Venice is a city that one cannot help but get lost in (truly, navigation is quite challenging). The winding streets connected by bridges, the canals filled with gondolas and the echoes of locals and tourists laughing throughout late-night dinners all create a romantic atmosphere that makes the wine and the memories linger.
A few noteworthy tips
- Transportation by boat: There are no cars in Venice so all transportation is by boat. If you arrive at the train station, you will need a water taxi to arrive to other parts of the city with your luggage unless you plan to walk. I would recommend scheduling a water taxi in advance. While they have larger water buses that you can purchase tickets for upon arrival, you risk being on a crowded vessel that felt a lot like being on a lifeboat escaping the sinking Titanic. I had the misfortune of arriving during the Venice Film Festival and the VIP celebrities reserved all of the water taxis and I found the water bus to be very hot with “unique smells.”
Where to stay
- Hotel Ai Cavalieri: The 4 star hotel in the heart of Venice is an exquisite stay if you are feeling a dash bougie. The rooms are lavish and ornate and the service is excellent. In order to leave the hotel and get to the train station, you will need to secure a water taxi in advance.
What to do
- Gondola rides: Gondola rides are offered at many locations throughout the city and do not need to be reserved in advance. Naturally, sunset and late evening rides are more coveted so plan on encountering lines during prime times. Gondoliers don’t necessarily require tips but a tip is appropriate if the service was pleasant. Typically € 5-10 euro is common but tipping more is appreciated if the service was above average (the gondolier taking time to take photos, telling stories, singing, etc.).
- St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): The heart of Venice and one of the most famous squares in the world.
- St. Mark’s Basilica: The Basilica dates back to the 9th century and has a most impressive facade. I remember reflecting on how the Horses of St. Mark sculptures were likely from ancient Rome, making them around 2,000 years old.
- Cost: Tickets are around € 6
- St. Mark’s Basilica: The Basilica dates back to the 9th century and has a most impressive facade. I remember reflecting on how the Horses of St. Mark sculptures were likely from ancient Rome, making them around 2,000 years old.
- Campanile di San Marco: The bell tower within the square is a symbol of Venetian power as well as a lighthouse and watchtower. The tower was originally built in the 9th century out of wood but was later rebuilt in the 12th century out of brick. in 1902 the tower collapsed completely and was rebuilt in 1912 exactly as it once was, but with some modern enhancements for stability. The tower was used by Galileo in the 1600s for astronomical experiments. You can purchase tickets to visit the top of the tower for excellent views.
- Cost: Around € 12
- Visit Burano: The island is a short, 45 minutes water bus ride from Venice. Burano has beautifully painted houses in bright colors, which were to help fisherman find their homes through the fog. The island is known for its bell tower and handmade lace. Burano is a great day trip from Venice if you have the time.
What to eat
Venice is on the water and it typically known for its seafood. I ordered a carbonara from a restaurant and I got “scrambled egg and bacon” pasta, so I highly recommend sticking to the locally recommended cuisine.
- Bacaro Risorto: Venice is known for cicchetti, which are similar to tapas. Popular ones include Baccalà mantecato (creamy whipped salt cod on crostini) and Tramezzini (triangle sandwiches stuffed with tuna, egg, ham, or artichoke. Bacaro Risorto was on my list because it was highly recommended, but I did not get a chance to visit. Stay tuned!
- Pasta Go Espresso: A cheap, to-go pasta place that was shockingly delicious if you are looking for a quick bite. After I had the worst carbonara of my life at a quaint, sit-down restaurant, Pasta Go Espresso resuscitated my waning dreams of suitable carbs in Venice.
- Cost: € 6-8
- Caffè Florian: Opening in 1720, Caffe Florian is the oldest operating cafe in Italy. The interior is ornate and you can often sit outside and hear the live classical music drifting into the square. The cafe is known for their coffee and light menu items, such a cicchetti (venetian tapas), soup, pastries, and desserts.
