Venice, Italy: A Quick Guide for First-Timers
Stepping into Venice for the first time felt like entering a dream—beautiful pastel buildings, boats in every canal with the city glowing under the sun. I only had about 36 hours there, but somehow it was enough to fall completely in love. If you're heading to Venice for the first time and trying to make the most of a short trip, here’s how I’d do it again.
Getting Into the City (Without Dragging Your Luggage Over 27 Bridges)
If you’re flying straight into Venice, the easiest (and most fun) way to get to your hotel or Airbnb is by water taxi. You’ve got two main options:
Alilaguna Water Taxi: This is the “budget” boat, and it works kind of like a public bus—on water. You can buy tickets online ahead of time or at the airport kiosks when you land. It’s around €18 for a one-way ticket and runs pretty frequently. You can also get 24-, 48-, or 72-hour passes if you plan to use it more.
Private Water Taxi: If you’re okay spending a bit more, this is definitely the faster and more direct option. It’s also kind of glamorous in that old-movie kind of way. Our Airbnb host actually booked one for us when we were leaving Venice, and it took us straight from our loft to the train station—super convenient and zero bridge luggage dragging involved.
We arrived in Venice just in time to catch the golden glow of late afternoon. After a cozy dinner at Al Giardinetto Da Severino (highly recommend!), we wandered through charming little shops and tucked into a few cocktail bars that gave us a true taste of the city's nightlife. But the real magic? That came the next day—our one full day in Venice—when the adventure truly began and here is what we did.
Morning: Espresso and a Little Wandering
Start your day with a coffee at Caffè Florian in St. Mark’s Square. Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, it’s a bit pricey—but sitting there with a cappuccino in hand, surrounded by centuries-old architecture and the sound of violins in the background, feels totally worth it. While you are over there, you can check out the Basilica of Saint Mark and the infamous Doge’s Palace- make sure to book your tickets in advance!
From there, walk over to the Rialto Bridge. It’s about a 6-minute stroll, and along the way you’ll pass tons of little shops and cafés. The bridge is usually packed, but the view from the top is classic Venice.
Lunch Stop: Focaccia Heaven
After the Rialto, head to Bacaro di Bischeri, a tiny focacceria that ended up being one of the best food stops of our trip. The sandwiches are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch. Grab one and find a quiet canal to sit by—instant picnic vibes.
Afternoon: Murano Glass & Gondolas
If you’re into art or just want to see something unique, hop on a water taxi and head over to Murano, the island famous for its glass blowing. You can book a short 20–30 minute demonstration on GetYourGuide, and it includes a visit to their gift shop. Expect handmade glass jewelry, colorful cups and plates, and some seriously impressive chandeliers.
Demos run every 30 minutes between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM, and the tickets are flexible enough that you can show up whenever it works for you.
Once you’re done in Murano, take the Murano Faro water taxi back toward the main island and get off at the S. Zaccaria stop, which drops you right near where many of the gondola rides depart. It’s touristy, sure—but if it’s your first time in Venice, it’s worth doing. The gondoliers will usually take you past the Bridge of Sighs, and floating through the canals really does feel like a scene from a movie.
Dinner & Drinks with a View
For dinner, I’ve got two strong recs:
Antico Gatoleto – I had the lasagna here and I still think about it. It was cheesy, perfectly baked, and just ridiculously good.
Hostaria Sant’Aponal – Cozy and authentic, with a great selection of local dishes.
After dinner, head over to the Riva Lounge at the Gritti Palace for a drink on the terrace. The view over the Grand Canal is stunning, especially at sunset. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and just soak it all in.
Venice is small, walkable, and unlike anywhere else. You either get around by boat or by foot—no cars, no Ubers, just cobblestone alleys and canals that twist and turn like a maze. And honestly, getting lost is part of the fun.
Even though we only had a day and a half, it felt like just enough time to get a little taste of everything. Venice has this quiet, haunting beauty to it—like it’s frozen in time but still very much alive.
If you’re planning a trip, my best advice is: don’t over-plan. Leave space to wander, take your time with a glass of wine, and just let the city surprise you.
