Things to Know About Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy (2022), view from Al Ponte Antico
My husband did not have any interest in going to Venice—initially. When I finally convinced him we should go a few years ago, he acquiesced and we will be returning this winter for our 4th trip! If you’ve listened to anyone saying negative things about Venice, they are probably the same people who complain about everything. My husband’s hesitation stemmed from hearing that Venice is crowded, it smelled, is not easy to get around, and he did not want to trudge through standing water. Do not let these perceptions stop you from taking an unforgettable trip to a beautiful city. So, here are some things you should know to alleviate any concerns and also provide you with some great reasons to go:
1. While there are days, and certain times of day, that can become crowded, remember that you are on vacation and there is no need to rush to press through a crowd. In fact, there is no better time to pop into a café for a glass of wine, an Aperol spritzer, or a cup of cappuccino. If you are not in the mood to sit, then head into one of the many museums or shops to let the crowd pass.
2. We have always traveled to Venice in the winter and have never experienced any foul odors. More likely is that we smell the delicious scents from the local bakeries and restaurants that keep us wanting to eat all day.
3. Navigating the city has never been more easy with smart phones. Yes, you will need to sign up for an international plan or get a local SIM card to ensure you do not go over your data limits. Even the smart phone navigation has improved over the past few years. On our first trip, I made a few wrong turns which I blamed on the map function not getting a good signal in a particular area (certainly it couldn’t have been my inattention to detail, right?!?). During our 2022 visit, I did not have any trouble. Well, except the time I was overly confident heading to dinner and relying on memory—I took a wrong turn and ended up locking myself in an alley and disturbing a wonderfully kind resident (who was home, thankfully) to let me out.
4. Venice does not have the flooding problems to the same extent it used to. The MOSE flood barrier has been in use since approximately October of 2020 and during our visits has done an exceptional job of keeping the city dry. Compared to our first visit before 2020 when we had to purchase plastic over-boots for our shoes to get through the high water and walk on elevated sidewalks (that looked like cafeteria tables), our last couple of visits did not have any standing water. A dry Venice is much more convenient but it was quite fun meandering the city in pink over-boots and using the elevated sidewalks.
5. Venice is an extremely walkable city. There are no cars in the main part of Venice, so foot traffic is all you need to think about. The city also has an easy-to-use water bus that may take more time than walking, but is a nice way to see the city from the water while taking a break from the walking. We find that multi-day or day passes are the most economical.
6. The shopping is fabulous! I have enjoyed local pasta, wine, and olive oil for months after a visit. They also have wonderful boutiques for clothing and other souvenirs.
7. There is more to do in Venice than one trip will allow for. We learned this on our first visit. We saw many of the “major” sites on that first (short) visit: St. Marks Basilica, Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, and Rialto Bridge. But, since then, we have been able to see most of the other museums and churches, and have also experienced local exhibits we would not have otherwise made time for. If you expect that your trip will be the only one you make to Venice, prioritize the sights you would like to see and be realistic about how long you will spend at each. And, when all else fails, add a hotel night and stay another day to squeeze a little more in—you won’t regret it!
