Venice
If you’ve not been to this strikingly unique city in the north east of Italy, you will undoubtedly have heard of it. Venice comprises 118 small islands built on a lagoon and connected by over 400 bridges.
Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Just a Little Background Information about Venice
Following the fall of the Roman Empire in the West, many mainlanders escaped further confrontation and headed to the marshy islands of the lagoon. Previously, these lagoons were homes to itinerant fishermen and salt workers. Venice formerly came into existence in 421AD.
Venice grew during this time as people sought refuge and sanctuary away from their enemies. As a result, it became a powerful maritime and trading empire. By the 13th Century, Venice was the most wealthy city in all of Europe.
Its most prominent families began building grand palaces. Each one would outshine the other as the Grand Canal became a showcase for architecture and splendour.
A Magnet for Tourists from All Corners of the World
Venice is known particularly as a great romantic getaway but it is really a magnet for all. This waterlogged gem is a labyrinth of canals, bridges, Renaissance palaces and tiny alleyways. You will really not find anywhere quite like this corner of Italy.
Tourists regularly outnumber locals 2:1. However, in Venice, you’ll not find yourself darting across roads between speeding traffic. Here, in this car free Italian, its boats and lots of them!
The ferries, gondolas and speed boats that ferry you around offer you an impressive viewpoint to admire the imposing, historic buildings. Here, you can marvel at services going about their everyday business. Deliveries, postal services, funerals, DHL, you name it, they are all on the waterways.
Whilst on foot, you can lose yourselves in the numerous alleyways. Often, the best way to explore Venice is to just get lost!
Venice delivers on its sightseeing. It offers everything from designer or boutique shops, to galleries, museums and historic palaces. Furthermore, you will not be disappointed on the food and drink. After all, this is Italy.
A Tourist Tax for All Visitors is Being Trialled
However, faced with the threat of sinking and some 20 million annual visitors that crowd out locals, Venice decided to take action. It launched a measure in April 2024 to introduce a Tourist Tax of €5 on day-trippers during peak weekends between April and July.
This magical floating city offers stunning architecture and a rich culture all set on an intricate network of canals.
Venice is home to the iconic gondolas but vaporetti are now the most common form of transportation
Top Attractions in Venice
As mentioned earlier, Venice is bursting with history, stunning architecture, iconic bridges and picturesque piazzas. The whole city is actually the tourist attraction! However, I have tried to pick out a few of my absolute favourites but the list could be endless.
Please check out my blog on How to Spend the Best 48 hours in Venice to discover more about this special floating city.
- Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square)
- Palazzo Ducale
- Basilica San Marco
- Il Ponte dei Sospiri (The Bridge of Sighs)
- The Rialto Bridge & The Rialto Market
- Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute
Explore the Venetian Islands
If you are able to tear yourself away from the city of Venice itself, then hop on a vaporetto and discover the islands off Venice.
My particular favourites are Burano and Murano. My Venice blog provides you with information on how to reach these islands.
In brief, Murano is famous for its glass making and Burano boasts lace-making shops and local artist galore. Both islands are famous for their brightly painted houses and make for a photographers dream destination.
R & R in Venice
Fortunately, this historic city offers a whole gambit of accommodation to suit every budget. However, in line with the Glorious Gallivant, here are my super ‘picks’:
Venice does not disappoint on the culinary side either. Make sure you savour the ‘chicchetti’. These are small plates similar to tapas in Spain. You might like to sip on an Aperol Spritz at the same time.
There are some wonderful terraces to sit and soak in the stunning views even if you just enjoy an aperitif from these spectacular spots. That said, some of my favourite eateries are below but I’m sure you won’t be disappointed wherever you find yourself.
- Bistrot de Venise
- Taverna La Fenice
- Terraza Daniele
- La Lanterna de |Gas
- Riva Lounge, The Gritti Palace
- Suso Gelatoteca for the best ice cream!