48 Hours in Venice in July – A DIY Travel Guide for Adults Without Kids

If you ever find yourself with just 48 hours to explore Venice in the peak of summer, I’ve got you covered. This is exactly how I did it—no kids, no strict itinerary, just two full days of slow travel, dreamy canals, and spontaneous discoveries. Venice in July is hot, busy, and beautiful. And if you're a solo traveler or an adult looking for a short and meaningful escape, here’s my experience and some tips to help you make the most of it.

Arriving in Venice at Midnight Felt Like a Movie Scene

We landed at Venice Marco Polo Airport, about 12.5 km from the city. Since we were arriving close to midnight, I booked a taxi in advance through Booking.com—and I’m glad I did.

We were picked up in a large, spacious van that could fit up to 8 people. However, what made it special was the seamless transfer to a private water taxi, which was already included in our booking. Just us, gliding through the quiet canals of Venice in the dark. The city lit up softly around us—it felt like a secret like we’d just entered a dream.

The boat dropped us at a nearby dock, and from there we walked a few minutes to our apartment. That walk included bridges with stairs, so dragging luggage wasn’t exactly easy. If you're planning a similar trip, I recommend packing light or using a backpack.

Honestly, if I had a toddler or a baby with me, I would’ve skipped Venice entirely in July. Navigating crowded, narrow alleys under the heat, lifting a stroller over countless stair bridges, and trying to stay cool with a little one would have been more stressful than enjoyable.

Our Apartment Stay – Comfortable, Cool, and Quiet

We stayed at Palazzo Venere Apartments, which turned out to be a perfect choice. The location was convenient—close to both the train and bus stations—but it wasn’t overcrowded.

The apartment was spacious and spotless, and everything inside was brand new. The air conditioning worked beautifully, which was a blessing during the hot July days. Plus, being on the ground floor meant no stairs to climb when we were already tired from walking.

Venice in July Is No Joke (But Still Magical)

Let me be honest: Venice in July is hot. The temperature hovered between 18°C and 30+°C, and the humidity made it feel even more intense. The city was buzzing with tourists, but somehow it still felt like a fairytale.

To stay cool and sane, I brought:

• A handheld mini electric fan

• A reusable water bottle

• Light, breathable clothes

• And most importantly, a flexible mindset

  
  

We took midday breaks inside the apartment to escape the heat and resumed our walks in the late afternoon. It helped us avoid the hottest part of the day—and gave us more energy to enjoy the evenings.

Exploring Venice by Foot and Vaporetto

In Venice, you walk—a lot. There are no cars or bicycles, so every step matters. It felt like wandering through a maze of cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and beautiful squares—until suddenly, we’d stumble onto a lively piazza or a quiet canal.

We also rode the public water bus (Vaporetto), which was both convenient and scenic. Buying tickets from the machines at the stations was easy and card-friendly. The ride offered a stunning view of Venice from the water—and gave our feet a break.

My DIY Itinerary for 48 Hours in Venice

Although we stayed three nights, we only spent two full days exploring Venice. The third day was for a side trip to the Dolomites (more on that in a future post). Here's how we spent our two magical days:

Day 1 – Sunrise and Strolling

We started early—really early. Waking up at 4 AM gave us the chance to wander through the quiet streets and see Venice wake up slowly. No crowds. Just golden light, calm canals, and the sound of our footsteps.

We walked past famous sights, browsed through local shops with handmade souvenirs, masks, and leather goods, and stopped often for photos. We soaked in the atmosphere more than we ticked off landmarks.

When you’re in Venice, don’t miss these highlights:

• Explore the stunning spiral staircase at Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo — a unique architectural gem you won’t forget

• Visit the famous Libreria Acqua Alta bookshop and climb the quirky book stairs for a one-of-a-kind photo op

• Experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore and climb its bell tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Venice

• Wander through the bustling San Marco Square and admire the grandeur of the Basilica di San Marco

• Don’t miss crossing Venice’s iconic bridges: Bridge of Sighs, Ponte da Academia, Rialto Bridge, and Ponte degli Scalzi

By noon, we were back in the apartment, cooling off with the AC running full blast.

Day 2 – Gondolas and Gelato

The next day, we explored more by Vaporetto, letting the water guide us. One of the highlights was a gondola ride—yes, it’s touristy, but seeing Venice from that perspective made it feel even more magical.

Everywhere we went, the smell of pizza and pasta drifted from small restaurants, and we couldn’t resist stopping for gelato. Honestly, there’s a colorful gelateria on almost every corner, and each one tempted us more than the last.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Pickpocketing is a risk in crowded areas, so I kept my bag close and zipped at all times.

• Pack light—especially if you’ll need to cross stair bridges with luggage.

• Stay alert while walking, especially near delivery trolleys or boats moving goods through narrow streets.

• Comfortable shoes are a must. Forget heels—this is all about cobblestones and stairs.

• Traveling without kids makes everything simpler here. Venice is enchanting, but it’s not stroller-friendly, especially in the heat.

Final Thoughts: A Fairytale You Can DIY

Even though it was just 48 hours, Venice left a lasting impression. From the colors of the buildings to the songs of gondoliers, it felt like stepping inside a storybook.

If you’re a solo traveler or simply traveling without kids, you’ll love the pace and possibilities here. Venice is walkable, romantic, full of charm, and easy to explore on your own terms.

Just start early, go slow, stay hydrated—and let the city surprise you.

Planning your own DIY Venice trip?

Pin this guide for later so you can find it when you’re ready to book that dreamy escape!