From Venice with Love – this is the motto of my city guide for the unique city of Venice. By the way, I visited Venice for the first time when I was 16, further visits followed, but this time it was pure magic. In Venice, nothing is really common, instead of cars and buses, there are boats as the famous Vaporettos and Gondolas to get along the city. In this blog post I share with you the most beautiful places and some tips for your stay in Venice. I spent two days in Venice this July.
1. St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
The Piazza San Marco is probably the most famous spot of Venice. During the day there is a lot of activity here between stalls, tourists and cafés. Admittedly, during our visit, the crowd was limited due to Covid-19. But nevertheless, it is worth getting up early, as the most beautiful thing is to watch the sunrise over the roofs of the St. Mark’s Church. The St. Mark’s Tower (Campanile) rises high up as a church tower.
The pomp of these buildings is really breathtaking.
2. The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
The Doge’s Palace is also located on St Mark’s Square. From the 9th century onwards, the government of Venice was located in this gorgeous building. It can not only be admired from the exterior but also from the interior. The gothic building testifies the power and the financial possibilities that Venice gained early. Already at the haven with the Vaporetto, you will recognize the Doge’s Palace from far away.
3. The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)
In Venice, there are unbelievable 435 bridges that connect the single islands. One that you should not miss is the famous Bridge of Sighs. The 11 m wide, white bridge connects the Doge’s Palace and the Prigioni nuove (the new prison) since 1600 – from where it gets its name. The most beautiful pictures with the bridge you will get on the bridge in front and on the side. It is located near Piazza San Marco.
4. The canals and docks of Venice
The numerous canals of Venice serve as traffic routes. The best way to explore the narrow alleys and small bridges for that pure Venice feeling. Numerous canals and small bridges are waiting to be discovered. Again and again you will also encounter beautiful docks, this one is probably the most famous on Instagram.
5. The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
Another landmark of Venice that you should not miss is the Rialto Bridge that leads over the Grand Canal. Especially the small shops that are still located on the bridge are characteristic. It is best to walk in the evening in direction to the Rialto Bridge, as along the Canale Grande there are numerous restaurants with a great view to eat a pizza. On the bridge itself you can enjoy a wonderful view over the Canale Grande.
P.S. with the Vaporetto number 1 you can drive along the Canale Grande for 7.50 Euro – we made this trip on the way back to the parking garage.
6. Ride with the Gondola
Although it was already the 4th time I visited Venice, I saved the gondola trip until this year and did not regret it. Admittedly not the cheapest pleasure in Venice but absolutely incomparable. We also made the gondola trip in the evening. During the trip, the gondolieri told us some more exciting facts about Venice while we passed the respective places.
Tips for your stay in Venice
Hotel in Venice or outside?
As already mentioned, this was my 4th visit to Venice. On my first visit I was on my confirmation trip and we stayed in a simple 2-star pension near the train station. The next two times I was only in Venice during the day. But I can really recommend to book a hotel in the centre. Because the first Vaparettos do not arrive in Venice until approximately 9 o’clock. That means you can enjoy the city especially in the morning with less tourists. For the “real” Venice feeling it is also worth to stay overnight in the city itself. Appropriately we had chosen the 4-star Hotel Casanova in Venetian style – named after one of the most famous Venetians. If you are travelling by car, I can recommend the Venezia Tronchetto Parking for 26.00 EUR per 24h. From there you can easily find the Vaparetto Station and drive to the centre.
Gelati on the Piazza San Marco
You should not miss a delicious Italian gelati during your visit to Venice. At Piazza San Marco you will find great Gelaterias.
Beachday at the Lido di Venezia
After many sightseeings there is nothing better than a break at the Lido di Venezia. With the Vaporetto the crossing takes less than 30 minutes. You will find there paid beach clubs as well as a public beach with beach bar and Co. Besides sunbathing, swimming and relaxing – I couldn’t resist collecting shells.
I wish you a wonderful time in Venice
Was für romantisch wundervolle Eindrücke!
Liebe Grüße!