tedeschi department store just off the Rialto Bridge
Free to visit the roof top terrace and amazing views all round
T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi
If you cross the Rialto Bridge, you exit the bridge, the T Foundaco dei Tedeschi department store is just over the other side. It is a department store and is very pretty inside, but the best part is it's top floor. They have a free viewing gallery! Also, a good place to use the toilet... We were recommended by a family friend and weren't disappointed.
Bridge of Signs
As I said above, the Bridge of Sighs is covered with people. When Jess came to Venice as a child, her Grandparents it was said there were often lots of pickpockets in the area.
When we went as an adults, I think everyone was so busy facing away from objects and taking selfies that it isn't so much of a problem anymore. Or at least pick pockets have a much harder job. But always have it in mind, and don't pack expensive things or documents on the outside of your bag.
The Bridge of Sighs is named so as prisoners would pass under the bridge and sign towards their death! The Bridge of Sighs remains one of the most popular tourist attractions!
It connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace and was originally built in 1600
St Mark’s Basilica
St Mark’s Basilica is at the top of the Piazza San Marco square, and it is so beautiful I’m sure you wouldn’t miss it. The basilica is at the top of the square and is gigantic!! Seeing photos of it doesn't show it's true size or beauty.
Due to travelling to Venice in September 2017, the terrorist threat level was high and everyone needed their bags searched, therefore the queue was so so long. After COVID-19 and due to social distancing we can imagine the queues can also be lengthy
However, if you have more time in Venice I would recommend going inside, it's beautiful and free!
The first building on the site was back in 828, but the present structure was built in 1063. Over time more aspects to the Basilica have been added with the later construction finishing in the 1500s
St Mark’s Campanile
St Marks Campanile is the iconic Venetian tower you would have seen hundreds of times. It used to be to go to tourist attractions in the morning but these days, the general consensus is always 'go in the morning to beat the queues' everyone now thinks the same thing and is actually quieter in an afternoon. It was only €8 to get the lift to the top for amazing views of Venice.
The actual tower begun in 900s and was struck with lightening multiple times throughout its long history, it then collapsed in 1902 and the reconstruction was finished in 1912
Doge’s Palace
Doge’s Palace is also another iconic building in Piazza San Marco square. A ‘Doge’ was sometimes translated as a Duke, but they weren’t in fact a Duke but the most senior elected leader of Venice between 726 and 1797
It is built in Venetian Gothic style and built in 1340 and became a museum in 1923.
Basilica Di Santa Maria
It takes about half an hour to walk here as it feels quite out of the way. However, when you get there you're on the tip of Venice. By just generally walking and exploring Venice in this way, you get to walk across multiple canals, down some tiny main streets where you must walk single file and feel like you’ve truly walked a lot of Venice
You can see Piazza San Marco from here across the water and it is great to sit on the edge and watch the boats passing.
You can even admire the view of the other side and enjoy as the water washes up to your feet, or forget to move them away and get your feet wet, which Ed forgot...
By walking back along the water and through some more of Venice. There were some great little cafes along that way which were cheap for a nice Beer or a coffee
Saving Money While Staying in Venice
Where to Stay
Ed and I stayed at a hotel outside the main city of Venice due to the cost. We found it pretty extortionate to stay in the city as it is indeed a tourist trap and don't think it's required when you can get a bus for only €1.50 return!
By staying in the centre of Venice, be willing to pay over £100 per night! Which for some people that isn’t too much, but if you’re travelling on more of a budget then that is a lot of money. If you stay just a little way out of Venice and get a bus in, you could save yourself a lot of money over a few days.
Tourist Traps
Tourist traps are basically areas where tourists will visit around beautiful attractions, and because of this, restaurants, shops, bars etc all inflate their prices because they know they can get more even though the product or service is no better
Obviously, enjoying a meal right next to the Grand Canal or with the view of St Mark’s Basilica is going to be more expensive, that is a given. But we would maybe suggest doing a little bit of research before hand. We always use Trip Advisor. Just to make sure you have a nice meal and a nice view. Rather than just paying for the view
It is so easy to get lost in Venice and be a street or 2 away from an attraction you want to see, but how do you get there? Venice is full of small streets and ally ways but by having a walking route, you can see as much as possible in a limited time.
If you have more time, you could also spend time generally getting lost in the city, or visit some of the Venetian islands too! If you intend to go into a lot of these attractions, the queuing can take some time too
This walking tour of Venice gives you the time to see as much as possible, but also seeing the main tourist attractions
