Venice in 48 hours!
Beautiful Venice is a city that everyone should get to experience at least once in their lives. One of the most romantic, picturesque and magical cities we’ve been to. We love how on every corner you turn, you stumble upon another enchanting canal, small bridges and colorful buildings. The city of canals should be on every traveller’s bucket list! With that being said, here is a list of things that you need to do and see when visiting Venice…
Go to Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is without a doubt the most iconic spot in Venice. This popular place boosts with attractions like the famous Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the San Marco campanile. If you want to experience Piazza San Marco without the crowds (which is quite impossible), then the best time to visit this place would be early in the morning or late in the evening.
Have Cicchetti for lunch
If you want to eat like a local in Venice, then you need to have Cicchetti for lunch. Cicchetti is the Venetian version of tapas. They are being offered as a fried version or with fresh meat, fish or cheese. These bit-sized nibbles are being served in Italian wine bars that are spread all over Venice. They go along well with a glass of local chilled white wine or an Aperol spritz. Enjoy!
Take a Boat Tour
It is a no-brainer that Venice is best explored on water. Instead of riding the typical gondola that Venice is known for, we decided to join a boat tour which we found on Airbnb. The name sounded perfect, A Venetian Aperitif on The Lagoon, and it included wine, prosecco, beers and Venetian tapas. The 1.5-hour long tour started at Chiesa si San Vescovo and our tour guide took us (and only one other lovely couple) off in a luxurious speedboat, cruised down the Grand Canal and explored smaller canals and hidden spots.
The tour is not only great a way to escape the crowds, but it’s also an authentic way to see and experience Venice from the water. Here is the link to book the tour: A Venetian Aperitif on The Lagoon.
Drink a Bellini
The first thing we were told to do when we arrived in Venice, was to go to Harry’s Bar and enjoy a Bellini! The Bellini cocktail which originated in Venice, is a mixture of sparkling white wine and pureed white peaches and is best enjoyed when sipping it along a canal or people watching! Harry’s Bar is a legendary 1930’s bar known for its Bellini cocktails and celebratory clientele. Be prepared for the pricey bill at the end though!
Visit these outrageously beautiful hotels
Hotel Danieli A five star grand hotel on Venice’s waterfront. This venue is amazing… with an entrance that gives the impression of being outdoors in a courtyard whilst being inside. We did not have the pleasure of staying at this beautiful hotel, however you can walk in and enjoy drinks and appetizers or head to the top floor for a fine dining experience and panoramic views of the water. Make sure you take the perfect insta shot on the hotel staircase… the interiors are seriously gorgeous!
Belmond Hotel Cipriani A Venetian classic at the eastern tip of the Giudecca island. This luxury hotel is an absolute oasis and first class on all fronts (you even have to sign and enter through private gates). With a huge pool, manicured gardens and luxury spa, it has the kind of discreet professional service you’d expect in a hotel used to hosting VIP’s. Enjoy an aperol spritz and their giant olives whilst sitting outside in the courtyard area.
Photo: Hotel Danieli
Photo: Belmond Hotel Cipriani
Get lost in Venice!
Last, but not least: get wonderfully lost in Venice! It is simply impossible not to get lost, because Venice is a maze of endless narrow alleyways and canals. Even the most directionally gifted travelers get lost in Venice and Google maps will even lead you astray. Getting lost will lead you to quiet canals, local spots and hidden gems. So, don’t bother yourself trying to find the right path, it probably won’t happen (trust us) and there is nothing wrong with that!
Wearing: Africa Silk Skinny
Tips on where to stay in Venice (that won’t break the budget!)
There are plenty of hotels in Venice, however hotels tend to be quite pricey so be prepared to splurge! We stayed at a lovely little airbnb located a few steps away from Piazza San Marco. Whilst searching for this little gem, we came across some more beautiful apartments on Airbnb which we wanted to share with you.
Refer to our list below of lovely apartments which we would highly recommend when planning your stay in Venice:
Airbnb Options
- Luxury Apartment on the roof of Venice
- Adorable Flat close to St Barnaba
- Murano Suites – Acquamare
- The perfect balcony
- Ca’ Melusina Castello Apartment
