Venice for Art Lovers: A 3-Day Itinerary

Venice has been a muse for centuries, its light painted by Turner, its canals written about by Byron, its atmosphere captured by untold photographers and filmmakers.

If you’re a creative soul, this 3 days itinerary is here to help you slow down, look closer, and let Venice work its magic.

From quiet campi and artisan workshops to world-class art collections and colourful islands, you’ll experience the city as generations of artists have before you: not just as a visitor, but as a seeker of inspiration.

This itinerary blends iconic sights with hidden corners, practical workshops with contemplative pauses, ensuring that you return home with photos + sketches as well as fresh ideas and a much deeper connection to Venetian creative heritage.

What's in this guide?

Venice for art lovers (3 day itinerary)

If you want to get inspired, this 3 day Venice itinerary for creatives that I have designed, will show you how to explore Venice through the eyes of an artist.

Expect mornings filled with quiet strolls, sketching, or journaling in tucked-away corners, and afternoons spent meeting artisans, visiting inspiring museums, and taking part in hands-on workshops that bring Venice’s traditions to life.

You’ll discover where to find authentic creativity in the city, from traditional mask-makers and glass studios to colourful island escapes.

By the end of these 3 days, you’ll not only have seen some of Venice’s most inspiring sights but also learned practical ways to connect with local artists, slow down, and let your own creativity flourish in meaningful, memorable ways.

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Here are some things to consider before you begin:

Major landmarks: This itinerary is designed with a creative focus and doesn’t include Venice’s most famous attractions such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, or the other museums in St. Mark’s Square. If it will be your first time in Venice, you may want to adapt the plan to include them.
Getting around: Most of the itinerary can be done comfortably on foot, but taking a vaporetto (water bus) is not only practical, it’s also a wonderful way to see Venice from the water. Bring your sketchbook or camera, the views along the Grand Canal and lagoon are inspiring in themselves.
Workshops & activities: to guarantee a spot in mask-making, watercolour, glass, or typography workshops, book in advance, as places are often limited.
Neighbourhood focus: To combine this creative itinerary with more classic sightseeing or food stops, check out my Venice Neighbourhood Maps (available individually or as a bundle in the shop). They’re especially helpful for exploring beyond the usual routes.
Pace & timing: Venice rewards slow travel. Leave space in your days for unexpected discoveries – an open church, a quiet campo, or a conversation with an artisan may become the highlight of your trip.
Seasonal light: If your focus is photography or sketching, remember that the light changes dramatically by season. Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hour) are particularly magical times to capture Venice at its most atmospheric. I recommend that you consider booking a photo walk with a professional local photographer to not miss the best light!

Day 1

Finding Inspiration in Venetian Light

Morning

📍 Sketch & Stroll in Dorsoduro

Begin with a cappuccino and croissant at Caffè Rosso in Campo Santa Margherita. Wander through Dorsoduro’s quiet canals and squares, pausing to sketch, write, or photograph details that catch your eye.

Consider joining a watercolour workshop with a local artist who knows the best angles of Venice.

Don’t miss Squero San Trovaso, a traditional gondola boatyard, fascinating to observe and perfectly sketch-worthy. Stop for cicchetti and a spritz at Osteria al Squero, right by the canal.

Midday

📍 Peggy Guggenheim & Modern Inspiration

Head to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, once Peggy’s private home and now one of Europe’s finest contemporary art museums. The sculpture garden is especially atmospheric.

If you’d like to balance modern with classical, visit the nearby Gallerie dell’Accademia, home to masterpieces by Bellini, Titian, and Tintoretto. For lunch, try Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti or Casin dei Nobili, both within walking distance.

Afternoon

📍 Artisan Encounters

Dorsoduro is filled with creative workshops. Stop at Perlamadredesign (handmade jewellery), Ca’ Macana Original (masks), Fontegoart Gallery, Libreria Toletta (independent bookshop), Micheluzzi Glass (refined glassware), or Atelier Vanessa Milan (local illustrator). Each reflects a piece of Venice’s living culture.

To discover even more, download my Venice Unlocked Visitor Map to your phone. Take time to chat with artisans, their stories are as inspiring as their creations.

Evening

📍 A Cosy Dinner

For dinner, return to Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti if you skipped it at lunch, or choose Antica Locanda Montin, a classic trattoria with a creative atmosphere.

End your evening journaling or sketching along the Zattere waterfront, where the views across to Giudecca glow at sunset. Alternatively, join a second watercolour session to deepen your skills with guidance from a local artist.