First Time Visiting Venice Italy? – Some Advice

Venice Italy 

Is it your first time visiting Venice? You are in for a special treat! 

I have been to Venice many times during my travels and I consider it the most beautiful city I have ever seen.

Many people have asked me for advice on what they should expect while in Venice and so I have come up with a few travel tips to help make your vacation even better.

Enjoy!

Venice Italy

Take lots and lots of pictures. Venice has so much to see and you will want to bring those memories back home with you to enjoy over and over. The colors of Venice guarantee that every picture you take will be a masterpiece. 

Venice Italy – The Bridge of Sighs

Visit the well known sites even if the tourist crowds get a little overwhelming. The attractions such as the Bridge of Sighs, pictured here, are worth putting up with all the people. Venice welcomes up to a million tourists a week so the popular areas can be hectic. 

Venice Italy – Piazza San Marco

Be sure to check out Piazza San Marco throughout the day and evening. During the day the lighting changes and creates colors and shadows that continue to amaze no matter how many times you go there.

Venice Italy – The Campanile

Before you get to Venice purchase a Venice guide book and learn a little about the history of the city and it’s famous buildings.  

Venice Italy 

Venice Italy 

Dink and eat like a local and save money.  Many of the bars such as this one in Piazza San Marco, offer drinks and snacks at the bar for a price that is just a fraction of what they charge you if you sit at the tables. 

Venice Italy 

The cafes of Venice serve great cappuccinos and pastry so indulge and don’t worry about the calories. You will be doing so much walking that you will probably lose weight! Besides, you are on vacation! 

Venice Italy

Stay a night or more if possible to experience Venice at night. In the early evening most tourists exit Venice and at night the City transforms.

Venice Italy

Search out little restaurants and bars off the popular streets of Venice such as this Tapas Bar. Such great food and drinks and at great prices. 

Venice Italy

Get a map of the City and explore as much as you can. Every canal is picturesque. 

Venice Italy

Many people visit and hire the gondolas but they are expensive and truly are not the best way to see Venice from the water. However there is no more romantic way for any couple to share the experience of Venice. 

Venice Italy 

Traveling to Venice via the airport? No need to rent a car. Take a bus or taxi from the airport. No cars are permitted in Venice so all travelers must park in the large parking garages at the entrance to the City. These parking garages are very expensive and very crowded.

Venice Italy – The Rialto Bridge

Shopping on and around the Rialto Bridge is diverse and fun. The Rialto Bridge is also a great spot to look out over the Grand Canal and get great photos.

Venice Italy – The Vaporetto

The Vaporetto is Venice’s version of a city bus. These boats travel up and down the Grand Canal stopping at many predetermined stops. The stops are clearly marked and make navigating Venice extremely easy. The cost of a Vaporetto pass is very reasonable and if you are in Venice for multiple days you can purchase multi-day passes for a discount. This is the best way to see Venice from the water as well as get around the City. 

Venice Italy 

Venice Italy 

Venice Italy 

Venice Italy

Explore the neighborhoods of Venice. The locals are friendly and the streets are safe. Here a family’s laundry adds to the colors of the City. 

Venice Italy

Boycott the large cruise ships that visit Venice. They are too large to be permitted to sail so close to this fragile City on the water. 

Venice Italy

Shop till you drop. 

Venice Italy 

Venice Italy 

Venice Italy

Be polite to the locals. They are often great sources of information and can offer great tips on where to eat. 

Venice Italy

Stop and relax. Venice is much larger than you may realize so take time to relax and recharge. Look around and take it all in.

Venice Italy

Get off the beaten path and explore the quiet and tranquil neighborhoods. Visit the Jewish quarter for some great food and rich history.

Venice Italy 

Venice Italy 

Venice Italy

Venice can be very hot in the summer and cold in the winter months. The crowds are also much larger between June and September so you may want to consider this when planning your visit. No matter, Venice is worth the visit any time of year.