Slow Travel in Venice: My 2 Day Itinerary for Savouring the City

Venice is often seen as a city you can “do” in a day or two, ticking off landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge and a gondola ride.

But the real magic of Venice isn’t in rushing from one attraction to the next, it’s in slowing down.

This 2-day slow travel itinerary is designed for travellers who want to savour Venice at their own pace, explore local neighbourhoods and experience the city beyond the postcard views.

Instead of chasing a checklist, you be wander through quieter corners, eating where Venetians eat, browsing artisan shops and taking time to pause, notice and enjoy.

What's in this guide?

2 day Itinerary (Slow Travel in Venice)

By the end of this guide, you’ll know:

How to spend two days in Venice without feeling rushed.
The best areas and activities for a slow travel approach.
Where to eat and drink like a local.
Artisan shops, hidden corners and lesser-known spots are worth your time.
Simple tips to embrace Venice at a slower, more mindful pace.

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Day 1

Wandering & Savouring

Morning

📍 A Gentle Start in Santa Croce

Ease into your Venetian journey at Pasticceria Trevisan, where you can sip a cappuccino and enjoy a pastry while locals begin their day.

Stroll through Santa Croce, a less-visited neighbourhood that still feels lived-in. Continue towards the Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, one of Venice’s most important churches, home to Titian’s masterpieces.

You can buy my Santa Croce neighbourhood maps bundle which includes 15 top spots to visit and the best bacari to try!

Afterwards, wander into small artisan shops nearby:

Malefatte – bags crafted by female prisoners on Giudecca island.
Ocio! – a concept store featuring local designers.
La Bauta – a Venetian mask workshop.

Midday: A Leisurely Lunch (+ Sweet Treat!)

Take your time with lunch:

Frary’s – Middle Eastern/Mediterranean flavours in a cosy setting. A great option for gluten free food, but also vegan and vegetarian people.
Al Vecio Forno – a traditional Venetian osteria with affordable prices.
Or graze on cicchetti (Venetian small bites) at Basegone, Bacarotto, or Adriatico Mar with its waterside small terrace (stand or sit on the small pier).

Leave some room for dessert at Pasticceria Tonolo, famous for its fresh pastries.

Afternoon

📍 Art & Atmosphere

Head to Campo Santa Margherita, a lively square surrounded by shops and artisan studios:

Ca’ Macana – for Venetian masks (they also run workshops).
Perlamadredesign – handmade Murano glass jewellery.
Il Graffio – leather goods.

Pick up baicoli biscuits at Al Nono Colussi, a family-run bakery. Then, if you’d like a mid-afternoon drink, stop at Osteria ai Pugni.

From here you can also start this off the beaten track tour with a local, if you prefer to have a guide with you.

Alternatively, continue your wander along Fondamenta Toletta and into Fondamenta Nani, where locals gather at classic bacari such as Cantine del Vino già Schiavi or Osteria al Squero (with views of gondolas being repaired).

If you want to go on a much beloved by locals bacaro tour, you can always get my Dorsoduro bacari walking map (available even for the other neighbourhoods!)

Evening

📍 Sunset & Slow Dining

Make your way to the Zattere promenade, where you can watch the sun set over the Giudecca Canal. Enjoy an aperitivo (and perhaps gelato) at Gelateria Nico.

For dinner, book a table at Antica Locanda Montin, an intimate trattoria with a leafy garden. End your day with a passeggiata, a gentle evening stroll along the canals.