3 Days in Venice: The Perfect Solo Itinerary

Venice is one of those cities that feels like it belongs in a fairytale – gondolas gliding under stone bridges, golden sunsets reflecting on the canals, and piazzas buzzing with life. Three days is the sweet spot to soak up the highlights without feeling rushed, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or on a romantic getaway.

Here’s the perfect 3-day Venice itinerary to help you explore the city’s must-sees, hidden gems, and even squeeze in a day trip to the colorful islands nearby!

Gondolas on a sunny day in Venice, Italy

Girl looking out at Piazza San Marco on a sunny day in Venice, Italy

Day 1: Classic Venice & Iconic Sights

Start your trip with Venice’s most famous landmarks:

St. Mark’s Basilica → Head here early to beat the crowds. The golden mosaics inside are jaw-dropping.
Doge’s Palace → Step inside this gothic masterpiece and cross the Bridge of Sighs for a glimpse of history.
St. Mark’s Campanile → Take the elevator up for panoramic views across the lagoon.

For lunch, stop at a cicchetti bar (Venetian tapas!) for small bites and a spritz.

In the afternoon, wander through the Rialto Market and cross the Rialto Bridge. As evening falls, treat yourself to a gondola ride (you are in Venice after all!) or simply enjoy the sunset by the Grand Canal.

Girl sitting on a gondola on a sunny day in Venice, Italy

Girl in summer dress smiling in front of Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy

Day 2: Art, Culture & Getting Lost in Venice

This is your day to slow down and soak in the city’s character.

Start at Gallerie dell’Accademia for a dose of Renaissance art.
Wander through Dorsoduro – one of Venice’s quieter, artsy neighborhoods. Perfect for solo travelers who love to explore at their own pace.
Pop into hidden churches and artisan shops along the way.

In the afternoon, get delightfully lost in the labyrinth of canals with a gelato in hand. Follow your nose (or stomach!) to more cicchetti bars or trattorias. Venice is one of the best cities to let curiosity guide your path.

Evening tip: head to the Zattere promenade for a gorgeous sunset over Giudecca island.

Hand holding gelato with canal in the background in Venice, Italy

Gondolas floating through the canals and old buildings in Venice, Italy

Day 3: Island-Hopping to Murano & Burano

No Venice trip is complete without a day out on the lagoon. Hop on a vaporetto (water bus) or join a guided tour and explore:

Murano → Famous for glass-blowing. You can even watch artisans at work.
Burano → The prettiest island in the lagoon, with rainbow-colored houses and handmade lace. A photographer’s dream!
Optional stop: Torcello → A peaceful island with a fascinating history and one of Venice’s oldest churches.

End your day back in Venice with a celebratory dinner – maybe risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) or seafood pasta by the canal.

Girl smiling in front of colorful buildings in Burano Island in Venice, Italy

Colorful buildings and a canal on Burano Island in Venice, Italy

Tips for Your 3 Days in Venice

Buy a vaporetto pass → It saves time and money if you’re hopping between islands.
Stay central → Somewhere near San Marco, Rialto, or Dorsoduro for easy access to everything.
Start early or stay late → Venice is magical when the day-trippers leave.
Pack comfy shoes → You’ll be walking (and climbing bridges!) a lot.

Three days in Venice is just enough to see the highlights, wander aimlessly through quiet alleys, and soak up the lagoon’s unique beauty. Whether you’re admiring mosaics in St. Mark’s, sipping spritz by the canals, or photographing Burano’s rainbow houses, Venice has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you.