The city of Venice for generations has attracted a vast number of visitors to it shores. Usually for its romantic atmosphere and the reputation of being one of the best places for couples. And while this certainly continues to be true. In many instances you will receive a very strong feedback from fellow travelers as to whether the city was overrated or underrated. This perception likely comes from the expectations that people had for the city. As an example, I would use myself and say that I did not have high expectations for the city but ended up leaving with the longing of the day I could return. And while this debate is real due to perceptions and personal taste, people on both sides of the debate should easily be able to agree that the city and in fact the region is a very special and unique place no matter what anyone’s expectations are.
Venice is made up of numerous islands and most visitors to the city naturally will spend the multitude of their time on the main island and in the sestieri or districts of San Marco, Dorsoduro and San Polo. Therefore, you should move away from the crowd and stay on the Giudecca Island and more precisely at the Hilton Molino Stucky. The Molino Stucky is in what used to be one of Europe’s largest mills in the late eighteen hundreds and early nineteen hundreds. Today the hotel has won numerous awards for its rooms, service and its Bacaromi restaurant. However most spectacular is the view from the Skyline Rooftop Bar and the rooftop swimming pool. There is nothing better than taking a swim while overlooking all of Venice, jumping out and having a delicious cocktail waiting for you while the only noise that surrounds you is the quiet murmur of boats. Equally important reasons to stay in Giudecca however are the seaside walking paths and the easy transport to the main island. Unlike the main island Giudecca has extensive seaside pedestrian paths with scenic views which are open to the public and lack the labyrinth feel of San Marco or San Polo. There are boats which run regularly between the hotel and San Marco Square. And if you want to avoid bargaining for a gondola ride taking this fifteen-minute trip twice a day will more than satisfy your boating urge.
By far the most popular area in Venice is the San Marco district. Most of the images you would see when googling the city would be of San Marco Square, Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Ponte dei Sospiri which are all located in this part of the city. You should strongly consider getting the Venezia City Pass if you would like to explore these top attractions because the wait in line is extensive. If you rather just experience the atmosphere of the city you could easily take pictures in the square and grab some delicious Venetian cuisine with amazing views at Gio’s Restaurant. Venetian cuisine differs significantly from the rest of Northern Italy due to the type of ingredients that are readily available. Most notably the main staple of Venetian cuisine is polenta as opposed to pasta which is featured in most of the other Italian regions.
As mentioned previously most of this part of Venice is structured like a labyrinth but if you could find your way around there are many other locations to visit outside of the square. If you are looking for an Italian shopping spree or purely to window shop two streets that start in Sam Marco Plaza are the best locations in the city to do so, Merceria Orologio and Piazza San Marco. Merceria would also lead you straight to the most famous bridge in the city and one of the most unique location, the Ponte di Rialto. This covered bridge is the oldest spanning over the Grand Canal and connecting San Marco to San Polo.
The Grand Canal is also the best and most famous place to take a gondola ride. The canal is nearly four kilometers long and at one end splits San Marco from Dorsoduro. Widely the most famous and romantic shots of the city have been taken here. The Dorsoduro sestieri is the other tourist heavy district and a great place to take advantage of the city pass. It is home to Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Gallerie dell’Accademia and numerous art galleries.
However if you are looking to get away from the museums and churches but want to do something unique and memorable you should make plans in advance to get tickets for a show at the Teatro La Fenice. The theater which was renovated after a fire is a spectacular venue and one of the most famous locations in Italy to see an opera. If you are unable to get a ticket, tours are also available during the day.
Finally, if you are lucky enough to spend an extended period in Venice you should make your way to the islands of Lido, Murano and Burano. Lido is most famous for being the site of the Venice Film Festival one of the most prestigious in the world. However, you should make time to visit Alberoni Beach and Dunes which is arguably the best beach in Venice. Murano was the area where Venetian glass was crafted while Burano remains a small fishing island with spectacular colorful houses lining its canals. Either way all three islands make for amazing day trips.
So, if you are considering visiting Venice you should plan your trip with confidence. You will undoubtedly visit a unique city that has loads of activities to offer. A city that is bustling with life and adventure but also allows for peacefulness and relaxation. Truly a city like no other.
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