Venice
Venice Tips
- Get lost on purpose: Venice is a maze of narrow streets, alleys, and canals, and getting lost is all part of the fun. So put away the map, wander off the beaten path, and allow yourself to stumble upon unexpected treasures.
- Visit St. Mark's Basilica, the most famous church in Venice with stunning mosaics and architecture.
- Walk across the Rialto Bridge, the most iconic bridge in Venice that offers beautiful views of the Grand Canal.
- Explore the Doge's Palace, a stunning Gothic palace that was the seat of power in Venice for centuries.
- Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a museum that features contemporary art and an impressive collection of works by major artists such as Picasso, Pollock, and Kandinsky.
Pro travel tip: Avoid international data fees. Purchase a SIM card in Italy upon arrival for significantly reduced costs compared to North American carriers. TIM tourist offers affordable packages and unlimited data options for travellers up to 30 days.
Venice: A real-life movie set
Lights, camera, action...wait - this is actually a real place! Our journey began in Venice, where we were deeply immersed in the canals, bridges, and alleyways of this magical city. Our hotel was located in the heart of Venice, just over the Rialto Bridge and we could easily navigate through the city.
Pro tip: come a day or two early to make sure you make the tour, adjust to the time change and explore parts of the city that are not on the tour. We did just that, stayed at the same hotel as the tour, and it made a world of difference in our overall experience.
On our first evening, we met our tour group, and we enjoyed getting acquainted over a traditional Venetian dinner together.
On day two, our local guide joined us for a historical walking tour of Venice. We learned about the city's remarkable past and its challenging future. The highlight of the day was the visit to St. Mark's Square, which was the perfect spot to capture some amazing photos.
As our guide led us through Venice, they pointed out the 49,999 signs that were scattered throughout the city. They explained that the signs represented the number of residents left in Venice, and were a powerful symbol of the city's population crisis. Our guides emphasized the importance of addressing this issue and ensuring that Venice remains a livable city for its residents.
In our free time in the afternoon, we visited Doge's Palace. Visiting Doge's Palace is a must-do experience for anyone interested in the history and architecture of Venice. Highlights of the palace include the opulent chambers of the Doge, the intricate artwork adorning the walls and ceilings, and the stunning views of St. Mark's Square from the balconies. A visit to the palace is not complete without a walk across the Bridge of Sighs, which offers a haunting reminder of the fate of prisoners who passed through it on their way to the adjacent prison.
Right next to Doge's Palace is St. Mark Basilica. St. Mark's Basilica is a breathtaking masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that is not to be missed on any trip to Venice. The interior of the basilica is adorned with intricate mosaics, while the exterior boasts ornate marble facades and domes. To skip the long lines, buy tickets in advance online, and make sure you visit the terrace to see the famous bronze horses and enjoy a stunning view of the city.
Pro-tip: Download the Rick Steves audio tour app when exploring St. Mark's Basilica and other sights throughout Italy that are not part of the guided tour. This will allow you to have access to informative and engaging commentary about the history and significance of the sights, and can significantly enhance your overall experience.
A must-do experience in Venice is trying cicchetti, the city's version of tapas or small plates. Cicchetti is a small, bite-sized snack that are typically served in traditional bacari (wine bars) throughout the city. These delicious morsels can be made with a variety of ingredients, from fresh seafood and vegetables to cured meats and cheeses. Some of the most popular cicchetti dishes include fried seafood, grilled polenta topped with savory sauces, and crostini (toasted bread) topped with local delicacies like baccalà (salt cod) or sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines). The best way to experience cicchetti is to wander through the city's streets and alleys, stopping at various bacari to try a few bites at each one. Be sure to pair your cicchetti with a glass of local wine or spritz (a Venetian cocktail made with prosecco, Aperol, and soda water) for the full experience.
On day three, we visited the Accademia Gallery, which had a treasure trove of great Venetian art. We saw the works of famous artists like Titian, Veronese, Bellini, Tintoretto, and every shade of color imaginable. Later in the day, we cruised into Venice's lagoon on our private boat, and we visited the guide's favorite island, the colourful Burano and historic Torcello. We enjoyed lunch on our own and then returned to the city for a classic gondola ride through Venice's canals.