Take a step back through time in Venice, one of the world’s oldest tourist and cultural centres bursting with endless adventures and stories of the past. The beauty of Venice also lies in the fact that its buildings have remained mostly unchanged and that you can spend an entire day wandering Venice’s streets, piazzas, canals and never be bored.
If you are planning a trip to Italy sometime soon, you really have to spend cater a few days in your itinerary to explore the sinking city of Venice. It will definitely be one fulfilling trip that you’d remember for life.
Still not convinced that Venice is worth your time or curious to find out what is awaiting your discovery? Here are 12 Reasons Why A Trip To Venice Will Be The Best Decision Ever.
#1 BEFORE THE CITY SINKS
At the forefront of all the reasons why you need to plan a visit to Venice now is that the city of Venice is gradually sinking at an unprecedented rate which means that there will be a day where Venice will no longer exist.
Today, the effects of sinking have increased the threat of flooding in Venice which actually already occurs about four times a year due to high tides. And just within the last century, the city has sunk by about 9 inches. Well, what are you waiting for?
Perhaps best known for its vibrant coloured houses lined up along the canal, Burano is an island in the Northern Venetian Lagoon that would be a good a day trip from the main city of Venice. Burano is also renown for lacemaking and “lume glass working” — a technique created on the nearby island, Murano.
Take a day to check out Galuppi Square — the centre of the island which is filled with plenty of shops displaying their laceworks — and make sure that you don’t miss out on a photo opportunity with the most famous coloured house on Burano, “la Casa di Bepi Suà”.
#3 GET LOST IN VENICE
One of the most magical things that you can get up to in Venice is spending a day or two just being lost in the city, wandering from street to street and over bridge after bridge.
Although this may seem daunting to some, channel your focus instead on the infinite possibilities and discoveries that you will encounter. Should you find yourself lost, don’t be afraid to ask a friendly local who will point you the right way.
No matter how good an Italian restaurant is, nothing can beat what you can find in Italy — the home of pizza and pasta. Considering that Venice is a city on the water, it is common for Venetian restaurants to incorporate plenty of fresh seafood into its dishes; a double hurray for us!
Some suggestions on where to eat in Venice include Dal Moro — a humble eatery situated along a small backstreet which serves delicious pasta in a little white carton — and Al Giubagio — a warm and intimate restaurant which offers the best of Venetian cuisine perfected by a lovely view of the sunset over the waters.
#5 FAMOUS BRIDGES
For the uninitiated, Venice is also regarded as the “City of Canals” and of course, the “City of Bridges”. And there is really no question about this considering that there are around 400 bridges in total that are constructed over Venice’s waterways.
That being said, there are some noteworthy bridges which carry such rich histories and would justify a trip to Venice anytime. This includes the Bridge of Sighs — a footbridge connecting the Doge’s Palace by which the prisoners would walk towards prison or the executioner — and the Rialto Bridge — arguably the most photogenic bridge in Venice.
#6 MURANO GLASS
A glass made on the Venetian island of Murano, Murano glass is crafted from techniques which are centuries-old and it is celebrated worldwide for its appearance, elegance and beauty. Till today, the glassmakers of Murano are considered the masters of glassmaking and their techniques in glassblowing are actually passed down within the family.
To fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Murano’s glass industry, we would highly recommend you take a day trip to Murano to explore the glass factories, the Museo del Vetro — a glass museum in a 16th-century palace — and seize the opportunity to bring back some authentic Murano glass home with you.
#7 RIDE ON A GONDOLA THROUGH THE CANALS
Probably the most iconic symbol of this romantic city, a ride on the gondola through Venice’s canals would make a romantic activity with your partner. There will also be plenty of photo opportunities so be sure to get out your camera and start snapping!
Albeit a delightful experience, do be aware of the fares in booking a gondola ride as such fares are actually standard and set officially. It would be best to arrange your gondola ride ahead of time so that you do not end up forking out an extravagant sum for the short ride.
#8 SPRITZ, VENICE’S QUINTESSENTIAL COCKTAIL
This one is for all of you alcohol lovers. Typically served as an aperitif in Northeast Italy, Sprtiz is a wine-based cocktail which originated in Venice. This red-coloured cocktail is prepared with prosecco wine, a dash of bitter liqueur before being topped off with sparkling mineral water.
And the beauty of Spritz is that there is no single composition for the drink as the recipe for the drink varies from each city or small town. Have the time of your life drinking through Venice whilst appreciating the charming city surrounding you.
#9 ST. MARK’S SQUARE
Often known in English as St. Mark’s Square, Piazza San Marco is one work of art that would stun you with its grandeur and magnificence. Previously serving as the centre of civic and religious life, Piazza San Marco is deemed one of the finest squares in the world and one of the main attractions in Venice.
There are also plenty of historical attractions situated around Piazza San Marco for example, the Basilica di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale and Piazzetta.
#10 THE ARCHITECTURE
Most of the buildings in Venice feature a Venetian Gothic architectural style which is a combination of Gothic lancet arch with Byzantine and Moorish influences. This is the reason why many buildings in Venice have ornate decorations and pointed arches. Prime examples of this style of architecture would be the Doge’s Palace and Ca’ d’Oro.
In addition, what we love about Venice is that most of its historical buildings have retained its original appearance until today. This means that when you are visiting Venice, it would be as if you are strolling through history and it will definitely prove to be an unforgettable experience.
#11 THE GRAND CANAL
The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal follows a natural channel which passes by the San Marco Basilica to Santa Chiara Church and actually divides the city of Venice into two parts.
With an average depth of 17 feet and covering a distance of slightly more than 3 kilometres, you would find plenty of gondolas and boats travelling along the Grand Canal as this is the main bulk of Venetian transportation. This is one picturesque scene that you must not miss.
#12 THE RIALTO MARKETS
If you are an avid foodie like us, you would understand the excitement we feel whenever we visit a market. The Rialto area was actually the first part of Venice to be developed and as it grew into a centre of commerce, the Rialto Market became a place where trading of imported goods and food would occur.
Nonetheless, one thing has remained constant over the past seven centuries and that is the fact that the Rialto Market has continued to whet appetites with the countless seasonal produce, gourmet food options and fresh fish that are brought over from all parts of Italy. Let the feast begin!