Venice: Unfiltered Tips & Tricks for Navigating the City of Canals!
My family and I just returned from a quick trip trip to Venice, Italy – sort of a last-minute decision to get in a nice, quiet family vacation before joining the rest of our extended family for a reunion cruise through Greece. While we had an absolute blast, and enjoyed our visit, I want to share our unfiltered experience, complete with practical advice to help you make the most of this unique city.
I’ve laid out some of the highlights of our experience and made sure to call out any tips we learned during our time!
Duration: Two Days is Sufficient
While we enjoyed our extended stay, two full days would have been ample to experience Venice’s highlights without feeling overwhelmed. This allows for leisurely exploration of the main attractions, wandering through the charming streets, and savoring local cuisine.
Transportation: Private Water Taxis: The Ultimate Convenience
You have three options to get to the island:
- Arrange private transportation through your hotel
- Rent a private water taxi from the airport pier
- Wait for the public water taxi
We opted for the private water taxi from the pier. This decision was a game-changer. It saved us from long queues and allowed for direct transport to our hotel’s private pier. The 130-euro price tag for three people and luggage was well worth it for the seamless experience.
A private transport through our hotel was about double that price and the public waterbus had about a 40-minute wait and costs 20-35 euros depending on the day/season.
Accommodation: The St. Regis: Luxury with Minor Hiccups
Our family opted for The St. Regis Venice, simply because we had built up our Amex travel points (note – if you are an avid traveler, Amex Platinum offers the BEST overall perks. And no, not sponsored!). This was key: The St. Regis had their own pier! That means drop-off was directly at their hotel and not a random pier requiring us to drag our luggage across the narrow cobblestone alleyways of Venice searching for our hotel! There were multiple hotels with a nearby pier or private pier so you do have options!
The hotel exudes opulence, stunning historical architecture, and impeccable service. The included breakfast (thanks to our benefits) was a delightful bonus.
Minor housekeeping issues arose, which were promptly addressed by management with a 20% refund.
If we were to return, we wouldn’t hesitate to return to this hotel. It truly lived up to its hype!
Activities: Get Lost, But Strategize Too
Getting lost in Venice is inevitable and part of the charm. I absolutely recommend just leaning into it! The most memorable part of our trip was just wandering the streets of the city, and exploring cafes, shops, and architecture. You could EASILY spend a day doing just that!
However, to maximize your time, consider a private guided tour to bypass crowds and gain valuable insights into the city’s history and landmarks. We found ours through Viator and highly recommend it (you could also check out GetYourGuide.com).
If a guided experience isn’t really your speed, I would say the main sightseeing highlights were Ponte di Rialto, Doge’s Palace, San Marco’s square, and San Marco’s Basilica.
Venice offers a diverse shopping scene, from artisanal crafts to luxury goods. But don’t expect prices to be significantly lower than in other major European cities. However, a bonus to shopping here is that luxury goods are cheaper in Europe than the US, PLUS you are eligible for a VAT tax refund at the airport upon departure.
Pro Tip 1: Watch out for “free” gifts in touristy areas, as they often come with strings attached. We watched multiple men giving roses to women and toys to kids saying “Thank you for coming to Venice, I’m giving you free roses because you are my sister. It is for free.” Many took the rose only to find themselves being followed for money. Not dangerous. Just be careful!
Pro Tip 2: Purchase a multi-day vaporetto pass for convenient and unlimited waterbus travel.
Food: Temper Your Expectations and Seek Authenticity
While cicchettis(small plates), wine and gelato are must-tries, don’t anticipate an extraordinary culinary adventure. My number one recommendation on this front is to consider a food tour to discover hidden gems and avoid tourist traps. They will provide you with some local insight to the food scene, without you wasting your time (and money) trying to find something to enjoy. A highlight? Suso’s gelato. It’s a must try!
Pro Tip 1: Ask locals for recommendations on where to eat, as they often know the best-kept secrets.
Pro Tip 2: If you have dietary restrictions, most restaurants are accommodating, but it’s always wise to carry your medication just in case.
Pro Tip 3: Avoid restaurants with picture menus, pushy hosts, or extensive non-Italian options.
Pro Tip 4: Avoid gelato shops that have brightly colored, highly piled heaps of gelato on display. It just means that their ingredients are not fresh and the gelato has more ice in it to keep it’s structure.
Packing: Essentials for Venetian Exploration
Pack light layers, comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking!), sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. A reusable water bottle is crucial for staying hydrated. If you plan to visit churches or religious sites, pack a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders.
If you find yourself staring at your suitcase, wondering what else to bring, I’ve put together a list of my favorite travel essentials to help you get started! You can find them linked below!
Additional Tips:
- Book accommodations in advance: Venice is a popular destination, especially during peak season.
- Learn a few Italian phrases: While English is widely spoken, a few basic phrases will go a long way in showing respect and connecting with locals.
- Embrace the siesta: Many shops and restaurants close in the afternoon for a few hours. Plan your activities accordingly.
- Beware of pickpockets: Keep your belongings secure and be extra vigilant in crowded areas.
Venice is a city of contrasts, where stunning beauty coexists with tourist traps and logistical challenges. By approaching your visit with realistic expectations and a bit of savvy, you can create a truly unforgettable experience.