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If your trip only allows one day to visit this beautiful island in the Adriatic Sea, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Choose the places you want to visit most; don't try to see everything. Venice is like a treasure that you can't possibly explore in a single day. You need to start your journey early and go straight to your planned destinations before the crowds arrive and overwhelm you. While you may want to see many places, don't try walking through every nook and cranny of Venice as you'll get exhausted, especially in August when temperatures are at their highest. Instead, try exploring this most romantic city in Europe on a canoe or gondola whenever you can.
Finally, highlight the main destinations to incorporate as places where you can stop, rest, and relax. Once you have a firm grasp of these important points, you can experience Venice in your own way.
Visit Piazza San Marco.
This is the ideal starting point because in the early morning, you'll have the chance to admire the full grandeur of Piazza San Marco before the crowds of tourists arrive around mid-morning.
Tourists should choose Piazza San Marco as their starting point.
Standing out in this bustling square, filled with tourists day and night, is the 900-year-old Basilica di San Marco, with its elaborately decorated dome reflecting Romanesque and Eastern Roman Empire architecture. Between the lower and upper parts of the church's facade is an amphitheater from which visitors can ascend to admire the view of Venice and San Marco Square from above.
Even with limited time in Venice, you should still take some time to visit this unique church to fully appreciate its magnificent beauty, which is difficult to describe in words. The entire church, from the walls and ceiling to the floor, is adorned with exquisite mosaics. These mosaics are arranged on a gold-plated ceiling covering a total area of 4,240 square meters, earning the Basilica its nickname, the Golden Church. Admission is free, but please note that you should dress respectfully (no shorts, tank tops, or short skirts). Additionally, if you want to admire the panoramic view of Venice and get a closer look at the unique design of the five domes of the Basilica, climb the Campanile Tower, also located in San Marco Square.
Walk along the Grand Canal
Along the San Zaccaria ferry terminal, you'll reach the bridge leading to Venice's massive Arsenal military-technological complex. Although you can't go inside, the stunning arched architecture and the four marble lions guarding the walkway are well worth a stop to admire and photograph. The cafe outside is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
From here, you can take a canoe to visit the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal. It's one of the city's most famous landmarks and has become a symbol of Venice, known to every visitor to this city of canals. However, don't linger on the bridge; be sure to visit the Pescaria and Erberie markets, which have traditions dating back to the 16th century. Pescaria offers a wide variety of seafood such as octopus, mussels, swordfish, eels, sea turtles, and crabs. Meanwhile, the Erberie vegetable market, located right next to the Grand Canal, sells a full range of fresh vegetables and fruits. This market is only open in the mornings, so be sure to arrive before noon.
The 24-meter-long Rialto Bridge is one of Venice's most iconic landmarks.
Next, try a gondola ride, a unique Venice experience, to travel to the Cannaregio district in the northeast and visit the Madonna dell'Orto church. Wander through the narrow streets and cross the bridges; you'll enjoy the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of this area.
Explore the Ghetto
Heading south, you'll reach the Ghetto, a refuge for the Jewish community in Europe. The narrow streets, old high-rise buildings, and somber atmosphere offer a different perspective, a stark contrast to the wealth and splendor of other areas of Venice. Here you'll find the small but fascinating Museo Communita Ebraic, a popular tourist attraction.
Return to San Marco Square
From the Ghetto, head towards the Guglie Bridge and then straight to Ferrovia, the main train station in Santa Lucia. After a long day of traveling, give your feet a rest by taking a relaxing canoe ride back to San Marco. The 20-minute journey on the Grand Canal will take you along Venice's most famous 4-kilometer stretch, lined with beautiful hotels and museums.
For shorter journeys, take the opportunity to ride a gondola and enjoy a unique Venice experience.
When the boat stops at the final point, you'll see the Santa Maria della Salute church opposite San Marco Square. Take a moment to explore and take some souvenir photos. Upon returning to Piazza San Marco, you've completed your 24-hour exploration of Venice. Now, treat yourself to a €15 coffee and let your mind wander as you listen to the soothing melodies of the orchestras playing nearby.
