Our Venice Carnival Italy Visit – Day 2

We woke up early in the morning eager to start our second day in Italy during the Venice Carnival, so we headed to Rialto Bridge, stopping by the Rialto Market first, and then reaching St. Mark’s square in order to visit the landmarks, also the Doge’s Palace and the museums included in the Venezia Unica cards.

Morning at Rialto Market During the Venice Carnival in Italy

First we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel, then we set off on foot toward the Rialto Market. But rather than crossing the Grand Canal, we chose to stay on the right side. Then, from there we simply followed the street signs pointing us in the direction of the “Rialto market.” You can see the itinerary map in the Venice 4 Days Itinerary post.

If you are planning a trip to Venice, choosing the right area to stay can make a big difference to your experience. Staying overnight gives you more time to explore the canals, historic landmarks and quieter streets, especially early in the morning and later in the evening. Compare locations and prices before choosing your accommodation.

Canal-side accommodation in Venice, Italy

Where to Stay in Venice

Looking for accommodation for your Venice trip? Compare hotels, guesthouses and apartments in different neighbourhoods to find the right balance of location, comfort and budget. Booking early can be especially helpful if you plan to visit during Carnival.

Find Accommodation in Venice
Ponte degli Scalzi in the background, walking to Rialto Market and Bridge - venice carnival Italy
Ponte degli Scalzi in the background, on our way to Rialto Market

Rialto Market is opened between 6.00  and 11.00 am/1.00 pm the latest. First we reached Rialto Pescaria, and then Rialto Erberia. See in the picture below some important palazzi across the Grand Canal: Ca’ D’ Oro and Ca’ Sagredo Hotel, and also the Giant Venice Hands work of art exposed at that time.

Rialto Pescaria, Rialto Market - Ca' D' Oro, Ca' Sagredo Hotel and the Giant Venice Hands in the back
Rialto Pescaria, Rialto Market – Ca’ D’ Oro, Ca’ Sagredo Hotel and the Giant Venice Hands in the back

Exploring Rialto Pescaria and Crossing the Grand Canal

Rialto Pescaria was quite empty at that time, maybe also because it rained a little that morning.

Pescaria Rialto, Rialto Market near Rialto Bridge - Venice Carnival Italy
Pescaria Rialto, Rialto Market

During our visit, we explored both the fish and vegetable markets—Rialto Pescaria and nearby Rialto Erberia.

Rialto Market, near Rialto Bridge, Venice Carnival Italy
Rialto Market
Venetian food and wine served at a traditional bacaro

Taste Traditional Venetian Food

Discover the flavours of Venice with a guided food and wine experience. Depending on the tour, you may visit traditional bacari, sample local specialities and learn about Venetian eating traditions from a local guide.

Discover Food Tours

Then we crossed the Grand Canal in a traghetto (a gondola) from Santa Sofia to Ca’ D’ Oro traghetto stop.

Traghetto ride, Rialto Market
Grand Canal crossing in a traghetto, near Rialto Market

However, Grand Canal crossing in a traghetto was a short ride. The locals usually do it standing, and so we did.

We eventually arrived on the pier on the other side of the Grand Canal.

Gondole, near Rialto Market, Venice Carnival Italy
Gondole
Traghetto di Santa Sofia, near Rialto Market, Venice Carnival Italy
Traghetto di Santa Sofia, near Rialto Market
Venice walking tour and traditional gondola ride

Explore Venice on Foot and by Gondola

Want to see Venice from two different perspectives? A walking tour followed by a gondola ride combines the charm of the narrow streets with views from the canals. Check the itinerary, meeting point and ride duration before booking.

Explore This Experience

From Rialto to San Marco – A Walking Tour Through Venice Carnival Italy

From there, we continued our walk toward San Marco and eventually arrived in Campo Santi Apostoli; see Chiesa Cattolica Parrocchiale dei Santi Apostoli in the picture below.

Rialto Bridge - Campo Santi Apostoli, near Rialto Market
Rialto Bridge – Campo Santi Apostoli

From there, we continued on the narrow streets and we soon reached Campo San Bartolomio and, shortly after, the iconic Rialto Bridge.

Rialto Bridge, Venice Carnival Italy

Once we reached the bridge, we crossed it back and forth in order to take in the view. At the same time, we captured plenty of photos from every angle to remember the moment.

See the Grand Canal from Rialto Bridge in this picture.

Grand Canal view from Rialto Bridge, Venice Carnival Italy

Rialto Bridge has 3 alleys: 2 exterior alleys with railings, and a central wide alley with shops on both sides, but also has a lot of steps.

Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge), Venice Carnival Italy
Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge)

In the next two pictures you can also see the Grand Canal from Rialto Bridge from the opposite side.

Grand Canal from Rialto Bridge, Venice Carnival Italy
View from Rialto Bridge, Venice Carnival Italy
View from Rialto Bridge, Venice Carnival Italy

Travel Essentials for Exploring Venice

These practical items can make a full day of sightseeing around Venice more comfortable.

Compact travel umbrella

Compact Travel Umbrella

A handy item to pack for changeable weather.

View on Amazon
Waterproof phone pouch

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Helps protect your phone from splashes and rain.

View on Amazon
Comfortable walking shoes

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Useful for long sightseeing days and Venice’s many bridges.

View on Amazon
Portable power bank

Portable Power Bank

Keep your phone charged while navigating and taking photos.

View on Amazon
Rialto Bridge steps, Venice Carnival Italy

Once we had finished exploring the area, we made our way back by climbing the stairs in order to reach the San Marco side of the Rialto Bridge.

Rialto Bridge in the back, Venice Carnival Italy
Rialto Bridge in the back

If you have time beyond Venice’s most famous landmarks, consider a guided walking tour through the smaller streets and hidden squares. A local guide can help you discover historic corners, architectural details and stories that are easy to miss when exploring on your own.

Narrow historic street in Venice

Discover Hidden Venice on Foot

Explore quieter streets, small squares and historic neighbourhoods with a local guide. Compare tour lengths, meeting points and group sizes to find the experience that suits your plans.

Explore Walking Tours

Discovering a Venice Hidden Gem: Scala del Bovolo

And then we continued walking on Grand Canal’s shore on Riva de Ferro, asked around and then finally managed to find Scala del Bovolo (Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo).

Scala del Bovolo (Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo), near Rialto Bridge, Venice Carnival Italy
Scala del Bovolo (Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo)

Then we walked on the narrow streets and got to Gondola Station Bacino Orseolo and Hotel Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo. That is a beautiful area as you can see in the following 2 pictures.

Gondola Station Bacino Orseolo, near Rialto Bridge, Venice Carnival Italy
Gondola Station Bacino Orseolo
Hotel Cavaletto, near Rialto Bridge, Venice Carnival Italy
Hotel Cavaletto

Afterwards we immediately got to Piazza San Marco.

Charming Venetian restaurant beside a canal

Discover Restaurants in Venice

Planning a trip to Venice? Discover charming canal-side restaurants, traditional Venetian trattorias, fresh seafood, and authentic Italian cuisine.

Explore dining options and find a lovely place to enjoy Venetian specialities during your visit to the City of Canals.

Explore Restaurants in Venice ?

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying booking through this link, at no additional cost to you.

Arriving at Piazza San Marco at Carnival – The Heart of Venice, Italy

In St. Mark’s square you can find:

  • Museo Civico Correr (Correr Museum), Ala Napoleonica (Napoleonic Wing)
  • Procuratie Veccchie, Caffe Quadri
  • Torre dell’Orologio
  • Campanile di San Marco
  • Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica)
  • Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs)
  • Procuratie Nuove, Caffe Florian
  • Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana

Basilica di San Marco, next to Doge's Palace in St. Mark's square, Venice Carnival Italy
Basilica di San Marco

Basilica San Marco it’s a spectacular church with Byzantine architecture exterior, but unfortunately, the beautiful interior it is forbidden to be photographed or filmed. Therefore, I have no pictures of the interior to show you.

St Mark’s Campanile is 99 m high, therefore the tallest tower in Venice.

St. Mark's Bell Tower, near Doge's Palace, Venice Carnival Italy
St. Mark’s Bell Tower

St Mark’s Basilica is one of Venice’s most remarkable landmarks. If you want to learn more about its mosaics, architecture and history, a guided visit can add context to what you see inside. Check the dress code, opening times and entry conditions before booking.

Discover St Mark’s Basilica

Learn about the history and artistic details of Venice’s famous basilica. Compare guided visits and ticket options, and check whether access to any special areas is included.

Explore Basilica Tours

Iconic Landmarks Around St. Mark’s Square During the Venice Carnival in Italy

In the picture below, you can see the beautiful Torre dell’ Orologio (The Clock Tower). Just beneath it, there is a passage that, in fact, leads through the Mercerie shopping streets and eventually takes you to the Rialto area.

Torre dell' Orologio, in St. mark's square, Venice Carnival Italy
Torre dell’ Orologio

Then just around the corner from the main entrance to the Basilica di San Marco, you’ll find the charming Piazzetta dei Leoncini. Situated between the northern facade of the basilica and the Palazzo Patriarcale, and also near the Chiesa di San Basso, this small square offers a quieter yet historically rich contrast to the bustle of Piazza San Marco.

Piazzetta dei Leoncini in St. mark's square, Venice Carnival Italy
Piazzetta dei Leoncini

Then we went on Ponte dela Cannonica from where we could see the Bridge of Sights.

Ponte della Cannonica, close to Doge's Palace in St. Mark's square, Venice
Ponte della Cannonica

Then we got back to Piazzetta San Marco – in the pictures below you can see Colonne di San Marco e San Teodoro.

Piazzetta San Marco, St. Mark's square, close to Doge's Palace, Venice Carnival Italy
Piazzetta San Marco, Venice Carnival Italy
Colonne di San Marco e San Teodoro, St. Mark's square, close to Doge's Palace
Colonne di San Marco e San Teodoro
Piazzetta, St. Mark's square, Doge's Palace, Venice
Piazzetta

Below you can see the Piazzetta and also the Campanile from another angle.

San Marco Campanile in the back, St. Mark's square, close to Doge's Palace
San Marco Campanile in the back

Directly opposite to Palazzo Ducale, there is the Biblioteca Marciana.

Biblioteca Marciana, St. Mark's square, close to Doge's Palace, Venice
Biblioteca Marciana

Travel Essentials for Your Venice Adventure

Exploring Venice means walking through narrow streets, crossing historic bridges and taking plenty of photos along the canals. These practical travel essentials can help you stay organised and comfortable throughout your sightseeing day.

Travelon anti-theft crossbody bag in teal

Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

Keep your everyday travel essentials close at hand with a compact crossbody bag. A practical choice for carrying your phone, wallet and other small items while exploring busy tourist areas.

Check Travel Bags on Amazon
OlarHike compression packing cubes in blue and green

Compression Packing Cubes

Keep clothes and travel accessories organised with packing cubes. They are especially useful for multi-day trips around Italy when you want to make the most of your suitcase space.

Organise Your Luggage
Universal international travel adapter with USB ports

Universal Travel Adapter

Keep your devices charged while travelling. A universal adapter with USB ports can be useful when visiting several countries, but check that it supports your devices and the plugs used at your destinations.

Find a Travel Adapter
Bambaw reusable stainless steel water bottle in sage green

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated while exploring Venice on foot. A reusable bottle is a practical addition to your day bag, especially when you plan to spend hours sightseeing and taking photos.

Browse Water Bottles

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Elegant Riva degli Schiavoni and the Bridge of Sighs

Riva degli Schiavoni, St. Mark's square, close to Doge's Palace, Venice
Riva degli Schiavoni

From there, we continued our stroll along the elegant Riva degli Schiavoni, which, in addition, offers stunning views of Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, and the Doge’s Palace. Along the way, we also took time to admire the beautiful blue gondolas gently bobbing in the water.

Riva degli Schiavoni promenade, St. Mark's square, close to Doge's Palace
Riva degli Schiavoni promenade
Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore in the back, St. Mark's square, close to Doge's Palace
Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore in the back
Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) in St. Mark's square, Venice
Palazzo Ducale
Riva degli Schiavoni, Doge's Palace in St. Mark's square, Venice Carnival Italy
Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice Carnival Italy
Giorgio Maggiore in the back, near Doge's Palace in St. Mark's square, Venice
Giorgio Maggiore in the back

After strolling around the iconic Piazzetta San Marco, we then crossed the historic Ponte della Paglia to enjoy the best views of the famous Bridge of Sighs.

Ponte della Paglia, near Doge's Palace in St. Mark's square, Venice Carnival Italy
Ponte della Paglia, Venice Carnival Italy
Ponte dei Sospiri, near Doge's Palace in St. Mark's square, Venice Carnival Italy

There was a masked couple taking pictures in that iconic spot, and also a gondola was passing underneath the bridge.

Editor's Pick

Our Top Recommendation: Comfortable Walking Shoes

Venice walking tip: This itinerary involves several hours of walking, stairs and historic streets, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.


See Our Recommendation

Doge’s Palace Visit – The Courtyard and the Impressive Staircases

We visited Doge’s Palace, the tour was included in the price of Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card. In the following pictures you can see the courtyard. The Doge’s Palace is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. During our visit, we first admired the stunning Courtyard; then, we moved on to the impressive Giants’ Staircase (Scala dei Giganti), which is adorned with statues of Mars and Neptune.

Doge's Palace's courtyard
Doge’s Palace’s courtyard
Palazzo Ducale courtyard
Palazzo Ducale courtyard
Doge's Palace - Scala dei Giganti
Doge’s Palace – Scala dei Giganti
Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale
Doge's Palace's courtyard, St. Mark's square
Doge’s Palace’s courtyard

After skipping the lower levels, we then climbed the astonishing Gold Staircase (Scala d’Oro) on the first floor.

Doge's Palace - First floor, St. Mark's square
Doge’s Palace – First floor

Inside the Doge’s Palace – A Glimpse of Italy Venetian History During the Carnival

Then we visited the Loggias, Doges’ private rooms, the Grimani Room, the Shield Room, the Armory, also the prisons.

In addition, we admired the interiors which are truly very impressive.

Throughout its history, the building has served various roles—as a senate, administrative center, court, and also a prison. Moreover, just below, you can find the armory.

Doge's Palace - Adam and Eve statues,  St. Mark's square, Venice Carnival Italy

Adam and Eve statues were exposed separately in order to be better preserved.

Then the last part of the tour got us through the old prisons, were once even Casanova was held prisoner until he managed to escape through the roof.

The Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) connects the prison to the interrogation room inside the Doge’s Palace. Specifically, it is a covered bridge that can only be crossed from within the Doge’s Palace itself. Furthermore, it spans above the Rio di Palazzo. During our visit, we passed through the Bridge of Sighs; below, you can see the first picture we took from there.

St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace in Venice

Explore Venice’s Famous Landmarks

St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace are two of Venice’s must-see attractions. A guided tour can help you discover their fascinating history and appreciate the details you might otherwise miss. During Carnival, consider checking availability and booking ahead.

Explore Venice Tours

Vaporetto Ride Along the Grand Canal

After visiting Doge’s Palace, we then boarded vaporetto No. 1 and disembarked at Rialto. From there, we eventually managed to find a spot and have lunch in one of the many restaurants in that bustling area.

Then we took vaporetto No. 1 back towards San Marco.

Along the Grand Canal, we also took pictures of the remarkable palazzi. Notably, the first one we encountered after crossing the Rialto Bridge was Ca’ Foscari University.

Ca' Foscari University, Venice Carnival Italy
Ca’ Foscari University

Following that, our next sight was Ca’ Rezzonico, Venice’s captivating 18th-century life museum.

Ca' Rezzonico
Ca’ Rezzonico

Then we passed by Accademia and Campo de la Carità where the Galleria dell’Accademi it’s located, which contains works of art by Bellini, Titian, Carpaccio and Tintoretto.

Accademia
Accademia

Then the vaporetto passed underneath Ponte dell’ Accademia, located at the end of the Grand Canal, just before the canal feeds into St. Mark’s Basin. The bridge links San Marco and Dorsoduro sestieri.

Afterwards, we turned our attention to the next remarkable building, Palazzo Da Mula Morosini.

Palazzo Da Mula Morosini
Palazzo Da Mula Morosini

Then we saw Peggy Guggenheim Collection – a museum hosting works of art by Picasso, Pollock, Kandinsky, Mirò, de Chirico and also Dalì.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Next, we came across another interesting building, Ca’ Dario (Palazzo Dario). Interestingly, it is said to be haunted or cursed. In fact, this place has been linked to the mysterious deaths of around 10 people over time.

Ca' Dario - haunted palace
Ca’ Dario – haunted palace
Traditional gondola on a Venice canal

Experience Venice from a Gondola

Our vaporetto ride offered wonderful views of the Grand Canal. For another perspective, consider a traditional gondola ride through Venice’s waterways. Compare ride durations, departure points and shared or private options before booking.

Find a Gondola Ride

Exploring Dorsoduro and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute

Between the Vaporetto No. 1 stops of Santa Maria del Giglio and San Marco, there is the Salute stop. At this point, we decided to get off and take a leisurely stroll around the area. As a result, we had the chance to explore the surroundings more closely. In the picture below, you can see a close-up view of the famous Basilica Santa Maria della Salute.

Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
Basilica Santa Maria della Salute

Also, take a look at Campo della Salute in the next pictures.

Salute
Salute
Salute Church
Salute Church
Fondamenta Salute
Fondamenta Salute

Afterwards, we continued along Fondamenta Salute and eventually reached Dogana di Mare, also known as Punta della Dogana (the old Sea Customs Post). Notably, it is situated right at the tip of the triangular peninsula you can see on the map of the Grand Canal.

Punta della Dogana

From Punta della Dogana, we were able to spot San Giorgio Maggiore island in the distance. As you can see in the following pictures, the island stands beautifully against the horizon.

Punta della Dogana

We enjoyed the nice blue water views, but I can tell you that it was very windy and couldn’t manage to spend much time there though.

Venice looks completely different from the water. If you have another day available, a boat trip around the Venetian Lagoon can be a lovely way to discover more of the surrounding islands and enjoy views of the city from a different perspective.

Explore the Venetian Lagoon by Boat

Compare lagoon cruises and island excursions to find an experience that fits your itinerary. Check the departure point, duration, stops and what is included before reserving.

Find Boat Trips

St. Mark’s Campanile Views – Venice from Above

Afterwards, we took the vaporetto and arrived at St. Mark’s Square. Once there, we visited the Campanile (St. Mark’s Bell Tower). The entrance fee was 16 euros for both of us. Then, we took the elevator to the top of the Campanile. From up there, we were able to enjoy stunning views of the roof of St. Mark’s Basilica, also the entire St. Mark’s Square, and the whole city of Venice.

  • Piazzetta view from the Bell Tower
  • View form the Bell Tower
  • San Giorgio Maggiore view from the Campanile
  • Punta della Dogana view from the Bell Tower
  • St. Marks Basilica's roof
  • Venice Bell Tower
  • View from The Campanile
  • Clock Tower view from The Campanile
  • Campanile
  • Venice Campanile
  • Salute view from The Campanile
  • Piazza San Marco view from The Campanile
  • Venice West panorama form the Bell Tower
  • Palazzo Ducale View from the Campanile

Then, back in the square we notice a huge line at the entrance of Basilica di San Marco; good thing that we visited it in the morning because then it wasn’t crowded at all.

San Mark's Basilica, Venice Carnival Italy
San Mark’s Basilica

As we explored, we noticed the interesting Tetrarchs (Monumento ai Tetrarchi) situated on the side of the Basilica di San Marco, specifically towards the Palazzo Ducale and Porta della Carta—the door that connects the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Tetrarchs Monument, St. Mark's square
Tetrarchs Monument

Then we again took a look and pictures of Caffe Florian, now that the crowds were gone; before they would gather again at night. This café was opened since 1720 and frequented by Casanova, being at that time the only cafe that admitted women.

Caffe Florian, St. Mark's square
Caffe Florian

Visiting Correr Museum and Biblioteca Marciana

Next we began the tour of Correr Museum + Procuratie Nuove (ex Palazzo Reale) + Venice National Archaeological Museum + Monumental Rooms of Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, included in the price of Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card. The tour took around an hour or less; because we like to visit fast, take a lot of pictures and then move to the next sight to visit.

After thoroughly exploring the astonishing decorations and exquisite furniture of the imperial rooms at the Correr Museum, we then moved on to the Biblioteca Marciana, where we admired the impressive collections on display.

The next stop of the tour was the Archeological museum, from where we managed to capture some pictures of St. Mark’s square.

Afternoon in Piazza San Marco – Cafés and Venice Carnival Atmosphere

Then, after exiting the Correr Museum, we crossed the piazza in order to photograph the famous Caffè Quadri. Both Caffè Quadri and Caffè Florian are renowned and historic cafes located in St. Mark’s Square; in fact, they have been iconic symbols of Venice for over 300 years. Also nice is Caffe Lavena nearby.

Caffe Quadri, St. Mark's square, Venice Carnival Italy
Caffe Quadri
Charming Venetian restaurant beside a canal

Discover Restaurants in Venice

Planning a trip to Venice? Discover charming canal-side restaurants, traditional Venetian trattorias, fresh seafood, and authentic Italian cuisine.

Explore dining options and find a lovely place to enjoy Venetian specialities during your visit to the City of Canals.

Explore Restaurants in Venice ?

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying booking through this link, at no additional cost to you.

  • Blue costume, Venice Carnival Italy
  • Red costume, Piazzetta San Marco, Venice Carnival Italy
  • Fantasy green costume, Venice Carnival Italy
  • St. Mark's Venice Carnival Italy
  • Promenade Venice Carnival Italy
  • Purple costumes, Venice Carnival Italy
  • Purple marked costumes Venice Carnival Italy
  • Red masked costume, Venice Carnival Italy

Later in the afternoon, Piazza San Marco and also the nearby promenade gradually began to fill with tourists and costumed people arriving to celebrate the Carnival.

Evening Walk Through Rialto and Cannaregio – Venice Carnival Italy by Night

We then headed towards Rialto and then Cannaregio, passing through Mercerie streets.

On our way on the narrow streets we encountered many shops and stores and also some famous designer stores of course. And we also discovered some nice corners and tiny canals that emphasize the beauty of Venice.

Narrow canals of Venice, Venice Carnival Italy
Narrow canals of Venice

We arrived at the Ferrovia and entered inside to see how it looked like, given that we didn’t traveled to Venice by train, but for many tourists it’s the first encounter with Venice.

Inside Santa Lucia Train Station, Venice
Inside Santa Lucia Train Station

After crossing the Scalzi Bridge, we eventually made our way to Pizzeria Ai Bari, where we enjoyed a delicious dinner. Tucked away from the main tourist paths, this authentic Italian restaurant was truly a hidden gem—a cozy, hole-in-the-wall spot that offered a genuine local experience.We had Lasagna and Gnocchi, both very tasteful and at low prices.

Ai Bari Pizzeria, Venice Carnival Italy
Ai Bari Pizzeria
Charming Venetian restaurant beside a canal

Discover Restaurants in Venice

Planning a trip to Venice? Discover charming canal-side restaurants, traditional Venetian trattorias, fresh seafood, and authentic Italian cuisine.

Explore dining options and find a lovely place to enjoy Venetian specialities during your visit to the City of Canals.

Explore Restaurants in Venice ?

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying booking through this link, at no additional cost to you.

Plan Your Venice & the Lagoon Trip

Planning a trip to Venice? From the historic streets and romantic canals to Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, Murano, Burano and the Venetian Lagoon, there is plenty to explore. Here are travel resources and practical essentials to help you plan your adventure in northern Italy.

Accommodation in Venice Italy

Find Hotels in Venice

Venice is a wonderful base for exploring northern Italy. Staying in the city gives you access to historic attractions, restaurants, canals and transport connections to the islands of the Venetian Lagoon.

Choose from hotels in the historic centre, accommodation near Santa Lucia Station or properties in quieter areas. Compare locations and prices before booking your stay.

Check Hotels in Venice

Hotels Near Santa Lucia Station

Walking through the historic centre of Venice

Explore Venice on a Walking Tour

Discover Venice on foot as you wander through narrow lanes, cross picturesque bridges and admire historic churches and charming squares. A guided tour can help you learn more about Venetian history, architecture and local traditions.

Explore Venice Walking Tours

Historic architecture in Venice

Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace

St. Mark’s Square is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks. Admire the magnificent basilica, explore the surrounding historic buildings and visit Doge’s Palace to learn about the city’s former political and maritime power.

Book ahead when possible, especially during busy periods, and check the ticket details for the attractions you want to visit.

Explore Venice Attraction Tours

Italian food and Venetian cuisine

Experience Venetian Food

Discover the flavours of Venice, from cicchetti and fresh seafood to risotto, traditional pasta and delicious pastries. Stop at a local bacaro for small Venetian bites, or join a food tour to sample regional specialities while exploring the city.

Explore Venice Food Tours

Venetian Lagoon island excursion

Discover Murano and Burano

Take a boat trip across the Venetian Lagoon to Murano, known for its glassmaking traditions, and Burano, famous for its colourful houses and lace-making heritage. These islands offer a lovely change of pace from the busy streets of central Venice.

Check departure points, island stops and the amount of free time included before choosing a tour.

Explore Murano and Burano Tours

Boat trip along the canals of Venice

Enjoy a Gondola Ride in Venice

A gondola ride offers a memorable way to see Venice’s canals, historic facades and small bridges from the water. You can also compare other boat tours around the Grand Canal and Venetian Lagoon.

Check the duration, departure location and whether the ride is private or shared before booking.

Explore Gondola and Boat Tours

Venice Travel Essentials

Venice involves plenty of walking over bridges, along cobbled lanes and through busy squares. These practical travel essentials can help you stay comfortable, organised and ready for days of sightseeing.

Comfortable walking shoes for Venice

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Choose supportive shoes for long days exploring Venice’s lanes, bridges and historic sights.

View Walking Shoes

Travel passport holder

Passport Holder

Keep your passport, cards and travel documents together when moving between airports, trains and hotels.

View on Amazon

Portable power bank for travel

Portable Power Bank

Keep your phone charged for maps, photos, digital tickets and travel information throughout the day.

View on Amazon

Universal travel adapter

Universal Travel Adapter

A compact adapter helps you charge your phone, camera and other electronics during your trip.

View on Amazon

Reusable water bottle

Reusable Water Bottle

Carry water while exploring the city and take a refillable bottle on day trips around the lagoon.

View Water Bottles

Anti-theft crossbody travel bag

Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

A crossbody bag keeps your phone, wallet and daily essentials close while navigating crowded tourist areas.

View on Amazon

Compression packing cubes

Compression Packing Cubes

Organise your clothes and make better use of suitcase space, especially if your itinerary includes several destinations.

View on Amazon

Waterproof phone pouch for boat trips

Waterproof Phone Pouch

A phone pouch can help protect your device from splashes during boat trips around the Venetian Lagoon.

View on Amazon

Foldable travel backpack

Lightweight Foldable Backpack

Carry a water bottle, camera, light jacket and other day-trip essentials in a compact backpack.

View on Amazon

Travel luggage tags

Luggage Tags

Identify your suitcase easily when travelling by plane or train. Choose a durable tag that protects your personal details.

View on Amazon

Travel cable organiser

Cable Organiser

Keep charging cables, USB adapters and small electronics organised in one compact case.

View on Amazon

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for supporting Life is a Journey Travel!

Exploring Venice and the Venetian Lagoon

Exploring Venice and the Lagoon

Venice rewards slow exploration. Take your time wandering through the historic streets, crossing small bridges, admiring the canals and stopping for Venetian specialities along the way.

Plan time for St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and the islands of Murano and Burano. Each offers a different perspective on the city’s history, art and lagoon culture.

Start Planning Your Venice Trip

Restaurants in Venice Italy

Where to Eat in Venice

Discover restaurants in Venice, from traditional bacari and authentic trattorias to seafood restaurants and cozy cafés. Try cicchetti, fresh seafood, risotto and other Venetian specialities while experiencing the city’s distinctive food culture.

You can also look for dining options on Murano and Burano for a meal during your lagoon island visit.

Explore Restaurants

Venice and Venetian Lagoon travel

Planning Your Own Venice Adventure?

Start planning your trip to Venice and explore its historic streets, famous landmarks, canals and lagoon islands. Combine sightseeing with a food tour, a gondola ride or a boat trip to Murano and Burano.

With the right accommodation, tours and travel essentials, you can make the most of your time in Venice.

Start Planning Your Venice Trip

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Life is a Journey Travel!

Read On

Make sure you also check out Our Venice Carnival Italy Visit – Day 3 to continue exploring — from hidden corners to grand vistas, there’s much more to discover. You can find all our posts about Venice on this page. Also, for more inspiration and practical tips on visiting Italy, grab our maps and travel guides and head over to our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List â€” your starting point for all things Italian! Want to discover more? Don’t miss our posts about Lake Como, Milan and Bergamo!

Thanks for reading!

Home » Our Venice Carnival Italy Visit – Day 2

Related:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Day 2: Venice Carnival Exploration

1. What did you do first on Day 2 in Venice?

We woke up early and headed on foot toward Rialto Market, exploring Rialto Pescaria (fish market) and Rialto Erberia (produce market) before crossing the Grand Canal by a traghetto (local gondola ferry).

2. Why visit Rialto Market early in the morning?

The market opens early and is less crowded at that time, therefore perfect for seeing the vibrant stalls and local life.

3. How did you cross the Grand Canal?

We rode a traghetto from Santa Sofia to the Ca’ d’Oro stop, a short traditional gondola ride that’s a fun and authentic way to cross Venice’s main waterway.

4. What landmarks did you visit next?

From there we walked toward Piazza San Marco, stopping at Rialto Bridge, and continued through narrow streets to explore Venice’s historic core — also taking lots of photos along the way.

5. What did you see in Piazza San Marco?

In St. Mark’s Square we saw:

  • St. Mark’s Basilica (not photographed inside due to restrictions)
  • St. Mark’s Campanile (Bell Tower)
  • Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower)
  • Piazzetta dei Leoncini and the elegant piazza surroundings.
6. Did you visit the Doge’s Palace?

Yes — we explored the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) using our Venezia Unica Museum Pass + Rolling Venice transport card, including the courtyard, stunning staircases, historic rooms, and the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) route.

Tips:

7. How did you use the vaporetto (public water bus)?

After the Doge’s Palace, we took Vaporetto No. 1 along the Grand Canal, stopping at Rialto for lunch and then continuing back toward San Marco — enjoying views of palazzi like Ca’ Foscari, Ca’ Rezzonico, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection along the way.

8. What other scenic spots did you explore?

We walked around the Dorsoduro area, seeing Basilica Santa Maria della Salute and also Punta della Dogana (former customs house) with great views toward San Giorgio Maggiore island.

9. What was the museum experience like?

Later in the afternoon, we visited the Campanile, the Museo Correr, Procuratie Nuove, Venice National Archaeological Museum, and Marciana Monumental Rooms — all included in the city pass — enjoying Venetian history and art.

10. Where did you eat dinner?

We finished our second day with an authentic meal at Pizzeria Ai Bari, a cozy local spot tucked away from the main tourist routes, where we enjoyed dishes like lasagna and gnocchi.

11. Did you see Carnival costumes and festivities?

Yes — as the afternoon progressed, costumed people and festival energy increased, especially around Piazza San Marco and also nearby streets, making Venice actually feel festive and colorful during Carnival.

12. Any tips for Day 2 at Venice Carnival?
  • Explore early in less crowded areas like Rialto Market.
  • Use the vaporetto for scenic canal views and also easy travel between attractions.
  • Book museum passes ahead to save time and, moreover, get included tickets to major palaces and museums.

Have questions or want to connect?

Scroll to Top