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How to Have an Incredible One Day in Brussels

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Things to see and do in Brussels

Even with just one day in Brussels, you’re sure to fall in love with this wildly fun city.

As home to the European Parliament, Brussels is often referred to as the capital of Europe. People from all over the world come to Brussels for work and vacation, so you’ll be surrounded by people of all kinds from all over.

Brussels is a city known for its historical archtiecture, its famous waffles, its decadent chocolate, and of course, its beer.

Brussels has something for everybody, and I think you’re going to love it as much as I did. To make the most of your time and have a perfect day in Brussels, don’t miss the destinations on my itinerary below.

One Day in Brussels

A view of the Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium.

Grand Place

Located right in the heart of the Brussels city centre you’ll find Grand Place. Try to make this the first stop on your Brussels one day itinerary so you can avoid the crowds that will arrive later in the day.

Grand Place is one of my favorite places to visit in brussels in one day. This is the main attraction in the city so there’s almost always something going on, no matter the time of year.

Grand Place is without a doubt one of the most beautiful town squares in all of Europe.  It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998.

Surrounding the central square visitors will find the Town Hall (pictured above), the King’s House (currently the Museum of the City of Brussels), and the Houses of the Grand Place.

The majority of the Houses of the Grand Place are guild houses, such as the House of the Corporation of Bakers or the House of the Corporation of Carpenters, while a few remain private residences. 

On the lower level of the houses, you will find cafes with outdoor seating serving everything from coffee to cocktails and Belgian waffles to seafood. 

Taking a seat at one of the outdoor cafes is a great way to take in the scene at Grand Place and is perfect for people watching. 

If you happen to be in Brussels in December, Grand Place is especially fun. The city lights up the entire square with Christmas lights and produces a light show with music and entertainment.

It’s well worth the extra effort if you can plan your visit during this time.

Brussels in one day - European Union and European Parliament

European Union and the European Parliament

Brussels is home to the European Parliament, which explains why it is widely referred to as the capital of Europe.

The European Parliament consists of 705 members (previously 751 before Brexit) directly elected by the citizens of Europe.

The areas surrounding the European Parliament are used frequently for protests and other political activities, making a visit here all the more interesting.

During my recent visit, the Brussels police were launching tear gas canisters at yellow jacket protesters who had apparently gotten a little out of hand. While this might sound a bit scary, I assure you I never felt unsafe. Just don’t stray into the protest area and you will be fine. 

Visitors are welcome at the European Parliament during certain hours the week.

You can visit the Parlamentarium to learn about the history and functions of the European Parliament. The Parlamentarium is open daily until 6:00 p.m. You can get more details about planning your visit here.

If you plan accordingly, I also recommend a visit to the European Parliament Hemicycle. The Hemicycle is the large room where the full parliament meets for important meetings and votes.

In order to visit the Hemicycle, you need to arrive at very specific times. Check the website to find the most recent schedule. 

House of European History

Located a short walk from the European Parliament is the House of European History.

Here, you can take a guided audio tour through the six floors of the museum to learn about major historical events in Europe.

The museum focuses on European experiences as a whole and not on individual nations. You’ll learn about the impacts of major atrocities such as WWII, but also about the positive impacts of the industrial revolution and the creation of the European Union. 

A visit to the House of European History is free of charge. Your visit will take about 90 minutes if you elect to follow along on the audio tour.

The museum is open seven days a week until 6:00 p.m. You can find more information about planning your visit here. 

Het Zinneke, Manneken Pis, and Jeanneke Pis

One of my favorite things to do in Brussels in one day is to find each of the three urinating statues. Yes you read that right. Let me explain.

One of the things Brussels is known for is these unique statues named Het Zinneke, Manneken Pis, and Jeanneke Pis. The most famous of the three is Manneken Pis, who even has different constumes placed on him depending on the season. He’s somewhat of a national treasure.

My personal favorite of the three statues is Het Zinneke because it’s a statue of a dog urinating on a post. Anything having to do with dogs is a plus for me.

The other two statues Manneken Pis and Jeanneke Pis depict a small boy and small girl urinating.

As I stated above, Manneken Pis is the most popular of the three and is often spotted in various costumes.

Mannekin Pis has an extensive wardrobe of hundreds of costumes for just about any occasion. Costumes for Manneken Pis are often gifted by foreign governments and international organizations. Some of the statue’s most popular costumes include Elvis Presley, Uncle Sam, and Santa Claus. 

All three statues can be seen free of charge and are within walking distance of each other in the city center.

Exact locations can be found by plugging in the name of the statue into Google Maps. If you’re going to walk around the city to find all three, I recommend saving Jeanneke Pis for last.

This way, after you take your picture of Jeanneke Pis, you can turn around and walk right into the doors of Delirium Cafe. You’re welcome.

Delirium Village and Delirium Cafe

If you’re a beer lover and looking for a good time in Brussels, head over to Delirium Village.

The Delirium Village is a huge pub in the Brussels city center located just off Rue des Bouchers. They serve over 2,000 beers from around the world and even hold the Guinness World Record for having the largest selection of beers in one place.

Delirium Village has two levels and multiple rooms, each with its own specialty. Here is a list of each of the rooms and a brief description of what is served:

  • Delirium Cafe: Features thousands of beers from around the world, including some very unique varieties. 
  • Delirium Taphouse: Located above Delirium Cafe and serves 29 quality draft beers, including many seasonal flavors. 
  • Delirium Hoppy Loft: Specializes in beer with more pronounced flavor that is typically more bitter. 
  • Delirium Monasterium: Featuring over 150 beers and over 300 vodkas from around the world. 
  • Floris Bar: Featuring over 600 absinthes, along with gins and whiskeys. 
  • Floris Garden: Serves rums from around the world along with Piscos from Peru. 
  • Floris Tequila: Features over 450 tequilas and 30 mescals. 

Delirium Village is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 a.m.  You do not need reservations and seating is first come first serve.

Belgian Waffles in Brussels

Belgian Waffles

A Brussels 1 day itinerary would not be complete without experiencing a true Belgian Waffle. And nobody does waffles like Belgium.

You can find restaurants all over the city serving waffles with a variety of toppings. The Nutella varieties seem to be the most popular, and for good reason.

I spent the majority of my time in Brussels eating waffles with Nutella, strawberry and whipped cream. They’re hot, sticky, and messy and totally worth it.

In fact, I had a waffle for dinner every night I was there. Don’t judge.

Everybody seems to have their own favorite place for the best waffles in Brussels. Mine is Los Churros and Waffle pictured above.

After visiting several different places, I found myself wanting to come back to this place over and over again. The waffles are cheap, about 5 Euros, and are always served fast and fresh.

You should give this place a try, but then walk around and find some more.

Mont des Arts in Brussels
Photo by Tomas Sereda

Mont des Arts

The Mont des Arts, or Kunstberg, is a historical center and outdoor garden near central Brussels. This is a nice place to get away from the hectic city center and makes the perfect backdrop for photos.

You’ll also get one of the best views of Brussels from this location.

Other notable things to see at Mont des Arts are the Royal Library of Belgium, the National Archives of Belgium, and the statue of King Albert I.

Frites in Brussels, Begium
Fries in Belgium

Fries and Sauce

Another must have experience in your Brussels one day itinerary is sampling the city’s famous fries and sauce.

Fries (or frites as the locals call them) are one of the most popular dishes in Belgium. Many local restaurants and stands serve them in paper cones and covered in sauce, as pictured above.

Belgians typically eat their frites with a small plastic fork and a variety of sauces. Mayo is a popular option, but there are many sauces to choose from.

Like waffles, frites can be found all over the city. You can get a single order for about 5 Euros. 

What makes Belgian frites so special is the way they are prepared. The potatoes are not frozen, and should not be cut larger than one centimeter thick. They are then fried twice before serving making them extra crispy and flavorful.

If you’re visiting Brussels for at least a few days, try the frites at several different places around town. Some of the most popular places in Brussels for frites are these:

Neuhaus Chocolatier in Brussels - One day in Brussels

Belgian Chocolate

Belgian chocolate just may be the best in the world.

You will find chocolate shops all over the country, and especially in the major cities. Brussels is no exception.

There are dozens of chocolate shops scattered throughout the city, most of which will also offer free samples before you purchase.

If you’re looking for gifts or souvenirs to bring your loved ones back home, consider picking up several boxes of Belgian chocolates. Trust me, your friends and family will be excited to receive these.

I’ve put together a shortlist of some of the most popular chocolate shops in Brussels here:

Prices at all the shops above will vary, but I found I was able to purchase small gift boxes at any of the chocolate shops for around 10 Euros each. 

galeries royales saint in Brussels Belgium

Galeries Royales Saint Hubert

The Galeries Royales Saint Hubert is a beautiful shopping gallery located near the Brussels city center. The shopping gallery was opened back in 1847 and was designed by famous Belgian architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar.

Today the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert is home to dozens of chocote shops, cafes, and boutiques of all kinds, making this the perfect stop to pick up some souvenirs or boxes of chocolate to bring back home with you.

If you’re not a souvenirs person, the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert is still worth a visit to just walk around, admire the architecture, and do a little window shopping. It’s especially beautiful in the evening when the gallery lights up.

Belgian Comic Strip Walk in Brussels
Photo by Pixabay

Belgian Comic Strip Walk

If you’re a fan of comics or street art, you’re going to want to make time in your one day Brussels itinerary for the Belgian Comic Strip Walk.

The Belgian Comic Strip Walk, found in Google Maps as Belgian Comic Strip Wall, is a short street just east of the Brussels city center. If features Belgian comic book characters as street art painted in murals on the local houses and businesses.

For those interested in learning about the history of Belgian comics and comic book characters, you should also check out the Comics Art Museum located on the opposite side of the city center, about a 20 minutes walk away.

1 Day Brussels Itinerary - Atomium
Photo by Pixabay

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Brussels, which dates back to the 18th century, is the king’s administrative residence and primary workplace. The palace is only open to the public each year between mid July and September.

Visitors to the Royal Palace can join a guided tour of the interior ceremonial rooms, staircases, and halls. For those not visiting in the summer, you can view the exterior of the palace from outside.

The Royal Palace is found a short 10 minute walk west of Mont des Arts.

Atomium in Brussels
Photo by Pixabay

The Atomium

Before you finish up your one day in Brussels itinerary, be sure to stop at the Atomium.

The Atomium is a historical landmark in Brussels built in 1958 for the Brussels World Fair. It is in the shape of an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. It was intended to serve as a symbol for the peaceful use of nuclear power.

Today, the Atomium is a popular museum with exhibits telling about the history, construction, and design of the building. Once inside, visitors can travel between the various levels of the musuem on moving escalators.

The Atomium is especially popular with photographers due to its unique shape and mirrored surface, opening up the possiblity for some incredibly creative photographs. Don’t forget to snap a few of your own before you leave.

Where to Stay in Brussels
Photo by Pixabay

Where to stay in Brussels

If you’re wondering where to stay in Brussels, I highly encourage you to select a hotel or other accomocation near the Brussels city center. Since Brussels is such a walkable city, you’ll be able to get just about everywhere you want to go on foot.

I would avoid hotels too far outside the historic center unless you plan to stay in Brussels for longer than a day. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting valuable time going back and forth from your hotel.

Here are a few recommendations for hotels in Brussels, including the one I stayed at and loved.

  • Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place: This is an upscale Marriott property about a block or two from Grand Place. The rooms were comfortable and service here was fantastic. There is a lounge/bar in the lobby that I found myself ordering ciders from on a daily basis. Ask for an outward facing room so you can see the city during your visit.
  • Hilton Brussels Grand Place: Similar to the Marriott, this property is just steps from Grand Place, has comfortable rooms and a lobby restaurant. This property is also pet friendly if you’re traveling with any four legged family members.
  • Hotel La Grande Cloche: If you’re looking for something a bit more unique and trendy, try La Grande Cloche. Also located near Grand Place but has a younger more artsy vibe. If that’s not enough to convince you, they also have an Italian Restaurant onsite called Pasta Madre that serves pizza, craft beer and wine.
Booking.com

If AirBnBs are more your thing, here’s the link to the Brussels AirBnB rentals page.

Is one day in Brussels enough?

This is a tough question to answer, but I’ll say this, it can be. If you’re wondering what to see in one day in Brussels, the itinerary above should be a good start. But as always, be sure to consider your own interests.

If you prefer to see more of the city and spend more time in each location, I would recommend more than one day in Brussels as there really is a lot to see. If you’ve got the time I think three days would be perfect.

Now that you’ve made the most of your 1 day in Brussels, you may wish to consider taking a day trip to explore some neighboring cities. There are plenty of fun things to do in Leuven. Or perhaps you could spend one day in Ghent, one day in Bruges or one day in Antwerp.

Each of these cities can be easily reached by catching a local train at the nearby train station. If you’ve only got time for one, I recommend taking the short train ride up to Bruges.

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one day in Brussels

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Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

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One Day in Reykjavik

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Hallgrimskirkja church
Photo by Creative Family

Planning to visit Iceland for your next vacation or maybe just stopping on a long layover? If so, you must spend at least one day in Reykjavik exploring the world’s northernmost capital city.

Iceland’s capital city is fun, walkable, a great place to explore between day trips to other parts of the country. You’ll find plenty of sights to see along with shops selling unique gifts and souvenirs, cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Even if its the waterfalls and Northern Lights that brought you to Iceland, be sure to plan for at least one day in Reykjavik, you won’t regret it.

Here are my recommendations on things to see and do with one day in Reykjavik.

Blue Lagoon Iceland
Blue Lagoon Iceland

1. Blue Lagoon

I know the Blue Lagoon is super touristy and its not even a natural hot spring, but I still think it’s cool enough that it warrants a visit.

My best advice is to plan to visit the Blue Lagoon right after you land at Keflavik airport. Most international flights arrive around 6:00 a.m. (if traveling from the USA), so by the time you get off the plane, clear immigration, and retrieve your bag, you’ll be right on time for the first bus to the Blue Lagoon.

To be totally honest, it’s really cool to be at the Blue Lagoon right when they open. There is hardly anyone there for at least an hour or two, so you’ll have the place mostly to yourself.

The Blue Lagoon is large enough that you’ll often find yourself alone as you make your way around the various sections of the lagoon. It’s peaceful in an almost magical way. By around 9:30 a.m. or so, you’ll notice the place will start to get more crowded, so enjoy it while it lasts.

Wading around the lagoon in the early morning darkness was one of my favorite memories from my time in Iceland. If I ever return, I’m definitely doing it the same way next time.

Another benefit of visiting the Blue Lagoon when you arrive in the morning is that you’ll get to shower right away. I always like to freshen up after a long flight, and this is the perfect way to do it.

Besides this, your hotel room will not be ready for check in until the afternoon anyway, so you might as well plan an activity in the meantime.

I recommend spending about two to three hours at the Blue Lagoon. Then hop on the bus to the city to get the rest of your one day in Reykjavik itinerary started.

one day in Reykjavik
Sun Voyager in Reykjavik, Iceland

2. Sun Voyager

While not the most exciting stop on this one day in Reykjavik itinerary, you should stop by to pay a visit to the Sun Voyager anyway.

The Sun Voyager is a metal sculpture that sits along the waterfront in Reykjavik. It was created by Jon Gunnar Arnason and is said to be a dreamboat, or ode to the Sun.

The artist intended for the sculpture to convey the promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, progress, and freedom.

It’s bigger than it looks in the photo and is actually quite impressive. You can see it covered in snow in the picture above during my visit.

Just after taking this photo I wandered around to the other side of the sculpture to get a closer look. Being the graceful person that I am, I then slipped on some ice, and fell on my a$$ (excuse the language) in front of some other tourists photographing the Sun Voyager.

Definitely not one of my coolest moments, but a great memory nonetheless.

If you look to the left of the Sun Voyager in the photograph, you can see a beam of light shooting up into the sky. The light is from an art installation by Yoko Ono called the Imagine Peace Tower.

The tower was conceived by Yoko One in memory of John Lennon. The tower is powered by geothermal energy and is visible every year from October 9th (John’s birthday) until December 8th (the anniversary of his death).

Those who wish to get a closer look can take a ferry out to the Imagine Peace Tower as well. Details can be found on their website.

hallgrimskirkja church in Iceland
Photo by Sharon Ang

3. Hallgrimskirkja

The Hallgrimskirkja church is a must visit destination, even with just one day in Reykjavik. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the city, and one of the most popular tourist destination in the city.

However, if you arrive at Hallgrimskirkja in the morning when they open, there will be very few people there. This is especially true if you’re visiting Iceland in December like I was.

In fact, I went to visit Hallgrimskirkja multiple times during my time in Reykjavik, and was the only one there on more than one occasion, which was awesome. But anyways, about the church.

Hallgrimskirkja is a Lutheran church and one of the tallest structures in Iceland. It took 41 years to build the church and was completed in 1986. The design of the church is said to be inspired by the rocks, mountains, and glaciers of Iceland.

Aerial view of Reykjavik in winter
Aerial view of Reykjavik in winter

Entrance to the inside of the church is free of charge, though the interior is not nearly as spectacular as the outside. However, you should pay the 900 Icelandic Krona to take the elevator to the top of the tower. The view is breathtaking.

If you’re visitng Iceland in December, the church opens right around sunrise and it’s beautiful. From the top of the tower there are viewing windows facing in all directions of the city so you’ll get an aerial view of the entire city, including the mountains far off in the distance.

The church is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Street Art in Reykjavik
Street Art in Reykjavik

4. Reykjavik Street Art

Believe it or not, there is a thriving street art scene in Reykjavik. You’ll see murals adorning walls and buildings all across the city. The mural above is from Icelandic street artist Selur.

A guided tour of the street art is not necessary because you’ll see it everywhere, but you can find a Reykjavik street art map here.

Much of the art in Reykjavik’s city center was commissioned as part of a collaboration between the annual music festival Iceland Airwaves and Urban Nation, a Berlin based arts organization that connects artists with communities.

The collaboration paired street artists with musicians performing at the 2015 and 2016 Iceland Airwaves festivals. The artists created murals based on songs from selected musicians playing the festivals.

Check out the video above for more information about this collaboration.

Slolavordustigor Street in Iceland
Slolavordustigor Street in Iceland

5. Skolavordustigur street

Skolavordustigur street is the road that leads up to Hallgrimskirkja at the the top of the hill. The lower section pictured above has a rainbow painted down the center. If you’re walking by, you can’t miss it.

Skolavordustigur street is definitely on the touristy side, but you should still pay a visit, even if it’s just on your way to Hallgrimskirja.

There are tons of cute souvenir shops along both sides of the street. You’ll also find several cafes and restuarants, most of which serve traditional Icelandic food with European and American dishes mixed in.

This is also a great place to pick up one of those traditional Icelandic wool sweaters, or lopapeysa, that you see all over the country. They are beautifully hand-made and incredibly warm.

I will warn you, they are quite expensive ($150 – $200). But if you want one, there’s a few different stores selling them on this street with a large selection to choose from.

Icelandic Punk Museum
Icelandic Punk Museum

6. Icelandic Punk Museum

The Icelandic Punk Musuem celebrates and displays memorabilia from the 1980s and 1990s punk scene in Iceland. The musuem itself was formally opened by Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) the notorious singer from the Sex Pistols in 2016.

The tiny musuem is housed in a former public toilet on Bankastraeti Street. Visitors to the museum will find photos, music, posters, instruments, clothes and other memorabilia on display.

The museum is curated by Dr. Gunni, an Icelandic musician and historian of the Icelandic music scene.

The Icelandic Punk Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10:00 p.m. Admission is 1200 Icelandic Krona (about $10 USD).

icelandic restaurant in Reykjavik
icelandic restaurant in Reykjavik

7. Icelandic Cuisine

Even with just one day in Reykjavik, I encourage you to try some of the local Icelandic cuisine. I’m sure you’ve heard stories about Iceland’s fermented shark and its awful smell and taste, but the truth is, that’s not really something the locals eat.

I’m sure you can understand why. So if you must try this dish, there are several expensive tourist restuarants that will gladly serve it to you.

Popular Icelandic foods that locals actually eat include skyr (similar to Greek yogurt), hangikjot (smoked lamb), kleinur (fried pastry), cured meat and fish, and rugbraud (dark rye bread). There are many others of course, but you get the idea.

I’m not a big meat eater myself so I stuck to trying the skyr and a few local pastries. Here are a few restaurants to try Icelandic cuisine while visiting Reykjavik:

  • Restaurant Reykjavik: Upscale Icelandic restaurant.
  • Cafe Loki: Cute cafe across from Hallgrimskirkja serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Icelandic Street Food: Serving traditional Icelandic food from multiple locations around Reykjavic.
Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland
Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland

7. Harpa Concert Hall

One of the most unique things to do when spending one day in Reykjavik city is to see an event at Harpa Concert Hall.

This beautiful venue features events ranging from comedy, opera, symphony, rock concerts, and anything else you can think of that takes place on a stage. Be sure to check their event schedule prior to your visit.

Interior of Harpa Concert Hall
Interior of Harpa Concert Hall

If you don’t have time to attend an event, consider stopping by to view the inside of the Concert Hall. It’s a beautifully designed venue with honeycomb glass windows, and a concrete and metal interior. It’s modern and gorgeous.

Visitors are welcome to view the inside when events are not taking place. There is no cost to enter and you can stay for a few mintues or a few hours. Guided tours of the Harpa Concert Hall are also available. Inquire with the box office for more information.

There’s also a fantastic Italian restaurant on the top floor called Kolabrautin. The restaurant is open Tuesday througth Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are encouraged.

Colorful houses in Reykjavik
Colorful houses in Reykjavik

8. Laugavegur Street

No Reykjavik one day itinerary would be complete without a walk down the city’s main street. Laugavegur Street is the main shopping street in Reykjavik. So if you’re looking to buy clothes, souvenirs, or gifts, this is the best place to do it.

Laugavegur Street is also the best place to grab dinner and drinks after a day exporing the Golden Circle or national park.

This is one of the livliest areas of the city and the place you’ll find the most action in the evenings. You’ll also find the largest selection of restaurants to choose from compared to anywhere else in the city.

If you’re interested in doing some shopping while in Reykjavik, hit up Laugavegur Street during the day. Most of the shops open around 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.

Don’t forget you’re in Iceland so prices will be higher than you might expect, but you’ll also find some very unique things as well.

Lebowski Bar in Reykjavik, Iceland
Lebowski Bar in Reykjavik, Iceland

9. Find Cocktails

What’s the best way to end an incredible one day in Reykjavik? With cocktails of course.

There are so many great cocktail spots in Reykjavik. I promise, you will not have a hard time finding a fun place to have a few drinks. Here are a few of my favorite places to get you started:

  • Lebowski Bar: If you’re a fan of The Big Lebowski, this bar is for you.
  • Slippbarrin: Located in Reykjavik Marina Hotel and considered to be Reykjavik’s first cocktail bar. They serve fresh and unique cocktails.
  • Micro Bar: Located in the basement below Restaurant Reykjavik. Excellent selection of rotating micro brews.
  • Snaps Bistro Bar: This bar has a French bistro type atmosphere. The perfect place to relax and have conversation over drinks.
One day in Reykjavik northern lights

10. Northern Lights

While the Northern Lights are not visible year round, if you’re visiting Iceland in December like I did, be sure to book a tour to have a chance to see them.

The best time of year to view the Northern Lights in Iceland will be from September to March. While there are no guarantees, you’ve got a pretty good chance if you’ll be in the country for more than one day.

If seeing the Northern Lights is really high on your list, consider at least an Iceland 3 day itinerary to maximize your chances.

If you want to see the Northern Lights, sign up for a Northern Lights tour on the first night of your visit. If the lights are not visible that night, you can keep joining the tour night after night until you get to see them.

Basically, the earlier in your trip you book your tour, the more chances you’ll have to see the Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights tours are affordable (about $40 USD) and depart nightly (weather permitting) around 8:00 p.m. Many of the tours will arrange to pick you up right from your hotel and typically run about 4 hours or so.

I hope you’ve found this one day in Reykjavik itinerary useful and picked up some helpful tips along the way. If you’ve been to Reykjavik already I’d love to hear what you would add to this itinerary. Let me know in the comments below or send me a message.

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One Day in Riga Itinerary

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3 brothers in Riga
Photo by Pumpizold A.

I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t have high expectations while planning my trip to Riga last year. But I gotta tell ya, after just one day in Riga, I was hooked.

Riga is one fun city. It’s got a beautiful historic center, a lively bar and cocktail scene, and an up and coming restaurant scene. Pair all that with it’s low key cool Art Nouveau and Beer Districts, and you’ve got the making of a great vacation destination.

I put together this itinerary for those of you short on time but who want to see as much of this amazing city as possible in just one day.

Fortunately, Riga is a very walkable. You can get just about anywhere in the city on foot.

So lace up your sneakers, grab your phone and camera, and let’s get going.

Top 14 Things to Do with One Day in Riga

To get through this list of what to see in Riga in one day, you’ll need a comfortable pair of walking shoes and a phone with Google Maps, or a similar application.

You’ll be using Google Maps to get walking directions to take you from place to place.

Eden Fite sitting in front of Three Brothers in Riga, Latvia

1. Get a picture with the Three Brothers

A Riga one day itinerary would not be complete without a visit to The Three Brothers. The three houses that make up the Three Brothers represent different development periods in the city of Riga. 

The oldest is the white house which was built in the 15th century. The yellow house was constructed around 1646, and the green house was built towards the end of the 17th century. 

If you would like to get pictures of The Three Brothers, plan to arrive on the early side so you have time to set up your shots and not have to worry about crowds.

You can find the Three Brothers in the historic city center, Google Maps will help you navigate your way. 

Eden Fite sitting on the ground in Riga, Latvia in front of the House of the Black Heads
House of Black Heads

2. See the House of the Black Heads

The House of the Black Heads is a famous landmark in Riga’s Old Town area. The building was originally constructed during the early 14th century, though it had to be rebuilt after it was destroyed in World War II. 

The original building was constructed as a gathering place for various Riga public organizations.

In the 17th century, the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, a guild for unmarried merchants, ship owners, and foreigners in Riga became the sole occupant of the building.

The space was intended to promote entrepreneurship and be used for banquets and meetings for its members.

Today the space is used for exhibitions, concerts, and other events. The facade of the building is the highlight of the town square and is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Riga.

I recommend arriving early if you’d like to get pictures. The square in front of the building gets very busy during the day. 

View from the top of St. Peter's Church in Riga, Latvia
Photo by Makalu

3. Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Church

Visitors can find the best view of Riga from the top of the St. Peter’s Church bell tower.

The view from the top will give you a bird’s eye view of the surrounding city center, the Daugava River, and Town Hall Square. On a clear day, it’s the perfect spot to capture a photo of the city.

The church itself is an important example of medieval architecture and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. 

In the past St. Peter’s was a Catholic church but has since been converted to a Lutheran church. It was originally built in the 13th century but underwent a series of reconstructions over the years. 

I include a visit to St. Peter’s Church bell tower on the early side because you’ll get better pictures before the sun is directly overhead. However, another option would be to move your visit to the bell tower later in the day.

Depending on the weather and time of year of your visit, you may be able to end your 1 day in Riga by watching a beautiful sunset over the city.

St. Peter’s Church is generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. They are closed on Mondays.  However, hours do vary depending on the time of the year and holiday celebrations.

You are encouraged to visit their website prior to your visit in order to time your visit properly and ensure you will have access to the bell tower. Admission for adults will be 9 Euros. 

Swedish Gate in Riga, Latvia
Photo by Gorsh 13

4. Walk through the Swedish Gate

You can find the historic Swedish Gate in Old Town Riga. The gate is part of the city’s old town walls that circled the old city for protection back in Medieval times.

The Swedish Gate was built in 1698 after the Swedish – Polish War when the Swedish Kingdom took control of the city.

Today, the Swedish Gate leads to a few narrow cobblestone streets that remain from Medieval times. These streets are beautiful and fun to walk through, especially early in the morning before they become crowded.

The Swedish Gate is always open so you can visit whenever you like. Though I recommend visiting in the earlier part of the day. 

Fruit at Riga Central Market

5. Eat your way through Riga Central Market

The Riga Central Market is the largest such market in Europe and the place to go if you’d like to sample traditional Latvian food and get a glimpse of local life.

The Riga Central Market is frequented by Riga chefs and restaurant owners seeking fruits, vegetables, and meat to prepare and serve their customers

The market itself is divided into different sections by type of food. You’ll find fruits and vegetables in one building, seafood in another, and meat in yet another.

There are also several stands serving prepared foods as well. It’s a great place to walk around, especially in the morning as everyone is getting set up for the day.

The Riga Central Market is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. though some stalls and merchants are not open until a bit later. The market closes at 5:00 p.m on Sundays.

Riga city park - Riga one day

6. Go for a walk in Bastejkalna Park

Bastejkalna Park is a large green recreational space in the center of Riga. The park features walkways and trails that run alongside the canal. Visitors can rent boats to cruise along the waterways during the warm summer months.

There is plenty of seating to rest or relax along with large grassy areas making the park the perfect place for a picnic. Just be sure not to bring any wine or beer as it is illegal to drink outside in public in Latvia.

The park also features lots of plants, flowers, and bridges. If you’re a photographer, the park is a great place to get some unique photos of the city.

If you’re not a photographer, the park is a great place to mingle with locals and get a glimpse of daily life in Riga. You’ll see lots of locals out getting some exercise, taking a walk, or just letting their children run around and play. 

Freedom Monument in Riga
Photo by Yulia B.

7. Visit the Freedom Monument

You can find the Freedom Monument on the main walkway in the center of Bastejkalna Park a few minute’s walk from the historic center.

The Freedom Monument is a memorial honoring the soldiers killed in the Latvia War of Independence which was fought from 1918 – 1920. 

The monument was unveiled in 1935 and is an important symbol of the freedom, sovereignty, and independence of Latvia. The monument stands 138 feet tall and is made from granite, travertine, and copper.

At the top of the monument stands a copper figure of Liberty holding 3 stars above her head. The 3 stars represent the constitutional districts of Latvia. 

Latvian National Museum of Art
Photo by Gelia

8. See the Latvian National Museum of Art

The Latvian National Museum of Art is located in the northeast corner of Bastejkalna Park. It’s home to over 50,000 works of art created from the middle of the 18th century to present.

The museum focuses on Baltic and Latvian art, so a visit or tour at the museum is a wonderful way to learn more about Latvian culture and history.

Latvian National Museum of Art is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

They are open later on weekdays, so check their website prior to your visit. The museum is closed on Mondays. 

Admission will be about 6 Euros and if you’d like to add the audio tour, it will be 7.50 Euros. Guided tours are also available at certain times and will cost extra. 

KGB House Riga, Latvia

9. Tour the KGB Building

The KGB Museum Riga, or the Corner House, is a museum in Riga dedicated to educating its visitors on the atrocities that occurred there during the Soviet occupation of Latvia.

I encourage anyone visiting Riga to stop by the museum and participate in their guided tour. It was both educational and eye-opening.

I will warn you, a visit to the KGB Building is not light or fun, but you will come away from the experience with more knowledge than you had before. Admittedly, my eyes teared up a few times listening to the stories of events that occurred there. 

However, I think it’s important to continue to educate ourselves on past events like these. We need to understand them in order to prevent them from happening again. 

The museum exhibition is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free of charge. Guided tours of the cell block are held 5 times daily at 11.00, 12.00, 1.00, 3.00 and 4:00 p.m. The guided tours will cost 10 Euro per person.

Latvia National Opera

10. Visit the National Opera

If you’d like to add some glamour to your Riga in 1 day itinerary, consider a night at the opera.

The Latvian National Opera is located near Bastejkalna Park. It is home to the National Opera of Latvia, Latvian National Opera Chorus, Latvian National Opera Orchestra, and the Latvian National Ballet.

It is housed in a gorgeous building constructed in the Classicism style in 1863. 

Performances at the opera are seasonal, but there is almost always something scheduled.

Be sure to check their website for tickets before you arrive in town. Despite the opulence of the theatre and quality of performances held here, tickets remain affordable.

Riga in a day
Photo by Nataliia Mysak

11. Try Latvian cuisine

One of my favorite things about my visit to Latvia was figuring out where to eat in Riga.

One of the things that makes Riga such a hot destination right now is their up and coming restaurant scene. You’ll find fantastic dining all over the city, no matter your budget.

To get started, be sure to try 3 Chefs Restaurant, Lido, and Valmiermuiza.

The most common ingredients you’ll find in Latvian cuisine are potatoes, fish, cabbage, and rye bread. During my visit to Riga, I came across a lot of pickled cabbage and beets, and a lot of fried herring. You will too.

If these ingredients are not your thing, I encourage you to give them a try anyway. Enjoying the local cuisine is an important part of any culture, and certainly one of the best things about traveling.

Be sure to try the Black Balsam before you leave too. It’s a licorice flavored liquor, you don’t want to miss it.

Splendid Palace, Riga, Latvia

12. See a film at the Splendid Palace

The Splendid Palace Riga is a historic movie theatre in the Latvian capital. The theater originally opened in 1923 and was the first cinema in the Baltics to screen sound films.

Today, visitors can attend Latvian film premieres, international film festivals, live performances, concerts, and more. Several films from various genres are typically screened throughout the day beginning around noon or 1:00 p.m.

Even if you don’t have time during your one day in Riga to attend a film or performance, you can stop by to admire the theater’s neo-Baroque exterior and neo-Rococo interior.

If you’re in town during the weekend, guided tours of the theatre are held on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. 

Brewery tour in Riga, Latvia

13. Go on a brewery tour

If you’re a fan of beer, you’re really going to like the craft beer scene in Riga. There are dozens of breweries in the Riga Beer District which makes the perfect evening destination (or anytime really).

If you’d like to learn about the craft beer scene in Riga, consider taking a guided brewery tour. It’s a fun way to end your visit, and a great opportunity to make some new friends.

Here are some of the breweries I visited and recommend:

  • Ziemelenkurs: A nautical-themed brewery serving beers aptly named such as Mermaid, Propeller, and Icebreaker. They also have great burgers. 
  • Alkimikis: A fantastic small brewery in the heart of Riga serving unique craft beer and delicious food. They use chili, chocolate, and even coffee beans to craft their beers. 
  • Labietis: This is a lively pub and brewery where you can watch the beer-making through a glass wall along the inside. They are also located near the hipsterish Miera Iela street. Once you’re done sampling the beers, head out to explore the neighborhood.
  • Valviermuiza: This is a brewery, bar, market, and restaurant all in one. They specialize in perfectly pairing delicious beers with incredible Latvian food. If you do to just one place, go here. 
art nouveau building in Riga, Latvia
Photo by Makalu

14. Take an Art Nouveau District walking tour

The city of Riga is widely known for its Art Nouveau architecture.

The Art Nouveau movement was popular between 1890 and 1910 across Europe. It featured a design inspired by women, nature, symbolism, and the supernatural.

Today, these buildings remain intact and are on display for all who care to seek them out. In fact, over 40 percent of Riga’s city center is comprised of Art Nouveau buildings with over 800 across the city. 

If you’d like to do your own Art Nouveau walking tour, just head over to Albert Street and Elizabeth Street. They are about one block long each and run parallel to one another.

You can find them about a 15 to 20-minute walk from the Riga city center.

It’s a peaceful walk and an excellent way to burn off all the delicious Latvian cuisine you’ve been snacking on during your one day in Riga adventure.

Trust me, it’s a beautiful neighborhood and worth the effort to get there. 

One Day in Riga Tips

Here are a few tips to make your one day in Riga itinerary a bit more enjoyable.

  1. Be prepared to do a lot of walking. The city is fairly compact and very walkable, so it’s the easiest way to get from place to place.
  2. Book your hotel near the city center. Most of the hotels in Riga are very affordable, so you should have no trouble finding a nice place to stay within your budget.
  3. Make sure your phone is fully charged. Google Maps will take you everywhere you want to go, but it can start to drain your battery. Be sure you’re starting the day with a full charge.
  4. Bring a charger and battery pack with you. Since you’ve only got one day in Riga, you don’t want to waste time having to go back to your hotel to charge your phone or camera, so just bring it with you.
  5. Dress in layers. Riga can get chilly in the fall and winter, but once you start moving around you might get warm. Make sure you’re able to add or remove layers as you go about your day.
  6. If you’ve got more time to spend in Latvia, be sure to plan some day trips from Riga outside the capital city. Latvia is a beautiful country and a fun day trip is a great way to see more of it.

I sincerely hope you get the opportunity to visit Riga and that you love it as much as I did. I was so impressed by the city that I am hoping to return when I’m in the area again next year.

Whether you’re visiting Riga for the first time from the United States, South America, or the Middle East, you’re going to find Riga to be a unique and charming destination.

If you have any questions about this itinerary or about Riga, please send me a message. I’d love to hear from you and am happy to help if I can. Thanks for reading.

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Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help people use their vacation days to see the world.

The Best Way to See Copenhagen in a Day

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Copenhagen in a day

Planning a visit to Denmark and need to visit Copenhagen in a day? Keep reading, this post is for you.

I put together this itinerary to help those who are short on time but want to see as much of Copenhagen as possible in just one day.

Fortunately for those of us short on time, Copenhagen is a very bicycle-friendly city. Getting around from place to place is not only easy but affordable.

This itinerary is intended for first time visitors to Copenhagen who want to see the main attractions.

If you’ve already been, you may prefer to explore more unique things to do in Copenhagen, such as spending time in local neighborhoods.

So get your bicycle and your Google Maps ready, and let’s get going.

Top 10 Things to Do in Copenhagen in a Day

To navigate Copenhagen in a day you’ll want to have a bicycle you’re comfortable riding, along with a phone that you can use to view Google Maps. You will also be using the Google Maps feature to get bicycle directions to take you from place to place.

If riding a bike is not for you, you can also complete this itinerary on a self-guided walking tour and using public transport where appropriate.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the city is full of motorized scooters as well. As an added bonus, the scooters can be ridden in the bike lanes so you’ll be away from traffic and have a relatively smooth surface to ride on.

The items on this itinerary are in order based on either their location or operating hours. However, feel free to move things around as you see fit. Also, you will need to move at a reasonable pace throughout the day to visit all stops.

Little Mermaid Statue

1. Little Mermaid Statue

No one day Copenhagen itinerary would be complete without paying a visit to the iconic Little Mermaid statue. The Little Mermaid is a bronze statue created by Edvard Eriksen. The statue depicts a mermaid becoming human. Visitors can find the statue on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade. 

The statue has often been described by visitors as underwhelming or unimpressive. It has even made lists of the world’s most disappointing tourist attractions. Despite the unenthusiastic response, the Danes do not seem to be bothered by these reactions and instead embrace them.

Either way, I enjoyed my visit to the Little Mermaid statue. It’s a quick stop but the waterfront is nice and the park you cross along the way is beautiful, especially in the fall. 

St. Alban's Anglican Church
St. Alban’s Anglican Church

2. St. Alban’s Anglican Church

St. Alban’s Church, also commonly referred to as the English Church, is a local Anglican church in Copenhagen.  The church was built between 1885 and 1887 in the Gothic Revival style. St. Alban’s Church was built for the growing English congregation in the city.

While not a major tourist attraction, I found the church to be quite beautiful. It is situated in a park near the Little Mermaid Statue and is worth admiring if you’ve got a few minutes to spare. 

Amalienborg Palace Copenhagen
Photo by Bente Jonsson

3. Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg Palace is located near Copenhagen’s city center and is the official residence of the Danish royal family. Construction on the Rococo style palace began in 1750 and was completed in 1760. Amalienborg Palace was originally considered four separate palaces, centered around a large courtyard. The four palaces have been home to various monarchs and their families over the years. 

The palace is guarded by the Royal Life Guards 24 hours a day. They are in full dress uniforms consisting of red coats, blue trousers, and bearskin caps. Visitors can view the changing of the guard daily at noon. 

There is a museum located at the palace as well which is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. though hours vary depending on the day or time of year.

Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark

4. Nyhavn

Nyhavn is easily the most photographed spot in all of Copenhagen. Nyhavn, which means new harbor, is a 17th-century waterfront, canal and entertainment district in Copenhagen. The waterfront is famous for its row of colorful townhouses that line the harbor, making the area incredibly photogenic.

Normally when recommending a popular tourist attraction to my readers, I emphasize the importance of arriving early to beat all the tourists. However, due to the often grey weather in Copenhagen and the layout of the Nyhavn waterfront, I actually recommend something different. 

For the perfect photos of Nyhavn, it’s best if you can get blue skies. Since the harbor is basically in the city center, I recommend waiting to visit until you see the sun come out. It’s a fairly easy area to get to, and once you’re there you can get photos without crowds with just a little bit of patience.

During my visit here in October, I woke up early and headed straight to Nyhavn. I took several pictures and enjoyed having the harbor mostly to myself and a few business owners getting set up for the day. Then, I returned later in the day when the sun came out and ended up getting some pictures I liked much better than the first time around. 

Christiania sign in Copenhagen, Denmark

5. Christiania

Christiania is a sort of hippie commune neighborhood in Copenhagen referred to commonly as Freetown.  This area now known as Freetown was a former military barracks that was taken over by local citizens in September 1971. 

Today the area is home to about 800 to 1000 residents. Visitors are welcome to enter the neighborhood to shop, walk around, or eat at their several restaurants or cafes. However, photography is not permitted inside Christiania and locals will quickly remind you if you attempt to take pictures. 

During my time here, I decided to visit the neighborhood to try out their vegetarian restaurant Morgenstedet, which was actually quite delicious. If you’re looking for a healthy and unique lunch spot, this is it. 

Aside from the restaurant, most visitors come to Christiania to see Pusher Street, which is basically an open-air drug market. Vendors are lined up along the street selling marijuana and hash. It’s perfectly fine to walk through this area, nobody is aggressive or going out of their way to try to make a sale. In fact, they will likely ignore you or not pay any attention to you if you’re just walking by. 

Other things of interest in Christiania are the street art and murals. You can walk through the narrow streets and have a look around and view the art, but remember, no pictures. 

Copenhagen in a Day

6. Round Tower

The Round Tower is a 17th Century tower found in Copenhagen’s city center. The top of the tower is the perfect spot to get an aerial view of the city, just make sure you visit on a clear day. As you can see from the photo, I did not.

The Round Tower was originally built as an astronomical observatory. Today, it is used as an observation tower, observatory, library, and music venue.

The interior of the tower features a spiral ramp that visitors must climb to reach the observation deck. The ramp circles a hollow cone center 7 and a half times at a grade of about 10%. The ramp was originally constructed so that a horse and carriage could be used to bring books back and forth from the bottom of the tower to the library.

The Round Tower is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. though hours may vary depending on the season. Check their website for up to date information before your visit. Admission for adults is 25 DKK. 

Christiansborg Palace

7. Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace is a government building right in Copenhagen’s city center. It houses all three branches of the country’s government including the Danish Parliament, Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark. 

Christiansborg Palace is open to guests who want to learn more about Danish history and government. There is also plenty of artwork on display throughout the palace. 

Visitors to Christiansborg Palace can explore the grounds and various sections of the palace either on their own or as part of a guided group tour. Hours vary depending on the section of the palace you wish to visit as do the admission prices. Please visit their website for details. 

Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen, Denmark
Photo by Chiara Taz

8. Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is a Renaissance-style castle constructed in 1606. The castle was originally built as a country summer house but was later used as a royal residence. 

Today the castle operates as a museum and is home to Denmark’s Royal Collections and artifacts. Visitors may tour the castle and museum collection on their own or as part of a guided tour. 

The Rosenborg Castle opening hours vary depending on the time of year but are generally from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is 115 DKK for adults. 

Hans Christian Anderson, Copenhagen
Photo by Sarah Klein

9. Hans Christian Andersen Fairytale House

When most people think of Denmark, they immediately think of famous author Hans Christian Andersen. He wrote some of the most popular fairy tales of all time including The Little Mermaid, The Emperor’s New Clothes, and The Princess and the Pea. 

Hans Christian Andersen lived in Copenhagen for most of his life and even resided on the famous Nyhavn street, number 67 to be exact. Visitors to Nyhavn 67 will now find a memorial plaque outside the home. 

If you’d like to learn more about Hans Christian Andersen during your visit to Copenhagen, head over to the Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tale House. Visitors can learn more about his childhood, his life, and his work. 

Inside the museum, visitors can listen to many of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales and stories in colorful displays with lighting and sound effects. You can also experience and learn about the story of his life – from his childhood to his adult life and his many travels around the world.

The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and until 8:00 p.m on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is 60 DKK for adults and 40 DKK for children. 

Copenhagen in a day

10. Tivoli Gardens

Even if you’re doing Copenhagen in a day, I encourage you to leave some time in the evening for a visit to Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli makes a great way to close out your visit and I promise you won’t need more than a couple of hours.

Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park located right near Copenhagen’s city center. The amusement park was originally opened back in August 1843 and is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world.

The park is known for its wooden roller coaster called Rutschebanen, or more commonly as The Mountain Coaster. It is one of the oldest operating roller coasters in the world having been built back in 1914. Other popular rides inside the park include the Demon roller coaster and a swing ride called The Star Flyer.

Tivoli Gardens is open seasonally during summer, winter, Halloween, and Christmas. The park does close in between these season operating dates so be sure to check their website prior to your visit. Admission with the unlimited ride ticket is 240 DKK.

I can confirm that Halloween is an awesome time to visit the park. They do an excellent job decorating for the holiday. I encourage you to visit in the evening as well, the park is beautiful as the sun sets and the lights come on. 

10 Tips for visiting Copenhagen in a day

I put together this itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Copenhagen Many of the destinations on the list above can be seen in a short time, so you should be able to get through the list if you keep a reasonably steady pace. Here are some additional tips to help your visit to Copenhagen go smoothly.

  1. Get an early start – You’ll need to be out the door and ready to go around sunrise if you want to see everything on this list.
  2. Dress in layers – Copenhagen can be chilly depending on the time of year you visit, but you can get warm quickly when riding your bike around.
  3. Don’t linger too long – You’ll need to keep moving if you want to hit all the spots on this list.
  4. Bring lots of water – You will want to stay hydrated since you’ll be biking around the city all day. Be sure to pack lots of water or brink a refillable bottle along with you.
  5. Have some Krone on you – Kroner are good to have for small purchases along the way or in case you purchase from a cash-only establishment.
  6. Learn a few Danish phrases – The Danish are friendly anyways but will be especially pleased if you make the effort to learn a few words and phrases in the local language.
  7. Make time for lunch – Copenhagen has some incredible restaurants, in fact, some of the best restaurants in the world are located in Copenhagen. So don’t miss your chance to try some of the fantastic local restaurants.
  8. Consider a Copenhagen Card – If you’re looking to save extra money during your visit, consider looking into getting a Copenhagen Card which gives discounts on transportation and entrance fees to local attractions.
  9. Take advantage of sunrise and sunset – These are the best times for pictures, so try to be somewhere you can take advantage of the great lighting.
  10. Book a hotel just outside of the city centre – Copenhagen hotels can be expensive, but you can save quite a bit of money by staying just outside the main city center. You’ll be getting around by bicycle anyway, so it won’t take long to get anywhere.

I hope you’ve found this Copenhagen in a day itinerary useful and that it makes your visit to the city more enjoyable. If you’re interested in exploring Danish cuisine, I urge you to give my DIY Copenhagen food tour a try as well. In case you didn’t know, the food in Copenhagen is out of this world.

Please let me know if you have other suggestions for things to do in Copenhagen in a day, I’d love to hear from you. I’m especially interested in learning about unique places to visit and always love a good restaurant recommendation. If you know of a place with a great wine list, even better.

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Venice in a Day

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Venice in a Day

Venice is such an incredibly distinct place, there really is nowhere else quite like it. During my recent visit to this fun floating city, my only regret was not getting to stay longer. 

If at all possible, I recommend staying more than one day in Venice.  However, I know that sometimes things just don’t work out that way. This was my own predicament when I visited back in April, but at the time I didn’t realize how much I was going to love it here.  Honestly, though, Venice is totally worth it, even if it’s just for a day. 

So if you’re planning your trip to Venice and you’re short on time, this article is for you.

How to get around Venice

One of the best things about visiting Venice is getting to ride around on the waterways. There are a couple of options for getting around once you arrive.  Most visitors will get around in one of three ways – take a gondola, find a water taxi, or board the Vaporetto, or water bus. Here’s a quick breakdown on each of these options:

  • Gondola: Gondola rates in Venice are standardized and set by the city. Rides start at 40 minutes and cost 80 Euro before 7:00 p.m. or 100 Euro after 7:00 p.m. If you’d like to extend your time beyond 40 minutes, you will pay 40 Euro for each 20 minutes before 7:00 p.m. and 50 Euro for each 20 minutes after 7:00 p.m. You can request to go pretty much anywhere during your time, though most will head down the Grand Canal and under the Rialto Bridge. If you decide to splurge on a gondola ride, be sure to bring along a bottle of wine to share with your partner while floating down the canals. 
  • Water taxi: Taking a taxi in Venice is similar to taking a taxi anywhere in the world, except you’re on a boat. Taxi fares in Venice start at 13 Euro just for stepping onto the boat, plus an additional 1.80 Euro for each minute of travel or 1.20 Euro for each minute sitting idle. You’ll be able to get around fairly quickly via the water taxis, but you’ll definitely pay for it. 
  • Vaporetto: The Vaporetto is basically like a city bus only, you guessed it,  it’s a boat. This method will take a bit longer to get around, but it’s a lot of fun and a lot more affordable than the other options. The Vaporetto will cost 7.50 Euro for a one-way ticket. However, you can purchase a full day pass for 20 Euro, a two-day pass for 30 Euro or a 3-day pass for 40 Euro. Weekly passes are also available if you’re lucky enough to be staying that long.

Please Note: Prices referenced above are current as of September 2018.

Top 10 Things to Do in Venice in a Day

Aerial Image of the Grand Canal in Venice

1. The Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is the main waterway weaving in a backward S like shape through Venice. It’s a sight you really just have to see for yourself. There are all kinds of boats and people moving in every different direction. If you sit back and observe for a while, you’ll see there actually is a method to this madness.

The Grand Canal stretches 2 miles long and averages about 16 feet deep.  It starts near the Santa Lucia train station and ends at the basin of San Marco. The canal is lined on both sides with churches, palaces, hotels, and businesses. This will be your primary route to your hotel if you are staying in the heart of the action.  The best way to truly experience the Grand Canal, and Venice for that matter, is to get yourself on a boat and get moving. 

Rialto Bridge in Venice
Getty Images

2. The Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is the most iconic and most visited landmark in Venice. It’s a beautiful stone arch bridge and one of only four that spans the Grand Canal. It also happens to be the oldest, having been built all the way back in 1591. There are stores and souvenir shops along the bridge, but I recommend you hold off on your shopping here as this is one of the most expensive areas in all of Venice. Right next door to the bridge you’ll find a fish market and vegetable market, both bustling with chefs and locals getting their food for the day. Unfortunately, the area around the Rialto Bridge also happens to be one of the most congested. If you’d like to see the bridge up close and walk around in this area,  plan to get here early to avoid the crowds. 

If you’d like to get a great picture of the Rialto Bridge, the best place to do this is from the Grand Canal. You’ll get a great view from either the Vaporetto or your gondola as you make your way down the canal. 

Rialto Market
Photo by iStock

3. The Rialto Market

Just next to the Rialto Bridge you can find the famous Rialto Market. Inside the market, you’ll see local vendors selling fresh fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and more. It is believed the Rialto Market has been happening since all the way back in 1097, so it’s an important part of the culture and daily life in Venice.

If you plan to visit the Rialto Market, I recommend arriving as early as possible. Both the produce market and the fish market open at 7:30 a.m. The produce market is open every day except Sunday and the fish market is open every day except Sunday and Monday.

Venice in a day

4. Piazza San Marco

One of the other main attractions in Venice is Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square in English. The highlight of Piazza San Marco is Basilica di San Marco. The basilica is absolutely stunning and well worth taking the time to visit. The piazza itself is also a fantastic spot for photos, especially at night when the basilica is all lit up. 

In addition to the basilica, Piazza San Marco is lined with cafes serving food, wine, and coffee. The outdoor patios have plenty of seating and guests can enjoy live classical music while enjoying the spectacular view. Prices at these cafes will be high, but you can always just order a coffee or glass of wine.

5. Basilica di San Marco

The unique architecture of the Basilica di San Marco, or St. Mark’s Basilica, makes it both iconic and remarkable. This is one of the most visited sites in all of Venice for obvious reasons, so if you’re looking to get photos without the crowds, you’ll want to get up very early in the morning.

If you’d like to see the inside, the basilica is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the last entrance time scheduled at 4:45 p.m. There are some days when access to the basilica is restricted due to religious services, especially on Sundays and holidays.

Be sure to check the schedule prior to your visit to be sure. Entrance to the basilica is free, but you can purchase an admission ticket ahead of time for a few Euro so you don’t have to wait in line. If you will be visiting during the summer months, I don’t recommend showing up without a ticket. 

If you would like to access the bell tower, you can purchase a ticket in advance for 8 Euros. There is also a museum on site which can be accessed for 5 Euros. Again, advance purchase is recommended, especially in the summer.

Doge's Palace, Venice, Italy
Photo by Cedric Lambert

6. Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace was built in the Venetian Gothic style around 1340. The palace was originally a residence for the Doge of Venice but became a museum in 1923.

The Doge’s Palace museum opens daily at 8:30 a.m. and closes at different times depending on the day and season. In the off-season from November through March, the museum closes at 7:00 p.m. Between April and October the museum remains open until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Full price tickets to Doge’s Palace are $25 Euros. Reduced tickets are available for certain guests.

Venice in a day
Photo by Gerhard Bogner

7. Take a gondola ride

Taking a gondola ride through the canals is the most iconic thing one can do during a visit to Venice. However, the experience comes with a hefty price tag. The fees for gondola rides are set by the city of Venice so everyone is charged the same. Here is what you can expect:

  • Daytime ride before 7:00 p.m. – $80 Euros (each additional 20 minutes is $40 Euros)
  • Evening ride after 7:00 p.m. – $100 Euros (each additional 20 minutes is $50 Euros)

Gondola rides last 40 minutes when paying the base fare. To avoid the daytime heat and for the best lighting, consider taking an early morning or early evening ride.

You also may want to stop at a market before boarding your gondola. This way you can enjoy some wine while you’re floating through the city.

Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
Photo by Lena Lindell

8. Santa Maria della Salute

The Santa Maria della Salute is a Catholic church and basilica in Venice city. The basilica sits right along the Grand Canal adjacent to Piazza San Marco.

The basilica was built as a result of the Black Death (Plague) that struck Venice in 1630. As a result of the devastating effects, the city vowed to construct a church dedicated to Our Lady of Health. The construction of the basilica lasted from 1631 to 1687. The art found inside the Santa Maria della Salute consists of works primarily inspired by the tragedy of the Black Death.

The basilica is open daily to visitors year-round from 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. On certain days and times, access to the basilic may be restricted for religious events and services.

The museum found inside the basilica has a small ticket price of $4 Euros.

Colorful houses in Murano, Venice, Italy
Photo by Tee Farm

9. Murano and Burano

If you have the extra time, consider making a partial day trip to one of the nearby islands of Murano or Burano, or maybe even both.

The island of Murano is famous for its glass-making. A few of the glass factories allow visitors to tour the facilities and learn all about the art of glass-making. There is also a glass museum where you can learn about the history and process of glass-making on the island. You’ll also find plenty of shops selling glass souvenirs.

The island of Burano is famous for its artisan lace making. There are many shops selling lace products if you’re looking for a unique souvenir to bring home. There is also a lace museum where you can learn about how the lace is made.

Visitors can get to both islands via the Vaporetto. However, if you’d like a more in-depth experience, guided tours to the islands are also available.

10. Explore the plazas, canals, and walkways

Part of the beauty of Venice is the maze of canals and labyrinth of narrow alleyways. I encourage you to spend some time just exploring Venice on foot and getting lost in the process.

Take your time to visit any shops that grab your attention or stop and admire the architecture. Venice is such a magical little place and I assure you, you’re going to really appreciate moving at your own pace and seeing what you can find on your own. Just be sure to bring that camera along with you. Like the rest of Italy, Venice is very photogenic. 

Restaurant in Venice, Italy
Restaurant in Venice, Italy

Where to eat in Venice

Don’t believe all the rumors saying there is nothing worth eating in Venice. The picture above is proof that good food is out there. Sure this wasn’t my favorite meal in Italy, but it was still pretty darn good. Salad, pasta and wine, that’s all you really need. The place we tried is called Ristorante Rosa Rossa. If the weather is nice and it’s not too crowded, try grabbing a seat outside on the back patio. Aside from Ristorante Rosa Rossa, here’s a shortlist of a few other restaurants often recommended by the locals:

One day in Venice
Photo by Jan Vasek

Where to find Gelato in Venice

As with anywhere in Italy, once you finish your dinner be on the lookout for Gelato. There are several Gelato places around St. Mark’s Square if you happen to be in that area. Though you’re likely to find Gelato shops just about all over the city. 

  • Gelateria Nico
  • Boutique del Gelato
  • Gelato Fantasy
  • Gelato di Natura
  • Gelatoteca Suso

While hours vary, most Gelato shops seemed to open around 10:00 a.m. and close anywhere between 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

Where to find coffee in Venice

If you’re looking for a cappuccino, you’ll find lots of decent coffee bars in Venice. Near Campo Sant Anzolo, you can get a cappuccino or espresso at Bar Spritz. They also serve pastries and sandwiches as well if you’re looking for a quick breakfast in the morning. I do not believe they have a website, but if you put their name in Google Maps, you will find your way. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this one day Venice itinerary and find the information useful as you are planning your trip.

Once you leave Venice you can head to several other incredible nearby cities. If you’re looking to escape the crowds like I usually am, consider heading north for a foodie trip in Trentino. If you’re heading south, don’t miss the art and culture of Florence with my Florence in a Day itinerary.

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Eden Fite in the Medina in Essaouira
Eden Fite
Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help people use their vacation days to see the world.

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