If Venice wasn’t magical enough already, imagine experiencing it during Carnival—a.k.a. the one time it’s totally acceptable to strut through the streets dressed like a Venetian noble, while sipping an Aperol Spritz at 11 AM. During this time, the city transforms into a living, breathing masquerade ball, where everyone is hiding behind extravagant masks, and the canals themselves seem to sparkle with mystery.
Venice isn’t just another destination; it’s a world suspended in time. The moment you step off the train, you’re hit with a wave of awe: narrow canals, pastel-colored buildings, and those iconic gondolas drifting through the waterways as though the city was built solely for romance. There’s no place quite like it, and if you don’t leave a piece of your heart here, well, you’re doing it wrong.
Let’s start with St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), the grand stage of Venice. It's bustling with tourists and pigeons (who seem to have VIP access to everything), but there’s something so captivating about this place. St. Mark’s Basilica, with its golden mosaics and awe-inspiring architecture, invites you to gaze upward and wonder how in the world anyone could create something so stunning. Entry is free, but for a small fee of €5–€7, you can visit the museum and climb to the terrace, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the square and beyond. The sight of the Basilica against the bright Venetian sky, with a sea of tourists below, feels like you’ve stepped into a timeless postcard.
If you’re in the mood for more history and grandeur, take a tour of the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale). The palace is a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, showcasing the opulence of the Venetian elite. Inside, you’ll find rooms dripping in gold and precious artworks that seem to speak of centuries-old power struggles. Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners would take one last, long look at freedom before being carted off to their fate. Admission to the Doge's Palace is around €25, but it includes access to several nearby museums, making it a bargain for history lovers.
Now, let’s talk about gondolas. Yes, they're expensive—around €80 for a 30-minute ride during the day, or €100+ at night—but come on, where else in the world can you glide through winding canals in a sleek, black boat while a gondolier serenades you? Gondolas aren’t just a mode of transport—they’re the epitome of Venetian luxury, and they allow you to experience the city from a perspective few others get. If you’re a sucker for romance (and who isn’t in Venice?), it’s an unforgettable experience, even if your wallet will feel the hit. For a cheaper alternative, try the vaporetto (water bus), which will take you up and down the Grand Canal for just €9.50 per ride. You’ll still get great views and can hop on and off at different stops. Consider getting a 24-hour pass for €25 if you’re planning to explore the waterways in depth.
Rialto Bridge is another must-see, and it’s just as stunning in person as it is in photos. The oldest bridge across the Grand Canal, Rialto is lined with shops selling everything from Murano glass to leather handbags that scream “tourist trap” but in the most fabulous way. If you venture just beyond the crowds, you’ll find Rialto Market, which is a paradise for foodies. Fresh fish, vegetables, and Venetian specialties line the stalls, with local vendors offering quick tastes of traditional Venetian fare.
Speaking of food, Venice is a paradise for anyone who loves seafood and carbs. The Venetian cuisine is dominated by fresh catches from the Adriatic and locally sourced ingredients. Don’t leave without trying sarde in saor—a traditional Venetian dish made with marinated sardines, onions, and vinegar. It’s sweet, tangy, and unlike anything you’ve tasted. Then, there’s risotto al nero di seppia—squid ink risotto that will leave your teeth black but your heart happy. Both dishes are a must-try if you want to really understand the soul of Venetian dining.
Now, let’s talk about cicchetti—Venice’s answer to tapas. These bite-sized morsels can be found at most local bacari (wine bars), and they range from marinated olives and polenta with squid to tiny meatballs and bruschetta. Prices vary, but expect to pay €1.50–€3 per dish, and you’ll end up with a delightful spread of flavors to pair with a spritz. Speaking of spritz, Venice is the birthplace of this iconic cocktail, and you can find it everywhere. An Aperol Spritz will run you around €3–€5, and it’s the perfect drink to enjoy as you watch the world float by. Whether you're sipping at an outdoor café or watching gondolas glide by on the Grand Canal, an Aperol Spritz adds that signature Venetian flair to any moment.
Carnival in Venice takes this city’s glamour to the next level. For a few weeks leading up to Lent, the entire city is draped in masks, costumes, and revelry. People from all over the world flock to Venice to join the madness—gondola parades, grand balls, and public festivals make the city feel like a page out of a history book. The most iconic part of the Carnival is the masquerade. On every corner, you’ll see people wearing elaborate masks—feathers, sequins, gold leaf, you name it. It’s as if Venice decided to throw a city-wide costume party, and everyone’s invited. If you’re lucky enough to be in town during the Carnival, be prepared for some of the most over-the-top, whimsical fashion you’ve ever seen. We spent our days watching people in 18th-century gowns and powdered wigs parade through the streets, and evenings at lavish masquerade balls, where it felt like a dream come to life. You can even buy a mask to get into the spirit of things, with options ranging from a €5 basic mask to intricate, hand-crafted works of art that can set you back €100 or more.
No trip to Venice is complete without wandering the charming hidden alleyways and crossing the countless footbridges that crisscross the canals. Some of the most peaceful moments we had were simply getting lost in Venice’s winding streets, finding the quiet spots where the city seemed to slow down. One of our favorite discoveries was Campo Santa Margherita, a lively square filled with locals chatting over coffee, and tiny cafes serving up some of the best pastries in the city. We stopped at a bakery and grabbed a focaccia, a Venetian specialty, and sat by the canal, watching the sun dip below the rooftops.
Before leaving, make sure to take a detour to the Murano and Burano islands, both easily reachable by vaporetto. Murano is famous for its glassblowing, and watching a glassblower create a delicate vase in minutes is mesmerizing. You can visit the Glass Museum and shop for unique glass pieces—but be prepared for a high-pressure sales pitch. Burano, on the other hand, is a quiet, colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and brightly painted houses. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely walk and a fantastic photo op.
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In Summary:
Venice is a city like no other. From the whimsical masks of Carnival to the serene canals, from the sumptuous seafood to the Aperol Spritz that flows like water—it’s a place that steals your heart, your attention, and perhaps even your money. But you’ll gladly hand it over because Venice doesn’t just show you beauty; it makes you feel it. Every corner, every canal, every tiny bridge seems to whisper that you’re in a dream—a dream you’ll never want to wake up from.
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