THINGS TO DO
Adventure-Seeker? Check out activities with a flame ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””] ) for some extra thrills!!
Venezia Unica (Travel Pass) – Before we jump into the activities and the various locations of where to stay, let’s get you a travel pass that will help you access the city’s biggest and best attractions. You also will get access to public transportation and parking. Purchase an all-inclusive pass or do it a la carte. www.veneziaunica.it
Free Walking Tour – Feel like a local Venetian and join a free walking tour! Tours leave from Campo Santi Apostoli at 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. and in the afternoon. Venice Free Walking Tours are very interactive and an immersive experiences given by very friendly locals that show a different side of Venice. You will get the “in” on the local tips and secrets on this slightly off the beaten path tour. The tour takes about 3 hours and is offered in English. www.venicefreewalkingtour.com
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Rialto Bridge (Ponte De Rialto) – The most famous bridge in Venice and likely the most visited tourist attraction, this beautiful stone arch was built in just three years in the late 1500’s. It was designed and built by Antonio da Ponte and spans across the Grand Canal connecting the districts of San Polo and San Marco in the heart of Venice (check out our Where To Stay tab for more info on these two districts) . It is the oldest bridge that crosses the canal and is renowned as an architectural wonder of the Renaissance. www.goitaly/venice-rialto-bridge.htm
Piazzo San Marco – Better known as St. Mark’s Square, it is considered to be one of the most popular squares in the world. San Marco is one of Venice’s top attraction. This “drawing room of Europe” as referred to by Napolean is where you will have the opportunity to see St Mark’s basilica (Basilica di San Marco), Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), and Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower).
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Doge’s Palace – The Palace is a top destination for tourist’s because it embodies much of the history of the city, but also because it possesses its own architectural evolution. The initial erection of the now standing building took place by 1300 -1400, to its rebuilding that occurred again during the Renaissance period. Test Time. Explain why this Palace was referred to as the heart of the political and administrative life of the Republic of Venice. www.palazzoducale.com
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Classic Venetian Gondola Rides – Have a romantic evening ride with your partner or maybe just fun ride with friends or family. Some options will also include a walking tour. Where else can you be captivated by the charm and history of a city that is built on water? Umm, that would be no where. (40-60 Euros) www.veniceevents.com
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Venetian Rowing Lessons ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””]) – Have you ever thought of being your own Gondola driver?!! Well, enjoy a 90 minute lesson as you learn basic strokes in a Venetian batellina and then put on your big boy/ big girl pants as YOU navigate through the open lagoon. (85-100 Euros) www.rowvenice.org
Glassblowing in Venice – Embark on this unique look into Venice’s rich history by attending a tour of the Murano Art of glassblowing. In addition to the tour, guests may visit a Glass Factory Showroom located near Saint Mark’s Square, where they may learn about the art of glassblowing which dates back to the Roman Empire. Attendees will receive a small glass gift at the end of the tour as a souvenir, as well as watch a demonstration that utilizes the traditional style techniques of glassblowing by a Master Artisan. www.afar.com/vetro-murano
The Bridge of Sighs – A famous bridge in Venice but not as well-known as the Rialto, this short stone bridge connects the court of Venice to the New Prison. Legend has it that its name came from prisoners uttering their last sigh of hope as they were escorted across to their prison cell. Local lore says that if a couple kisses while travelling under the bridge they will have eternal bliss, so pucker up! Interestingly enough the architect of this bridge, Antonio Contino, is the nephew of Antonio De Pointe (creator of the Rialto). www.bridgeofsighs.info
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Dolomite Mountains ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””]) – Take a hike! Up a mountain, that is. Visit the beautiful Dolomite Mountains and enjoy the magnificent valleys, alpline lakes, and gorgeous mount peaks of the Italian Alps. With a variety of treks that can be as challenging or easy as you want, there is something for everyone. Don’t forget to have a lunch at a local trattoria (small Italian restaurant). www.dolomitemountains.com
HISTORY
Ancient History (Origins) – There have been no found written records of the origins of Venice, but it is believed that the Romans, fleeing from the Goths, founded it by AD 422. According to tradition in the area, Venice was built piece by piece around several islands of a lagoon and linked by bridges. In 726 the first chief magistrate (doge) of Venice was selected and about 100 years later the construction of Palazzo Ducale (Doges’ Palace) began in what is today St. Mark’s Square.
It is probable that the Palazzo Ducale, being protected by a canal, stout walls, and massive corner towers was meant to serve various purposes. Initially having a large fortified gateway where the Porta della Carta now stands, the buildings within these walls housed public offices, courtrooms, prisons, the Doge’s apartments, stables, armories, and other facilities.
The Fire – In 1483, a violent fire broke out in the canal-side of the Palace, which housed the Doge’s apartments. Important reconstruction works became necessary, introducing the new Renaissance architectural language to the building that spread to new structures alongside the canal, from the Ponte della Canonica to the Ponte della Paglia.
Modern History (The Renaissance) – The Venetian Renaissance is different from the Florence Renaissance because it runs into a period that, for many art critics, is considered to be High-Renaissance or Mannerism. It’s not by chance, in fact, that many Venetian artists took inspiration from Raffaello and Michelangelo, who, according to a specific academic definition, are considered to be High-Renaissance artists. With multiple World Wars in the next few decades starting in 1914, many of the artistic endeavors in Venice ceased.
Peggy Guggeheim – However, when the war was finally over, 1947, Venice still had a knack of attracting the artist back which was the case with Peggy Guggeheim. She was a world famous American art collector who shared her art in the 1948 Venice Biennale, in the Greek pavilion. Due to this endeavor the works of artists such as Arshile Gorky, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko were exhibited for the first time in Europe. The presence of Cubist, abstract, and surrealist art made the pavilion the most coherent survey of Modernism yet to have been presented in Italy, if not all of Europe.
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The Peggy Guggenheim Collection – A modern art museum in the Dorsoduro sestiere of Venice, Italy. This is one of the most visited museums in Venice. The collection is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, an 18th-century palace, which was the home of the American heiress Peggy Guggenheim for three decades. She began displaying her private collection of modern artworks to the public seasonally in 1951. Peggy Guggenheim followed in the history of great art movements being discovered in Venice. What are some of the movements on display now at the Guggenheim Museum? http://www.guggenheim-venice.it/inglese/museum
AFFORDABILITY
The current value of dollars to euros is stronger than it was several years ago when it was almost 2:1. Currently you’ll get a near even exchange, with the Euro being slightly stronger than the dollar. There are a lot of cheap options in Venice so with the exchange rate in your favor you can make Venice very affordable. On average you can have lunch for anywhere from €10-€20 and double that for dinner (not including alcohol). I have outlined some of the best places to stay, under the Where To Stay section, so that can also help you with your budget.
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- Big Mac (Italy): 3.91 Euro or $4.47 USD [July 2017]
- Big Mac (USA): $5.30 [July 2017]
- Exchange Rate: $1 to 0.83585 Euro (Note: Exchange rates are constantly changing. Please use link for most up to date rates) xe.com/currencyconverter/
RELAXATION
Venice Lagoon Islands Cruise – Three islands (Murano, Burano, and Torcello) are in close proximity to the Venice and offer a great opportunity to witness some of the city’s most authentic history. On Murano island, you can see how the world renowned Murano glass has been made for centuries, on Burano Island, you can enjoy the colorful home and hand-crafted lace shops and lastly on Torcello, you will set foot on the first Venetian island to be inhabited. Torcello also house’s Atilla the Hun’s legendary throne, so have a seat. www.venetoinside.com
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Burano Island – I already mentioned visiting this island as part of the Lagoon Cruise but it is worth mentioning again. This island is amazing! It is one of the most colorful cities you will every see with its brightly colored homes covering the majority of the available surface area. If you want to explore the island at your own pace make your way to Murano, probably by water-bus or by train, and then take the ACTV line 12 water bus to Burano. www.isoladiburano.it/en/how-to-get-to-burano.html
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Italian Opera – Experience the beauty of Italian Opera within a fascinating Venetian palace: Palazzo Barbaigo Minotto. Each act is set within a different hall, so not only do you get to appreciate and explore the Palazzo, but this also creates a wonderful, unique intimacy between the singers, the musicians and the audience. Between intervals, you are provided with a glass of wine. Maximum capacity is about 65 people per hall, so make sure you book your tickets in advance. Prices start from 75 euros and up. www.musicpalazzo.com
LOCAL FOOD
Many of places listed under activities and even nightlife can duo for food but wanted to list some additional places to try out specifically. Also, be sure to check out Where To Stay tab if you are looking to be nearby restaurants.
$$$ – Expensive
$$ – Moderate
$ – Cheap
Rialto Market – This is a market that have been open for over 700 years!! If you are a lover of seafood, then get ready to indulge in variety of underwater delicacies ranging from ink black cuttlefish, moscardini (baby octopus), to marinated sardines. Don’t forget to try some cicchetti’s (small snacks like fried cheese, rice balls etc) that range from €1-3, the fresh fruits and vegetables, and of course the tiramisu, since Venice is its supposed birthplace. It is located on East Bank of Rialto Bridge [$] www.venice-tourism.com/rialto-and-its-market
Traditional Venice Aperitivo Tour – Experience a typical happy hour in Venice during this traditional bacaro tour. This beloved Venetian tradition includes a sampling of three local bacari, Venice’s wine bar, for the consumption of wine accompanied by traditional cicchetti (typical appetizers). The tour begins near the Rialto bridge, following which your guide will take you to the famous Rialto marketplace before venturing to three nearby wine bars. [$$] www.viator.com/tours/Traditional-Venice-Aperitivo-Tour
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De Mamo Pizzeria – Enjoy some aged cheese, local grown tomatoes and dough baked to perfection at Da Mamo’s. This cozy restaurant offers dishes such as pan fried scallop with smoked bacon, red tuna with tomato tart-tare, but they are known for their pizza. They offer an excellent wine selection and a friendly atmosphere. [$] www.damamo.it
Dalla Marisa – Sit down, relax, and enjoy a set menu that you will surely remember. At a price of €15 at lunch [a freaking steal!!] or around €35 for a dinner, a pasta starter like seafood lasagna, a main like steak and potatoes, a side, wine, coffee, and a bottle of water. You can’t go wrong! You should make a reservation and plan to practice your Italian because this is a Local Favorite. [$] so local they don’t have website
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“This #local #favorite came highly recommended to us, but when we went looking for it one night, there was nothing here—no signs, no evidence of a restaurant. Fortunately, on our last day, we learned…” @ascholosser
Trattoria Corte Sconta – Superb seafood, a great wine list, and a gorgeous terrace tucked just far enough away from beaten path, this is where you will find the restaurant that is said to have the best fish in Venice!!! No menu again but as one of the few authentic Venetian trattoria’s left it will not disappoint. You must book in advance and expect to pay a premium. (€125-€200 for two) [$$$] www.cortescontavenezia.it
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La Carvella – This Italian jewel will offer you an extensive array of pastas and fresh seafood with a great environment. They also have a tasteful range of desserts so save room for their lemon squeezed ice-cream that covered in fresh wild berries. It’s a bit pricey and portions are small but it is good!! [$$$] www.restaurantlacaravella.com
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Al Muro (Rialto Bridge) – As the end of the fishing work week comes into sight, the Al Muro chef sets up a stall on Saturdays and you can sample the days’ catch within sight of the Grand Canal. Fairly price food at a swanky establishment but don’t be surprised by the service charge [$] www.murovenezia.com
ROMANCE
Wine Tour – Enjoy various types of Italian wines, in particular the Veneto (from north-east of Italy), on a wine experience that includes a gondola ride. Traverse through the ancient canals of Venice and stop at the 5 authentic taverns where you can not only enjoy wine a variety of cicchettis (small snacks ) for around €60. www.venicewinetour.com
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Casanova Wellness Centre – “I ain’t much on Casanova..me and Romeo never been friends”!! If you want total relaxation and pampering, try the wellness center located in the Hotel Cipriani. Indulge yourself in the gardens where Casanova used to woo his many lovers. His name has lived on for a reason so expect to pay a premium www.belmond.com
Night Gondola Ride – There’s a reason that gondola and boat rides are one of Venice’s most quintessential tourist experiences! Venice simply must be experienced by water, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel pressured to do it during the day, when it is very busy with all the other tourists. Wander up to Piazzale Roma and take Boat number 1 in the evening (or even early in the morning) to experience the city under the twilight of the stars. www.quickvenice.com
Private Gondola Ride – Gondola rides are certainly one of the must-do experiences (and one of the most relaxing and romantic) activities in Venice. With Local Venice Tours, you can book gondola rides that fit your mood and your budget. Their classic gondola rides start from 29 euros and travels through the historic canals in Venice. They also offer serenaded gondola rides, night tours, private tours with prosecco and dinner packages for couples. What could be a more relaxing way to spend an evening in Venice? www.localvenicetours.com
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NIGHTLIFE
Carnevale – Venice host the biggest mask party in the world!! It dates all the way back to the Middle Ages so enjoy the opportunity to dress up in your best costume and find your most flattering mask. Brazil and Trinidad Carnival as well as Bajan Cropover all have their roots here. Not as wild and a bit more family friendly, it will still be a night of culture, and fun. www.venice-carnival-italy.com
Devils’ Forest Pub – (Rialto Bridge) – This pub offers a taste of the local area at a price that won’t break the bank. Delicious Italian food and a ton of beer on tap, you can’t go wrong with this reasonably priced establishment. www.devilsforestpub.com
Dogado Lounge – (Rio di San Girolamo) – Fridays, locals do the hustle to the disco scores at Dogado Lounge, and on Saturdays, Club X offers a mix of electro and techno (ugh..couldn’t find much in the scene of hip-hop or top 40). It is a bit pricey with drinks around 10 Euros but this 1500+ square meter club doesn’t close the doors until 4 a.m. Party On!!! www.baglionihotels.com
Cafe Noir – If you want to mingle with Venice’s edgy youth, head over to Cafe Noir. Its outdoor seating is a perfect place to spend warm Italian evenings. If the weather is not so pleasant, the bar’s two indoor seating rooms provide a warm ambiance. This bar will be the perfect place to enjoy a lively conversation. Also try the food! This bar offers an assortment of sandwiches and small plates that are the perfect dish to go along with the selection of drinks available. www.facebook.com/cafenoir
Venice Jazz Club – If you want to enjoy a night of jazz music, this is the best spot in the city for you. The vibrant colors and edgy atmosphere is the perfect setting for the live shows put on by local artists. Concerts are regularly held Monday through Saturday so it will be easy to fit into your busy schedule. This club is affordable with drinks ranging from 3 to 8 euro, perfect for any budget. http://venicejazzclub.weebly.com/
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Molocinque – This unique collection of bars will surely hold something of interest for anyone. Originally, the building was a cinema complex but was converted to bars in 1999. The complex has four separate party pavilions, each with their own theme, as well as dozens of bars to choose from. Enjoy dancing outdoors in the Venice evenings or playing pool in the bar area. This place is definitely a place to see if you enjoy club dancing and parties. www.molocinque.it
Wah Wah Club – This club hosts live shows crossing various genres including rock, electro, indie, and punk. This will be your go-to spot to meet young locals who love a good party. You will want to hit the dance floor regardless of what band they have playing that night. You’ll be dancing all night at this club that prides itself on creating a unique experience. A quick scan of their past shows demonstrates that they are not afraid to limit themselves to a single genre. Artists such as ZEIT, Nathan Fake, and Ed Rush & Optical are just a few examples of who they have brought through their doors (I have no idea who any of these people are lol). wahwahclub.blogspot.com
Skyline Bar – Housed within the Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel, this bar creates a light and sophisticated atmosphere. The name says it all – this bar is at the top of a restored mill and offers an amazing view of the city. By day, this is the perfect place to take a dip in the pool and enjoy some cocktails and is the perfect place to mingle with some of Venice’s finest crowds. This is no trashy scene, it is frequented by Venice’s elite. This bar also hosts periodic theme nights so definitely check out the bar’s calendar beforehand and see what fun it offers that week! www.skylinebarvenice.com/en
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WHERE TO STAY
The city of Venice is divided into areas, similar to the boroughs of New York. Whereas, New York City is made up of five boroughs, Venice has six sestieri to choose from. They are San Marco, Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, and San Polo. You have some decisions to make, where to stay??
San Marco – Because many of the city’s greatest attractions (Basilica, Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square) are found in the San Marco neighborhood, this is also the most expensive sestiere, as well as being one of the most crowded. If you want a view of the Rialto Bridge from your hotel, or want to bask in the hustle and bustle of St. Mark’s Square, known by locals as the Piazza (la Piazza), this is the place for you to stay.
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Cannaregio – This is the home of the Jewish Ghetto which the Jews were forced to occupy by the Venetian Republic. The Ghetto was created in March of 1516, and is the origin of the English word “ghetto”. The Cannaregio is actually divided into the New Ghetto and the Old Ghetto. This is where you want to stay if you want to live like a local and this is probably the most affordable neighborhood in the city. Just remember that part of what makes it affordable is that it’s a 15 minute walk to all of the big attractions you will want to visit.
Castello – This is the largest of the sestiere and it dates to the 13th century. This is where you will experience the “real” Venice. You know the place, elderly ladies gossiping as they enjoy the sun, kids dodging around the streets playing soccer. If you are an art aficionado this is your spot. In the Church of San Zaccaria you can find works by Bellini, Tintoretto, Van Dyck, and Tiepolo. For all of its authenticity, it is also the least visited areas of the city.
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Dorsoduro – This section of town is on the southwestern side of the city, and has some of the most beautiful canals you will find. If you love the nightlife, consider staying here. During the day it’s peaceful and serene, but the streets light up and fill up at night as people weave their way into the local bars. This area is close to most of Venice’s major sights.
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Santa Croce – This is the transportation hub for your trip. Although there are some sights to see here, most people use this area to get in and out of the city. It is a lower cost alternative to San Marco or Dorsoduro. Here you can find quaint local eateries nestled in between bustling stores and businesses. You can enjoy pasta, pizza and seafood at Al Nono Risorto while you dine as fresco! Although, if you have only a short period of time for your visit, this may not be the place for you to stay as you have to travel to all the major venues.
San Polo – This darling little sestiere, also known as the Rialto district, seems to have it all wrapped up with a pretty bow. You can find fish, fruit, and vegetables in the Rialto Market if you’re renting an apartment and plan to cook. There are also terrific restaurants for the foodie in you, and there’s a lot of local activity as well as some fun nightlife to boot. If you’re looking for local artisans, this is definitely the place for you.
Lido Beach – If you want to enjoy the magnificent beach in summer along with magical Venice then Lido island is the best option. It’s very well connected to Venice and other islands. It has very good spacious family hotels where good off season bargain can be clinched. You can generally eat more cheaply on the Lido than in central Venice, although the standard reflects the fact that restaurants here are aimed at holidaying families.
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Suggested Duration – 2 to 4 days
Visa: Not Required
Airport Transportation – There is the Treviso (TSF) airport that is an hour away (30 km) and services cheaper airlines like RyanAir. However, the airport that you likely fly into is the Marco Polo (VCE), which services all major airlines and is 7 km away from the Lagoon. You can take a Water Bus and arrive at your destination in just over an hour from Marco Polo. Be careful which water bus you get on as they travel to different places based on their color. You can also take a public bus or an express bus. You can purchase tickets at self service kiosks. The land buses will run you about €9 round trip, as opposed to the water bus which will cost you around €2. The final option is a water taxi if you want to splurge. Plan to drop about €150 on this one – more if you’re dragging a bunch of luggage along with you. www.italylogue.com
Ground Transportation – There are three different types of transportation by boat in Venice: vaporetto, gondola, and traghetto. The vaporetto (€7-€10) is the equivalent of a city bus but on the water. The Gondola (€60-€100) is more used for scenic/touristic trips of the city. The traghettos (€1-€3) are used to cross the Grand Canal when there isn’t a bridge conveniently to get across. It is also a bit bigger than a gondola. You can of course walk as well. http://actv.avmspa.it/
MY EXPERIENCE
Pros – Great food, no cars, and tons of history. It is a very unique city and it is no pricier than most places in Italy so this a destination everyone should try to get to.
Cons – This a city that has a reputation for love so if you’re going there in a group, solo, or just without a significant other you will likely feel like you need to do the city over again. Being serenaded as I take a nighttime gondola with my buddy is not something I planned lol so needless to say that was skipped. Venice can also be a bit crowded and can sometimes have a bad smell from the water.
My Experience – Note to self, do not show up to a city at 3 a.m. in the morning without hotel especially when you do not know a bit of Italian. I felt very proud of myself as I found $1 USD bus to take me from Florence to Venice. However, in my excitement, and also just me kind of forgetting, I did not bother to find a place to sleep for that night. Ummmm, bad idea lol.
First, I was dropped off at this desolate bus station at about 1:30 a.m. and about 10 of us got off the bus. We all spoke different languages and didn’t know each other but we all had the same face of confusion, thinking where in the hell did this bus driver drop us off and where is Venice?!! After some dumbfounded looks, the entire group just decided to walk to see if we could find some form of civilization.
So at about 2 a.m. this caravan of lost travelers banded together and set out to find our way to the lost city of Venice (all with a smile on my face)
We made our trek up this huge hill to get out of the bus station and after about a mile of walking with our luggage we finally saw the city. Hallelujah !!! However, that was not the end of it. Remember, no hotel. I literally walked up and down the dark, empty streets of Venice knocking on doors, trying to find hotel rooms that were at least reasonably priced.
Needless to say it was an adventure, but right at about 3 a.m., after walking one too many bridges with my suitcase (quite a terrible experience), I found a matchbox of a place to stay in. I counted my blessings because I was lucky enough to find a place that had an AC!! I didn’t sleep the best that night but tomorrow was another day. When I woke up it was a beautiful day and I got to explore the city, eat some of its great sea food and of course go to the Rialto Bridge.
I only spent a day in Venice, so I did not have as much time as I would have liked to explore. However, I shared with you all the cool things I wish I have done in this guide.
WeWorkToTravel ?
(@weworktotravel)
TWB: there are so many tourists there that it can get slightly overwhelming if you’re someone with sensory overload (I’m not). Once you get past that, understand that the world’s view of us is slightly skewed, so expect some racism. I went to the Gucci store, which is 3 stories. The bottom floor is an open concept with quick things to grab, such as perfumes, wallets, card holders, etc. The second floor has sneakers and more off-the-rack items, and the third floor has a privatized stylist vibe. Despite having a security member who appeared to be African, another Italian employee followed me to each floor precisely. I got tf out of there so fast. I was pissed!
In frustration, I went to the Dior store. After waiting in line cause they had occupancy issues, I was invited in. Once inside, a concierge attended to me by trying to order me some things off of an iPad. The problem is everyone else who came in got sat down, offered a drink, and specialized treatment. So, pre-crash out, a man working the perfume counter came over, took the woman’s iPad, and gave me a personalized experience. I ended up being the only person in the store who purchased something (sneakers), but I made sure to be as inconvenient as possible.
Outside of that, the restaurants are friendly; there is a unique part of Venice where holocaust victims were housed as the Third Reich was crumbling. They have since replaced the prisons with storefronts, but they haven’t painted over where the cells were. I think that’s important, and I’m by no means a Jew sympathizer or dislike them. I find it fascinating that Europe has never distanced itself from its atrocities the way America continues to attempt to.
Travel during February for their Carnival season. Bring your walking shoes! No it’s not like the Caribbean’s carnival but it’s a great time! The Gelato is a must! Or travel on a waterbus to the small islands such as Burano! The locals are very friendly. For my younger female travelers especially solo be aware of being marked with bracelets or trinkets guys will come and try to put on your wrist. Also book your gondola rides ahead of time because walking up and asking for a ride and price they will give you an overprice amount. Always carry euro a lot of the local shops still only take cash.
Venice is a beautiful city to stroll and get lost in the alleys (many of which don’t show up on google maps). You have to get around the city by walking or boat, and the boats are PACKED during tourist season. If you get seasick, you might want to reconsider what time of year you go. My favorite part of Venice was a free view of the city from T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace (just make sure to reserve a time slot in advance).
Many people, including myself, that visit Venice stay on the most popular island of San Marco where many of the tourist attractions are. However, I recommend going there for a day or less and then venturing to other islands! The food on San Marco is a lot of the same and not cheap, but other sestieris offer so much more of a local feel. Try Cannaregio for a laid-back and budget-friendly choice with less tourists. Get there and the other sestieri by Vaporetto (boats!). Also try Castello. Definitely try to visit more than one to get different experiences of Venice.
My husband I visited Venice in 2018. We were there for less than a day and pretty jet lagged. Venice is totally walkable and can be done in a day. We caught a water taxi and quickly made our way to St Marks square to sit outside and have espresso. We toured the upscale shops, grabbed a mask, had gelato and authentic Italian cuisine. We stayed at a Marriott property near the train station. The city seemed pretty affordable. No issues being black or experiencing being treated differently.
I underestimated this city and wish i had spent more time there. Although it’s pretty small and can be visited in a day, i think it’s best to give it at least 3 days to savour in all it has to give; from the food to the architecture to the stroll around the small corridors.m, it’s actually fun to get lost in the maze and discover things. I’m not the type to revisit cuz my list is so long but i’m Definitely going back.
Venice is a beautiful city but if you go during the pick of summer then it is so crowded and gets so hot. Plan to start your day early so that you can beat the crowds both at tourists sites and at the water taxis. There is so much to do and see and you will never get bored. I found it to be a place where you can just walk around with no plan and still experience so much culture and history. I enjoyed touring the island of Burano and also Murano. In Burano I could tell the locals were not too friendly but when you see the amount of tourists that visit that island then you can certainly understand and sympathize with the local. Be mindful, be courteous and be respectful that will go a long way. Go early if you want to enjoy the peace and quite of the island before the hoards of tourists arrive. Buy a weekly or day pass for the water taxes and it saves you the hustle and time depending on how long you are staying in Venice. Everyone I met was friendly and I even made friends while I was there so travelling while black there is good. Great place to travel as a solo female traveler. I love Venice and I will definitely be back in the future. P/S – The food, gelato and the sunsets are amazinggggg
One of most gorgeous cities I’ve been to. While walking around I was just in constant awe of the architecture, canals and how the city is literally on water. I stayed in a very affordable AirBNB on Punta Sabbioni and used the water taxi’s to travel back and forth to the city which also took me to other isles. Burano is a must see isle. My AirBNB host was super helpful and kind. She gave me great advice on places to go and things to see.
Venice is one of my favorite City in the world because it is uniqueness. Venice is romantic, historic and gorgeous with his canals, his gondolas and his architectures. You will have a lifetime of memories. First you have to visit the St. Mark Square with the street vendors. You have to take a Gondola Ride through the canals to really appreciate the architectures of the City. Visit the Saint Mark Basilica one of the Landmark of the City. Don’t miss the view from Ponte dell’Accademia. My favorite view of Venice and visit La Fenice Opera House.
The perfect romance baecation!!!!If you’d like to take it easy, sit in cafes, enjoy the food, live music, etc ., allocate more time. The food there is amazing and locals are very friendly. We ate at the AI mercai which was absolutely amazing.They understood my Spanish better than English.
Vibrant in history and love. Venice is a must visit if you are a person who enjoys being around water such as myself.
Get lost through the many canals while enjoying pizza.
Cons: Venice can get extremely crowded and hard to maneuver through the streets. Northern Italy is more expensive.
Pros: publc transportation rather via water taxi, bus, train, or tram is very easy.
I said when I turned 21 I would would visit and I did. I spent 2 days in Italy.
One in Milan, an the other in Venice. We decided to ride the gondolas which are expensive like everyone has said. The regular price is 80€ for 2 I believe but we had a discount because of the high tide, and also because due to Venice flooding so much and the lack of tourist business is not booming. Outside of the gondola ride and filling up
on gelato, pizza and pasta I didn’t find much “adventurous” things to do. The weather also wasn’t that great so that played a factor. Keep in mind that if you are coming from Milan or going the ride is about 2.5 hours.
Venice is a beautiful city full of culture, I’ve been there countless times. The only downside is that it’s very often SUPER crowded because of the amount of tourists that are ALWAYS there. If you’re going, enjoy! But prepare for a very congested walk through the streets to get pretty much anywhere within the main city area. I would recommend going into the main square to visit the cathedrals and honestly there’s really no one place to go here! There are SO many alley ways with hidden gems of stores and restaurants, that the best way to find your taste is just to have a wander inside! BUT! One thing you MUST do is the Gondala ride through the main canal! That’s A MUST!
This city is fascinating, right down to the way you arrive. There is so much to see and so much uniqueness. There are expensive designer stores to shop in, but there just as many designed for the tourists that don’t have tons of money to spend. The people were always friendly and the food was great almost anywhere we went. The places to stay can be very expensive, but look for the smaller sister hotels to the larger ones. They are just as nice and have just as much to offer. Ours even had access to the main hotel for using the amneties such as the internet. Definately a very memorable part of our Mediterranean Cruise!
This beautiful old state is ideal for a romantic trip. very rich in history you can stroll through these ancient buildings but especially well eat THE pizza of Italy. I recommend it to you.
We took a day trip to Venice from Florence. The earliest train we could get at the time arrived in Venice by lunch time.In hindsight, I wish we had at least 3 days in Venice. St. Mark’s Square is such a sight and definitely the best place to catch a bite to eat while people watching. If we had time, we would’ve toured the St. mark’s Basilica,the Bell Tower,and the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute.
Tip # The daily pass was well worth it, especially if you’re tired of walking! A single fare is €7,50, While a 1-day travelcard is €20,00 but gives you unlimited use for the day.
Tip# We concluded that the Rialto Bridge was one of the best places to take our Gondola ride because it was less crowded and had zero lines. When we arrived at the Grand Canal, the lines to take the gondolas were ridiculously long.
Venice was a very interesting place. I think the best way to explore Venice…is to literally just get lost on the alleyways and tunnels. My friend was spending a year in Italy, so she was my eyes and ears for most of my trip to Itlay, but in Venice we both sort of just allowed ourselves to get lost in canals. It is a VERY VERY “instagramable” city, so I would say bring a full SD card, and be ready to have a good time…but it is also a nice city to just chill out in as well. I’d say, after you’ve gotten a few IG worthy shots, just put your lens down and take in the scenes. I’d recommend going to get some gelato (try to find a spot on the side streets where there are fewer people because it will be MUCH cheaper…and probably much better as well), and just relax by the water. It’s not a place that I would spend a whole lot of time in, but certainly worth visiting while you still can.
It’s a beautiful place and lots to see. Very “instagramable” theres nice “islands” to visit that you can reach by boat. Lido beach is beautiful. And not far at all.
I’ve been to Venice a couple of times. It’s one of my favorite northern Italian cities because mostly everything worth seeing is within walking distance of each other or a short gondola ride away. If you’re not going on a romantic trip and just wanting to explore, I recommend 2-3 days max in Venice. Outside of gondola rides, make sure you explore St. Mark’s Basilica/St. Mark’s Square, The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, & Ponte di Rialto. And just enjoying walking in and out of all the shops and museums while walking around. Pro-tip, if you use Airbnb, book far out so you can get a chance at cheap but gorgeous place off the canals. A lot of the places there can be very run down. Also, compared to other Italian cities, restaurants can be very expensive in Venice but they mostly offer the same thing so look around before choosing a spot.
Being a Fashion Designer I am greatly into
Art, which is why I chose Italy for my 28th birthday. 6 of my friends accompanied me on this trip and we stayed for 6 days. During our vacation we stayed in Rome and visited Florence and Venice, and I must say Venice exceeded my expectations! Being that we had an itinerary to follow we had only one day to explore the city of Venice and which now I wish we would’ve stayed there instead. We took the first train departing from Rome so we can have more time. When we arrived to Venice we met our travel guide who was simply amazing, she saved us a lot of time and was very patient. From the beautiful Art , to the intimate whine tasting to the amazing Gondola Ride ( which was my favorite) We really enjoyed the city.
I have visited Venice two times now. Both of which has been in the winter season. Obviously with the city being surrounded by water it can get very cold in the winter but The city is so beautiful and a perfect romantic getaway with with a lot of sun during the day even in winter. I would recommend to visit Venice for four nights.
That is more than plenty of time to see the attractions such as going to the little Watertown Murano known for its colourful and buildings. They are plenty of rooftop bars check out the Hilton sky bar and lastly we cannot forget the awesome Italian food! Italy can be expensive however food wise you can get some really cheap eats from local Italian restaurants. And I will be honest, compared to other Italian cities such as Milan and Rome, you won’t see a lot of black people, but you surely will see plenty of couples in the romantic city and many locals! x
Was only able to spend one full day in Venice before leaving for my scheduled cruise. So, note to self…plan to stay at least three full days next time we visit. But, in my one day, I was able to visit the islands, Murano and Burano. Enjoyed Burano more because of the vibrant colors of the homes and more energy from the people. Ate gelato ALL day?! Hate that I did not get to do a gondola ride. Will do the next time.
Probably one of the romantic placed to visit in the whole world. For transportatie you can buy a 24h ticket at any loket in the city its much cheaper I think its around €30-€35.With the ticket you have acces to the ferry’s that go to the islands and some of the busses. Venice was pretty nice if you go please visit the small islands Burano with the colorfull houses and Murano.Venice is quite expensive try to eat far away from the touristic places.
Italy was like a dream come true, we visited Rome, Florence, Venice and each destination was a totally different experience.. The history of each place speaks volumes… Out the three Venice was the most expensive, but the experience was worth every penny… I recommend traveling to Italy and experience it for yourself
I recently visited Italy and did a full day in Venice. I stayed in Rome and trained to Venice. I purchased my roundtrip tickets in advance online, however they can be purchased at the station the day of. The train ride was smooth, air condition and very comfortable. While in Venice I did a wine tasting, water taxis, gondola ride and ate at the local eateries. Venice was beautiful and I could have definitely stayed longer. There are so many things to do in Venice, airbnb experiences has a multitude of reasonable priced activities. I traveled alone and felt safe.
Food is very expensive so I would recommend eating somewhere else in the city. The river taxi is great if you don’t want to spend money on the boats, which costs 100 euros. If you go to doges places you’ll see wonderful kingrooms, and also they have a underground prison. Also if you go to st marks square you will see a nice palace you can go inside. The basilica church is great but keep in mind they have a strict dress code. I got kicked out for wearing a dress above my knees.
Venice was a dream. The vibes were amazing and the locals were friendly. We went during the low end of the high season which was in September. I highly recommend going. We stayed at the Charming Venice Santa Fosca which was about $134 a night. easy to walk to from the train station – service was absolutely impeccable – room was gorgeous – hotel is tucked away in a quiet nook – water taxi within quick reach – awesome breakfast. Personally there isn’t much activities to do in Venice as its a city on water. The Gondola rides where nice but expensive. We paid $90 for a 20 min ride still worth it to get the experience. We were in Venice for 3 days then off to the Amalfi coast.
Venice was not as romantic as I thought it would be. Maybe that’s because I went solo, but I still didn’t get that vibe. A lot of people think that you have to have a date when traveling to places like Venice or Paris, but that’s not the case. You’ll still enjoy yourself and meet new people while there.
We chose to visit Venice, Italy for a weekend quick since our primary vacation spot was Milan, Italy. Let’s just say that Venice was one of the best trips I’ve ever done! We stayed in the San Marco neighborhood and took the bus to Central Venice every day. There are no rental cars or taxis allowed in Venice, so please make sure you bring comfortable shoes to change into because you’ll be walking A LOT! Unlike Milan, you cannot use U.S bank/credit cards, so make sure you have enough euros before you arrive. I definitely recommend visiting the San Marco square, the top of San Marco Tower, and Palazzo Ducale. Of course, you have to do the boat ride in the canal to wrap up your Venice experience, which is about 80 euros. I highly recommend spending at least 2 full days in Venice because the experience is absolutely beautiful!
It was my first time in Italy and I got to spend 2 nights in Venice. I stayed at Ai Mori D Oriente, a charming little hotel 15mins from the main train station.
Make sure to bring comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking all day long. There are no cars or taxis allowed on the islands so the only mode of transport is using water taxis or walking.
In 2 days, I saw San Marco square, Rialto bridge, the Grand canal and walked over many (many) bridges. I also did a half day trip to Murano (famous for making chandeliers) and the colourful Burano island.
I visited the Rialto bridge the day I arrived from Switzerland around 4pm and it was packed with tourists. I went back the next day early morning around 0630 and I practically had the place. The gondola ride was a bit pricy (80 euro) but I can say it was worth every penny
Travelling while black: I went to three cities in Italy and I have to say Venice was the friendliest of the three. There weren’t a lot of black people around but I still felt comfortable compared to florence and Rome
This floating city is my fav in Italy . Love everything about it. Romantic and beautiful to say the least. P.s Don’t leave without having a Bellini and a ride on the gondola boat
Venice is all for sights! The night life is pretty much nonexistent. But it is great for a romantic getaway. The gondola’s cost more if you purchase them on the spot. Look on a travel site and book it ahead of time. Make sure to have walking shoes and stay close to everything. It can be hard to navigate. If you are looking for romance and relaxation this is perfect. A lot of history, views, and beautiful achitecture. If you are looking for more I would say spend more time in Rome and you can really do Venice in one full day.
Oh Venice!!! Such a sight to see. I stayed in Venice for 3 days. It’s really beautiful however I didn’t realize how often I would be on a boat. We used water taxis to get around and visit the near by islands. Thank God I don’t get motion sickness but some of the girls traveling with us had an issue with it. Just a heads up to bring medication for this reason!!
Venice, I will be back! Highly recommended. I visited Venice only on a day trip. This city is fascinating, right down to the way you arrive. Truthfully, there is so much to see and so much uniqueness. Many high-end designer shops such as Valentino, Moncler, Gucci, and Burberry. We did wine tasting through Wine and Cicchetti, storefronts selling Gelato, sightseeing (a lot of history). Venice has something for everyone. The people were always friendly in this city and the food was delicious.
If you can, avoid going to Venice in the summer. It was humid and way too crowded. I couldn’t recommend more doing walking tours, though. Especially of the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Square, and the basilica. It makes you really understand what an incredible feat of engineering it was to build such an empire on what is effectively a swamp. The tours also really make the city come alive. It’s hard to imagine now with so many tourists but medieval Venice was full of intrigue and mystery!
The most beautiful place I’ve ever been too. Just to know that an entire city is on water is amazing in itself. Lots of people here are fit and appears to be healthy especially because their are no cars. There is one train that comes to the city, other than that you must travel by foot, bike, gondola, boat or water taxi. Great food! Great experience!
Italy is one of my favorite countries in the world! It’s so beautiful and full of history. It really is picturesque…. and made for Instagram (so instagramable!) :)
Venice can be done on a budget if you look for the right places, for instance there’s a lil place called Bacareto Da Lele… it’s only a few mins walk from Piazzale Roma. It’s the cutes lil place where you can get mini glasses of white or red wine for 60cents! Oh and the serve traditional Italian sandwiches (also miniature) if you fancy a bite. You know it’s a good place when the locals go there also :)
If you’re one for scenery and seeing Venice from above, then I recommend taking a trip to Fondaco dei Tedeschi, it’s a luxury shopping mall that has a viewing point on the roof. Great views!
I enjoyed eating in Venice!!! The fish soup, which is really all the seafood, was delicious & welcoming since we went during the winter. We had an early morning flight so I just want to recommend that you tell your hotel the day before since the water taxis don’t run throughout the night. The water taxis are also VERY EXPENSIVE in the early morning hours. We ended up walking back to the train station.
Don’t get me wrong… Venice is a beautiful place, but it’s a place you can literally see in 1 day. So I suggest only spending 1to 2 Days here, the gondola rides are amazing and you are lucky to get a guy to sing while you are on there. Also the pizza and lasagna are DELICIOUS! There is a lot of history I. Venice so taking a walking tour will give you all the great knowledge about all the beautiful architecture and cathedrals. Also be aware the Venice floods very easily so book your trip accordingly
I only spent 4 days here but don’t think i could have done any more. It is a gorgeous place however it does have a fishy smell which is fair enough as you are surrounded by water, you kind of get use to it by day 2. this is recommended for a romantic break and the novelty of travelling in the boat to different locations wears off after a while as it does get pricey. I don’t know if its because i didn’t stay long enough but there wasn’t much to do besides eating and going to the spa. It is a lovely weekend get away for you and a loved one or even for a girly relaxing trip away. If you are a thrill seeker you might be bored by the day of arrival. Hope this helps.
will i come here again…yes for a weekend escape as London is not to far from here but defo wont fly across the world to get here.
Most definitely one of the most romantic places I have visited thus far although I am still to visit the worlds’s most romantic place(so they say) PARIS. 2 days is more than enough to explore and soak up this fairly tale city and it’s interesting history. Please do yourself a favour and try the traditional Italian dishes here such as squid pasta, the pizza, antipasto, risotto, gelato, coffee, aperol…okay I’m getting carried away and my mouth is watering as I type thinking about all rich foods I consumed here. It’s fair to say that I have a love affair with Venice. My favourite islands here are Burano and Le Guidecca!
I almost forgot to mention that it is very expensive here so do save save save as much as possible to fund your stay here!
I spent 3 nights in Venice. Stayed at Boutique San Marco Hostel, which was close to everything. Took the Doges Palaces secret itineraries tour. It gave more information about the palace and tge peopke there during that time. Went into Casanova’s cell. After leaving the tour, San Marco square was flooded. The street vendors sell waterproof shoe covers. There is jewelry museum with nice pieces as well. I enjoyed walking around exploring the area and shopping. I did get lost many times. The pistachio gelato at Suso was heavenly. I went on a day trip to Murano and Burano, bought lace items and glass jewelry. There is glass blowing demonstrations, so be sure to stop by one. It was nice to visit once.
Best Gelato and don’t eat at restaurants where someone is outside trying to lore you in. Eat where the Locals eat.
Was only in Venice for a day before traveling to Milan, but it was a cool, relaxing city. me & my fiance definitely got lost, as it is easy to do in Venice with all the alleys. You will literally walk up on so many restaurants, so just pick one. St. Mark’s Square is mandatory, but that whole area has everything. Make sure to take in all the canals & bridges over canals. We did an Airbnb, but even those are expensive in Venice. The city is wayyy overcrowded in summer though, so go in fall/spring if possible. The food was sooo good though. The pizza & gelato was among the best of Italy. Follow the street signs because Google maps can go haywire while walking around. The water taxi was always crazy, and it was surprisingly expensive, so I’d suggest walking, but bring your most comfortable pair of shoes to walk around in. Weather was great though, and views get really nice.
I find Venice to be romantic, adventurous, historic and all the other categories but one thing I appreciate the most was the ability to unwind and relax.
So romantic food food foood it’s amazing a lot of restaurant” impronta cafe “ riviera “mécante everywhere in the city offerings amazing dishes for a good price , I also love the fact that the city it’s so romantic the architecture it’s waaaouh and you can also relax at the same time this trip was one of the best trip I’ve had and the cheapest one I will def go Back with my new girlfriend
Venice was my absolute favorite city in Italy and I visited 7. I know people usually say Rome but there’s something so magical about this floating city. I chose relaxation instead of “Things to Do” because just walking around the city, you’ll find tons of things to do. The first thing I did after taking the train from Milan was walk into a grocery store and get some water and candy (lol), it felt like I was at home instantly. That’s just the vibe I got there. I walked around the canals, sat by the water, waved at people on boats, took pictures of everything, bought gelato (twice), walked through all the cool little shops and the big fancy designer ones. And because it’s so small, you can make your way around the whole island in one day, I swear I did. Everyone was super nice too, I even got a few comments about my skin! Then I made a few friends and we took a gondola ride together, it was 80 euros so we just split the cost. It’s super touristy and there’s 8,000 of them but it was a beautiful experience, our conductor was extra hilarious and mad flirty. He was telling us about everything as we glided past it. If you’re going to Italy, do not miss Venice! It’s a city you’ll fall in love with without a doubt. Follow me on instagram @__anomaly for dope pictures of all my travels (:
Venice is something out of a fairy tale! It’s hard to select a category that’s all encompassing. I stayed on the mainland of Venice but it is a very easy commute via bus or train to the island. Once on the island you will never want to leave. Every street and alley is picturesque and and lined with shops and restaurants! The entire island is walkable but you can also reach other parts via ferry. You have to go to the area called Rialto. It is very busy and touristy but that is where the main sites are including the iconic hand coming out of the water and bridge that offers a beautiful view of the canal. Do yourself a favor and grab a spritz and sit by the canal at sunset if you are blessed with clear skies. Also, with any Italian city, you must grab some gelato. There are two islands that a lot of people don’t know about called Murano and Burano which is only a ferry ride away from the island and there are amazing instagram-able moments there! Overall Venice is beautiful and you HAVE to go there if you are considering an Italian trip!
I enjoyed traveling to Venice but it wasn’t one of my favorites. It was beautiful and the scenery was to die for but I just wish it was more affordable, to get around was a little confusing as far as what type of transportation the passes covered, some of the locals who didn’t speak English didn’t even bother to look at my google translator. The experience was different for me than others. I did have a lot to do though, from the shops at Rialto. All in all I think if I didn’t stay 30-40 mins away from the city my experience would have been better. I also went on a boat tour that took us to 3 other islands now that was my favorite. Not only did we get to get away from the touristy areas but the sunset in the way back was unbelievable
Venice to me, was one of those bucket list / tick box exercises. So now I can say I took a ride on a gondola with our guide dressed in a white and navy striped top and hat singing opera tunes. Check. The architecture is just next level and the food was absolutely amazing but there’s not much else to do there so I wouldn’t stay much more than 2 days. Also, be careful when you eat at a restaurant with live entertainment – they actually charge you for that.
Definitely a place for romance, I went as a third wheel and said to myself “where is my bae”?! Water taxis are affordable to get around, and lots of options for Italian cuisine. Gondola rides can be a bit pricey but it’s an experience to share with your boo.
The food was amazing especially the pasta!!! The water is BEAUTIFUL!!
Venice was absolutely stunning. I was in Venice for one day during my Italy trip and fell in love with this beautiful, romantic city. From the architecture, scenery, and the people you’ll have no choice but to love this place!
Gorgeous city… got to travel the city and see things that I never thought I’d get to. The food was amazing especially the pasta!!! The water is BEAUTIFUL!! I love the language and the locals.
Venice! What a city, which is surrounded by water. Venice is a great city to roam around, relax, shop till your drop and feed your appetite. The Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marco, and a gondola ride are must sees and do’s while in Venice. If you are looking for a very good meal by the water and the Rialto bridge Al Buso is your spot. The food there was very good. I stayed at the Aqua B hotel which was perfect location wise and also a great place to stay while in Venice. Aqua B will definitely set the mood if you are planning to travel to Venice with a significant other. Be prepared to shop while in Venice. Dress comfy and wear comfy shoes because you will do a lot of walking while in Venice.
So it’s Venice. Can’t really go wrong when it comes to eating. But I did stumble across a gem in a random back alley. Osteria Oliva Nera
Castello, 3417/3447, 30122
Venezia VE, Italy.
everything on the menu is phenomenal! But the desserts were second to none. Their dessert menu was pretty impressive; there was none! In fact every waiting, draws the dessert menu at the table for every party and goes in to great detail explaining each dish. I got them all. Another obvious spot to hit UP while in Venice is Harry’s bar. Food is great. Enjoy the canals
Venice, was absolutely incredible. I didn’t think I would love it as much as I did. U thought i would ride a gondola and be over the trip. Boy was I wrong. There is so much history in the city. The food was incredible! The pizza, the pasta, the wine, oh and the cappuccinos are all to die for!! Then there is the shopping(which is about 30% cheaper than buying in the us)… so needless to say I was in heaven! Another great thing to do is taking the ferry over to Burano! It’s a local fishing town where the buildings are all different colors to help the fishermen back in the day to find their way home! The last awesome thing about Venice is that you can take a train to the other Italian cities… or take a cheap flight to other European cities! I would Venice Venice twice a year if I could… I love it that much!
First of all, don’t be on a diet when you go to anywhere in Italy. In my opinion, Venice is one of the incredible wonders of the world! The incredible architecture rests against an incredible network of canals that never stops mesmerizing you and the food bruh. THE. FOOD. Hot Chocolate mades of whole melted bars and cream. Pasta that melts in the mouth and Pizza that will change your life. Although many people dislike how touristy the city can be, all you need to do is make sure that you hop on a ferry to one of the outer islands. Get drunk on delicious wine at a mom and pop near one of the beaches at night and take a dip in the ocean.
I went to Venice last summer and it was extremely beautiful! The food is pretty amazing! I stayed for only 2 days and within those two days one of the days I spent the day in Burano. You have to visit Burano! It Is very colorful and a must see.
I went to Venice with my girl. Before visiting Venice I was a bit nervous if it was to much of a romantic city for a girl trip but gladly it wasn’t. Venice is by far one of my favourite cities in Europe. It doesn’t matter if it’s a girl/guy trip, a family trip or a couple trip I’m sure you will fall in love with the city. It’s a city that you should get lost in to discover the most! The only downfall is that the hotels are very pricey compared to other cities.
Being from London, Europe is both accessible AND affordable for us. Mid week breaks are CHEAP AS CHIPS and Venice was no exception to this rule. We took a quick naughty break last year June (I told work I’d sprained my ankle lol) and we enjoyed a lovely 5 night break. Flights were quick; and our friend picked us up in his private taxi boat service which made the experience even more special. We definitely saved money by walking everywhere… We actually got lost whilst walking around which led us to discover the city in all its splendour. Nonetheless, by following siglgns to San Marco Square, we were able to get our bearings. We stayed in a lovely B&B on the waterfront; and it was the perfect location (close to the action – but still quiet enough to relax). We stopped in COOP (they are everywhere) for our soft drinks and alcohol; which is where I discovered a penchant for white wine in a box that tasted FABULOUS and only cost a mere €1.20 (I bought 10 boxes ???). The city is RICH with culture; and the city is full of GREAT eateries; although, I will advise that they add “tourist tax” on everything. The mosquitoes are LETHAL are the bites are piercing – so be sure to back PLENTY repellent for the duration of your trip. Locals/businesses speak limited English so be sure to brush up on a few phrases to help you along the way.
My favorite city of all time with the most amazing pizza I have ever tasted. The pizza was made to perfection with just the right amount of ingredients. The pasta and seafood was fresh and the restaurants (Al Covo and Pizza 2000) gave us free shots and champagne while dining with them. I can’t wait to go back again
Venice is not only the most romantic city that ive visited but also one of the tastiest lol… If that makes any sense at all… The food is absolutely amazing and pretty damn cheap…
My advice.. use getyourguide to book all tours.
Venice is awesome.. You can get a 5min gandola ride for 3 euros, Be sure to also check out Burano!
I lived in Italy for a few years and Venice for me is by far one of the most beautiful and romantic cities I’ve had the pleasure of frequenting. The people are exceptionally warm and friendly, the food was nothing short of amazing – to die for and the wines were definitely some of the best I’ve ever had. The shopping is exceptionally great with a wide array of stores to choose from. St. Mark’s Square is one of the highlights for a great shopping experience. I love the concept of having the ability to tour the area by foot or via boat/water taxi. I still romanticize about my Gondola rides. And yes phenomenal architecture with breathtaking views!
You have to try the Malaga gelato it’s the best I have ever tasted. And watch those sandwich wraps in the touristy areas they pack all of the meat in front to fool you. Also look for Venetian glass pens there really good gifts. Also you can take a train to Milan in just a few hours versus visiting one of dozens of glass factories. Also just pay a few euros to take a picture on the fancy gongala’s if you want to save some money and then just take a regular looking water taxi. As the sun begins to set find any bridge by the water to take pictures you can’t go wrong even at night.
Venice is absolutely beautiful. Great place to visit for food, scenery, and boutiques. Very romantic for couples, too bad I was on a girls trip, not romantic for the gondola ride.
I was in Venice for about 2 days when i was doing a Europe tour, and it was definitely the most relaxing part of the trip! Venice is really chill and laid back, slow paced, but absolutely gorgeous. There is not much of a nightlife, just some bars to relax in. The boats are really slow so we ended up walking everywhere, but that was okay because we got to see more of the city. Definitely take a boat to Burano and Murano while you are there to check out the colorful houses in Burano and glass blowing in Murano!
Venice is one of the most romantic cities I have ever been to. From the gondola rides to the architecture to the beautiful old world streets- definitely somewhere to visit with your significant other. Also, if you love food (especially pizza) you will love Venice- this is the perfect place to share a pie and a bottle of wine with your sweetheart. It is also a great place for strolling the streets, shopping, and popping into the old churches.
Just such a great city, from the people to just the scenery my all time favorite thing to do here was walk around take everything all in.
Venice, Italy was beautiful! The food was phenomenal and the culture experience was outstanding! My favorite things to do were our day trip to the Dolomite Mountains, going to Santa Maria della Salute to see one of the original Black Madonna or Black Virgin paintings, and the food and wine tours! Not to mention shopping in the St. Mark’s Square was the best of the best! I will be visiting Italy again in 2018!
After watching the movie ‘The Tourist’ Venice was at the top of the bucket list . It is a city that exceed all expectations. The Italian city of Venice is a place like no other, it is a unique and magical city. With its gondolas ride, on the world’s famous canals. Venice boost amazing restaurants, and unforgettable romantic ambiance. Italy is famous for pizza, pasta and gelato, make sure to taste the food. For shopping, head over to Piazza San Marco. Although the summer can be overcrowded, Venice never loses the capacity to enchant, it is definitely a city for the bucket list.
Venice was a beautiful city but a day or two is all you need. There is a lot of walking envolvedso make sure you wear comfortable shoes. The water taxis are pretty expensive so plan accordingly. You have to see the city from both the bridges and over passes and from the water. The restaurants offer a romantic feel. A lot of them overlook the waterways. There is a shopping plaza with a Nike store and other shops. The train station is in the center of the city. I would recommend taking the train through Italy period but definitely to Venice.
Venice was one of several Italian destinations on my honeymoon and it was one of my favorite cities. It was a perfect place for newlyweds to fall even more in love. Nothing quite compares to a moonlit gondola ride down the grand canal or getting lost strolling hand-in-hand searching for the best gelato! Many of the restaurants in Venice give off a romantic vibe. We spent a lot of time in the outdoor seating areas with a bottle of Chianti taking in the views of the city. The walkways can get a bit tight and crowded, there is a TON of walking, and water taxis are terribly expensive (cost us €50 to get about 1/2 mile). If you can get past all of that you will find that Venice is a one of a kind city with unique history, culture, and cuisine and I’d highly recommend it for a nice romantic getaway.
Plenty of activities in this city! Venice is often seen as a city for romance but I enjoyed it very much with my two aunts and my mother. We did walking tours and had a great lunch in St. Mark’s Plaza. We were serenaded during a gondola boat ride on the Grand Canal. There was even a old jail tour in Doge’s Palace. Certainly we did more with our time in Venice but those are the moments we will treasure and where we took the most pics. ;)
In Venice, there’s the absence of cars and as a visitor, you’ll travel either by foot or by boat. This is such a unique city and you have to pay attention to the logistics in Venice, because it takes twice as long to get anywhere. Explore St. Marco’s Basilica square. From the square, you can find local artists to buy trinkets, paintings and clothing. Surrounded by history and architecture, this square has a lot of foot traffic all through the day. Taking gondola ride is the best way to row through the narrow canals of Venice. The rates include a cost of 80 Euros for thirty minutes. Make sure you ask about the rates before boarding and be ready to bargain and negotiate the price. There are many options for food and it can be a difficult decision when you visit any city in Italy. Trattoria Al Gazzettino was immensely enticing, offering a wide range of food. This was one of the best meals I had in Italy. A real cozy place tucked in an alleyway near San Marco Square. I was blown away by the delicious food and great customer service.
Things To Do – If you love history and want to be in a city that feels like it’s trapped in a time capsule, then Venice is your place. Plenty of museums, churches, and islands to explore. I would recommend people take a food tour and try the cichetti (Venetian tapas essentially), a boat tour of the canals, and take a day trip to Verona.
Adventure – It depends on your idea of adventure. Venice isn’t necessarily a thrill seekers’ dream. If you’re willing to get lost and explore every nook of the lagoon then you’ll definitely have your own adventure.
History – It is Venice. It is Europe. There’s a ton of history.
Affordability – Venice isn’t cheap. It can be very expensive depending on where you stay and where you choose to eat. If you want to save money eating then don’t eat along the Grand Canal. There are restaurants just as good tucked away in a random square. Also it’s cheaper staying on the Venetian mainland then in the lagoon. On the mainland the city is called Mestre and it’s a short bus ride to the lagoon.
Relaxation – Due to the fact that the best way to explore Venice is to just walk around and get lost, you can casually stroll through the city without really worrying about where you’re going. Depending on your view of relaxation, this could be therapeutic. There’s also a beach on one of the near islands if that is more your thing.
Local Food – The food is great! Majority of their food is seafood based due to their proximity to the water. The seafood is really fresh and I definitely enjoyed it.
I had the most amazing time in venice. Getting lost in the city alone was so much fun, the architecture was so beautiful. The desserts were great! Definitely a place to visit.
There’s just something magical about the very idea of Venice… a city built on water combining over 100 islands, where water canals and bridges are your “roads.” It’s like something you read about in a book or see in a movie, except it exists in real life! It’s hands down one of the most romantic cities I’ve ever visited. Venice is for gondola rides, gelato eating, and just enjoying life at a leisurely pace. If you’re looking for a great couple’s getaway… Venice is it!
You’ll definitely want to explore St. Mark’s Square and it’s attractions (the Basilica & Doge’s Palace), as well as experience the beauty of the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge.
I also really enjoyed checking out all the lovely stores selling Murano glass pieces and even bought a few pieces of jewelry made from Murano glass that I’m still very much obsessed with 10 years later.
You can check out my IG: @thebrunchbelle or my website http://www.BrunchBelle.com for more of my travel adventures.
I find Venice to be romantic, adventurous, historic and all the other categories but one thing I appreciate the most was the ability to unwind and relax. Coming from a 24 hour city like London, one really appreciates what it means to be in a environment that is not in a hurry. The sea, the canals and the narrow side roads adds an aura of gentleness. Would go back at the drop of a hat for this reason
This place was beautiful, I went with my boyfriend in February for my birthday trip, unfortunately I didn’t stay long enough. I had travel to London, Paris, Spain and Italy before coming here.. I stayed 2 days in each place and that wasn’t enough lol.. I would advise anyone to wear comfortable shoes, unlike myself I was trying to be cute and after taking a taxi boat from the airport to Venice I learned the hard way. The streets here are very rocking so you can only image me with heels and all my bags lol.. At night we walked the streets and boy was it beautiful. The streets are lit up and omg the food is so good.. I love pasta so this place was perfect for me. I will also add please pay attention to directions, it’s very easy to get lost.. lol Can’t wait to go back.
A lot of history and good food!!!
I really wished I got to explore Venice more but I was only there for one night. Be sure to see the Rialto Bridge but also find some way to make a trip to Burano. I always see instagram pictures of people there and regret that I did not know about this colorful city when I was there and that I also missed my opportunity to visit.