Welcome back! Today, I’m going to share my honest thoughts about Venice, Italy, and why it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
Venice is often described as a small and quaint city, known for its unique charm and preserved natural beauty. However, my experience was somewhat different, and I’ll elaborate on that in a moment.
Exploring Venice
Venice is undeniably one of Italy’s historic towns, cherished by many for its distinctive character. Some people rave about its charm, but perhaps I have a different perspective, especially considering that Venetians live here daily. It’s not solely due to tourism that I found Venice to be somewhat underwhelming.
The city’s small size allows for a short trip, perfect for soaking up its views, indulging in delicious cuisine, and, of course, lots of walking. For me, the main attraction seemed to be the preservation of its original form, which, given the money tourists spend here, left me a bit skeptical.
Things to Do
During our visit, we spent a whole day exploring the town on foot. We visited the main attractions, including St. Marc’s Square and the bustling main street with shops and eateries. However, we opted to avoid the crowded square, as we prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. One thing we contemplated was a gondola ride, but at a hefty $100 Canadian, we decided to pass.
We also frequented the grocery store for snacks and the occasional meal since we stayed in an Airbnb. Speaking of which, I’ll share more about our accommodation below.
Given all the walking and occasional indulgence in local beverages, you might find that you won’t be eating as much as you’d expect.
Where to Go
Art enthusiasts, take note! Venice is known as the city of art, and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the art museum. Housed in a converted old building, this five-story art gallery was nothing short of spectacular. I highly recommend it.
We also ventured to Lido for a day, and I fell in love with this area. The free beach, while requiring you to bring your umbrella and blankets for comfort, was a serene haven. On the other side, for a fee of 30 euros, you get a beach with all the amenities. The real seashells, warm waters, and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect day trip to relax and soak in the sun. Plus, the food here is both better and more budget-friendly than in Venice itself. It’s a win-win.
What and Where to Eat
If you find yourself dining in Venice, especially in the main square, be sure to read reviews before heading out. We had an experience where we left one place before even reaching the main course and opted for another small spot with superior service and food.
Stay in an Airbnb or Hotel?
For our accommodation, we chose an Airbnb. It was clean, cost-effective, and situated in a location we found appealing. The hosts were fantastic, and it truly felt like a home away from home. Staying in a hotel could have meant higher costs and possibly an undesirable location. Airbnb, in our case, was the perfect choice.
In summary, while Venice didn’t entirely win us over, we would love to return to Italy, perhaps exploring the southern regions. Italy is a beautiful country with welcoming and helpful people. Our experience in Venice, though mixed, allowed us to appreciate the city’s uniqueness, even if it didn’t become our favorite Italian destination.
