Did you know Venice is one of Europe’s most romantic cities? The Floating City is a lovers’ paradise with its canals, gondola rides, and opera serenades. Whether you are honeymooners or a couple looking to rekindle your love, this country promises an unforgettable romantic journey. If you are confused about where to start, here is the 5-Day Venice Itinerary for Couples. Buckle up and get ready for a marvelous trip to La Serenisssima.
👉 Bonus: We even made a free downloadable 5-day Venice Itinerary for Couples PDF to make your planning super easy. [Get it here👇🏻]
Budgeting For A Two-Person Venice Trip
A city like no other, Venice is a mosaic of 118 islands linked by over 400 bridges. With its intricate waterways, vibrant art and architecture, rich culinary scene, and glorious past, Venice floats on the dream of its visitors. While many wish to visit this city, they hesitate, thinking a trip might cost them all of their savings. However, that’s not true; even if you are a backpacker, Venice can cater to your budget range. All you need is a proper budget plan! A week-long budget trip can cost somewhere around $849.
Transportation
The first factor to adjust in your budget plan is transportation expenses. Venice offers a diverse range of transportation options, including water buses, whose single fares cost €9.50 for a 75-minute ride. Buy Tourist Travel Cards to save money. You can choose from a 24-hour (€25), 48-hour (€35), or 7-day (€65) pass.
👉Insider tip: Don’t solely rely on water buses; walking alongside the canals is more rewarding.
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Food
You can never go hungry in Venice, whose culinary scene is as mesmerizing as its landscapes. As a country surrounded by water, seafood is the staple food here, with signature dishes like Sarde in Saor and Risotto al nero di seppia. These dishes won’t drain your wallet; expect to spend €15-€25 per person for a casual dinner at a trattoria. You can break it down by allocating €3-€7 for breakfast and the remaining for lunch and dinner. You will incur additional expenses for snacks and drinks.
Accommodation
Finally, make hotel reservations before your arrival. Venice offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from hostels to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts. The budget-friendly option is booking a dorm bed in a hostel, which costs between €50 and €125 per night. Mid-range hotels charge €60 per night, while the price for a luxury guest room can range from €200 and over. Tip: Opt for a stay in Cannaregio or Dorsoduro for a quieter vibe while also remaining within reach of the city’s heart.
5-Day Venice Itinerary For Couples: Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Venice
Fly to Venice from Rome or directly from your home country. Then, check into your accommodation and prepare for a fantastic day ahead.
Midday: St. Mark’s Square🏙️
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy; Google Map
- Things To Do: Sightseeing, Walking, Outdoor Dining
After freshening up, head to your first destination in Venice. Take a leisurely walk around St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). Also known as the finest drawing room of Europe, the public square is renowned for its architectural beauty and serves as a central hub for political, social, and religious activities. Stroll through the streets and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and rich history of Venice.
Afternoon: St. Mark’s Basilica⛪
- Address: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:15 PM
- Tickets: €10 onwards
- Social Media: Official Website
Since you are already in St. Mark’s Square, you might as well visit St. Mark’s Basilica. This iconic cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist and also holds the relics of the patron saint. Admire the Basilica’s architecture and attend Mass or services, if available. Climb to the Campanile or the bell tower to enjoy panoramic city views. Also, don’t forget to check out the decorative elements and decorations at the top.
Evening: Romantic Dinner🍝
- Recommended Restaurant: Ristorante Caffè Saraceno
- Address: S. Polo, 726, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 2 AM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Is there anywhere more romantic than the Grand Canal? This infamous canal is the ideal spot to capture that perfect Instagram shot. Check out the canal-side buildings, which are built in Romanesque, Renaissance, and Gothic styles. Afterward, stop by a canal-side restaurant to enjoy a romantic dinner. If you’re looking for recommendations, Ristorante Caffè Saraceno serves mouthwatering Venetian cuisine in a romantic setting. Enjoy outdoor dining while admiring the Grand Canal.
Day 2: Classic Venice Landmarks
Morning: The Doge’s Palace🏰
- Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 11 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Day 2 is all about ticking the classic Venice landmarks. Begin your expedition at the Doge’s Palace in St. Mark’s Plaza. This ornate Gothic palace was formerly the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. Today, it serves as a museum and frequently hosts special exhibitions. Visitors can tour the grand halls, the Doge’s former apartments, and a grand inner courtyard. The highlight is the Bridge of Sighs, an enclosed bridge made of white limestone, which connects the Doge’s Palace with the New Prison. Back then, prisoners were transported from the palace to the prison across this bridge without being visible to the public.
Midday: Gondola Ride🛶
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy; Google Map
- Duration: 30 to 40 minutes
- Price: $45 onwards
Time for something romantic! Venice is built on a group of 118 small islands, which are separated by its intricate network of canals and linked by bridges. One of the popular activities here is a gondola ride. This unique experience, which lasts 30 to 40 minutes, takes visitors through the city’s canals. It offers riders a unique perspective of the city from the water. Book a private gondola ride with or without a guide through online travel agencies. For comparison, you can always rely on TourTeller.
Afternoon: The Rialto Market🍛
- Address: Calle Prima de la Donzella, 306, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy; Google Map
- Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 7:30 AM – 3 PM, Sunday: Closed
- Things To Do: Shopping, Dining, Sightseeing
Cross the infamous Rialto Bridge to reach the Rialto Market. The former is the oldest bridge connecting the Grand Canal and is one of the most photographed structures in the world. The Rialto Market is on the San Polo side of the bridge and is a hub for fresh produce, fish, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. It is an ideal destination to enjoy breakfast and lunch, featuring a variety of options, including fresh bread, pastries, and other local delicacies. Step inside any trattoria and have your meal surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Venetian people.
Evening: Sunset Walk Along The Zattere Promenade🌇
- Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy; Google Map
- Things To Do: Walking, Having Ice Cream, Dining
Close your day with a romantic stroll through the Zattere Promenade. This peaceful waterfront area provides a welcome respite from the city’s bustling atmosphere. As you are on your calm stroll, expect stunning views across the Giudecca Canal. Since this place is usually hot, have an ice-cream to cool off. Afterward, you can have a meal with your other half at any of the cafes or restaurants lining the promenade.
Day 3: Art And Culture
Morning: Peggy Guggenheim Collection🖼️
- Address: Dorsoduro, 701, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
The third day on this 5-Day Venice Itinerary For Couples is dedicated to unraveling the art and culture of the city. Your first destination is Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Venetian home of a great collector. The museum features Peggy Guggenheim’s personal collection of European and North American art. It features masterpieces from the Hannelore B. and Rudolph B. Schulhof collection, as well as sculptures by renowned artists such as Max Ernst, Anthony Caro, and Henry Moore. Don’t miss Picasso’s “The Poet” and Dali’s “Birth of Liquid Desires.”
Midday: The Correr Museum🎨
- Address: P.za San Marco, 52, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 11 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Continue your art expedition to the Correr Museum (Museo Correr). It is on the Piazza San Marco and is among the most popular destinations in Venice, second only to the Doge’s Palace. This art museum features invaluable artworks, historical documents, maps, and objects that tell the story of Venice’s history and daily life between the beginning of the Renaissance and the end of the 18th century. Visit the neoclassical rooms to check out Antonio Canova’s masterpieces.
Afternoon: Discover hidden gems like the Scuola Garden di San Rocco.
Evening: Opera or Classical Music Performance🎻
- Recommended Opera House: Teatro La Fenice
- Address: Campo S. Fantin, 1965, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy; Google Map
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Did you know Venice is the birthplace of public opera? The first public opera house, Teatro San Cassiano, was opened in 1637, marking the beginning of the commercial practice. Before that, opera was only an entertainment show for aristocrats and royalty. Considering Venice’s pivotal role in the development of opera culture, it is only fitting to end your day with an opera performance. Teatro La Fenice hosts fantastic opera shows and concerts from renowned conductors, such as Ivor Bolton, Stanislav Kochanovsky, and Daniele Rustioni. Buy a show ticket or book a guided tour of the opera house.
Day 4: Islands of the Lagoon
Full Day: A Trip To Murano And Burano🏝️
- Address: 30141 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy; Google Map
- Distance From Italy: 1.5 km
- Things To Do: Learning about glassblowing, Attending Glassmaking workshops
On your second-last day in Venice, you will travel to a neighboring island for a full-day expedition. Rise and shine to take a day trip to Murano by water bus or ferry. You can catch a water bus from Fondamente Nove Station every 20 minutes. This small island is renowned for its glass-making, where artisans continue to follow century-old techniques to craft contemporary art glass and exquisite glass jewelry. Here, you can witness the artistry of glassblowing firsthand and buy Murano’s authentic glass products. If you have extra time, join a short glassblowing workshop and learn the art of glassmaking from skilled artisans.
Midday: Burano🧶
- Address: 30142 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy; Google Map
- Things To Do: Sightseeing, Learning about Burano Lace-making, Dining
As the day rolls around, take the line 12 ferry to Burano. The journey is only 24 minutes long, and you will soon arrive at the island renowned for its lace and colorful houses. These colored houses follow a specific system, where if someone wishes to paint their home, they must obtain permission from the government and use only the colors permitted for that house. You can also see lace-making demonstrations and learn Burano lace-making. The Burano Lace Museum is a key site for anyone interested in the history and artistry of Burano lace.
Afternoon: Seafood Lunch🍣
- Recommended Restaurant: Trattoria Al Gatto Nero
- Address: Via Giudecca, 88, 30142 Venezia VE, Italy; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 12:30-3 PM, 7:30-9 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram
After all the traveling and learning, it’s time for lunch. Burano is renowned for its mouthwatering fish dishes, so enjoy a seafood feast with your partner. If you’re looking for recommendations, Trattoria Al Gatto Nero is a long-standing, homey trattoria that is famous among locals and tourists alike. It is renowned for its lagoon-fresh seafood and homemade pasta, with standout dishes such as Risotto alla Buranella and Rombo alla Griglia. It also offers outdoor seating for visitors who want to enjoy their meals with views. Finally, return to Venice for a relaxed evening.
Day 5: Leisure And Departure
Morning: The Jewish Ghetto✡️
- Address: Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, C. del Magazzen, 2882, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Since it’s your final day in Venice, use it to visit any attractions you might have missed earlier in your itinerary. Start at the Jewish Ghetto, the first ghetto in Europe. The Venetian government forced Jews to live in these ancient Jewish quarters back in the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite restrictions, the Jewish community thrived and soon became a hub of commerce and culture. Today, hundreds of visitors arrive at the Ghetto and visit its synagogues and the Jewish Museum. Discover the history and significance of the Jewish Ghetto in Venetian culture. Tip: Pair it with a food tour of Campo Santa Margherita.
Afternoon: Shopping For Souvenirs🛍️
Enjoy a final stroll or shop for souvenirs. Venice is a shopper’s paradise, offering an array of shopping opportunities. Whether you are a luxury shopper looking for branded items or a quirky shopper hunting for unique finds, there is something for everyone here. The San Marco district features upscale boutiques and designer stores, where you can find the best fashion items. On the other hand, the Murano and San Polo areas provide unique offerings, including glass ornaments, handmade toys, and artistic creations. If you want to buy souvenirs, the Rialto Bridge area is home to many historic stores. Finally, depart Venice or spend an additional night out in the city.
Also Read:
- Top 9 Venice Tours and The Best Things to Do in Venice with Family & Friends
- Best Things To Do In Milan
- 5-Day London Itinerary For Couples: Free Download Your Baecation Plan
From the iconic landmarks to dreamy gondola rides and full-day expeditions, this 5-day Venice Itinerary for couples is packed with must-see sights and excursions. You can alter or replace any activity with ones that suit your preferences. This Venice trip is a perfect excuse to rekindle your romance or bring a sparkle to your love life. So, let go of your worries, pack your bags and passports, and head to the Floating City now~
