Lion bronze of Venice, the Campanile, and the Doge's Palace

What to do in Venice

What to do in Venice for three days?

Well this is the right article to read as we were exactly in Venice for only three days! So what have we done? Check this out!

Day 1

We fly from Stansted Airport to Treviso Airport using Ryanair.

Breakfast at Stansted Airport
Breakfast at Stansted Airport

We choose a very early flight at around 6.20am.

Ryanair from Stansted to Treviso
Ryanair from Stansted to Treviso

When we arrive at Treviso Airport, we get a bus to Piazzale Roma. It is very easy to find the bus. It is just right outside the airport. You can also buy ticket on the spot. The journey is quite long; it takes approximately 1 hour from Treviso Airport to Piazzale Roma. From Piazzale Roma, we then board a vaporetto – a waterbus in Venice – to Rialto.

Vaporetto from Piazzale Roma to Rialto
Vaporetto from Piazzale Roma to Rialto

You can sit inside or outside. In a rainy day probably better sit inside.

Vaporetto
Vaporetto
The Grand Canal View from Vaporetto
The Grand Canal View from Vaporetto
People Paddling
People Paddling
Nice Building on the Canal
Nice Building on the Canal
Grand Canal view
Grand Canal view

The weather is a little gloomy when we arrive in Venice.

On Vaporetti
On Vaporetti

But the excitement arise as I can’t wait to step outside to see the Grand Canal.

On board the Vaporetto
On board the Vaporetto

We then stop at The Rialto and walk to our Hotel: Hotel Serenissima.

Decoration of Hotel Serenissima
Decoration of Hotel Serenissima

We pass by a beautiful little bridge with a view of the Bell Tower.

Small Canal with Gondola when it rains
Small Canal with Gondola when it rains
Small Canal with Gondola
Small Canal with a Gondola Parked

From the hotel, as we arrive too early, we just drop our bag and continue to see Piazza San Marco, which is only five minutes walk from Hotel Serenissima.

Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco
Venetian Astronomical Clock
Venetian Astronomical Clock
Venice Astronomical Clock
Venice Astronomical Clock
At the bottom of the arcade of the Astronomical Clock
At the bottom of the arcade of the Astronomical Clock
Venice Doge's Palace
Venice Doge’s Palace
Piazza San Marco while it rains
Piazza San Marco while it rains
San Mark Square when it is raining
St Mark’s Square when it is raining
Arcade in San Mark Square
Arcade in St Mark’s Square
View of the Venice Bell Tower
View of the Venice Bell Tower
Venice when it rains
Venice when it rains

We decided to go into the Doge’s Palace as it was raining outside.

Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale
Can you spot a gondola
When queuing for the Doge’s Palace – can you spot a gondola?
Inside the Duke Palace
Inside the Doge’s Palace
Architecture of Palazzo Ducale
Architecture of Palazzo Ducale
Splendid entrance at Venetian Duke Palace
Splendid entrance at Venetian Doge’s Palace
Magnificant entrance ceilings
Magnificent entrance ceilings
Venetian Duke Palace magnificent ceilings
Venetian Doge’s Palace grand ceilings

Inside the Doge’s Palace, you will be mesmerised by the beauty of the ceilings and walls. They are just pure fine art at the extreme!

The painting of Venetian Duke on the throne
The painting of Venetian Doge’s on the throne

Some of the ceilings are gilded!

Gilded ceiling at Venetian Duke Palace
Gilded ceiling at Venetian Doge’s Palace
View of the Bell Tower from Palazzo Ducale
View of the Bell Tower from Palazzo Ducale

There are various enormous paintings!

Beautiful painting of the old Venice
Beautiful painting of the old Venice
Majestic view of Senate Hall
Majestic view of Senate Hall
Senate Hall
Senate Hall
venetian ships winning the war
Painting of (probably) Venetian ships winning the war
Grand painting at the Duke Palace
Grand painting at the Doge Palace
Pax Italia Bononia
Pax Italia Bononia MDXXIX – does it say year 1529 ?
Great ceilings at the venetian duke palace
Great ceilings at the Venetian Doge’s Palace
The Duke with a very special hat
The Doge with a very special hat
The Duke's gondola
The Doge’s gondola
Spectacular Duke Palace
Spectacular Doge Palace
Palazzo Ducale courtyard
Palazzo Ducale courtyard
Ceiling hand crafted decorations
Ceiling hand crafted decorations
NVNQVAM DRELIC TA
NVNQVAM DRELIC TA

We also see the prisons! Can’t believe they have prisons near to the Doge throne! Someone must have a tough security job.

This way for Prisons
This way for Prisons
Venetian prison
Venetian prison
Prison courtyard at the Palazzo Ducale
Prison courtyard at the Palazzo Ducale

The famous attraction is The Bridge of Sighs, where this is the bridge with the last chance to see the outside world – before you enter the prison!

View from the Bridge of Sighs
View from the Bridge of Sighs
The last view for the prisoners - the bridge of sighs
The last view of the outside for the prisoners – the bridge of sighs
View of gondola from the bridge of sighs
View of gondola from the bridge of sighs

The Bridge of Sighs itself is beautiful – this you can see from outside the Palace.

Beautiful Bridge of Sighs
Beautiful Bridge of Sighs
Zoom in the Bridge of Sighs
Zoom in the Bridge of Sighs

Back to the Doge’s Palace, it also has a museum, displaying collection of armours and pottery.

venetian armour at the duke palace
Venetian armour at the Doge palace
Venetian Ewer Pottery
Venetian Ewer Pottery
Venetian 17th century ewers
Venetian 17th century ewers
Venetian Columns
Venetian Columns
View of venice harbour from the Ducal Palace
View of Venice harbour from the Ducal Palace
View of Venice Bell Tower from Venice Duke Palace
View of Venice Bell Tower from Venice Doge Palace
View of Venice harbour from the Duke Palace
View of Venice harbour from the Doge’s Palace
Big Astronomical Clock based on zodiak sign
Big Astronomical Clock based on zodiak sign – amazing!

We then have lunch at a Cafe near our hotel it is called Cafe alla citta di Torino.

Caffe Torino at Venice
Caffe Torino at Venice
Risotto di Marinara
Risotto alle Marinara

It is a lovely Cafe – the food is reasonably priced compared to other Cafe. It is near St Mark’s square, but it does not open in the evening.

Caffe Torino Menu
Caffe Torino Menu

After lunch, we checked in to our hotel and refreshed ourselves. We loved Hotel Serenissima so much. The location is strategically placed between St Mark’s square and Rialto bridge.

Nice Clean Modern Shower Room at Hotel Serenissima
Nice Clean Modern Shower Room at Hotel Serenissima
Bedroom of Hotel Serenissima
Bedroom of Hotel Serenissima
Hotel Serenissima Venezia
Hotel Serenissima Venezia
Hotel Serenissima Courtyard
Hotel Serenissima Courtyard

Then before dinner, we go to see Rialto bridge and stop at a lovely Cafe just at the bottom of the Rialto Bridge.

Cafe near Rialto Bridge
Cafe near Rialto Bridge

I had a lovely spremuta arancia – love this freshly squeezed orange juice!

spremuta arancia and rialto bridge
Spremuta arancia and rialto bridge
Rialto Bridge
Rialto Bridge
View from Rialto Bridge
View from Rialto Bridge

Then we opted for dinner not too far from our Hotel. The dinner, however, is quite breaking the bank. It costs us 60 euros for two persons! Oh well, it’s Venice after all. We even survey some restaurant prices before we chose one, nevertheless they are all expensive.

Spaghetti Vongole
Spaghetti Vongole

Day 2

On Day 2, we start the day by enjoying fabulous breakfast at the Hotel Serenissima.

Our Breakfast at Hotel Serenissima
Our Breakfast at Hotel Serenissima
Breakfast Selection at Hotel Serenissima
Breakfast Selection at Hotel Serenissima

We then visit the Basilica di San Marco. We first start with the Basilica Museo upstairs. There are splendid gilded mosaics and the major exhibition is the four bronze horse statues from the ancient Roman period. Apparently the ones outside the Church are copies. The real ones are inside, in the Museum. We were not allowed to take pictures, so there is no picture about what is inside the Museum.

Basilica di San Marco
Basilica di San Marco
Cathedrale di San Marco Venezia
Cathedrale di San Marco Venezia
Basilica Museo
Basilica Museo

We also went to a Sunday Mass at the Basilica. Couldn’t be more happier to be inside! The Basilica is splendid!

Inside Basilica di San Marco
Inside Basilica di San Marco

All the ceilings is gilded. It is so mesmerising to be inside the Basilica.

Glorious Golden Ceiling at Basilica Di San Marco
Glorious Golden Ceiling at Basilica Di San Marco
Veneziana Basilica di San Marco Architecture
Veneziana Basilica di San Marco – The Architecture

Look at the ceilings above the Altar! Aren’t they magnificent?

Glorious Ceiling on top of the altar at Basilica di San Marco
Glorious Ceiling on top of the altar at Basilica di San Marco
Magnificant Pillars at Basilica di San Marco
Magnificent Pillars at Basilica di San Marco

After the Mass at the Basilica, we went for a walk to the Academia Bridge. I am not sure why it is called the Academia Bridge. My husband told me that the view from the Academia Bridge is fabulous. And he is right.

Academia Bridge Fantastic View
Academia Bridge Fantastic View

At that time however, the Academia Bridge was covered up. I am not sure why, so we can’t even see the full view from the Bridge. These pictures were taken only from small hole as the whole bridge-grips are covered.

View from the Academia Bridge
View from the Academia Bridge

We then walk around Venice City Centre and even stop to have a cup of hot cioccolato.

Wandering around Venice
Wandering around Venice
Church we see a long the way
Church we see a long the way

We then have lunch at our favourite Cafe Torino – not far from our hotel – in a small quiet courtyard not far from St Mark’s square.

Spaghetti alle Vongole
Spaghetti alle Vongole

After lunch, we come back to our favourite Cafe near the Rialto Bridge. We decided to have a sit outside this time, as the weather starts to get sunny.

Rialto Bridge Venezia
Rialto Bridge Venezia

My husband obviously does not want to miss the legendary Spritz! I opted for a nice ice tea.

Spritz with a View
Spritz with a View
Spritz with a Rialto Bridge View
Spritz with a Rialto Bridge View

It is lovely sitting outside, as we got to see many gondolas, water taxis, and vaporetti passing by.

Gondola at the Rialto Bridge
Lovely view from where we sit

We spent probably almost two hours just sitting and watching the world goes by. So relaxing to see the grand canal!

At night, we decided to explore restaurant on the other side of the grand Canal. We then opted forĀ Trattoria Alla Madonna, not far from the Rialto Bridge. The price is quite reasonable compared to other restaurants.

Trattoria Alla Madonna
Trattoria Alla Madonna

My menu is ‘fried seafood from the Adriatic sea’ and here I have a variety of seafood. They are too fishy though. I should’ve just ordered spaghetti vongole. My husband has mozarella and I think a rigatoni, with bellini as drink.

Dinner in Venice - seafood from Adriatic sea
Dinner in Venice – seafood from Adriatic sea
Trattoria Alla Madonna Venice
Trattoria Alla Madonna Venice

We then spend a time just walked around the Rialto Bridge and enjoy the evening.

View from Rialto Bridge at Night
View from Rialto Bridge at Night

Lovely view of gondolas from the Rialto bridge. Ah what a lovely evening in Venezia.

Gondola at Night
Gondola at Night
View of Grand Canal at Night
View of Grand Canal at Night

We also went to St Mark Square have gelatos and just stroll around.

Piazza San Marco at Night
Piazza San Marco at Night
Basilica di San Marco at Night
Basilica di San Marco at Night
Piazza San Marco by Night
Lovely evening at Piazza San Marco
Venetian Street Light at Piazza San Marco
Venetian Street Light at Piazza San Marco

We also see the lagoon and gondola parking at night.

Gondolas at Night
Gondolas at Night
Beautiful Venice at Night
Beautiful Venice lagoon and the round moon
Gondola Parking at Night
Gondola Parking at Night
venice harbour at night
Venice harbour at night
The moon, Venice, and us
The moon, Venice, and us

What a lovely evening, especially with a clear sky and a full moon around us.

Moon and St Mark Square
The Full Moon and St Mark’s Square
Venetian Street Lights
Venetian Street Lights
The Venetian Doge's Palace by Night
The Venetian Doge’s Palace by Night
Typical Italian lights beautiful
Typical Italian lights beautiful

Day 3

We start the day with a wonderful breakfast at Hotel Serenissima. I really recommend this hotel when you are visiting Venice. Their breakfast is superb. Although our room is on the top floor where we should climb many stairs, we like the decoration and I specially like the shower room. Our room is also air conditioner-ed. And the most important thing is this hotel location which is just between St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.

Hotel Serenissima Breakfast
Hotel Serenissima Breakfast

And since this is our last day in Venice (so sad isn’t it), we make it to the full. The weather is nice and sunny too which make it an absolute must to take pictures! Please if you copy my pictures, please mention my website mariabristoll.com as your source!

We go to St Mark’s Square and take fabulous pictures!

Sunny Piazza San Marco
Sunny Day at Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco and the arcade shops
Piazza San Marco and the arcade shops
The strong sun over the Venetian Ducal Palace
The strong sun over the Venetian Ducal Palace
Blue Sky and Piazza San Marco
Blue Sky and Piazza San Marco
Bird flies over Basilica di san Marco
Bird flies over Basilica di San Marco
Beautiful sunny day at Basilica di San Marco
Beautiful sunny day at Basilica di San Marco
Lion bronze of Venice, the Campanile, and the Doge's Palace
Lion bronze of Venice, the Campanile, and the Doge’s Palace
Nice sculpture of the Doge's Palace
Nice sculpture of the Doge’s Palace
Gondola and the sun
Gondola and the sun
Near the Venice Harbour
Near the Venice Harbour

We also visit the Campanile or the Bell Tower! For only 8 Euros, you can see 360 degree panoramic view of Venice!

Queue to Campanile
Queue to Campanile (by lift only)
Campanile ticket
Campanile ticket
360 degree view of Venice
360 degree view of Venice
Belissima View from Campanile
Belissima View from Campanile
Breathtaking view from the Venice Bell Tower
Breathtaking view from the Venice Bell Tower
Beautiful View of Piazza San Marco from the Campanile
Beautiful View of Piazza San Marco from the Campanile
Boats and Ships on Venetian Lagoon
Boats and Ships on Venetian Lagoon

Please credit my website if you copy or download my picture!

How Beautiful is the View from Venice from the Bell Tower
How Beautiful is the View of Venice from the Bell Tower
The Astrological Clock from the Bell Tower
The Astrological Clock from the Bell Tower
Venice small islands - view from the Bell Tower
Venice small islands – view from the Bell Tower
Red Bricks all Over Venice
Red bricks all over Venice
View of Venice Lagoon from the Bell Tower
View of Venice Lagoon from the Bell Tower
View of Piazza San Marco from the Bell Tower
View of Piazza San Marco from the Bell Tower
Sun shining over the Venetian Lagoon
Sun shining over the Venetian Lagoon
Blue sky and blue lagoon Venice
Blue sky and blue lagoon Venice
View of Basilica di San Marco from the Campanile
View of Basilica di San Marco from the Campanile
Blue sky and blue water all over Venice
Blue sky and blue water all over Venice
View from the Campanile venezia
View from the Campanile Venezia
Venice Panorama from the Campanile
Venice Panorama from the Campanile
Bell Tower and its majestic view
Bell Tower and its majestic view
View of the City of Venice from the Bell Tower
View of the City of Venice from the Bell Tower
The Bell on the Bell tower
The Bells on the Bell tower
Architecture inside the Bell Tower
Architecture inside the Bell Tower

We also went to see some antique shops in Venice, though I did not buy any, as the prices are too expensive.

Househang Rachtian Antique Shop
Househang Rachtian Antique Shop

We did not come inside this shop, just window browsing, seems it is an expensive one.

Househang Rachtian Gallery
Househang Rachtian Gallery

We also visit one near Rachtian, it is called Paropamiso. It is an interesting shop as it also housed Asian antiques. The price though is very expensive.

This one below, I forget what it is called. It is just on a corner after a small ponte (bridge).

Nice antique shop in Venice
Nice antique shop in Venice
Antique shop in Venice
Antique shop in Venice
Superb antique shop in Venice
Superb antique shop in Venice

We also see coin shop! It is called Degani and it is exactly in St Mark’s square.

Degani
Degani
Degani Coin Shop
Degani Coin Shop
Gold Coins at Degani Antique Shop
Gold Coins at Degani Antique Shop

Degani also has antique stamps.

Degani Coins Shop St Mark Square
Degani Coins Shop St Mark’s Square

We scroll around Venice for the last time before heading to Rialto Vaporetto stop.

Beautiful Gondola and Bridge
Beautiful Gondola and Bridge
Three flags in Venice
Three flags in Venice
Time for a gondola
Time for a gondola
Servizio Gondole
Servizio Gondole
Beautiful small bridge with the view of the Bell Tower
Beautiful small bridge with the view of the Bell Tower
Small Bridge with the view of Campanile and Gondola
Small Bridge with the view of Campanile and Gondola
Gondola-ing
People gondola-ing

Then we head to our Vaporetto at Rialto to go to Piazzale Roma. Ciao Belissima Venezia!

View from Vaporetto
View from Vaporetto
Venice and its water transport
Venice and its water transport
View from vaporetto
View from vaporetto

We have a lovely lunch at Piazzale Roma. From Piazzale Roma we head to ATVO bus to Treviso Airport.

Lunch at Piazale Roma
Lunch at Piazale Roma

Another nice lunch at the Treviso Airport.

Snack at the Treviso Airport
Little lunch at the Treviso Airport

As so sad to leave Venice. Ciao Venezia and until we meet again…

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