Nestled along the shimmering waters of the Adriatic Sea, Venice, Italy, captivates visitors with its timeless beauty and unique charm. Renowned for its intricate network of canals, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage, Venice is a city unlike any other. From enchanting gondola rides along the Grand Canal to exploring ancient palaces and hidden alleyways, every corner of this floating city tells a story of romance, art, and history. Whether wandering through bustling market squares or savoring delectable Venetian cuisine in quaint trattorias, visitors are sure to be spellbound by the magical allure of Venice.
The Same
Being fairly small, there was a lot of overlap in what the Family and the Dinks did. Funny coincidence is that we ran into each other at the airport as we were departing back home to the United States from separate trips.
Canal Grande (Grand Canal):
The Canal Grande, or Grand Canal, is Venice’s main waterway, stretching in an S-shape through the heart of the city. Lined with magnificent palaces, churches, and historic buildings dating back centuries, it serves as the bustling thoroughfare of Venice. This iconic watercourse is traversed by vaporetto (water bus) and gondolas, offering visitors a scenic route to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and stunning architectural marvels. The Grand Canal remains an integral part of Venetian life, blending history, beauty, and daily activity in a unique and captivating setting.
To truly experience Venice from the water, taking a gondola ride and a boat tour are must-do activities. A gondola ride offers a romantic and intimate perspective, gliding through narrow canals past ancient buildings and under charming bridges. It’s a chance to soak in the city’s unique ambiance and admire its architectural treasures up close. Meanwhile, a boat tour along the Grand Canal provides a broader view of Venice’s grandeur, passing by palaces, churches, and bustling waterfronts. Both experiences complement each other, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the beauty and history of Venice from its iconic waterways.
Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square):
The main square of Venice, surrounded by iconic buildings like St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile (bell tower). This vibrant square is a hub of activity, with bustling cafes, shops, and live music. It can get a crowded at times so if you want to avoid that, we recommend going early in the day.
Rialto Bridge:
The Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, spans the Grand Canal with its elegant arch and bustling shops. Dating back to the late 16th century, it’s not only a marvel of engineering but also a vibrant hub of activity. Be sure to take stroll across the bridge, enjoying panoramic views of the Grand Canal and the bustling life below. Surrounding the Rialto area are lively markets, historic buildings, and charming alleyways, making it a must-visit destination for experiencing the essence of Venice’s rich history and culture.
Local Cuisine
Venice, Italy, offers a delightful array of dishes that reflect its unique culinary heritage influenced by its location in the Venetian lagoon and its historical trading connections.
- Risotto al Nero di Seppia: Risotto cooked with cuttlefish ink, giving it a rich black color and a subtle seafood flavor. It’s a unique and popular dish in Venice.
- Fritto Misto: Mixed fried seafood, including shrimp, calamari, and small fish, lightly battered and fried until crispy. It’s often served with lemon wedges and a side of polenta.
- Polenta: A staple in Venetian cuisine, polenta is cornmeal cooked to a creamy consistency and served with various toppings such as seafood, mushrooms, or meat ragù.
- Tiramisù: A famous Italian dessert that originated in Veneto, tiramisù is made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, dusted with cocoa powder.
The DINKs
We visited Venice as part of our honeymoon and absolutely fell in love with this enchanting city. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by its romantic ambiance, picturesque canals, and timeless architecture. Wandering through narrow alleys and across quaint bridges, we discovered hidden squares adorned with charming cafés and boutiques. Each day brought new delights, from savoring authentic Italian cuisine in cozy trattorias to exploring world-renowned landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
Murano:
Murano is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of glassmaking. You can visit numerous glass factories and workshops on the island to watch skilled artisans demonstrate their craft and browse exquisite glassware, jewelry, and art pieces. Visiting Murano from Venice is a popular day trip for tourists looking to explore the rich tradition of glassmaking for which the island is famous. We took a vaporetto, or water bus from Venice. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the departure point. We picked up a beautiful glass bowl to display in our home.
Happy Hour:
Enjoying “apertivo” and “cicchetti” during happy hour in Venice is a delightful Venetian tradition not to be missed. Head to the local bacari (wine bars) and osterie (taverns) scattered throughout Venice to experience authentic apertivo culture. Look for bars with a bustling atmosphere and a wide selection of cicchetti displayed on the counter.
- Apertivo: The Italian version of happy hour, typically held in the early evening before dinner. It’s a time to socialize, unwind, and enjoy pre-dinner drinks and snacks. Many bars and cafes in Venice offer apertivo specials, where you can order a drink and enjoy complimentary snacks. The Spritz is a popular Venetian aperitif made with Prosecco, Aperol or Campari, and a splash of soda water. It’s enjoyed before dinner as a refreshing way to start a meal.
- Cicchetti: Cicchetti are small, bite-sized snacks or appetizers that are served alongside drinks during apertivo. They are similar to Spanish tapas and can include a variety of savory treats such as crostini (toasted bread topped with spreads or toppings), bruschetta, seafood, olives, cheese, and cured meats. Cicchetti are meant to be enjoyed with friends while sipping on a refreshing drink.
- You are allowed to walk around with drinks so we also stopped in a small wine shop and purchased a bottle. The owner opened it for us and had plastic to go cups so we could find a spot on an empty dock on the canal and relax enjoy wine as the boats passed by.
Where to stay:
We were lucky enough to find a great deal on an airbnb on one of the side canals. We enjoyed the canal view without the noise of the main canal. The city itself is so small that staying anywhere in the city is walking distance or a water taxi ride away. Even outside the city, there is a train that is easy enough to take.
Getting Around:
We took the train from the airport into Venice. While our hotel was super close to the train station, the roads were busy and hard to navigate with luggage. On the trip back we did the taxi and it was unbelievable easy. Wish we took it on the way there. We also took the taxi around the canal just to site see and really enjoyed it. I wouldn’t skip the gondola ride but it allowed us to see much more of the Venice.
The Family
On our Honeymoon, we had more time in Venice and did a day trip to Burano. (Before we had kids.)
Burano
Burano is famous for its charming, brightly colored houses that line the canals. Take a leisurely stroll through the island’s streets to admire the vibrant hues and picturesque architecture. Burano is a little farther than Morano but same water taxis take you there. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the departure point and the route. Burano has a long-standing tradition of lace-making, and you can visit shops and workshops where artisans practice this intricate craft. You can also visit the Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) to learn more about the history and techniques of Burano lace.
Church of San Martino
isit the Church of San Martino, a beautiful 16th-century church with a leaning bell tower that offers panoramic views of the island. Inside the church, you can admire works of art and the ornate interior decorations.
We did Venice as part of a larger European vacation coming from southern Italy and taking a Greek Cruise out of Venice. Since we loved Venice during our honeymoon visit, we were excited to go back with the kids. Our time in Venice limited so we tried to recreate our favorite experiences. We stayed at the same hotel and ate at one of the same restaurants. It was fun seeing it all again also was a bit of a disappointment. I think our expectations were really high from our honeymoon visit and the city has become more crowded over the years. You can’t always recreate great memories.
To learn more about how we made this trip affordable, check out our Affordable Family Travel Blog.
Summary
In their exploration of Venice, both the DINKs and the Family immersed themselves in the city’s timeless charm and culinary delights, weaving through iconic attractions like the Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Square, and the Rialto Bridge, all while gliding along in a Venetian gondola. Indulging in local cuisine added a flavorful dimension to their experiences. The DINKs’ venture to Murano allowed them to appreciate the artistry of glassmaking and unwind during daily happy hours, embracing the local lifestyle. Meanwhile, the Family’s visit to Burano offered a glimpse into the vibrant, colorful community known for its lace-making traditions. Each approach uniquely captured Venice’s allure, whether through artistic exploration or cultural immersion, making it a matter of personal preference as to who experienced Venice “better.”
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