Venice, located in the Veneto region in Northern Italy, is a city like no other.
Built on 118 islands in the Venetian Lagoon, Venice has waterways instead of roads, and boats are the means of transportation. The enchanting canals, which have contributed greatly to the city’s popularity, are one of its most striking attractions…but not the only one!
There are plenty of things to do in Venice, and I, born and raised in Italy, absolutely love it. There’s just no place like it! Whether you’re into architecture, history, food, or gory legends, the city delivers.
And while you could spend days exploring its every nook and cranny, if you only have a day to enjoy Venice, it’s still worth the visit.
One full day gives you plenty of time to check out the major landmarks, eat Cicchetti, and delve into the island’s unique construction. Being easy to reach from some of the major Italian cities helps the cause.
Venice is located 165 miles (265 km) east of Milan, slightly over 2 hours on the high-speed train.
The distance between the cities means you’ll need to get an early start to make the most of your day there, but it’s absolutely doable. In fact, it’s a popular day trip destination from the fashion capital.
In this post, I’m giving you the perfect blueprint to plan your day trip to Venice from Milan – you’ll find how to get there, a sample itinerary for first-timers, and tips to make the most of your day.
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HOW TO GET FROM MILAN TO VENICE
The fastest way to travel from Milan to Venice is by train. The journey takes 2 hours and 30 minutes on the high-speed train called Frecciarossa, and it can take up to 4.5 hours on the regional train. Book the shortest journey (the Frecciarossa or Italo trains) and leave as early as possible.
You can take an early train from Milan to Venice and arrive at the city of water at 9 AM, a perfect time to start your explorations. You’ll catch the train at Milano Centrale Train Station in Milan, which is easily accessible from most areas of the city.
The ride offers scenic views of the countryside as you pass the Veneto and Lombardy regions, so it’s a very enjoyable journey.
Make sure to check train travel times and purchase your tickets ahead of time. ➥ BUY YOUR TRAIN TICKETS HERE
You could also travel by bus for as little as $4, although the journey can take up to 4 hours – not ideal if you’re going for a day. If you’ve decided to spend the night in Venice, or are traveling on a very tight budget, it may be worth checking out. You’ll arrive at Piazzale Roma bus station, the entrance to the city. ➥ BUY YOUR BUS TICKETS HERE
While you could also go from Milan to Venice by car, I do not recommend it. Most of the drive takes place in the autostrada (highway), and the one-way journey won’t take you less than three hours. Once in Venice, you’ll need to find a parking space for the car, as you can’t drive in the city.
It’s much cheaper, and faster, to plan your day trip from Milan to Venice by train. You can also take the fast train from Venice to Milan at the end of the day, as there are frequent departures both ways.
BEST VENICE TOURS FROM MILAN
You could alternatively book a tour for your Venice day trip from Milan. Not only will your transfers be covered, but you’ll also be led by a savvy guide. This ensures you check out the best spots in the city, get insider tips, and make the most of your visit.
▶️ The Milan: Day Trip to Venice with Guided City Tour is a 14-hour experience. You’ll travel by bus and enjoy a walking tour of Venice, visiting all the major landmarks, like the Basilica and Teatro La Fenice. Then, embark on a boat ride across the lagoon, and make use of your free time to keep exploring. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ An alternative is this Private Full Day Guided Tour from Milan to Venice with Local Tour Guide and Fast Train. Enjoy a guided walking tour around Venice, and learn about its history as you check out its main attractions. Break at noon for lunch (own expense), with more than enough time to explore at your leisure before returning. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
For more options, check out my full post about the best Venice tours from Milan.
ONE DAY IN VENICE ITINERARY
If you’re getting to Venice on your own but would still like an introductory tour around the city, you can book this experience:
▶️ The Welcome to Venice: Walking Tour, St. Mark’s Basilica & Gondola Ride offers an informative glimpse into the city’s history, culture, and customs, along with visits to the main attractions. The tour lasts 3 hours. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Below you’ll find the most epic itinerary in Venice, which starts at the Santa Lucia Train Station.
Take the Vaporetto on the Grand Canal
Once you arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station, exit the building and turn right, walking until you reach the Grand Canal. There you’ll see the waterbus stop ‘‘Ferrovia’’, with plenty of signs advertising the Vaporetto rides.
The Vaporetto, or waterbus, is Venice’s main public transportation, used by locals to travel around the small islands that make up the city. Get your tickets at the booth, and take the Vaporetto #1 to the ‘‘Rialto’’ stop, where you’ll get off and walk to your next destination.
Start Your Venice Trip from St. Mark’s Square
It’s a short walk from the Vaporetto stop to Piazza San Marco, where your DIY tour of Venice begins!
St. Mark’s Square is a major landmark in the city, once considered the drawing room of Europe, and it’s surrounded by Venice’s most iconic buildings. It’s the perfect place to start the trip.
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace
The most prominent attractions in Piazza San Marco are St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. The Basilica is one of the most striking churches in Italy, boasting an impressive facade and beautiful interiors. It houses the relics of St. Mark, which is why many religious visitors line to visit.
Doge’s Palace, with its spectacular Venetian Gothic facade, held the same importance as the Basilica in the governmental realm. It was home to the chief magistrate of Venice (doge) and the seat of power during the height of the Venetian Empire.
When visiting, you’ll get to explore the prisons of the building, its courtyard, and impressive chambers.
▶️ The Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour allows you to visit both locations. Enjoy a guided visit to the Basilica, taking in the views from its terrace, and get priority access to the Doge’s Palace. Explore the courtrooms and chambers, and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Go Up the St. Mark’s Bell Tower
St. Mark’s Campanile is one of Venice’s landmarks that doesn’t go unnoticed. Rising to 325 feet (99 meters), it towers over St. Mark’s Cathedral, standing out with its terracotta color and green pyramidal spire.
There are five bells in the belfry, each of which has its own sound and purpose, and the views from the top are unparalleled. To reach it you’ll have to climb 323 steps, so it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. If that’s not you, though, it’s absolutely worth it!
▶️ Get St. Mark’s Campanile: Skip The Line Entrance to avoid waiting in the queue. Admire the stunning views from the top, and download an audio guide to learn about Venice during your visit. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Entrance Fee: €10.
St. Mark’s Bell Tower Opening Hours: Daily from 8.30 AM to 9.15 PM (Last Admission at 8.45 PM).
Admire the View from T Fondaco dei Tedeschi
Next, make your way to T Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a luxurious duty-free store home to high-end clothing shops, renowned beauty product brands, and an Italian gourmet sector.
But you’re not visiting the store to go shopping. The jewel of T Fondaco dei Tedeschi lies in its rooftop terrace, which overlooks Venice. From there you’ll enjoy privileged views of the Grand Canal and the waterfront houses.
The terrace is free to visit, but you still need to book in advance via their website.
T Fondaco dei Tedeschi Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 7.30 PM
Have Lunch at Cantina Do Mori
Cantina Do Mori is Venice’s oldest tavern, and as legend would have it, it’s where Casanova would take women for their first date. And now you get to have lunch there!
The cantina is small and traditionally looking, serving all the most typical Venetian dishes. You’ll get to try cicchetti, tapas, seafood, and local wine by the glass, and the prices are surprisingly very affordable.
Address: San Polo 429
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Visit the Rialto Bridge
The floating city is crisscrossed by canals, featuring countless bridges that span the waterways, adding charm to the picturesque waterfront. The Rialto Bridge, however, stands out among them and it’s one of the major symbols of the city.
Rialto Bridge is the oldest one across the Grand Canal, originally built in the 12th century. It’s a covered, arched bridge that connects the sestieri of San Marco and San Polo, and offers great views of the Grand Canal.
The bridge is beautifully designed, and it’s one of the places in Venice you simply cannot miss.
Enjoy a Gondola Ride
What screams Venice more than the enchanting gondolas gliding across the canals? The traditional row boats, with their unique shapes, are pretty much a symbol of this beautiful city.
It’s no surprise that it’s a bucket list experience for many visitors, who dream of enjoying the ultimate boat trip there is: a gondola ride in Venice.
Expert gondoliers lead the gondolas under bridges and along the waterways. As you relax on the vessel, see Venice from the water and catch sight of attractions such as Santa Maria della Salute Basilica, Rialto Bridge, and St. Mark’s Square.
The ride usually lasts 30 minutes, and gondolas can accommodate up to 5 people at a time.
▶️This Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary takes approximately 45 minutes. You’ll glide along the Grand Canal, taking in the sights and spotting of the main landmarks from the water. An in-app audio commentary is provided to help enhance your experience. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️The Venice: Private Gondola Ride along Grand Canal takes you along the city’s main canal and down other smaller waterways. You’ll share the experience with your loved ones, and benefit from your guide’s live commentary. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Check Out the Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs, spanning across Rio del Palazzo, is another iconic sight of Venice, and one of the most famous bridges in Italy. It’s a small and very beautiful structure, made of white limestone, and it’s the only bridge in the city of Venice that’s completely enclosed.
There’s a reason for that, as the purpose of the Bridge of Sighs was to connect Doge’s Palace to the Prison building. Sentenced prisoners would be taken from the Palace and into their cells across the bridge, which is named after the sighs emitted by the convicts as they walked to their confinement.
You can glide under the bridge on a gondola, or admire it from one of the nearby bridges.
Walk Along Riva degli Schiavoni
Riva degli Schiavoni is the name of a spectacular waterfront located in Castello, the largest sestiere (neighborhood) in Venice. You probably stopped to admire the Bridge of Sighs from Ponte della Paglia, so you’re already in Riva degli Schiavoni!
This stunning promenade stretches along the Grand Canal, right where it joins the Giudecca Canal, and it grants you views of the city landmarks on one side, and of San Giorgio Maggiore across the water.
TIPS FOR VISITING VENICE ON A DAY TRIP
Here are some tips to make your day trip to Venice an unfallible success.
When should you visit Venice
The high season in Venice is during the summer months. However, during this time it can get very hot, and the city is absolutely packed with tourists.
If you don’t like the crowds, you’re better off visiting during the shoulder or low seasons, preferably on a weekday.
The months of April and May, along with October and November, constitute the best season for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. You can also visit between November and the end of January if you’re not afraid of the cold and a bit of rain!
Extra Tip: Check the weather forecast a few days in advance and try to plan the trip on a sunny day. It makes all the difference!
What to wear on a day trip to Venice
Comfortable shoes!! The only way to explore Venice is on foot, so you’ll be doing a lot of walking around. And the same goes for your clothes – aim to wear comfortable, lightweight items you won’t mind walking all day in.
If you enter a church, you’ll need to have your knees and shoulders covered. I suggest taking a shawl or something to cover yourself if you’re wearing tank tops.
Other Things to Consider
• Buy your train tickets in advance. This will not only ensure there’s availability on your chosen day, but also that you get the best prices. ➥ BOOK YOUR TRAIN TICKETS HERE
• As of 2024, single day visitors need to pay an access fee to enter Venice on certain days. The fee is €5 per person (14 and over), and you can pay it online. You’re exempted from the fee if you travel during certain dates that aren’t subject to payment.
• Plan on visiting a few attractions in Venice? You can save money with the Venice Pass which includes entrance to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, as well as a Gondola Ride, and an Audio Guide. You’ll also get a 10% discount on other attractions. ➥ BUY YOUR VENICE PASS HERE
• Venice is not exactly the most wheelchair-friendly city, but it’s still accessible. Many of the main attractions can be reached in the Vaporetto, and the bridges along Riva degli Schiavoni and Zattere have ramps. On the city’s official website you’ll find a list of suggested itineraries for wheelchair users.
• The city charges hefty fines for unacceptable behavior! Things like walking around in swimwear, swimming in the canals, and even feeding birds can land you with an expensive penalty. On the city’s website you’ll find a list of the activities that are subject to fines.
