Venice for Two: A 4-Day Romantic Escape

First impressions: After settling into your hotel, spend your first afternoon easing into Venice’s rhythm. Begin in Piazza San Marco, taking in its grandeur and visiting the Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy an espresso at Caffè Florian, one of Europe’s oldest cafés, to soak up the city’s timeless charm. Later, wander through the quieter Castello neighborhood and end the day with a romantic dinner in a traditional osteria.

Insider tips

• If possible, arrive by private water taxi directly to your hotel’s dock—it’s a stunning introduction to the city.

• Visit Piazza San Marco around midday for softer light and fewer crowds.

• Comfortable shoes are essential—expect plenty of walking and bridges.

• Stop for artisanal gelato in Dorsoduro, a local favorite area.

Start your morning at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of Italy’s best modern art museums. Stroll along the Zattere promenade with its sunny canal-side cafés. In the afternoon, take a vaporetto to Murano, the island famous for its glassblowing heritage. Visit a working glass furnace, browse elegant boutiques, and enjoy an aperitivo before heading back to Venice for dinner along the Giudecca Canal.

Insider tips

• Reserve your Murano glass factory tour in advance to avoid long waits.

• Bring a light scarf or jacket for the lagoon breeze.

• If time allows, add a stop in Burano to see its colorful houses and lace-making workshops.

• Return around sunset for incredible golden reflections on the lagoon.

In the morning, take a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, including its secret passages and the iconic Bridge of Sighs. Then, enjoy a private gondola ride through Venice’s hidden canals—a must for couples. Spend the afternoon shopping for local treasures in San Marco’s artisan boutiques and relax with an aperitivo in Campo Santa Maria Formosa. End your day with a gourmet dinner overlooking the Grand Canal.

Insider tips

• Book the first morning slot at the Doge’s Palace for a quieter experience.

• Schedule your gondola ride mid-afternoon to avoid the evening rush.

• Look for authentic Venetian crafts: glass, handmade masks, and silk or velvet textiles.

• Request an outdoor table for dinner if weather permits—Venice at night is pure romance.

Spend your final morning exploring the Lido di Venezia—a peaceful island with beaches and art-nouveau villas. Rent bikes and ride along the lagoon, then enjoy a seaside lunch. In the afternoon, return to the main city to explore Cannaregio and the historic Jewish Ghetto. End your trip with a final sunset aperitivo on the Accademia Bridge or at a rooftop terrace, followed by a farewell dinner overlooking the canals.

Insider tips

• Rent bicycles at the Lido to cover more ground at your own pace.

• Bring a light sweater for breezy evenings.

• Book your final dinner ahead—the best canal-view spots fill up quickly.

• A moonlit stroll along Riva degli Schiavoni makes for a perfect goodbye to Venice.