Travel Guide: Venice

Venice is known for its canals, gondolas, bridges, and Piazza San Marco. This city is incredibly romantic and unique and should, no doubt, be on your travel bucket list.

View looking down from my window at Hotel Olympia

For my stay in Venice, I went with the Hotel Olympia. I was under the impression that the hotel would be adequate, but when I arrived, I was blown away at how elegant and beautiful the hotel was. I got a room overlooking the Rio delle Burchielle canal. This hotel is a short walk from the train station and has immediate access to the water taxis and gondolas. The hotel also offered complimentary breakfast, complimentary glasses of prosecco for every guest, a courtyard with a garden, and had a cocktail lounge with tables right on the canal. I was incredibly impressed with my experience and will stay here again.

To begin your trip, hop on a water taxi and make your way to the Piazza San Marco. Here you'll want to go and see St. Mark's Basilica (or Basilica San Marco to the locals). Make sure you are wearing an outfit that has both shoulders and legs covered if you'd like to go in- and you should. From there, walk around the surrounding area and take in the sights of the old Venetian churches and architecture as well as the luxe storefronts. Make your way around walking along the beautiful canals and grab some gelato and perhaps an Aperol Spritz.

I have one regret- for some reason that I cannot, for the life of me recall, I did not take a gondola ride. I think someone had advised me not to, but when I return that is one mistake I will not make again. When you return from your trip, everyone will ask if you took one and you'll want to say yes! Take it from me! On your ride, you'll want to see the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge.

Venice is known for Opera. My trip was too short to catch a show, but if you have the time you should! Another thing Venice is known for is glassblowing, so if you're looking for a tasteful souvenir, there are plenty of small glass figurines blown by local artists.

I visited Venice in July and it was incredibly hot and humid. When packing for your trip be sure to choose lightweight fabrics that breathe well, comfortable shoes that you can walk in, and a hat (although, you can buy gondolier-style hats in Venice).

Venice is a wonderful city and even though I've been before, I have no doubt that I will be back- and soon! Ciao!

Planning a trip to Italy? Check out my other travel guides for Rome, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and my 10 Tips for Traveling to Italy!

Ciao!