Italy
Day 2: Iconic sights in Venice
On your second day, you’ll see more of Venice’s famous bridges, visit a stunning piazza, and step inside what might be the most beautiful bookshop in the world. You’ll finish the day with a romantic dinner by the water.
See the Bridge of Sighs
Your first stop of the day is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks, the Bridge of Sighs. In the past, prisoners crossed this bridge on their way to the Venetian prisons. Legend says the name comes from the sighs of prisoners who caught their last glimpse of the city through the small windows before being locked away. For the best view, head to Ponte della Paglia. From there, you can see the bridge perfectly and it’s also a great spot for photos!
Stroll through Piazza San Marco
Your next stop is Piazza San Marco, one of the most beautiful squares we’ve ever visited. It’s home to the impressive Basilica di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, and the Campanile di San Marco, the bell tower. We were amazed by the details on the Basilica, it’s worth taking a few minutes to really look closely. You can also visit the Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale, but since we arrived before opening time, we just enjoyed them from the outside.
Visit Libreria Acqua Alta
Libreria Acqua Alta is often called the most beautiful bookshop in the world. Inside, books are stacked in every corner, in old gondolas, bathtubs, and even piled up to form a staircase. They sell books of course, but also postcards, posters, maps, and calendars. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth a visit just to look around. We even spotted a few Dutch books, which we found quite funny!
Cross Ponte dei Conzafelzi
Ponte dei Conzafelzi is the perfect spot to see Palazzo Tetta, one of the most unique houses in Venice. It’s one of the few buildings in the city that is completely surrounded by canals, and it makes for a great photo. The bridge itself is also worth a look for its detailed iron railings.
Dinner at Ristorante ai Barbacani
Last but not least, have dinner at Ristorante ai Barbacani, which has what might be the most romantic table in Venice. There’s only one table for two with a view of the canal, making it a special place to end your trip. They offer an aperitivo experience for € 150, which includes two Spritz (or wine), a bottle of water, seafood appetizers, and a tiramisu to share. We booked our table a month in advance through their website and had an unforgettable evening. The setting was beautiful, and what made it even more memorable were the reactions from people walking by, wishing us a great time and saying how lovely it looked. Unforgettable!
