Everything I’d Tell My Bestie Before Visiting Venice

I realized I’ve never done a dedicated post on Venice, and after scrolling through my camera roll (which is basically endless canals, spritzes, and some of the best meals I’ve had in Italy), I figured it was finally time.

There is nowhere in the world quite like Venice. I love that there are no cars on the island, that every building looks like it belongs in a painting, and that every little alley seems to lead to another beautiful bridge or canal. Venice is stunning, romantic, chaotic, expensive, occasionally confusing… and somehow still completely worth it.

The trick is knowing when to splurge, when to slow down, and when to wander away from the tourist crowds.

1. Getting into Venice

From VCE Airport

Alilaguna Water Shuttle

About €18 one-way or €32 round trip. Slower than driving, but your vacation kind of starts the second you’re cruising into Venice by boat.

Aerobus + Vaporetto

Around €18 and includes the airport bus plus the public water shuttle into Venice. Great option if you’re traveling on a budget.

Private Water Taxi

Usually around €150-ish depending on where you’re staying. Absolutely unnecessary… but if you’ve always wanted a “main character arriving in Italy” moment, this is it.

If you’re arriving by train…

My very specific piece of advice: use the restroom upstairs in the food court before leaving the station (you’ll usually need a coin), then get moving.

The area immediately outside the train station is packed with souvenir shops, restaurants with giant laminated menus, and people trying to wave you inside. Walk five to ten minutes in literally almost any direction and Venice starts feeling… well… like Venice again.

2. Venice Walking Strategy

Venice is sneaky walking.

You think Rome is the city that destroys your feet, and then Venice quietly reminds you that every bridge has stairs and Google Maps has absolutely no sympathy for your calves.

My advice:

• Keep reservations and sightseeing within about a 15-20 minute walk of one another.

• Build intentional “spritz breaks” into your day. They’re not lazy, they’re strategic.

• Download your map offline. Between tiny alleyways and tall buildings, your GPS will occasionally lose the plot.

• Wear shoes that are actually comfortable. Cute is great. Cute with arch support is even better.

3. Neighborhoods Worth Your Time

San Marco

Yes, it’s crowded.

Yes, everyone goes.

And yes… you should too.

It’s iconic for a reason. Walk through Piazza San Marco, admire the Basilica, take it all in, and then don’t feel guilty about leaving the crowds behind afterward.

Also, skip the gelato in San Marco because I’ve literally seen a seagull take a cone right out of a girls hand.

Castello (San Pietro area)

This is where Venice finally exhales.

The streets are quieter, the restaurants feel more local, and you can actually hear the water instead of a hundred rolling suitcases. It’s one of my favorite places to wander when I need a break from shoulder-to-shoulder tourism.

Murano & Burano

Take the vaporetto and make a day of it.

Murano is famous for its glassblowing, while Burano completely stole my heart with its colorful homes, lace-making tradition, and overall “how is this place even real?” energy.

If I had to choose just one…

Burano wins every single time.

It’s basically dopamine in island form.

📍Burano

4. My Perfect Venice Day

Morning

• Hop off the train.

• Drop your bags.

• Freshen up.

• Resist the urge to over-plan.

First Spritz

Start at Bibenda, one of my favorite little spots.

Order a spritz, people watch for a bit, and let yourself settle into Venice instead of sprinting from landmark to landmark.

Tourist Moment (That I Fully Support)

Go to Harry’s Bar and order the Bellini.

Yes, it’s expensive.

Yes, it’s famous.

But the Bellini was actually invented here by Giuseppe Cipriani, so this is one of those tourist stops that earns its reputation.

Harrys 🍑🫒

Wander

This is the most important part of your day.

Walk with absolutely no destination for at least an hour.

Pop into bookstores.

Browse little artisan shops.

Cross random bridges.

Watch gondolas drift underneath you.

Some of my favorite memories in Venice happened because I accidentally took a wrong turn.

Dinner

A few favorites:

• La Corte 1642 (make reservations!) but every dish here is 10/10 and the staff is so friendly and sweet.

• Ai Pie del Ponte (make reservations early). Tiny, family-owned, incredible food, and the owner has just the right amount of sarcastic Italian energy that somehow makes the experience even better.

5. Venice Highlight Checklist

If it’s your first visit, don’t skip:

• Piazza San Marco

• Basilica di San Marco

• The Astronomical Clock

• Rialto Bridge

• The Grand Canal

• Bridge of Sighs

• A boat tour (I booked mine through Airbnb Experiences and loved it.)

• At least one water taxi ride, even if it’s just once, because it feels ridiculously glamorous.

Spritz Lesson 101 🍊

When in Venice…

Know what you’re ordering.

Aperol Spritz – bright orange, light, refreshing, everyone’s gateway spritz.

Campari Spritz – darker, more bitter, definitely for people who enjoy stronger flavors.

Select Spritz – the local Venice favorite. Similar to Campari but slightly different and absolutely worth trying while you’re there.

Hugo Spritz – elderflower, mint, prosecco. Delicious… although ordering one in Venice might earn you an eye roll from someone who thinks you should’ve ordered a Select instead.

You may also see a Spritz Bianco, made with white wine instead of the classic aperitif. Equally worth trying if you’re looking for something lighter.

6. Some of my Extras

• Pack blister Band-Aids before you think you’ll need them.

• Don’t overbook Venice. Wandering is the itinerary.

• Make dinner reservations earlier than you think, especially during summer.

• Say yes to one overpriced drink with a waterfront view. Future you won’t remember the extra €10, but you’ll absolutely remember the sunset.

• Bring a crossbody bag instead of a bulky tote.

• Wake up early one morning. Seeing Venice before the crowds arrive feels like stepping into a movie.

• If your Airbnb or hotel has a terrace, actually use it. Morning espresso or a late-night glass of wine up there will probably become one of your favorite memories.

• And finally… the best Venice photos usually aren’t taken at the famous landmarks. They’re on random little bridges, tucked-away canals, or tiny side streets you found because you got slightly lost.

Alright! There you have it! Just my two cents on Venice and how to make it relaxing and enjoyable while experiencing it to the fullest. Let me know what you think!