A pristine blue flowing past a set of art-filled palaces and picturesque canals, Venice is a city of dreams and romance. Vacation Season India is approaching fast and here I have compiled my travelogue for a place to stay in Venice as well as what to see in Venice as well as neighbouring Island of Murano and Burano.
Venice is a wonderful city that has all things beautiful to offer. If you are a wanderer then you will have the best time in Venice, Italy.
The floating city built on the waters of the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by a 1000-year old historic culture, Venice is a perfect example of love, art, and history. And, I have always wanted to visit this beautiful mystic city. I wanted to know how a city built on 118 islands in the middle of the Venetian Lagoon, with no roads-is still floating! The city of Venice, is famous for it’s 26 miles of canals and waterways.
Also, I have been enthralled by its Venetian Gothic architecture and gorgeous canals. And, I am delighted to say that the moment I got the chance to visit Italy’s most famous travel destination, it’s safe to say that I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Venice was magical! I am still charmed by its beauty and influential architectural landmarks. I loved how Venice architecture style is a fusion of both Byzantine and Islamic forms.
You can see a heavy influence of Palladio designs across churches and urban residence of the city. Palladio design actually refers to Andrea Palladio designs which were influenced by both Roman and Greek Classicism. Andrea Palladio is one of the most famous architects of Venice.
So, by now if you are planning your first trip to Italy or can easily relate to my excitement and relive your Venice moments then buckle up as I take you to a mini trip to Venice.
Here are a few tips and quick insights into the gorgeous city of romance. The list will help you plan your trip to Italy even if it’s for a day! For the best holiday in Italy, follow through the list and know what are the things to do in Venice Italy.
Where To stay In Venice
After travelling for so many years I have come to a conclusion that, when you are visiting any city where are you staying makes a lot of difference in your experience of that particular city.
So if you are visiting here, where to stay in Venice is going to make a difference. There are many neighbourhoods each with it’s own merits and demerits. It all depends on your preference. I can write a full article on this. If you stay near main piazza, Piazza San Marco, pro is it easy to commute any where very easily. The disadvantage is, it is expensive, and also crowded most of the times.
Also, you could stay one of the nearest islands on Venice from where you can commute to other places easily through ferry or vaporretto.
Lido De Venezia
We decided to stay on Lido Island, a very peaceful Island very short vaporretto ride from San Marco square. But that does not mean it is not touristy. The architecture is a mix of modern and traditional venetian. Many hotel and air BNB options to choose from.
I loved the vibes of Lido more than main Venice city. Cool breezy evenings spent enjoying the music and songs in small cafes strewn around the island or spending quite time on shore watching city go by following it’s routine while you sip and eat It was almost magical.
Wander Around the Beautiful City
Venice is a city that will bring out the wanderer inside you. It’s a place that will hanker you to put down your map and just wander through the city and get lost in its stunning tiny alleys and narrow canals. These canals are home to the true Venetians Italy.
We suggest you ditch your high heels and grab a pair of comfortable shoes before leaving your hotel room or apartment. Venice is a pedestrian city, so there is a lot of walking to do and a pair of comfortable heels will be like a blessing!
Explore the beautiful Piazza San Marco
Chances are you have already seen the Piazza San Marco aka Saint Mark’s Square via Instagram. You can start the sight-seeing from Saint Mark Square itself. Lined with shops, cafes, and museums, the Piazza San Marco is magnificent.
Palazzo Ducale Museum
Palazzo Ducale is a museum, unlike others. The museum is full of secret chambers, prisons, and the popular Bridge of Sighs. Since the museum is huge, you need to plan ahead and spare a few hours to explore the museum in depth. If you are on a day trip to Venice then you can either start early or skip it and visit the Bridge of Sighs instead.
Campanile di San Marco
Grab your camera and climb the Campanile for a breathtakingly top view of Venice. Don’t fret about climbing stairs as the only way to reach the top of the Campanile is by the elevator.
Though the hours vary by the season, San Marco is usually open from 08.00 am to 08.30 pm. It will cost you around €8. Unfortunately i do not have any photo from this because I accidentally deleted those from camera cards
Watch the Sunset at the Ponte di Rialto
One of the most popular bridges of Venice, Ponte di Rialto is where modern meets history. The bridge is famous for its iconic view be it at the time of sunset or sunrise. Watch by a corner or join the crowd of tourists the gondolas and ferries travel up and down the Grand Canal from this spot is fascinating.
Take the Gondola Ride
No trip to Venice is complete without the Gondola Ride through the canals. Though the city of Venice has set the rate for Gondola rides, that is usually around €80 per 40 minutes (€100 after 7 pm). You will still have to negotiate with your gondolier before you ride.
Hop on the ride after you negotiate the cost and time with your gondolier, and if you want him to sing you will have to pay some more.
The Vaporetto
Vaporetto is a water bus that will take you to-and-fro the main sites of the city. If you are looking for something cheap yet interesting way to tour the Grand Canal, then Vaporetto is your best bet.
Always try to travel through the Grand Canal around late afternoon, as most of the crowd will be traveling the opposite direction, so you get to enjoy your ride and the site at its fullest.
Get Yourself a Sight Seeing Pass
The best way to visit Venice in a day is to get yourself a pass. So, even if you just want to visit museums in Venice, then you can save your time and money with the ‘museum pass’. In just €24, you can cover 11 museums including Murano Glass Museum and Doge’s Palace. Though, note that the popular Secret Itineraries Tour at the Palace isn’t included in this ticket.
You can also take Vaporetto Pass for easy traveling around the city.
Isola di San Michele
Isola di San Michele or San Michele Island is known as Venice’s Cemetery Island. It was inhabited for a longest time by Camaldolese monks. And later on people of Venice due to shortage of place decided to build this 4 acre cemetery on this Iceland.
It is always an emotional affair to visit a cemetery. But, if you have ever visited one it is intriguing to see love stories from words written on tomb stones. Family members resting in peace together and so much more.
The Island Of Murano
From Museo del Vetro glass museum to Palazzo da Mula, Murano has a lot to offer. Since Murano is actually a collection of 7 individual islands, linked together by bridges, you can either stay at a hotel near the place or stop at one of the islands.
The beautiful islands of Murano are known for its century-old tradition of glass-making. If you are excited about glass making then extending your trip to this beautiful island sounds amazing.
The Colorful Burano
The Venice tour is incomplete without exploring the colorful brightly painted buildings of Burano and stuffing your mouth with delectable food. Famous for fishing and lace-making tradition Burano is worth every penny.
If you are planning to visit Burano then from Venice itself you can take the Vaporetto Line 12 which will take around 40 minutes to reach Burano. It usually costs around €6.50 per person.
I wanted to write so many small things here but it will become very long post. So, I am signing off for now and will keep adding more to this story 🙂
Hope you enjoyed this travel diary to Venice, Italy. If you like to read more on this Italy trip you might like to read…
What Explore in Italy
Wine Tasting Tour in Chianti
10 Interesting facts about Florence
Discovering Florence What to See and What To do
Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence
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The pictures are so beautiful, I have fallen in love with Venice again!
Venice is absolutely beautiful and I suggest wearing really comfortable shoes. We stayed near Murano and the hotel was really cheap and nice.