Finding a decently priced hotel can be difficult. See the Resources section for Web sites to search for the best deals.
Look for hotels close to the train station in the center of the busy city. This means that you won't have to take water taxis everywhere, some of which can become expensive.
Begin the day with a walk to the Rialto Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in Venice that has an amazing view.
Walk to to Giovanni Plaza and San Marco Piazza, where St. Mark's Basilica is. It is called the Church of Gold, with a huge dome and mosaics depicting biblical scenes.
Commanding and large, both of these plazas are great places to dine and people watch, and at night they attract a younger local crowd.
Go to Ca'Rezzonico from the 17th century. It was originally a palace.
Cross the Bridge of Sighs to the Ducale Palace. The original structure was built in the 14th century; the palace was rebuilt in the 16th century after a fire. Dungeons are connected to the palace by the bridge, which is how it got its name. The bridge was the path where prisoners were led to their torture and death. Imprisoned here in 1775, Casanova ended up escaping.
It often rains here.
Check out a bar/restaurant called Barcor Jazz. Finish the evening at Piazza S. Margherita, a local hotspot.
Take the long trek to Doge's Palace and Giant's Stairway, as they are sights usually not listed in many guidebooks.
Walk to the Grand Council Chamber and Golden Staircase.
Wandering through the mazes of Venice streets, you can run into many hole-in-the-wall restaurants, bars and shops. Near Doge's Palace, look for a store window filled with prehistoric insects, butterflies and fossils.
Use the afternoon to experience Lido Beach, a 40-minute ferry ride away.
Buy fresh gelato from a vendor and lie out on the large beach, where tops are optional.
Upon arriving back in the city area, look for the late afternoon food markets to buy dinner.
See Senate Hall, the Hall of the Council of Ten and the Chamber of Torment, not usually listed in many guide books.
Check out the free brochures of the history of these sites and monuments, or buy a more detailed guidebook upon arrival into Venice.
Travel back across Venice to see the Hall of the Compass, Hall of the Inquisitors and the Voting Hall.
Check out the local jewelry and pottery shops. Most of them ship back to the U.S. for a small fee if you buy something.
Save a day for the Venice Carnival, and check out the artwork, fountains and museum surrounding the carnival courtyard.
Eat as much gelato, pizza, pasta and wine as you can, as it will never be this tasty anywhere else, even in other parts of Italy.
Fees for entry or donation are usually requested at many sites, monuments and buildings.
