What to do in Venice in 3 days: our hotspot guide

Three days in Venice are an invitation to breathe in the lagoon slowly, to listen to its quiet voice, and to lose yourself among the folds of the city, where history intertwines with daily life. Forget the rush: this itinerary, designed for guests staying at Relais Alberti in Malamocco, will guide you to discover a more intimate and refined Venice, made of ancient traditions, hidden gardens, and unforgettable sunsets.

Day 1: The timeless charm of San Marco and Rialto
Begin your adventure in the iconic heart of the city. Among the scents of the Rialto market, where the mercantile soul of Venice still lingers, make your way to Piazza San Marco. Admire the Basilica with its golden mosaics, the Campanile towering into the sky, and the Gothic elegance of the Doge’s Palace. Stroll beneath the arches of the Procuratie, listen to the music of outdoor orchestras, and savor the magic of Europe’s most beautiful “salon.”
Back at the Relais Alberti, the Corte degli Agrumi awaits you with a glass of wine, surrounded by the silence of Malamocco’s ancient village and the gentle sea breeze.

Day 2: Modern art, secret sestieri and the colorful lagoon
Dedicate your second day to Venice’s creative side. In the morning, visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection—an oasis of modern art blending masterpieces by Kandinsky, Pollock, and Calder with the quiet elegance of a palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal.
From there, lose yourself in Dorsoduro: a poetic neighborhood of quiet alleys, shaded squares, and artisan workshops where time slows down.
In the afternoon, take a vaporetto to Murano, the island of glassblowers, to watch masters at work, and then to Burano, where brightly colored houses and lace-makers still carry on their delicate art. Two islands that tell the lagoon’s story with genuine vibrancy.

Day 3: Secret gardens, sacred art and the poetic Lido
On the third day, explore Venice’s most hidden and spiritual side. Wander through Castello, the city’s greenest district, where secret gardens peek behind ancient gates and alleys open into silent squares. Visit the church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, a Gothic masterpiece housing doges’ tombs and the charm of a place still far from tourist crowds.
Continue into Cannaregio, a lively quarter where you can lose yourself among bacari, quiet churches, and enchanting canal views.
In the afternoon, return to the Lido and cycle along the path skirting the lagoon: a scenic route with spectacular views over the Bacino di San Marco, leading you back to Malamocco. End the day at Relais Alberti, enjoying an aperitivo in the Corte degli Agrumi as the sun sets and the light slowly fades on the ancient stones.

Venice in 3 days: a journey beyond the postcards
This itinerary takes you through iconic landmarks and secret paths, blending Venice’s historic grandeur with the poetry of its hidden corners. It’s an experience that invites slowness and authenticity.
Relais Alberti, with its discreet charm, secret garden, and the tranquility of Malamocco’s village, is the perfect base for exploring the lagoon with elegance and intimacy. Here, every return after a day of discoveries becomes a moment to savor with all your senses.