Tips for Visiting Venice, Italy

Try local food & make reservations

          If you haven’t been to Italy, there is something you should know about eating out.  It’s very common to make reservations at restaurants.  If you have an idea of what you want to eat, be sure to look into the restaurant’s reservation policy.  It can be really difficult to eat out if you don’t make any. Places fill up quickly because of this and you may be not be able to eat what you had in mind.  

Visit Saint Marks Square and Basilica early

          Wake up early for the most popular sites.  Saint Marks Square, Basilica, and Doge’s Palace can get really crowded so I recommend seeing them as soon as they open.  If you want photos in the Square, wake up early.  This is especially important during the summertime.  I can’t imagine what the crowds are like.  I visited in October and it wasn’t terrible. 

Pick up some Venetian glass, lace, or a mask

          One of the things Venice is known for is glass.  I didn’t want to get anything too large (or breakable) but I think it’s fun to bring something back.  I found this bracelet at a boutique.  I love that it’s affordable and not too delicate.  There are tons of shops to choose from, all selling different pieces of art and jewelry.  You can also check out Murano for more.  Venice is famous for masks and intricate lace as well.  You can find tons of lace shops on Burano.  I wasn’t able to get much but I did pick up a small mask Christmas ornament and lace gingerbread man.  My text post will include more of Burano. 

Relax at Gardini Reali

          Walking around venice all day can get exhausting.  There aren’t a ton of places to sit down.  You can sit in this garden if you need to chill out.  Gardini Reali is pretty close to Saint Marks Square and has many benches.  They are shaded and have beautiful flowers.  When I was there the beaches were all taken but you may get lucky.  Other places you can sit are the obvious cafes and restaurants, or along the canals in some spots.  Don’t attempt to sit on any bridges or you will be in the way.  

Take a cheap gondola ride

          If you are on a budget, consider taking a gondola across the Grand Canal, instead of one of the tourist ones.  You can find a Traghetto station and ride the gondola for only two €2 each way.  There are multiple to choose from and they are conveniently located.  If you need to cross the canal this is such a fun way to do it. 

Explore all the bridges

          There are many famous bridges in Venice.  You should make time to see the main ones.  There are so many.  I actually thing some of my favorites were not famous.  Check out the Bridge of Sighs, and Rialto Bridge (pictured).  I really loved this pink one but I don’t remember where it was. 

Leave enough time to see the main sites

          I recommend spending a few days in Venice so that you have time for the main sites, at the very least.  One day is just not enough, especially if it’s a cruise and you only have 8 hours.  I’ve already mentioned Saint Marks Square, Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the bridges.  You have to see Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.  There is an amazing staircase that spirals up as you go.  You can take in an amazing view of the city from the top.  The arches actually get smaller as it goes up to give it the illusion of being taller than it is, but it’s still really tall.  You should also see the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, at least from the outside.  It’s so massive and beautiful.  The inside is not the prettiest church but it’s free to enter. 

Explore all of the winding streets and take in the views

          Venice is the prettiest city that I have ever been to.  It’s seriously so unique and special.  Some may find it to be overrated but I don’t think so at all.  The most exciting aspect of this city is that there are no cars on the island and the architecture is so beautiful.  Don’t be afraid to do some exploring.  Here are some random photos that I took while walking around.  

Other tips

-Try to avoid visiting during summer because it will be super crowded and more expensive.  Venice occasionally floods during the winter months, so keep that in mind. 

-Be careful in large crowds because pickpockets could be present.  I don’t thing Venice is particularly bad for this but it’s alway good to be cautions. 

-Look up restaurant reviews in advance.  Venice is known for having kind of hit or miss food.  My worst meal in Italy was in Venice and I didn’t find anything that was amazingly delicious. 

-Try to walk with the flow of people.  There are certain points where the streets are so narrow and there are hoards of people.  Lots of people like to stop and stand right in the way of everybody else.  Be mindful. 

-Google Maps doesn’t work very well in this city.  Just know that there will most likely be times where you get lost.