VENICE
After a week of traveling in Italy (pre-covid), I finally made it to Venice! It is truly a magical floating city! Spending two nights there was plenty enough, as it gives you time to see the places like the cathedral, Dolce Palace, the Rialto bridge, and of course, the grand canal without being rushed.
The best way to get to Venice is by taking the train to the Santa Lucia train station. Stepping out of the train station, you instantly feel like you're in the Angelina Jolie & Johnny Depp movie- The Tourist. The waterbus is available to take, but there is usually a long line- so hopping in a water taxi is more comfortable, private, and a MUST for your first ride through the labyrinth of canals.
Water Taxi ride to the hotel. It was unbelievable!
Exploring this beautiful Italian gem
Water taxi through the canals
Where to stay
We stayed at Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia which was absolutely stunning. With a taxi ride docking at the entrance of the hotel, this hotel gives you that unforgettable experience, including only a short walk to Rialto Bridge and St. Marks Square. Venetian style furnishings and chandeliers included in the design, and our hotel room included a beautiful terrace, 18th century painted ceilings, and a gorgeous polychromed marble bathroom. You also cant beat the fantastic complimentary breakfast service, yummy!
Inside our hotel room. How stunning is this bathroom!? A girls dream come true!
Not only is it more convenient, but also just an unforgettable experience getting off the water taxi right outside the lobby. It helps when you don’t have to haul your luggage through the narrow alleys!
I booked through the Hotels app and I have linked it down below, along with a link to additional information about Venice.
** My links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All my opinions remain my own.**
EATS
You can’t go wrong with the food in Venice, but a must is a place called Dal Moro’s. Its basically a fresh pasta express, serving quality pasta TO GO! They source the highest quality ingredients and it was so so good! We ordered the Pesto (a must!) and the Carbonara. You just can’t go wrong.
So so yummy!
Countless canals, its absolute picturesque!
Waiting for the gondola to pick us up!
Romantic Gondola Ride Experience
Highly recommend taking a gondola ride on the quiet back canals in Venice. This lets you see a different view of Venice- so romantic and beautiful!
Feels like a dream! Which way to go?!
The picturesque buildings of Venice
How much does it cost?
The cost is around €80 for a daytime ride, and even more for sunset, or after 7 pm. These gondolas can hold up to 6 people without any additional fees, so maybe try and find other travelers to ride with to save some euros!
What to expect on a ride-
There are numerous stops along the city to hop on and off the the gondola. Gondoliers stand up to row and use only one oar, which is the best way to navigate Venice's narrow canals. Keep in mind that they do not have any sun umbrellas, so I was in the full sun for the whole time on this hot summer day. They mostly speak English and wear black pants, striped shirt, and closed dark shoes.
Breathtaking views in Venice
Overall, riding a gondola may be overpriced, but there is only one Venice and only one place where you can ride an authentic gondola through the canals of a city that is more than 1200 years old. Talk about a once-in-lifetime opportunity!
Grand Central Canal- cannot get over this view!