Why You Should Visit Venice (Before It Floats Away).
Venice isn’t just a city—it’s a stage set, a living painting, and possibly the world’s most elaborate waterpark without slides. Few places inspire as much awe (and Instagram envy) as this floating masterpiece. Romantic, historic, and downright unique, Venice deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list. Just be warned: you’ll be sharing it with a few thousand other starry-eyed visitors.
Getting There: By Air, Rail, or Gondola (Well, Almost)
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the city’s main gateway, just 13 km from the center. From the airport you can hop on a bus, taxi, or—for the most scenic arrival—glide across the lagoon by water taxi. Keep in mind: if you’re heading to the historic center, there are no cars—so your journey always ends by boat or train.
Budget Airlines: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air all touch down here, often cheaper than the cost of a spritz in St. Mark’s Square.
Train Connections: Venice Santa Lucia Station links directly to major cities like Milan (2.5 hours), Florence (2 hours), and Rome (3.5 hours). If you prefer scenic arrivals, trains whisk you across the lagoon on a track that feels like it’s skimming water.
The Big Sights (and Why They’re Worth the Crowds)
- St. Mark’s Basilica & Square – Gold mosaics, pigeons galore, and the kind of grandeur that makes you whisper “wow” without realizing.
- Doge’s Palace – Once home to Venice’s rulers, now a stunning museum. Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs.
- Grand Canal & Rialto Bridge – The city’s aquatic highway, best seen from a vaporetto (public water bus).
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection – Because even a Renaissance city can appreciate some modern art.
Pro Tip:
Go early or late. Day-trippers and cruise crowds swarm the main sights midday. Set your alarm or linger after sunset—you’ll thank yourself.
Romance & Gondolas
Yes, gondolas are overpriced. Yes, they’re touristy. But yes, you should do it anyway. Gliding under stone bridges while an oarsman hums (or at least grumbles in Italian) is peak Venice.
Food & Drink
Venetian cuisine is more than just pizza and pasta:
- Cicchetti Bars – Venetian tapas, best enjoyed with a spritz.
- Seafood – Fresh from the lagoon, often with black squid ink pasta.
- Michelin Stars – Try Oro Restaurant at Belmond Cipriani or Quadri overlooking St. Mark’s for a luxury splurge.
Nightlife
Venice isn’t Ibiza, but it has its charms:
- Spritz O’Clock – Aperol or Campari spritz is basically the city’s official drink.
- Campo Santa Margherita – The student hub with buzzing bars.
- Quiet Canalside Walks – Honestly, the most romantic nightlife here is wandering lantern-lit alleys with gelato in hand.
Day Trips by Vaporetto (waterbus)
Venice is more than just the main island:
- Murano – Famous for glassmaking (and some impressive shopping).
- Burano – Rainbow-colored houses that scream “photo op.”
- Torcello – Peaceful, historic, and almost empty compared to Venice proper.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: The Gritti Palace or Aman Venice, where you’ll feel like royalty (and pay accordingly).
- Mid-Range: Boutique hotels and charming B&Bs tucked into old palazzos.
- Budget-Friendly: Hostels and modest guesthouses, though “cheap” in Venice still means you’re paying for location.
The Crowds (Yes, They’re Real)
Venice attracts millions of tourists each year. When cruise ships dock, the streets swell faster than a gondola in high tide. If you dream of Venice without crowds, aim for early mornings, late evenings, or—better yet—the off-season (November to February).
Why Venice Is an Absolute Must-See
Despite the tourists, Venice is unlike anywhere else on Earth. It’s a city without cars, where marble palaces rise from water, and every corner seems designed for romance. Sure, you’ll dodge selfie sticks, but you’ll also find magic in quiet canals, sudden piazzas, and sunsets that turn the lagoon into gold.
Pro Tip: Venice isn’t just a trip—it’s a love affair. Go at least once in your life, preferably with someone who won’t mind when you stop every five steps to take “just one more photo.
