Italy
Day 1: First taste of Venice
On your first day, you’ll visit two of Venice’s most famous bridges, enjoy a hidden viewpoint, and take that classic gondola ride. And yes, there’s time for an Aperol too! 😉
Admire the view from Ponte di Rialto
Start at Ponte di Rialto, the oldest of the four bridges crossing the Grand Canal. The view from here sums up Venice perfectly: colorful buildings, a canal full of boats and gondolas, and tons of life happening on the water. We went early in the morning before the crowds arrived and loved the quiet atmosphere. If you prefer a slower start, you can still enjoy the view later in the day, even if there’ll be more people around.
Go on a gondola ride
A gondola ride in Venice might be touristy, but it’s still worth it. We did ours at 10 AM and had a calm and peaceful ride through the smaller canals. Sunset is a popular time, but mornings are much quieter. Prices for gondola rides are fixed: € 90 for 30 minutes between 9 AM and 7 PM, and € 110 for 35 minutes between 7 PM and 4 AM. The easiest way is to walk around until you find a Servizio Gondola in a quieter area, then just hop in.
What to bring
Reveal secret tip
Climb Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Next, head to Scala Contarini del Bovolo, a spiral staircase that offers a great view over Venice from the top. Tickets cost € 9 and can be bought at the small ticket office. After purchasing, simply scan the QR code to enter and start your climb. The staircase isn’t too difficult to walk up, and the view at the top is totally worth it. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Enjoy a drink at Terrazza Aperol
After the climb, take a break at Terrazza Aperol for a refreshing Aperol Spritz (or another drink if you prefer). It’s a little more expensive than other places, but the setting makes it worth it. The interior is beautiful, and outside there’s a nice terrace on Campo Santo Stefano. We ordered the Aperol menu that comes with two cicchetti, a typical Venetian finger food. So gooood! The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff are very friendly.
Watch the sunset at Ponte dell’accademia
End your day with the sunset at Ponte dell’Accademia. Arrive about 30 minutes early to get a good spot. We stood on the side facing the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the view was absolutely stunning. This became one of our favorite places in Venice, we even came back several times!
