Have you ever dreamed of Venice? To cruise slowly along the canal and enjoy the serene Venice? If you have, you really do not want to skip this picturesque city even if you are short on time. Venice is a must visit city when you are in Italy. It does live up to the hype with its beautiful canals, stunning landmarks and food to die for. This is a famous tourist destination for a reason. I had been wanting to visit Venice since I was a kid. So on my trip to Italy, I made sure that I have to reach Venice one way or another. Since I spent most of my time in Milan, I decided to do a day trip to Venice from Milan.
There are two ways to do a day trip to Venice from Milan. The first way is by renting a car and driving. The second way is by taking a high speed train. It only takes you two and half hour from Milano Centrale station to Venezia Santa Lucia station. If you want to relax, then taking a train is the way to go. Venezia Santa Lucia station is located right by the canal and not far from the famous Rialto Bridge. Right when you exit the station, the beautiful canal will welcome you. And from there you can easily explore it by foot.
Now, that we cover the transportation, what can you do during a day trip to Venice from Milan?
- Take a stroll along the canal
The best way to explore every inch of the city is by walking. Because you will never know what you will encounter. You might bump into a cute souvenir shop, a costume rental place or even a restaurant. The old churches, arch bridges and cobble stone road, time seems to have stood still here.
- Explore the many canals of Venice by gondola
You haven’t seen Venice if you haven’t seen it from a gondola. This must do activity in Venice worth every penny. After all, this city is surrounded by the water. How else are you going to enjoy it but cruising slowly on a gondola while being serenaded.
- Have an Instagram moment at Rialto Bridge
This most famous bridge in Venice is also the oldest bridge in Venice. This arch bridge spans across the grand canal. Famous for its architecture and the amazing view around it. When you stand on Rialto Bridge, you can see the stunning view of Grand Canal and the San Marco District on one side and San Polo District on the other side.
- Try Venetian delicious food
We stumbled upon Ristorante Riva del Vin by accident. Its strategic location right by the canal give you opportunity to enjoy your food while being enchanted by the view. Despite we picked this restaurant randomly, the meal is scrumptious. By far this is the best lamb chop I have ever eaten in my life. Whenever you are in Venice, try this restaurant.
- Visit St. Mark Basilica
This most famous landmark in Venice is a Roman Catholic Church. This landmark is the best example of Italian Gothic- Byzantine architecture. While the queue can be long to enter the building, you can avoid wasting your time waiting in queue by booking the ticket in advance and avoid summer month.
- Chill at Piazza San Marco
It is known in English as St Mark’s Square. The square is adjacent to St Mark Basilica. So, on the way to St Mark Basilica you will pass this square. After you do all the walking, this is a perfect spot to chill and to watch the pigeons.
- Check out Santa Maria Della Salute
Commonly known as The Salute, this is also a Roman Catholic Church. The best way to admire the architecture of Santa Maria Della Salute is from the water. If you have time, make a stop at The Salute and check out the inside of The Salute.
- Shop genuine leather bags
Italy is famous with its leather goods. So, here is your chance to spoil your inner shopaholic. There are many shops selling genuine leather bags, shoes and jackets. The problem is one, try not to max your credit card. The best thing about the shopping experience, you can negotiate the price.
- Take a picture in Venetian costume
When you are in Venice, do like Venetian. So if you like wearing beautiful costume, this is your chance to be photographed in Venetian costume in Venice by a photographer. You can rent a costume and a mask from a rental place. Then follow a photographer who will take your picture outdoor. This can be your consolation if you miss the Venice Carnival. 
