1 Day Venice Solo Female Travel Itinerary

Exploring Venice alone is great since there’s a lot a solo female traveller can do.

This one day itinerary is perfect for female travellers seeking a balance of Venice’s famous landmarks and quieter spots, all at a calm and relaxed pace.

From sipping a morning cappuccino while people-watching, to wandering through art-filled neighbourhoods and ending with a sunset aperitivo overlooking the Grand Canal, this plan combines safety, ease of navigation and memorable moments that feel special even when experienced solo.

What's in this guide?

Venice Solo Female Travel Itinerary

Here’s what you’ll experience in just one day:

Classics like St. Mark’s Square, Basilica di San Marco, and the Campanile
Hidden gems such as local bookshops, cosy bacari, and artisan spots
The creative spirit of Dorsoduro, Venice’s artistic neighbourhood
Scenic breaks along the Zattere promenade and at historic cafés
A beautiful sunset aperitivo with canal views to wrap up your day

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Morning

📍 Classic Venice, Your Way

Begin with a cappuccino and pastry at Rosa Salva near Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, an ideal spot for people-watching as Venice wakes up.

From there, wander towards St. Mark’s Square, making a stop at the quirky Libreria Acqua Alta, famous for its book-filled gondola and charmingly stacked shelves.

At the square, step inside the Basilica di San Marco to admire its golden mosaics, then ride the lift up St. Mark’s Campanile for panoramic views. The perfect start for solo travellers in Venice who want a safe, memorable perspective of the city.

For a peaceful pause, stroll through the Royal Gardens, a free and often overlooked green space. If you’d like a short, authentic ride, take a gondola traghetto from the Vallaresso pier to cross over to Dorsoduro.

Disclaimer: only use the gondola traghetto if there are no long queues. Residents are a priority when it comes to use this public service to run their daily errands.

Afternoon

📍 Hidden Corners & Art

Welcome to Dorsoduro, Venice’s creative heart. Begin at the elegant Santa Maria della Salute, a baroque church overlooking the Grand Canal.

If you’re an art lover, you’re in the right place: explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, an intimate contemporary art museum, or the Gallerie dell’Accademia, home to masterpieces of Venetian art.

For lunch, sit down at Trattoria ai Cugnai dal 1911 for a hearty Venetian meal, or enjoy cicchetti at Cantine del Vino già Schiavi and Osteria al Squero, two much-loved bacari.

Afterwards, take a leisurely walk along the Zattere promenade and treat yourself to a famous gianduiotto from Gelateria Nico.

You don’t need to understand Italian for this itinerary, but I recommend that you try to at least learn the basics, see this travel phrase book that you can carry with you.

Continue through Dorsoduro’s backstreets: cross Ponte Trevisan, pass the old San Trovaso squero (a traditional gondola workshop), and stop at Fontegoart gallery and Libreria La Toletta, Venice’s oldest bookshop.

End this section of the afternoon at Campo San Barnaba and stop here for a Spritz at Osteria ai Pugni. Then continue to lively Campo Santa Margherita, a popular square for both locals and visitors.

Would you like to explore more places in Dorsoduro, or simply what else it offers?

Download my Venice Unlocked Map and get access to 250+ places to experience the authentic Venice handpicked by me.

Evening

📍 Sunset & Reflections

As the sun begins to set, you have two options: stay in Campo Santa Margherita to enjoy the neighbourhood’s vibrant yet relaxed vibe, or take the vaporetto from Cà Rezzonico to San Silvestro.

From there, head to the H10 Palazzo Canova and enjoy a refined aperitivo on the La Terrazza rooftop bar, where the views over the Grand Canal are truly special.

For dinner, head to the Rialto area. Classic options include Cantina do Spade, one of Venice’s oldest osterie, or the bacari around Erbaria, perfect for grazing on cicchetti with a glass of wine.

End your night with a gelato from Gelateria Gallonetto or Gelateria Ducale, then take a peaceful solo stroll through the canals of Cannaregio, then head towards Fondamenta de le Misericordia and continue to Fondamenta dei Ormesini.

This part of the neighbourhood has always a lively but safe atmosphere, ideal for ending the day on a high note.

Want to learn more about the local ritual of “andar per bacari” which means hopping from one bacaro to the next? Read my guide on how to do a self guided bacaro tour in Venice! so you can immerse yourself in the Venetian food scene.

Venice Solo Female Travel Tips

A secure bag is key: I use Pacsafe Backpacks. They offer stylish options with anti-theft features, so your belongings stay safe from pickpockets.
Trust your pace, use Google Maps which most of the time works, and don’t worry if you take a wrong turn, getting a little lost here often leads to hidden gems. If you want to make the most of your time (especially if it’s limited), download+save, the Venice neighbourhood maps so you know exactly what are the best experiences to try in each neighbourhood of the city.
Dining solo is easy in Venice: opt for cicchetti bars, where locals often eat standing at the counter, or traditional osterie where solo diners never feel out of place. This is actually one of my favourite things about Venice.
If you do your research, you’ll quickly learn that Venice is generally safe, but after dark stick to well-lit areas like the Grand Canal, Campo Santa Margherita, or Cannaregio’s Fondamenta della Misericordia.
Always make sure your phone is charged before going out, especially in the evening. It’s your best tool for maps, transport schedules, and in case of emergencies if you get lost at night. A portable charger can be a lifesaver.
Keep important contacts saved in your phone (and written down as a backup): your hotel, local taxi boat services, and emergency numbers (in Venice, dial 113 for local police and in Italy, dial 112 for emergencies). Having them handy gives peace of mind if you ever need immediate help.
Instead of always walking, use the vaporetto (water bus) for longer distances, it’s reliable and easy to navigate solo. There are 159 docks and 21 water bus lines, just remember to validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines.

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Venice Solo Travel Itinerary

In just one day, this itinerary shows you how to balance Venice’s iconic landmarks with quiet + authentic corners, all while keeping solo travel comfort in mind.

From morning coffee and art-filled strolls to sunset aperitivi and peaceful evening walks, you’ll explore the real Venice in a way that feels safe, and deeply rewarding.

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this itinerary ensures you leave Venice with memories that are uniquely your own.

More useful guides to read before your solo trip to Venice:

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Venice solo female travel itinerary