Hello, my fellow travelers! I’ve been meaning to share my thoughts on our visit to Venice in April this year for a while now, but I’ve been procrastinating. With so many incredible places to share from our month-long trip to Europe, there’s so much to say, and I wanted to do it justice!

You’ve probably read countless articles, watched videos, and seen pictures of this iconic city already. So, why am I adding one more blog to the pile? Well, because every traveler’s experience of a place is unique. Your mood, the people you meet, and even the time of year can shape how you experience a destination. And Venice is no exception. Some call it overrated; others say it’s magical. But for me? It was both mesmerizing and eye-opening, with a few hiccups along the way. Let me take you through it.

Our Airbnb Experience: A Bumpy Start in Venice

Our stay, however, didn’t start off as smoothly as we’d hoped. A day earlier, our Airbnb host mentioned that she’d be there to greet us if we arrived before 5 p.m. Sounds standard, right? We didn’t think much of it and assumed, like with any other Airbnb, that there would be a way to enter the apartment if we arrived a bit late. But things took an unexpected turn.

As we were making our way to the property via water taxi—already excited to check in—our host informed us that because we were running late (by just five minutes!), we’d have to wait two more hours to be let into the apartment. Apparently, she had other commitments and couldn’t meet us anymore. This was the last thing we wanted to hear after a long day of traveling, especially since it was cold and rainy when we arrived.

The conversation that followed was less than pleasant. She blamed us for taking a slower water taxi, which, as tourists, we had no way of knowing would cause such an issue. It was incredibly frustrating, especially after we had carefully checked the property’s ratings beforehand. It was a stark reminder that in a high-demand destination like Venice, even well-rated places can lead to disappointing experiences.

After a tense back-and-forth, she finally agreed to have her neighbor give us the keys so we could at least store our luggage and get out of the rain. It wasn’t the warmest welcome, but we were just relieved to escape the cold.

To lift our spirits, we listened to a Rick Steves podcast on Venice before heading out to explore the city. Despite the rocky start, the magic of Venice quickly turned our mood around. Walking through the narrow streets, seeing the shimmering canals, and feeling the city's rich history in every corner made it all worth it. We were so glad we decided to stay overnight and experience Venice once the crowds disappeared.

A Night in Venice: When the Crowds Disappear

One of the best decisions we made was staying overnight in Venice. Most day-trippers leave after 9-10 p.m., and that’s when the real magic begins. We spent hours wandering, getting “lost” (without the help of Google Maps) in the best way possible, and soaking in the mysterious and magical atmosphere of Venice after dark.

The reflections of the city lights dancing on the canal waters, the peaceful atmosphere, and the soft sounds of the lagoon made us feel like we had stepped back in time.

There’s something indescribably romantic about Venice at night, and I urge anyone visiting to take the time to experience it when the crowds thin out. You won’t regret it.

Fun Fact #1: Venice is home to approximately 400 bridges that connect its islands and neighborhoods, with the iconic Rialto Bridge being one of the most famous.

Rialto Bridge at Dawn, Venice, Italy — Rialto Bridge at dawn – Venice awakening in golden light.

What Makes Venice So Famous?

So, why has Venice become such an iconic destination? The city’s history is rich, complex, and filled with fascinating stories. Venice was a major maritime power and trading hub, giving birth to legendary figures like Marco Polo. The Venice Carnival, known for its elaborate masks, has been celebrated since the 12th century, adding to the city’s mystique. It usually takes place in February or March, depending on the year, and attracts visitors from all over the globe.

Venice’s connection to the Orient Express, its appearances in literature (think Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice), and its role as the birthplace of the Venice Film Festival have all added layers to its allure. It’s no wonder that travelers have been enchanted by this floating city for centuries.

The People of Venice: Humorous and Engaging

One of the biggest surprises for me was the people of Venice. Italians, in general, are known for being lively and animated, but in Venice, the locals were especially engaging. We met several people who added character to our trip, like the guide who took us on the Secret Itineraries Tour of the Doge’s Palace. He was hilarious, constantly cracking jokes and bringing the history of the Doge and Venice to life in such a lighthearted way.

Even our guide on the Murano and Burano island tour was light-hearted, funny, and made the already beautiful experience even more memorable. As we learned about the history of Murano glass and the colorful houses of Burano, her humor kept things lively, making the tour so much more enjoyable.

It’s people like them who add character to your trip, reminding you that travel isn’t just about places—it’s about the people you meet along the way.

Venetian Cuisine: Seafood, Cichetti, and More

Now, let’s talk about food! Venice, like many Italian regions, has its own distinct cuisine, heavily influenced by its geography. Since it’s surrounded by water, seafood is a staple. From fresh fish to squid ink pasta, there’s something for every seafood lover.

A must-try is Cichetti, Venice’s version of tapas. These small, bite-sized snacks are served in bacari (traditional bars) and are perfect for a light lunch or a quick snack. You’ll find locals sipping Spritz (a popular Venetian cocktail) and nibbling on cichetti like crostini topped with fresh seafood, fried polenta, or local cheeses. For a more substantial meal, even though we personally didn’t get a chance to try, I have read that you should not miss out on Sarde in Saor (sweet and sour sardines) or Baccalà Mantecato (whipped salt cod).

Indulge in cicchetti, Venice's delicious small bites, perfect for a casual tasting experience at local bacari.

Fun Fact #2: While pizza isn't traditionally part of Venetian cuisine, we couldn't resist trying the highest-rated pizza in the city, which, surprisingly, was crafted by a Bangladeshi-origin chef. To top it off, we enjoyed the best-rated gelato at midnight—a truly sweet ending to our magical day!

When to Visit and How to Get Around

If you’re wondering when to go, I’d say April is an ideal time. We visited just before the peak season, which meant fewer crowds and pleasant weather. The heat of summer hadn't yet arrived, and it wasn’t as crowded as it gets in July or August. Plus, visiting Venice during the shoulder or off-season allows you to contribute to sustainable travel practices by reducing the strain on the city.

Getting around Venice is easy but different from most cities since there are no cars. You’ll either walk or take the vaporetto (water bus). If you plan to explore Murano and Burano, a vaporetto ride will take you there in no time. We took a train from Milan to Venice, which was both convenient and scenic—just make sure to book your train to Venice’s Santa Lucia train station, as there are two train stations in Venice and it’s easy to make that mistake. If you decide to travel by bus, most will drop you off at Piazzale Roma, where you can easily catch a vaporetto to your destination. For air travel, Venice Marco Polo Airport is the main international airport, and you can reach the city center via bus, water taxi, or the Alilaguna water shuttle service.

A Few Tips for Future Travelers

How many days are enough? One night in Venice is ideal if you’re on a budget (it was quite literally our most expensive stay in Europe!), but two nights will give you a bit more time to explore.
Where to stay? If you want to stay close to the main attractions, San Marco is your best bet, but it will be pricier and busier. For a quieter, more local experience, consider staying in Cannaregio or Castello like we did.
Tourism tax: Keep in mind that Venice has implemented a tourism tax to combat overtourism. The rate was recently updated to €5 per day for day-trippers. If you’re staying overnight, it’s usually included in your accommodation costs.
Timing Your Visit: An important tip is to avoid visiting during the full moon and new moon phases, as higher tides during these times increase the risk of flooding in the city.
Venice Day Pass: If you plan to use the vaporetto frequently, consider purchasing a Venice Day Pass. This pass provides unlimited travel on the water buses for 24 hours, making it a cost-effective option for exploring the city and its islands, including Murano and Burano.
Embracing Venice at Your Own Pace: One thing we consciously avoided was cramming our days with every tourist attraction Venice had to offer. Sure, we did some of the essentials like the Doge’s Palace (we opted for the Secret Itineraries tour, which skips the lines and takes you to hidden rooms!), but we didn’t rush to tick off every museum or gallery. My advice? Don’t feel pressured to see it all. Instead, slow down and enjoy Venice like a traveler, not a tourist. In fact, we even skipped the gondola ride! Yes, it’s iconic, but €100 for 30 minutes seemed a bit much just for a photo op. Instead, we explored the canals on foot and discovered places that felt more intimate and personal.

Gonodola rides in the canals of Venice, Italy

Where to Stay in Venice: Navigating the Districts

Venice is made up of six main districts, each with its own character. If you’re looking to be in the heart of the action, San Marco is the most popular area, home to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. But keep in mind that this area is also the busiest and most expensive.

For a quieter experience, Cannaregio and Castello offer a more local atmosphere, with fewer tourists and more authentic Venetian charm. Cannaregio, in particular, is where you’ll find Venice’s historic Jewish Ghetto, while Castello is known for its Arsenale and naval history. Dorsoduro is the artistic hub, with galleries and museums, while Santa Croce and San Polo are smaller districts that provide a more peaceful stay, just a short walk from the main attractions.

We stayed in Castello, as mentioned at the start of the blog, just a five-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square, at an Airbnb near the end of the lagoon. Castello felt like a quieter, more residential district compared to the bustling heart of San Marco, and its proximity to the main sights made it an ideal base for us.

The Dark Side of Venice

Beneath its beauty, Venice faces significant challenges. Overtourism has led to crowded streets, worn-down infrastructure, and the displacement of locals, many of whom can no longer afford to live in the city. The population of actual residents has been steadily declining, and today, tourists often outnumber Venetians daily.

And then there’s “Acqua Alta”, the seasonal flooding that has become more severe in recent years. As sea levels rise, Venice is literally sinking. Iconic spots like St. Mark’s Square are often submerged, making it difficult for both tourists and locals to navigate. While efforts like the MOSE flood barrier are in place, the long-term survival of Venice remains uncertain.

Let’s get one thing clear—Venice is a place that lives at the mercy of tides, literally. Its beauty, history, and vulnerability all mesh into a complex portrait of a city that seems both eternal and fleeting. The city sits on reclaimed land, and yes, it’s prone to flooding, which makes you realize how fragile it is. But despite all that, Venice has an aura of mystery that captured my heart.

Unexpected Friends in a Foreign Land

One of the most delightful surprises of our trip was the unexpected friendships we forged along the way. During our time in the French Riviera, we had met an Indian couple (Nishtha and Prakhar) with whom we explored the South of France for two wonderful days. As luck would have it, they were also heading to Italy and, with their flexible itinerary, decided to plan their visit to Venice on the same day as us. After our morning tour of the Doge’s Palace, which we had booked in advance, they joined us for an afternoon adventure to the enchanting islands of Murano and Burano. We capped off our day with a fantastic dinner together, sharing stories and laughter as time flew by. In fact, we were so engrossed in our conversation that they almost missed their bus back to Florence! This experience reminded us that traveling isn’t just about the destinations; it’s the connections we make and the shared moments that truly enrich our journeys.

Having limoncello in Venice, Italy — Raise a glass of limoncello and toast to sweet moments and sunny memories!

Must-Do Activities Beyond a Day in Venice

If you have more than a day in Venice, there are plenty of enchanting activities to immerse yourself in. Start by visiting St. Mark’s Basilica, where you can marvel at the stunning mosaics and climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of the piazza. Take a stroll across the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal, and explore the vibrant markets nearby for local delicacies. Consider a visit to the Gallerie dell’Accademia to appreciate Venetian art, or explore the hidden corners of the Dorsoduro district, known for its charming canals and art galleries. For a taste of Venetian history, don’t miss a tour of the Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest in Europe, where you can learn about the rich culture and traditions of the Jewish community in Venice. Additionally, make sure to take a trip to Lido Island, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the bustling city. Lido is also famous for hosting the Venice Film Festival, attracting filmmakers and movie enthusiasts from around the globe. Finally, indulge in a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Venetian dishes, or take a sunset gondola ride to experience the magic of the canals when the city is beautifully illuminated.

Fun Fact #3 :An interesting piece of information that many may not know is that the Venice Film Festival, established in 1932, holds the title of the oldest film festival in the world. It was created as part of the Venice Biennale to promote international cinema and celebrate artistic achievement. In contrast, the Cannes Film Festival was founded later, in 1946, to provide a prestigious platform to rival Venice. We learned this intriguing fact from our guide, and it deepened our appreciation for both festivals, which have since become synonymous with cinematic excellence, showcasing groundbreaking films and attracting renowned filmmakers from around the globe.

In the end, my personal experience in Venice was overwhelmingly positive. We were fortunate to avoid the flooding that plagues some tourists, and we left with memories of a city that felt both timeless and otherworldly. If you ask me, Venice is one of those places you have to visit at least once—just make sure you go with an open mind and a traveler’s heart.

Let me know if Venice is on your travel list or if you’ve already been! I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Venice: A Dreamy Escape or an Overrated Stop? My Personal Take

Our Airbnb Experience: A Bumpy Start in Venice