Hi all,
We will be first-time visitors to Italy in May 2026, as we are boarding a Mediterranean cruise from Trieste. After flying in to Rome and spending a few days, we will travel by train to Venice. We are staying at a hotel near the Santa Lucia train station, arriving midday on a Tuesday. This allows us the remainder of Tuesday, and all day Wednesday, before we depart by train for Trieste to board ship on Thursday.
What are your recommendations for enjoying the highlights of Venice, bearing in mind that we move at a slower pace and don't do well with walks that are over one mile without stopping for a rest? We're wondering how easy it might be to use the vaporetti instead of walking all the way to St. Mark's Square from our hotel? Any other tips you can provide, places to see, foods to try, are so appreciated! Thank you for your help!!

Years ago we took an evening water taxi tour that included appetizers and drinks. It was simply lovely. Departure was at St. Mark's Square. If they can walk the distance back to the hotel, I think that would be a lovely experience. It's one of my favorite travel memories.

I would take the vaporetto one way between your hotel and Piazza San Marco. Either direction and walk the other. The most direct walking route is about 1.5 miles. I would see the basilica (inside and out) and, if it interests you, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace). Book tickets for both in advance. You could take a guided tour that includes both, but, depending on the tour's pace, I don't know if your mobility issues would impact your enjoyment. You could certainly inquire about the pacing.

The great thing about Venice is that you don't really need to have a long list of things you "must" do. Wandering, getting lost and stumbling upon stunning architecture, views and charming street scenes is almost mandatory. I think the interiors of the basilica and palace are amazing, but you may prefer to spend the time in an unstructured way. You can wind your way and stop to rest, eat, people-watch, do a little souvenir shopping, etc. Every campo has a restaurant or cafe or a place to sit. If you research Venice sights, you could pick a couple of things to see along your walk... Rialto Bridge, maybe the interior of La Fenice Opera House, the Galleria Accademia, an historic palazzo, some viewpoints, etc. It all depends on your interests. If your energy allows, try to spend a little time after dinner in Piazza San Marco.

Do plan on being in Piazza San Marco in the evening while the bands are playing and the daytrippers are gone. Sit at a table and have a very expensive cocktail. It may be one of your most enjoyable experiences ever.

If your budget is limited, you can stroll in the Piazza San Marco at night listening to the bands without splurging for that pricey drink. Being there, listening to the music, looking around the beautiful, uncrowded, piazza = magic!

Check with your hotel to identify the nearest vaporetto stop. If it is Ferrovia (the train station) familiarize yourself with the routes for vaporetti numbers 1 and 2. Both ply the Grand Canal and stop at San Marco and will give you great views along the way. The #1 makes every stop, so it takes longer. Single trips on the vaporetto run 9.50 euro. A 24 hour pass, activated the first time you use it, will run you 25 euro, so three rides puts you money ahead. Using the pass will save your legs and allow you to explore not only Piazza San Marco but other neighborhoods as well. The Basilica is well worth seeing and the orchestras at Florian and Quadri are enchanting at night. If you take the #1, you can get off at the Rialto Mercato stop and tour that area without having to scale too many bridges. The Ca 'd Oro stop will put you on the other side of the canal and a walk along the Strada Nova for shopping.

If the weather is nice as it should be in May you can take the vaporetto all the way around and perhaps get off at the Lido or Zettere stops and enjoy a spritz. Other Venice highlights include a tour of the Jewish Ghetto (buy tickets at the book store) and you are given an audio guide to listen to the guide. There is also the outstanding Frari Church which should be walking distance from where you are staying.

We are just back from a trip to Italy in which we had blue skies, puffy white clouds and temps in the sixties, perfect for walking and walking around is what we did. We spent four nights staying in the Accademia area at an outstanding hotel. American Dinesen where I would stay again without any question. We didn't make it to the Accademia itself as the weather was too nice, but we did go to the Peggy Guggenheim, which I recalled fondly from my last trip to Venice, over fifty years ago.

I love that area too. I really like the Hotel Galleria with views on the Grand Canal. There's no lift so one needs to be able to walk up one flight of steps.

The VERY easy access to the vaporetto is definitely a plus. Limited walking needed to get there and nice little restaurants very close by. For easy access and limited walking, it would be my #1 choice. We stayed in their largest room that sleeps up to 4. It's gorgeous and huge with two windows opening to the Grand Canal.

I agree 100%. I've done it twice, both times in mid to late afternoon. A great way to stop and rest for a bit and soak up being in Venice.


Afternoon snack and drinks and the Florian. Sweet and salty.

More about the music.

It's pricey but IMO so "worth it".

Last summer a storm was blowing up so they closed the umbrellas and moved people under cover next to the building. This is not my photo (obviously) but I had never noticed this seating before. It was lovely and especially since they but our table next to an open window - with the cold air-conditioned air flowing outside. Very welcome on a hot summer's day in Venice. We celebrated with an ice cream sundae!
* If I can find my photos, I'll add it instead of this one.

Thank you all for your replies and VERY helpful information! I especially appreciate the information about the use of a vaporetto. I now feel better prepared to get into detailed trip planning, and am looking forward to the beautiful sights in Venice.

One piece of advice I would recommend - buy a paper map of Venice at the Tabac at the railway station (aka Ferrovia aka Iron Road)./ Phone maps are poor in Venice. The map will cost you about three euro.

Get on the number one vaporeto and do a full circle of Venice. It's beautiful to do at night.