Venice.

Like everywhere else in Europe, the last time I visited Venice was 15-years ago. I remember it being so beautiful and romantic, wishing I was older and excited to come back one day with my love. 

Don’t get me wrong, Venice is an incredible city, with such unique character and classic Italian aspects that it’s easy to fall in love. Unfortunately, the crowds were crazy, every alley packed with tourists, and the main attractions under construction. Sadly, I didn’t have that romantic feeling, again… Instead, Venice was a three-day mix between relaxing and walking around. Here, we’re exhausted again and ready to go home, which is when we know to slow down.

With that in mind, instead of sightseeing and visiting St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Murano Glass Factory, etc. we opted for a more local approach. We ate pasta and pizza, explored and got lost roaming the narrow streets and shops, and people watched and drank Bellini (Italian peach champagne) in St. Mark’s Square soaking in the atmosphere and beautiful live music.

Bridge of Sighs.

St. Mark’s Square.

The famous pigeons…

Rialto Bridge.

The famous Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Basilica were under construction, and the Doge’s Palace requires a good 2-3 hours, which we didn’t have the energy for.

Overall, two nights and one full day is enough to see everything in Venice. A beautiful, small, unique city, and one you must see before it’s gone.

2015 Bucket List Complete:

• Grand Canal
• St. Mark’s Square – Fed the pigeons (even got one on my head!)
• Buy an Italian leather purse
• Bridge of Sighs

Next Time:

• St. Mark’s Basilica – Under construction
• The Doge’s Palace
• Glass Factory
• Gondola ride and singing

Pro:

• Love all the live music at each restaurant in St. Mark’s Square
• Great people watching – Buy a bottle of champagne and sit on the steps in St. Mark’s Square
• A unique, photogenic city

Con:

• Very expensive in the main plazas – Walk into Venice a little more for cheaper food/drinks
• Gondola rides are 80 EURO for 20 minutes. Ridiculous. Didn’t do it this time. And sadly never heard anyone singing either…

Tip:

• The main plazas are extremely crowded, but if you go deeper into the alleys it thins out and you can find good (cheaper) shops/restaurants
• If you’re really missing ranch dressing, go to the Hard Rock Cafe – first place we’ve found it on our entire trip.
• If you’re planning on going inside St. Mark’s Basilica, cover up your shoulders; otherwise, they will give you a paper cloth to wear. Fashionable for sure.

Fun Fact:

• Trains in Italy are very nice! Especially first class. And free food and booze!

How to get there:

• A five-hour train from Naples to Venice is a breeze.