01..Walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni promenade
The Riva degli Schiavoni is a large promenade that runs along the edge of the Venetian Lagoon. It starts at the Ducal Palace and ends at the Bienal gardens.
In addition to the incredible views of the island’s coastline, the promenade is filled with bars, hotels in former palaces (including the Hotel Danieli , which is among one of the most luxurious hotels in Venice and was once the setting for the movie “The Tourist”). In addition, it also has several stalls selling handicrafts and souvenirs.
It is through this boardwalk where you can enjoy the most incredible views from the gondolas anchored along the lagoon, and in the background you can see the island of São Jorge Maior, a beautiful landscape that makes for good photos.
2. Admire the Bridge of Sighs
Next to the Doge’s Palace is one of the most important and admired bridges in Venice, the Bridge of Sighs, also known in Italian as Ponte dei Sospiri.
The Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge’s Palace to an old prison , which at the time of the Republic of Venice was used as a passageway to take prisoners judged in the Doge’s Palace to the prison cells.
The name “Bridge of Sighs”, which sounds romantic, was inspired by the idea that at the time, when a person was condemned in the Ducal Palace, once in prison, no one would leave there alive. That’s why the most admired bridge in Venice has a sad history, as prisoners could see the outside world for the last time through the bridge’s windows.
It is possible to see the beautiful bridge in three ways, through the gondola ride, from the Ponte della Canonica and the Ponte della Paglia (which is next to the Ducal Palace).
Important : to see the interior of the Bridge of Sighs, this is only possible if you book a visit to the Ducal Palace.
3. Crossing the Rialto Bridge
Cross and photograph Venice’s most famous and oldest arch bridge , the Rialto Bridge, which for years was the only bridge connecting the two sides of the Grand Canal, linking the neighborhoods of San Marco and San Polo
Built between 1588 and 1591, the Rialto Bridge follows the same design as its predecessor bridges, which had another name and were made of wood.
The previous bridges were more fragile and that’s why they have fallen twice and even had a fire. In one of these incidents, the bridge collapsed because it was crowded with people. For this reason, the new Rialto Bridge was built with rocks to support the number of people that cross it every day.
In addition to taking pictures, the view from the Rialto Bridge to the Grand Canal is a good choice for you to enjoy the coming and going of water boats that pass through the canal.
4. Rialto Market
Close to the Rialto Bridge, on the San Polo side, is the most famous and traditional market in Venice, the Rialto Market, which in the past was one of the largest shopping centers in Europe.
Today the market is divided into two parts, the fish market and the fruit and vegetable market.
The fish market is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and the fruit and vegetable market is open from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm.
5. Visit the islands Burano and Murano
One of the most popular day trips in Venice is the day trip to the islands Burano and Murano, which are also part of the Venetian Commune. In addition to them, if you have time, you can also include another island, Torcello, on the same day.
It is possible to reach the islands by Vaporetto (cheapest), water taxis (more expensive) or excursions . Unfortunately, with only 2 days in Venice, time was short and so I didn’t have the chance to visit the islets.
- Burano : this is the island famous for its colorful houses.
- Murano : is the island known for its glass production.