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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!