A Day in Venice
Impressive and iconic, Venice is one of those places that is incredibly unique. It’s full of beautiful walkways, lively piazzas and over 150 canals for which the city is known — a true bucket list destination. With all of that said, there was a lack of the magic that only comes from local charm. You can tell that the tourists far outnumber the locals, and despite the crowds, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was walking through a ghost town.
Visiting for less than 24 hours, I felt satisfied. I came, I saw, and I was happy I did — there is nowhere else quite like Venice. Absolutely worth adding to your route, but it’s more “day trip” than “place to stay”.
For anyone mapping out their own visit, here’s what our day in the floating city looked like.
Gondola Ride
Because how could you not? € 80 flat rate for a 30-minute tour. Venture off the Grand Canal and into some of the side “streets” to get shorter wait times; with every ride taking thirty minutes, you’ll be waiting for a while if there’s a line.
If € 80 is a little out of your budget, consider finding some other tourists and splitting the cost. The fee is per boatload, not per person!
A quiet canal in Venice
Jewish Quarter
Spend some time walking around this beautiful and historical neighbourhood. It’s quieter here than a lot of the city, as far as tourists are concerned. The Venetian Ghetto is thought to be the oldest in the world, dating back to the 1500s. Despite being unjustly confined, the Jewish people of Venice created a thriving community that remains prominent today.
Libreria Acqua Alta
Known lovingly as “the most beautiful bookshop in the world,” Libreria Acqua Alta (High Water Bookshop in English) is true to its name. Due to the frequent floods in Venice, the shop uses all sorts of quirky methods to keep its merchandise dry and out of reach of the high water levels for which the shop is named. You’ll see books in old gondolas, bathtubs, and more, as well as a few local cats roaming the stacks.
Rialto Bridge
Packed full of tourists, even in the off-season, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge that crosses the Grand Canal. Also often considered the most beautiful, the view of the bridge is one of the most popular in Venice.
Piazza San Marco
Possibly one of the most iconic squares in Italy, with St Mark’s Basilica standing on its perimeter. Though definitely overpriced, grabbing a drink in the square while enjoying live music from some of the restaurants is a great way to spend your evening.
