Venice is a beautiful city and I am glad that you decided to visit it for more than 1 day. Your second day is worth the stay.
I will discuss in this article only the itinerary for the second day, if you want to see an itinerary for the first day please read my blog post 1 day in Venice. For more information on where to stay and when to visit, please see the post City break in Venice.
So yesterday we visited San Marco, the main bridge Ponti de Rialto and took a gondola ride. Today we will continue the trip to other famous attraction points in Venice.
Let’s start our journey at the Galleria dell’ Academia.
Galleria dell’ Academia (1 hour)
The Gallery is a must see for any renaissance art lover, as it contains art works from Bellini, Canaletto and Titian. It also houses the ‘Vitruvian Man’ by Leonardo da Vinci. You can reserve your ticket online here, it includes some reservation fees (not from my side) but it might save you some time.
Peggy Goggenheim Museum (1 hour)
It is a modern art museum on the Grand Canal and is one of the most visited museums in Venice. The museum is housed in an 18th century palace, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, former home of the American heiress Peggy Googenheim. It contains works of art from cubism, surrealism and modern expressionism. You can reserve your ticket online here.
Santa Maria della Salute (30 minutes)
This basilica is a different sight to see. It is one of the most famous churches in Venice and it stands out thanks to its baroque style and remarkable façade with four statues depicting the apostles. The interior is full of light thanks to its hexagon shape and it is definitely worth seeing.
After you completed your viewing of the basilica, you can head back to Piazza San Marco, from where you will take the water taxi to Murano. Line 4.1 and 4.2 leave from there. You will arrive in approximately 20 minutes (as they have some intermediate stops).
Murano
You can start with a lunch on Murano (1 hour), as it is not as expensive as in Venice. Recommended location are:
- Osteria La Perla Ai Bisatei, Campo San Bernardo 7, 30141 Murano : is a very inexpensive, authentic restaurant with friendly staff and delicious food
- Trattoria Valmarana, Fondamenta Andrea Navagero 31, 30141 : very good seafood, authentic locations, friendly stuff
- B Restaurant alla Vecchia Pescheria, Campiello de la Pescheria 4, 30141 Murano, rated number 1 restaurant in Murano, for a good reason: excellent food and service, recommended by locals
Murano is famous for its glass factories and laboratories, therefor let’s start our tour there.
Mazzega Glass Factory Murano (1hour)
Mezzega is the most famous glass factory on the island. It is possible to visit their showrooms, divided into 11 rooms, all displaying wonderful masterpieces resulting from local glass making experts. Having a guide would pay off, since they can introduce you to the different techniques used and to the products in offer. You can purchase your online tickets here.
Visit the Duomo Di Murano, Santi Maria e Donato (30 minutes)
This particular church is renowned for its mosaic flooring, which is truly rare and unique. Its exterior is a mixture of marble and brick, which stands out from the rest of the basilica’s that you have seen in Venice. It is definitely worth a visit.
Palazzo de Mula (1 hour)
Palazzo De Mula is one of the very few remaining building, constructed in Venetian gothic style. A unique feature of this Palazzo is its courtyard and a garden, which is very rare in this city built on the see.
Wonder around Murano and brows the glass stores (1 hour)
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take home an authentic Murano Glass piece. Browsing the many shops in Murano is a top tourist attraction. However be cautious of counterfeit glass, which is sold at high prices, but actually originates outside of Italy. Some shops double as galleries, where you can see an interesting glass models and designs. Many owner will not allow the taking of photos, so please ask before.
After you completely taken in the island, it is time to head back to Venice. This is where we conclude our tour.
If however you still have time and energy there is one last attraction that I could suggest.
San Giorgio Maggiore
San Giorgio Maggiore is also a separate island, but very close to the harbor in San Marco Venice. You can even see the small island from the harbor. A water bus or private water taxi can easily take you there. The island harbors the amazing San Giorgio monastery and the church of San Giorgio Maggiore, as well as a large campanile that mirrors the one in San Marco square.