Venice: Tips and Lessons from a Mixed Experience

Venice is a city that often evokes strong opinions: you either love it or you don’t. Unfortunately for me, it falls into the latter category. Despite my mixed experience, I still want to share some memorable highlights and helpful tips that might make your trip more enjoyable, so you can be one of those who fall in love with Venice.

This image captures a picturesque canal scene in Venice, Italy. The canal is lined with charming buildings featuring colorful facades, including shades of yellow and earthy tones, with window shutters and flower boxes. Gondolas glide gently through the water, navigated by gondoliers dressed in traditional red-and-white striped shirts and straw hats.

A small bridge arches over the canal, connecting the narrow pedestrian walkways that hug the water’s edge. People can be seen strolling and enjoying the atmosphere, adding life to the scene. The bright daylight casts soft shadows, highlighting the timeless beauty of the architecture and the tranquil ambiance of the canals.

Arrival and Navigation

One of the first lessons I learned in Venice was the importance of understanding the city’s layout and transportation. Venice comprises about 118 islands connected by bridges, with no cars in sight. Instead, you’ll navigate its narrow cobblestone streets, cross countless bridges, or travel by water. The ferry (vaporetto) is the most cost-effective transportation option, while gondola rides, though iconic, can be very expensive.

After arriving by train from Milan, I made the mistake of walking 30 minutes to my Airbnb instead of taking the ferry. Save yourself the hassle by planning your route in advance and familiarizing yourself with the ferry system.

Accommodation Tips

I visited Venice in mid-August, and though I checked to ensure my Airbnb had air conditioning, I didn’t realize it was only a small window unit. In Italy, air conditioning isn’t as common as in the U.S., so always scrutinize rental photos and descriptions carefully to confirm details like air conditioning, especially in the summer months.

A wall with a rectangular a/c unit on it. There is a big arrow pointing to the a/c unit.
This is what you want to look for in Italy!

Beaches on Lido

Planning to relax on the beach during my week-long stay, I discovered that reaching the beaches on Lido required a 30-minute ferry ride followed by a 20-30 minute walk to the free beach area. While paid beach spots are closer, they can be pricey. The beach itself was crowded but enjoyable, with vendors selling ice cream and Aperol Spritz. If you’re hungry, I recommend Dolce Vita near the ferry terminal. Their veggie burger, loaded with fresh grilled vegetables, was fantastic!

St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square is a vibrant hub overlooking the water, with numerous dining options and vendors selling clothing and souvenirs during the day. From here, you can catch water taxis to the larger islands. Be cautious, though, as the area attracts con artists. One tried to trick me into buying bird food for pigeons, but I quickly realized what was happening and left the scene.

This image depicts the stunning Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) in Venice, Italy, with the magnificent Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark's Basilica) as the central focal point. The basilica's intricate façade showcases its iconic domes, elaborate mosaics, and ornate architectural details that blend Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic styles.

The square is lively with tourists and visitors walking, sitting, and admiring the view. The tall red flagpoles in the foreground add a touch of grandeur, while the warm lighting of the late afternoon or early evening bathes the scene in a soft glow. To the right, part of the Campanile di San Marco (St. Mark's Bell Tower) is visible, adding context to the famous Venetian landmark.

A hidden gem near St. Mark’s Square is Ai Do Leoni, a wonderful tapas bar. Their signature cocktails and cicchetti (Venetian tapas) were delightful, making it the perfect spot for a light meal or snack. During one visit, I even made friends from the U.S.

Three pieces of toast sit on top of a plate lined with purple napkins. Each piece of toast has different veggie toppings, behind the toasts is a glass with a reddish drink and foam on top. Behind it you can see the end of the bar and someone in the kitchen.

Island Hopping

Murano

Known for its famous glassmaking, Murano is a must-visit. I pre-booked a tour, which included watching a master glassblower at work for 20-30 minutes and exploring the adjoining shop. If you fall in love with a piece, they can ship it back to the U.S.

Torcello

A quieter island with a handful of restaurants and an old church, Torcello isn’t a major attraction but makes for a peaceful stop. I ended up here by accident but enjoyed chatting with an Englishwoman who visits regularly for her favorite restaurant.

Burano

Famous for its colorful buildings, Burano should have been a highlight of my trip. Unfortunately, my experience was marred by a misunderstanding at a restaurant. After ordering veggie pasta, I was mistakenly served fish. As a vegetarian, I explained the issue politely but was yelled at and forced to pay for the dish I didn’t eat. Upset, I left the island without exploring further.

Kimberly is in the left front of the photo smiling at the camera. She is wearing a big floppy hat and sunglasses. She has on a strapless blue black and white sundress with her bag strap across her body. Behind her is a dock with a small boat and a canal. Behind the canal across the back of the image are multi colored hours: Orange, cream, green, pink, and blue.

Final Thoughts

While I found Venice challenging to navigate, the people unfriendly, and the food underwhelming, I hope my experiences can help you avoid similar pitfalls and have a wonderful trip. Italy has so much to offer, and I’m excited to continue exploring its beautiful cities and regions. If you’re planning a visit to Venice, come prepared, stay curious, and perhaps you’ll find the magic that eluded.

Today’s Helpful Tips

Dolce Vita does not have a website, but it can be found on the island of Lido at: Granviale Santa Maria Elisabetta, 13, 30126 Lido VE, Italy

Ai Do Leoni – Great place for Italian tapas and drinks! Located near St. Mark’s Square at Piazza San Marco 355, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Murano Glass Blowing – I recommended pre-booking your ticket, it is worth the experience!

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