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Solo Travellers Guide To 3 Days In Venice

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Written by David Mason | 28th Feb 2024

TLDR: Discover the wonders of Venice with our bespoke three-day guide, ideal for solo travellers aiming to blend historical exploration, cultural highlights, and personal moments. Dive into our Venice in 3 Days journey.

Highlights of Venice

  • Traverse the enchanting alleyways and canals of Venice’s city centre, where history and modernity intertwine.
  • Stand in admiration of the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
  • Explore the rich tapestry of Venetian art at the Gallerie dell’Accademia, home to pre-19th-century masterpieces.
  • Seek tranquillity on a gondola ride through the serene canals, offering unparalleled views of the city’s architecture.
  • Experience Venice’s unique nightlife, from sophisticated wine bars to lively squares filled with local charm.
Monthly 1 Night 48 Hours 3 Days

About Venice

Perched on over 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, Venice is a city of unparalleled charm and history. It boasts a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and cool winters, averaging around 13°C throughout the year. Venice shines brightest in spring and autumn, providing a magical backdrop free from the peak season crowds. Its blend of historical richness, artistic beauty, and relative affordability makes Venice a must-visit for those seeking an immersive cultural experience within Italy.

Is 3 days enough to see Venice?

Yes, three days in Venice offers a splendid opportunity to soak in the city’s unique charm. This timeframe allows for a thorough exploration of its famous waterways and historic architecture. Begin your visit with the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace on day one.

The following day could be reserved for meandering through the enchanting alleys of Venice, discovering hidden gems like the Rialto Bridge and the quaint shops of the Cannaregio district. On your final day, consider a leisurely gondola ride through the serene canals or a trip to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano.

In summary, a three-day visit to Venice perfectly encapsulates the essence of this magical city, from its majestic landmarks to its tranquil waterways, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.

Where to Sleep in Venice?

Venice caters to budget-conscious travellers with a selection of hostels and affordable accommodations, ensuring a comfortable stay:

Generator Venice: Situated on the island of Giudecca, this hostel offers stunning views of the city. With a stylish bar and spacious communal areas, it’s ideal for those looking to socialize and relax in a chic setting.

Ostello S. Fosca – CPU Venice Hostels: Perfect for travellers seeking a quiet retreat, this hostel is located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to Venice’s main attractions. It provides a range of room options, from dorms to private rooms, set in a historic building with a charming courtyard.

We_Crociferi: Set in a restored convent in the Cannaregio district, this hostel offers both dorms and private rooms. With its own bar and courtyard, it’s a great choice for those interested in Venice’s cultural scene and architectural beauty.

Combo Venezia: Located in the Rialto area, this hostel is a blend of modern convenience and historical charm. It offers a variety of accommodations, from shared dorms to private rooms, and features communal kitchens and lounges, making it perfect for meeting fellow travelers.

Getting Around Venice

Exploring Venice is a unique adventure, with the city’s layout favouring walking and waterborne transportation.

Vaporetti (Water Buses): The vaporetto system is Venice’s main form of public transport, linking the city’s islands and providing scenic routes along the Grand Canal. Single tickets are available, but for a three-day stay, a travel card offering unlimited rides might be more economical.

Walking: Venice is best explored on foot, allowing you to discover its winding alleys, charming bridges, and hidden squares. Walking is not only free but also the best way to experience the city’s intimate beauty up close.

Gondolas: While more of a tourist experience than a practical mode of transport, a gondola ride offers a traditional and romantic way to see Venice. For practical day-to-day travel, consider the traghetto, a larger gondola ferrying passengers across the Grand Canal at specific points for a modest fee.

Water Taxis: For fast and direct travel, especially when carrying luggage or traveling to the airport, water taxis are available. They offer convenience and speed but are significantly more expensive than other forms of transport.

Whether gliding through the canals on a vaporetto, wandering on foot, or enjoying a leisurely gondola ride, getting around Venice is an integral part of the city’s experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in its timeless allure.

72 Hours in Venice

Venice, an illustrious city in Italy’s Veneto region, combines a rich history, breathtaking architecture, and lively traditions. This 3-day itinerary is specially crafted for solo travellers eager to immerse themselves in Venice’s unique atmosphere.

Day 1: Venetian Classics and Culinary Delights

Morning: St. Mark’s Basilica and Square

Location: The heart of Venice.

Activity: Touring the iconic basilica and admiring the grandeur of St. Mark’s Square.

Budget: Basilica entry is free; skip-the-line or guided tour options vary, approximately £10-£20.

Distance: Easily walkable from many parts of Venice.

Expect: A deep dive into Byzantine architecture and historical significance.

Afternoon: Rialto Bridge and Market

Location: Central Venice, along the Grand Canal.

Activity: Exploring the bustling Rialto Market and crossing the famous bridge.

Budget: Market visit is free; shopping and dining costs vary.

Distance: A scenic walk from St. Mark’s Square.

Expect: Vibrant market scenes and beautiful views from the bridge.

Evening: Dinner in Cannaregio

Location: The Cannaregio district.

Activity: Enjoying traditional Venetian cuisine in a less touristy neighbourhood.

Budget: Approximately £20-£50 for a meal with drinks.

Distance: A pleasant walk or vaporetto (water bus) ride from the Rialto area.

Expect: Authentic dishes in a quaint, relaxed setting.

Day 2: Artistic Exploration and Serene Canals

Morning: Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Location: Dorsoduro district, along the Grand Canal.

Activity: Viewing modern art in an intimate setting, formerly the home of Peggy Guggenheim.

Budget: Entry about £12-£15; booking recommended.

Distance: Easily reachable by vaporetto or on foot from central areas.

Expect: A remarkable collection of 20th-century art.

Afternoon: Explore the Hidden Gems of Dorsoduro

Location: South of the Grand Canal.

Activity: Wandering through Dorsoduro’s tranquil streets and canals, visiting the Squero di San Trovaso.

Budget: Free to explore; optional expenses for cafes or museums.

Distance: Walking distance from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Expect: A peaceful side of Venice, away from the crowds.

Evening: Sunset Gondola Ride

Location: Various locations across Venice.

Activity: Taking a gondola ride through Venice’s canals at sunset.

Budget: Approximately £70-£100 for a private ride; shared options may be cheaper.

Distance: Available throughout the city.

Expect: A magical experience as the city glows in the evening light.

Day 3: Venetian Islands and Relaxation

Morning: Murano Glassblowing Demonstration

Location: The island of Murano.

Activity: Watching a traditional glassblowing demonstration and exploring glass shops.

Budget: Demonstrations are often free; ferry ticket around £7.

Distance: A short vaporetto ride from Venice.

Expect: Insight into the skilled craft of glassblowing.

Afternoon: Burano Lace and Colourful Houses

Location: The island of Burano.

Activity: Admiring the brightly coloured houses and lace shops.

Budget: Free to wander; ferry ticket around £7.

Distance: Vaporetto ride from Murano or Venice.

Expect: A picturesque island known for its lace-making and vibrant homes.

Evening: Relax at Giardini della Biennale

Location: Eastern Venice, near the residential Castello area.

Activity: Enjoying a peaceful evening in one of Venice’s green spaces.

Budget: Free.

Distance: A walk or vaporetto ride from central Venice.

Expect: A serene atmosphere away from the bustling city centre.

Time to fly

If you found this Venice in 3 Days guide helpful, or need a bit more inspiration on what to do here or where else you should visit, go to the app store and download the Hostelworld app. Why? Our Linkups feature allows you to chat with thousands of travellers just like you, organise meet-ups, plan trips, and make friends. The Hostelworld app is also the easiest way to book hostels in Venice.

Referenced: Venice Tourist Office

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