Magical Nights Await: Your Ultimate Guide To Planning The Best Vacation To Venice, Italy
Get adventurously lost in the maze of canals, admire the glow of lights as they reverberate from the orchestral notes floating through the evening air, or simply stroll about the intertwined pathways that house hidden gems embedded within this illustrious city. Venice is certainly one of the most unique cities in the world.
Welcome To Venice!
Possibly the greatest train station exit in Italy
Stepping off that train in Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia, you can just feel that you’re about to embark on an epic experience! No matter how many times you circle this route, you must habitually capture the infamous "I'm in Venice" pose. If you've only a day to spare, fear not. You can get from start to finish and back again. Albeit, you’d ideally want 3-5 days here for the full effect.
Prior to your arrival, plan accordingly. If you travel extremely light, no rolling luggage, then you can stay wherever you’d like. If you travel heavy, you’ll need to consider this before booking your accommodation. We travel for a few weeks at a time, so we usually carry suitcases. If you have a rolling suitcase, be prepared to tote it up large bridges and back down again.
As a rule of thumb, I recommend staying within 10 minutes walking distance, or less, of the train station. There are, as of late, gentleman at the train stop that will offer to carry your luggage to your place for you. They will likely use water taxis if far enough, but they will serve as an alternative medium.
Get Your Workout In
You may want to backpack if you’re only going to Venice 🙃
On my most recent stay, I booked an interesting Airbnb that sat directly between the train station and Piazza San Marco. It was about 10 minutes away from the station, yet 3 bridges later, while carrying luggage, still felt like leg day at the gym. Fellas, get ready to be gentlemen and carry everyone else’s luggage for them. It’s a good workout. 🤣
When you arrive, you’ll be on the western side of the island. Much of the mainstream action is on the eastern side. Unless you’ve secured accommodations that collect you and your luggage, then you will have to sort this out yourself. You will not have the resources you’re used to. There are no cars, no buses, no Uber. You’ll want to account for the bridges you may cross on the way to your hotel, hostel, or rental. Fair warning, Google Maps will consistently be incorrect here. Your accommodation should also provide exact textual directions, so keep an eye out for those. You may also lose service nearby, so be sure to save your offline data, directions, screenshots, and download your map from Google as a last resort.
TIP: Make sure you plan your train route to the correct station. Venice Mestre is the mainland train station, and you’ll want Santa Lucia. Many first-timers confuse these and lose valuable time correcting course.
If you’re like me and you try to create the best experience you can, then you’ll do some homework before you go. I lucked out and found a large Airbnb which had several bedrooms, an interesting kitchen with a bed hovering above it, accessible via ladder, and a medieval built hallway made of granite that led to a lovely balcony overlooking a canal. I couldn’t get enough of this view, and I recommend trying to find an accommodation with a canal view.
Every morning I’d grab coffee and admire the beauty that is Venice. Every evening, we’d have a beer and chat over the glow of lanterns and moonlit waters. Often, the best experience is simply being in the moment and sharing that memorable scenery with the people you love.
If being pampered at a pristine hotel is your thing, there are many options here as well. They will be deceiving on the outside, but rock you when you step through the doors. Granted, some of the best hotels require water taxis to get to. I purposely avoid the water taxis, but they aren’t bad. Check out the Marriott or Hilton (Skybar) options. Yep, they have those too.
Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia
Enjoy the walk
When you exit the train station, you’ll preferably want to go left (north). This is more of a main walkway, and it has more to see. If you go right, you’ll be heading toward less busy streets, housing, and local stores such as grocery and convenience. However, you will also find restaurants, gelato shops, and souvenir outlets hidden around the entire island like Easter eggs. Just when you expect it to be nothing, you’ll walk through a small opening to an entire plaza. On the contrary, when you expect there to be more pathways to walk, you may just step into a dead end where one more step will land you in the water. 🤣
Hopefully you took the 2-hour train from Florence that morning, my favorite Italian city that you can check out HERE. Whatever time you arrive, you’ll likely be hungry. A great place to grab lunch within the northern path along the Grand Canal is Pedrocchi. I first ate here nearly 10 years ago, and I come back every time. The food is great, the beer is humungous, and the service makes you feel at home.
If coffee is your thing, as it is mine, there is a nice little shop that serves a decent cup. Named none other than 12oz, it’s nearly a full American sized cup. You’ll also see the neon sign labeling it as a coffee joint. They also serve snacks that will satisfy your daily sugar fix. You can check it out along with many other stores on route to St. Mark’s Square.
Another great restaurant, although off the beaten path, is Oke. This has a large interior if you want to get away from the weather. Alternatively, it has water’s edge seating so you can enjoy a peaceful dinner overlooking the lagoon. Bring your appetite because the food here is plentiful. As with all Italian food, it’s heavenly.
I can survive off of pizza and ravioli😄. This is well known to my colleagues. Therefore, revel in Italy’s tasty goodness each and every day you’re there. Some of my other favorite spots are: Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta To Go which is a great place to get takeaway. You can find a bench in a plaza, take it home, or eat it on a bridge while enjoying the boats passing by. For a more formal dining experience, there’s Ristorante Faciani. It is located next to the basilica exit and has an awesome private indoor seating room, if you’re lucky. We felt like we had our own party venue!
You cannot miss Frulala, a trendy blended cocktail and fruit corner shop (or cart). These are awesome for day or night occasions. I always meet interesting people here. For desserts, you have the Bar Americano which is on the corner entrance to St. Mark’s Square and has anything and everything you could desire for snacks, drinks, and desserts. Lastly, you cannot forget GROM, the best gelato spot!
Many places you waltz right past will seem like plain buildings. The most remarkably disguised gem that I’ve found in Venice has to be the Fondaco Dei Tedeschi. In fact, I missed it multiple times while directly searching for it. I happened to catch a note of someone, somewhere a while back, and that’s when I heard about this place. I initially thought… eh, it’s a mall. I also do not like to spoil surprises, so I didn’t investigate much. I proceeded to book a time slot, after all… it was free.
My traveling companions and I went inside at our allotted time slot. You slowly take one-way escalators up floors through very high-end shopping boutiques which will give you reminiscent vibes to that of Harrods in London. Once to the top, you walk through a miniature tunnel of golden walls. Here, you’ll be stopped by what appear to be bouncers, yep… security. If they approve your reservation, you enter a large square room filled with, at the time, modern art. It appeared to be rags, chains, and some black and white photos. I couldn’t tell what the goal was, but it was interesting to peruse.
We lucked out, as we were at the front of the queue. After about 10 minutes, the ropes opened, and we ascended up the stairway. When we walked on to the terrace, our jaws dropped. I don’t know how this place can capture this view, but it is quite simply put, breathtaking. You will have a very limited time slot, around 10-15 minutes, which seems to fly by in a blink of an eye. If you’re a photographer, grab a corner spot and go to town. However, do not forget to stop and marvel in the 360 panoramic view that tops every other view you’ll see of Venice, including the much higher tower. I don’t know how, or why, but it just does. Once your mission is complete, be sure to buy something inside for providing you with such an amazing little experience. Side note, you get a 10% coupon for the entire mall after doing the terrace experience. Although, I forgot to use it. 🤣
If nightlife is your thing, believe it or not, Venice has a decent one. Venice is more intimate than other cities. You have to know the spots because they are often hidden through alleyways. The best part of Venice is walking through main paths and encountering the stands that serve healthy snacks, delicious treats, and blended cocktails. On weekend nights, these little huts stay lit up until all hours of the night, and they are fun to gather at and meet fellow travelers such as yourselves. If you do find some of the local bars, you will also find fairly tame groups of people compared to other European cities. It’s refreshing to go inside and have a friendly chat with a new face, a good drink, and leave with a new connection. Notable mentions are Bar Longhi, Time Social Bar, and if you feel fancy, the Skyline Rooftop Bar. If music is your thing, the Venice Jazz Club is always popular.
Party, you say?
Walking along canals, pub hopping, bridge views, unique photos, being in the moment, and circling back again!
Fun fact: That is the Bridge of Sighs behind us 😈
Arguable the most famous and entertaining point of Venice, you cannot come here without spending massive amounts of time in St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). The square offers quaint shops, souvenir carts, museum entrances, upscale dining, and battling orchestras. This can be considered the hub of the island. You could also consider the train station a hub, but that’s less attraction heavy. Here you have alleys that branch off into shops and viewpoints. You have a plentiful choice of nearby restaurants. You also have the water’s edge and beautiful architecture. There are, occasionally, events here as well.
There is something magical about spending the evening in the square enjoying the music, grabbing a snack, and messing about with your friends. It’s wise to plan your tickets for times that will overlap with hanging out in this area. The island is small, but still a bit of a walk if you stayed near the station. Typically, evenings are best for most things. However, you can plan a museum visit in mid-day, a tower visit at sunset, and dine in the square for the remainder of the night. You can grab dessert and poke about the pathways back to your accommodation, or make your way to a local bar. The sheer closeness of the island allows you to be imprecise in your planning. You can circle around and try again. Enjoy every moment of every journey throughout.
If you’re a history and museum buff, there are plenty of options for you as well. Some passes are combined, some are confusing, the websites overlap, and note that a few of the key places are separated and have no affiliation. If you’re in Venice for 3+ days, then certainly book some museums. For tickets, there are very clear notes, tips, and advice at the end of the article.
This is subjective, but I feel that you should enjoy the outdoors of Venice, especially if you only have a few days allocated. You can see museums all over Europe, yet walking the canals and immersing yourself in the city is such a powerful experience that overtakes you. I much rather spend my 2 days in Venice walking the canals than waiting in lines to see museums. Don’t mistake me, the museums are wonderful. I just think time management should play a crucial role in what you do in this city for the amount of time you’ve chosen.
If you adore finding the highest points in each city to peer around every corner, then the “Bell Tower” is for you. St. Mark’s Campanile offers an amazing panoramic view. I’ve found that the best time to go is near sunset. There’s no time limit, and you can get beautiful scenic photos. Fair warning; even in late May, it was absolutely freezing with the windchill. It was a staggering difference between the ground level, and it’s not even that high. We had jackets and gloves, but still suffered.
It was actually hilarious. Several people in line with us paid, went up the elevator, stepped off, looked at each other, and, literally, stepped back on and left 🤣. We spent nearly an hour up there, and we were mostly the only ones. It was a wonderful time, but be prepared for all types of weather up there.
If you’re set on riding a Gondola, it averages about €80 per ride (20-30 minutes) and jumps higher in the evening. You may be able to bargain if it’s a slow day. It seems like a romantic experience, but I have yet to hop aboard one. I still prefer walking. Although a small boat tour might be similar in price and take you around the island. If you happen to see two gondolas battle out a narrow canal while holding passengers, then you won’t feel too badly about not forking over the money to hop aboard. I am still waiting for the perfect moment to take a ride, but I certainly will… someday. Try everything once!
Rialto Bridge
Constructed in the 16th century, it’s the oldest bridge across the canal and is renowned as an architectural and engineering achievement of the Renaissance
Rialto Bridge is the central, and quite large, bridge that spans two sides on the eastern part of the island. It is usually busy, but you can always snap photos. This is where you’ll get that ever so popular Venice portrait that you see on screensavers. It’s great to sit above and admire the viewpoints as well. If you pop down below, you’ll see a little sitting corner to snap a photo with the bridge in the background. If you go later at night, you won’t have to wait in lines for this spot.
Funny story; proposals happen here often. I was wrapped up in the middle of one at midnight while leaning over the edge taking a long exposure photo (the thumbnail of this article). I was less than a meter away from the couple, their videographer, and I was the only one nearby. Nate had to tell me that I was in it 🤣. When you’re caught up in the beauty of nature, you drown out the world.
The Doge’s Palace
Doge translates, roughly, to duke, and this palace was the heart of the political life and public administration of the Venetian Republic before it fell
The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is interesting. It housed doges for nearly a millennium. It’s mainly an interior designed masterpiece. It has survived several destructive events. It contains many rooms that are decorated with dramatic detail. There are works of art from paintings to statues. You can cross the renowned Bridge of Sighs. The “apartments” are well known, and you’ll get to walk through them along with visiting the slightly newer, yet grim, prisons.
The Correr Museum is a wonderful piece of interior architecture to see. It is a large portion of St. Mark’s Square. It offers, possibly, the strongest point of artistic presence and city history in Venice. When you purchase the Doge’s Palace ticket, you automatically receive the combined ticket for the Correr Museum along with The National Archaeological Museum, and the Monumental Rooms of the Marciana National Library. However, if you’re to choose one set of attractions to attend, I recommend the Basilica and the Bell Tower which are both bought on a different website (see the footnotes).
The Basilica Di San Marco is beautiful on the outside, but the inside is dripping with detail… oh yea, and gold. You will not be able to capture all of the elements with your eyes or your camera. There are multiple packages of tickets for this location. If you purchase the ticket that includes the museum, which I highly recommend, then you’ll ascend up a narrow stair pathway to the museum and the terrace (“loggia”). Here you’ll see the original Triumphal Quadriga (4 horses) that were once located outside. These horses are, essentially, a trophy of war that were taken from Constantinople in 1204, which was the head of the Roman Eastern Empire. They were brought to Venice where they rested as a symbol of Venice and its power. The ones outside on the terrace are now replicas to protect the originals.
The crowd inside this upper portion is minimal. Once you pass the horses, you’ll access the upper balcony view of the entire church. I adored this part. It’s where you’ll get closer to the walls, and God🤣, and understand how intricate the art and architecture is. Before you depart back down the opposite side, it is one way, make sure to go outside on the terrace. Here you’re above the square. You’re not quite as high as the Bell Tower, but you’ll still enjoy the view. I very much recommend booking the Bell Tower as it’s amazing on its own. If you’re to see one historical place, let it be this basilica. There are many other basilicas, and the like, to see in Venice as well.
Other points of interest to mention are the Ponte Dell’ Accademia and the Libreria Acqua Alta among many other interesting shops and stops you’ll find around the way. One last tip; attempt to plan your trip to Venice on times when there is no flooding. Flooding does occur here, and it can gravely impact your trip. Your best bet is to research when these statistically occur. I have found that the summer months are usually safe.
Goodbye Venice
Whether you’re relaxing on a bench and watching the boats streaming by, or you’re hopping around the bridges and snapping photos of the endless scenic views, Venice is the place for travelers who are looking for unique experiences. Maybe we’ll see each other there on our next visit!
Be Happy, Travel More
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• Venice (and most of Italy) tickets are all non-refundable. Italy can simply tell you it’s cancelled, and you will not get a refund (rarely happens).
• You will be denied if you’re late, so ALWAYS come early.
• Follow the rules, they have people that watch.
• Book early! These are all skip the line passes if you’ve booked online and in advance.
• MANY websites you find will not be the official websites. No matter how official they look, they are 3rd parties who collect the excess money you pay.
• You may want a tour experience, so TripAdvisor packages and such may suit you. If you want freedom and to pay the ticket amount directly, these sites provided are the official city sites.
• Print your tickets JUST in case. Europe is still retro in some places, and your phone ticket may slow the process at times.
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• T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi: FREE
https://www.dfs.com/en/venice/service/rooftop-terrace• St. Mark’s Campanile (Bell Tower): €12
https://basilicasanmarco.skiperformance.com/en/store#/en/buy• Doge’s Palace: €30 (or €25 if booked over a month in advance)
https://www.visitmuve.it/it/musei/NOTE: The Doge’s Palace is only able to be bought in the combined ticket “The Museums of Piazza San Marco.” It includes Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), Correr Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and the Monumental Rooms of the Marciana National Library.
TIP: The skip the line entrance is on the St. Mark’s Square side of the building NOT the side facing the water. You'll likely see a really long line on the water side of the building. Ignore that and go to the short line on the side
• Basilica Di San Marco: €15 (This is for the “Basilica S. Marco + Museum” ticket which includes the 4 horses and the terrace)
http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/• Venezia Unica | City Pass: €52
https://www.veneziaunica.it/NOTE: It still does not include the Basilica Di San Marco or Bell Tower. It was quite difficult to input details for the ticket, and the outcome was not worth it. In my opinion, you’re better off buying the Doge’s Palace combined (4 museum) ticket for €25 a month early
https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/it/pianifica-la-tua-visita/biglietti/ -
• Piazza San Marco
• Rialto Bridge
• Canal Grande (main canal along main path)
• Basilica Di San Marco
• Campanile Di San Marco
• Doge’s Palace
• San Giorgio Maggiore (boat ride necessary)
• Bridge of Sighs
• Campo Santa Margherita (alternate plaza)
• Museo Correr
• Giardini della Biennale (gardens)
