Venice is a magical city in Italy that is considered one of the most romantic cities in Europe. It's the kind of place where you can wander through its winding streets, happily getting lost while admiring the breathtaking architecture and stumbling upon hidden gems at every corner.
The story of Venice begins in the 5th century, when the Roman Empire was in decline and people from the Veneto mainland sought refuge from invasions by retreating to the islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Here, driven by necessity, they built a city unlike any other.
Over time, Venice evolved into a maritime power and a hub of international trade, leveraging its unique geography to establish a dominant position in the Mediterranean.
Walking through its labyrinthine streets today, I can't help but marvel at how the city's rich history is etched into every brick and stone. From the magnificent Doge's Palace, once the seat of the city's government, to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge across the Grand Canal, every landmark tells a story of a city that has flourished against all odds.
Because of its rich history, It is a huge magnet for tourists from all over the world who can't wait to explore this fascinating city of history. The fact that it's a popular cruise destination adds to the already huge number of foreign visitors. But, let's face it, during the summer months, it gets extremely crowded and navigating through those narrow streets can be a real challenge.
I went with my boyfriend to Venice last summer, and as much as I was hoping for it to be romantic and dreamy, I honestly did not get that experience. I think that there were so many tourists which made it so overwhelming and not as enjoyable.
But regardless, I still think it is a must-see destination that everyone should at least visit once in their life. I would also recommend to go there off-season, when it gets a little less crowded.
In this travel guide, I will be going over:
How to get to Venice
Where I ate
Where I stayed
Cuisine you need to try in Venice
The beauty of the Aperol Spritz in Venice
The truth about the gondolas in venice
Must see spots
One day itinerary
How to get to Venice
Venice is technically an island , but it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. There are a few ways to get to Venice from different parts of Italy:
By plane: You can fly into its international airport called Marco Polo, located on the mainland just 8km from the city center.
By train: If you're already in Europe, taking a high-speed train such as Trenitalia or Italo is a popular and convenient option. The train station, Santa Lucia, is located right in the center of Venice. *This is my preferred method
By car: While cars are not allowed in the main part of Venice, you can still drive close to the city and park your car at one of the parking garages on the outskirts. From there, you can take a water bus or walk to the city center.
Where I ate
One thing about Venice is that it can be quite expensive, especially for tourists. But if you know where to look, you can find some hidden gems with delicious and more affordable food options. Here are some places I recommend:
Cip and Ciop- a small local restaurant with amazing seafood dishes. It's a bit off the beaten path but definitely worth the trip.
Osteria Al Duomo- another great spot for seafood, located near the famous St. Mark's Square.
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