Venice 3-day itinerary
Italy
Where to go and what to see in Venice to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Nicky Swallow.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Credit Shutterstock.com/Isogood_patrick
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Of all Venice’s many churches, the huge, barn-like Frari is one of the most art-packed. The Franciscans started on the present Gothic church in 1338 and finished in 1469; it boasts the second-highest bell tower in the city and a severe exterior, but once inside, the quality of the art is extraordinary.
The assault begins as you go in when your eyes are drawn immediately to the High Alter and Titian’s vivid, soaring Assumption. Other works by Titian to look out for include his Madonna di Ca’ Pesaro (1519).
The Sacristy contains one of Giovanni Bellini’s greatest paintings, the Madonna and Child with Saints. To the left of the high alter is the fabulous Reniassance tomb of Doge Niccolò Tron (1473) by Antonio Rizzo.
Don’t miss
Titian himself (who died in the 1576 plague) is buried in the church; his rather ugly tomb (added in the 19th century) is in the second chapel on the right as you enter the church.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Venice 5-day itinerary
Italy
Where to go and what to see in Venice to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Nicky Swallow.
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Overview >Price from: £2
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The church is a 15-minute walk from the station and five minutes from the San Tomà vaporetto stop. Audio guides are available for a small extra fee.
After your art fill, head to Caffè Dersut, just by the side of the Frari church. It’s a good place to refuel with a cappuccino and some delicious pastries.
When to do it
The church is open daily, all year round (closed Sunday mornings). There are rarely queues to get in; off-season visitors may have the place to themselves.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Private Tour: Venice Rialto Market, San Polo and Frari Church Walking Tour
Venice
The Rialto is the true heart of Venice - and you'll discover why on this private walking tour. You'll also explore the San Polo area, and it...
€241 | Rating 4.7 / 5 [10 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Oltre il Giardino
Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.1 miles]
A romantic six-room Arcadian retreat of family-run homeliness. The shady, canal-side garden is a godsend at the end of a long, hot day’s culture fest.
Official star rating:
Palazzina Grassi
Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.4 miles]
The Grand Canal meets Philippe Starck – think glamour, glitz, seduction and gorgeous views from the waterside terrace and many of the rooms. There’s an excellent restaurant too.
Official star rating:
Hotel Corte di Gabriela
Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.5 miles]
An 11-room boutique hotel with a lovely courtyard, personalised service and a centralissima location within easy reach of the Accademia, the Rialto and Piazza San Marco. The contemporary, design-led interior provides a refreshing contrast to the usual flock wallpaper and swathes of brocade.
Official star rating:
Orologio
Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.6 miles]
A stylish, modern and good value alternative to some of Venice’s more traditional hotels. Just steps from the Rialto produce market and the Rialto bridge.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Venice
Veneto, Italy
Crammed with picturesque canals, Renaissance palazzos and artistic masterpieces, this unique and alluring city is heaven-on-earth for art lovers and romantics.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Accademia Gallery (Venice)
Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.7 miles]
From Titian to Tiepolo, the Accademia’s world-class collection represents the Golden Age of Venetian painting. A dazzling collection of masterpieces but also a voyage through the history of Venice itself.
Best for ages: 18+ | £15
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.8 miles]
American millionairess collector Peggy Guggenheim’s glittering display of avant-garde art is housed in her own 18th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Boat trip down the Grand Canal
Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.8 miles]
The Grand Canal is Venice’s busy, trafficked high street and an essential part of Venetian everyday life. Its winding two-miles of double waterfront is lined with magnificent palazzi and is crossed by four bridges.
Best for ages: 8+ | £5 | 45 minutes
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Experience
Saint Mark’s Square
Venice, Veneto, Italy[1 miles]
It’s huge, and often crowded, but St. Mark’s square is one of the most emblematic spots in the city and is lined with over-priced cafés that offer live music. But out of season, on a foggy winter’s evening or at dawn, it’s undeniably atmospheric.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Learn to make a Carnevale mask
Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.4 miles]
Although Carnevale falls in February/March, you can learn to make your own Venetian Carnival masks year-round at one of several workshops in the city. Experienced artisans teach the art of papier-maché mask making and decorating in traditional Venetian style. Great for kids and adults alike.
Best for ages: 6+ | £42 | 1 hour
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Experience
Climb the Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.7 miles]
One of Venice’s more curious sights lies near Campo San Manin. Signs lead to a small courtyard and Giovanni Candi’s exuberant spiral staircase (ca. 1500) stuck onto its relatively plain palazzo. Climb to the top of this eccentric confection for delightful views over the city.
Best for ages: 6+ | £5
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Experience
Opera at La Fenice
Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.7 miles]
Venice’s magnificent opera house was all-but-destroyed by fire in 1774, 1836 and 1996 and is all faux Baroque opulence. The programme of excellent opera productions and symphonic concerts offers a chance to put on your glad rags. You can also take a behind-the-scenes tour.
Best for ages: 18+ | £50 | 3-4 hours
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Experience
Rialto Market
Venice, Veneto, Italy[0.7 miles]
Venetians have shopped and haggled at this food market on the banks of the Grand Canal since 1097 AD. It’s a mosaic of stalls piled with aubergines, tomatoes, vats of artichoke hearts and (under the arched Pescaria) a zillion varieties of wriggling, glistening fish.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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