Venice: A Photo Diary (plus some things to do & food to eat)
Venice always seems to get mixed reviews. I've heard people say they have never been to a more romantic city. Others have said that they thought it stunk (literally) and one visit was enough. For me personally, Venice is the ultimate romantic city. Alex and I went on our honeymoon to Venice and we've loved every trip back - this beautiful city gets better every single time. This visit was full of rain but we still had a wonderful time. I actually think Venice is more romantic on those cold and rainy days.
The medieval architecture and the blue green views of the lagoon make you feel like you are walking through an old European masterpiece. There are no cars and everything you need is within walkable distance. Public transportation is easy to navigate for the explorers. My favorite thing about Venice is that time truly slows down there. There's not much else to do other than sit, sip some wine and stare for awhile...
Here is a short guide to some of my favorite places in Venice:
Tips for Venice:
Splurge on the gondola ride - Alex and I were flat broke on our honeymoon so we skipped the super expensive gondola ride (usually around 120 Euros per ride) and I have always regretted it. This time, I made sure we took a gondola ride and not only did I love every minute - the only sunshine we got in Venice was during that ride! It was perfect!
Get Lost - Don't be afraid to go down every single little alley and to stray away from the crowds. There are so many beautiful hidden spots - empty little courtyards, off the beaten path restaurants, flowers stalls, art shops - you could spend days getting lost in Venice.
Bring sensible shoes - Venice is not the place for heels - you have cobblestones and a high tide. Your shoes will get dirty. My personal favorite travel shoes are Superga! (which are also Italian.
Explore Venice at night - Nighttime in Venice is THE most romantic - if you are with your significant other, go out and walk around the city at night and fall in love all over again!
Try to speak some Italian - Every time I talk about Venice, I hear 'the locals are mean'. Honestly, I kind of understand their attitude problem. Being from a very touristy city myself (Las Vegas), sometimes, it sucks to have to deal with the traffic and the Strip and all the things that come with living in a fun, touristy city. I've always found that if you're nice, they're nice & they appreciate it when you at least try to speak the language.
Buy the Vaporetto Water Taxi pass - If you are going to be in Venice for at least 2-3 days, the pass is worth it. (40 Euro for a 72 hour unlimited pass) We were there for 3 days and it more than paid for itself, especially when you end up taking the wrong boat a couple of times. You can even take the Vaporetto all the way to Murano and Burano! Also, the private taxis are super expensive. So, unless you're not ballin' on a budget, public transportation is the way to go.
Download a Google Map of the city before you get there - You'll be able to use the map even without WIFI to get around town.
Things To Do:
Take a day trip to Murano and Burano - Murano is a sleepy little town known for glass making. There are tons of shops that line the little main canal for shopping and a few cafes for a snack. Burano is definitely a Venice highlight for me - one of my favorite places in Northern Italy, it's known for lace-making. Burano is also knows for it's colorful houses! If you like to take photos of doors, you'll be in heaven.
IL Papiro - a cute paper shop - everything in the store is handmade! The store owner treated us to a paper dying demonstration - check it out on Instagram in my highlights, saved as 'A Day in Venice'
Campo Marzio - an Italian stationary and accessories store with beautiful journals and pens. Alex is a graphic designer and loves to handletter, so we always check out the pen/paper/art stores wherever we travel.
Tour the city by water taxi - Most of the routes go right down the canal and give you the best view of the city. It's a cheap and easy self-guided tour! (You can also download the Rick Steves podcast for Venice for free on his website to listen to it on your boat ride)
Go to the top of the Campanile - I thought the views were worth the price!
Plenty of museums for the art lovers - If you are a museum person and/or epic cathedral lover, consider getting the Venice city pass - http://www.veneziaunica.it/
What to Eat:
Caffe al Ponte del Lovo - a somewhat touristy, but cute little cafe along the path to the Rialto Bridge from San Marco Square - great pastries and coffee
Osteria ai Schiavoni - Great for dinner. Tucked away in a little alley right off the main canal - very romantic!
Trattoria Aguila Nera - Another hidden restaurant. Good pizza and live accordion music in the evenings.
Corner Pub Venezia - really good gelato!
Taverna Al Remer - recommended by our Airbnb host. Serves traditional Venetian food.
Il Torino Cafe - great for a small lunch and an appertivo!
Rosso Pomodoro - also recommended by our Airbnb host. You know it's good if the locals like it!
Coop Grocery Stores - a great option if you are on a budget and don't want to eat out all night. We got groceries one evening & cooked in our Airbnb!
Daily Produce and Fish Market - the market sets up by the Rialto Bridge. Open Monday - Saturday; Closed Sunday; A great opportunity to shop with locals and pick up some fresh produce and fish.
Scroll through more photos below...
