Venice - a love letter to the lagoon

Introduction

Every year, my partner and I have a little tradition: a surprise city trip. This time, it was his turn to choose the destination – and he surprised me with the city of Venice. A place so rich in history, charm, and unique experiences that it captivates every visitor.

In this post, I’d like to take you along and show you everything Venice has to offer – from breathtaking sights to special moments you can only experience here. And why this trip held such a very special, unforgettable meaning for me, I’ll reveal at the end of this post.

Arrival

We drove to Venice and had to find a place to park the car for the long weekend, as Venice is a car-free city. Garage San Marco is located at Piazzale Roma, the main access point to the historic center for those arriving from the mainland. The parking facility is open all year round, offers around 900 spaces, and is monitored 24/7.

I strongly recommend reserving a parking spot in advance – this will help you avoid long waiting times and ensure that a space is available for you. One tip in advance: if you're driving a larger vehicle like we were, be aware that parking spaces in Italy tend to be on the smaller side.

To get from Piazzale Roma into the city, the easiest way is to take a Vaporetto – Venice’s public transportation system. It’s basically like a tram, just on the water.

We bought a 3-day pass right at the beginning, since we knew we’d be using this mode of transport frequently. The tickets were easy to purchase directly at Piazzale Roma.

Canal Grande

The name says it all: the Grand Canal is the largest and most important canal in Venice. Stretching about four kilometers, it winds through the entire city center in a distinctive S-shape. Its width varies between 30 and 70 meters, giving it an impressive presence and ample space for the busy water traffic.

The Grand Canal is the main waterway of the lagoon city, connecting numerous districts. Many smaller canals flow into it, creating a fascinating network of waterways that give Venice its unique character.

The best way to explore the Grand Canal is by Vaporetto, the public water bus. Alternatively, water taxis or a romantic gondola ride offer different perspectives on the magnificent palaces and historic buildings lining the canal.

Personally, I preferred the smaller, less crowded Canals. The atmosphere there is much quieter, the tourist crowds are significantly smaller, and you can experience authentic Venetian life away from the busy main routes.

Ponte di Rialto

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and arguably most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. For centuries, it was the only way to cross the canal on foot—until the Accademia Bridge was added in the 19th century.

With its striking stone architecture and elegant arches, the Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of the lagoon city and ranks among the most photographed sights in all of Italy. Every year, it attracts millions of visitors from around the world.

It’s no surprise, then, that the bridge is almost always crowded, no matter the time of day. Especially during the high season, it buzzes with life—a lively meeting point where tourists, street performers, and vendors come together.

Particularly fascinating are the small, built-in shops that line the bridge. Many of these stores have been family-owned for generations and reflect Venice’s rich history of trade. From fine Venetian glass and delicate handicrafts to exclusive luxury items, the diverse range of goods makes a walk across the Rialto Bridge a truly unforgettable experience.

Ponte Chiodo

Venice is famous for its countless little bridges, but this one is truly special. It’s the only bridge out of around 500 in the city that has no railing. Originally, none of Venice’s bridges had railings, but over time, most were equipped with them for safety reasons. This bridge remains a unique relic of the past and tends to attract especially curious visitors.

Piazza San Marco

No visit to Venice would be complete without seeing the city’s most famous square: Piazza San Marco. Interestingly, it’s the only square in Venice that officially carries the name piazza – all other squares are called campi, as they were originally unpaved.

The square is approximately 175 meters long and 82 meters wide. Among its most important buildings are the Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica), the cathedral of Venice, the freestanding bell tower (Campanile di San Marco), the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), and the Clock Tower. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to visit the basilica during our stay, as the tickets were already sold out.

There are numerous restaurants and cafés around the square – but be prepared for high prices. A simple espresso can easily cost 10 euros.

On the Piazzetta, the small square between Piazza San Marco and the lagoon, you’ll find two striking columns: the Column of Saint Mark, topped with the winged lion of Venice, and the Column of Saint Theodore, featuring a statue of the saint. According to local tradition, the space between the columns was once used for executions. To this day, many Venetians avoid walking between them – and, of course, we did the same.

Palazzo Ducale

For me, the Doge’s Palace is a must-see attraction that should not be missed. Once the seat of government and the residence of the Doge, it stands as a symbol of the power of the Venetian Republic. As mentioned earlier, it is located on St. Mark’s Square.

The building combines various architectural styles, having been rebuilt and expanded several times over the centuries. Its foundation consists of wooden piles and Istrian stone, while its brick walls are almost entirely clad in fine marble.

Inside, visitors will find not only the chambers of the most important governing bodies, but also an impressive artistic heritage, commissioned and collected by the Doges over the centuries. Among the most famous works are The Paradise by Tintoretto, the Lion of Saint Mark by Vittore Carpaccio, and the statues of Mars and Neptune by Jacopo Sansovino.

The palace is connected to the former prisons via the famous Bridge of Sighs.

In my opinion, the best way to explore the Doge’s Palace is through a guided tour – whether an engaging live tour or, as we did, with an audio guide, which we conveniently booked through GetYourGuide.

Libreria Acqua Alta

Another sight worth mentioning in Venice is the Libreria Acqua Alta – and to be honest, I couldn’t quite decide whether I found it brilliant or just a bit annoying.

The Libreria Acqua Alta is a truly unique bookstore, best known for its creative way of protecting books from flooding. Instead of traditional shelves, you’ll find bathtubs, gondolas, and even old barrels used to store the books. The whole place has a charming, chaotic vibe – and at first, I thought it was really cool.

However, the bookstore is no longer a hidden gem. It was incredibly crowded, especially considering how small the space actually is. What really bothered me: you're allowed to walk through the narrow aisles, but you're not allowed to stop.

How am I supposed to look at books or even consider buying something if I can’t stand still for a moment? Now do you understand why I felt so conflicted?

Still, I managed to take some really cool photos – and of course, I don't want to keep them from you!

Pietra rossa del Sotoportego de la peste

In the 17th century, the dreaded plague ravaged Venice, claiming countless lives. In the Corte Nova district lived a devout woman named Giovanna. One day, the Holy Virgin Mary appeared to her in a vision. In this divine revelation, the mother of God instructed her to paint an image depicting not only herself, but also the three saints San Rocco, San Sebastiano, and Santa Giustina.

The Madonna designated a specific place for the painting: the narrow passageway known as Sotoportego de la Corte Nova, where an image of the Virgin already existed. The new painting was to be placed directly opposite intended as a form of protection for the residents of the neighbourhood against the plague.

Amazingly, the prophecy came true: not a single resident of Corte Nova fell victim to the disease. To this day, many Venetians believe that the holy image prevented the plague from passing through the passage.

In remembrance of this miraculous event, the residents embedded a red plague stone (Pietra Rossa) in the ground. It symbolizes not only the defeat of the disease but also serves as a memorial to the many lives lost during the epidemic. Out of deep respect—and not least due to superstition—many Venetians still avoid stepping on the stone. The fear of invoking misfortune remains palpable even today.

Chiesa di San Zaccaria

The Chiesa di San Zaccaria is an impressive church, located just a few minutes' walk from St. Mark’s Square, and worth a visit. It is especially known for its artworks – including magnificent Renaissance paintings, such as a piece by Giovanni Bellini, which is located right at the main altar.

What I particularly liked: the church was pleasantly quiet and not crowded at all. Plus, there’s no entrance fee, which makes it a real insider tip.

However, I would be less inclined to recommend visiting the crypt. There is an additional charge for entry, and in my opinion, it’s not worth it. The crypt felt rather chaotic to me – in some places, there was even trash lying around, which affected the overall atmosphere.

Gondola ride

A gondola ride is simply a must for many visitors during a stay in Venice – even though it’s not exactly cheap. We booked our ride in advance through GetYourGuide, which worked smoothly. However, we had to pay an extra fee to pass under the Rialto Bridge, which I found a bit disappointing.

That said, the ride itself was very enjoyable. Our gondolier shared some interesting facts about the city’s history. Did you know there's a local legend that couples who kiss under the Rialto Bridge will stay together forever? Whether you believe it or not – it certainly adds a special touch to the experience.

To all couples: if you’re in Venice, take this ride. Yes, it costs a bit, but the atmosphere on the water, the narrow canals, and the views of the historic buildings are truly unique. And who knows – maybe there’s some truth to the legend after all.

I also found the structure of the gondolier profession quite interesting. The number of licenses is limited, and a new license is only granted when an existing gondolier retires or gives up their license. In the past, licenses were passed down exclusively within families. Today, the process is strictly regulated, and becoming a gondolier is anything but easy.

If you’re visiting Venice, you should treat yourself to this experience – at least once.

Venetian masks

The history of Venetian masks dates back many centuries – and their legacy lives on to this day. Over time, masks became increasingly elaborate and ornate, and today they captivate people all around the world.

Venetian masks originated in the Middle Ages, when people began dressing up for festivals and celebrations – wearing extravagant clothing and, of course, masks. Under the Republic of Venice, the use of masks gained even more importance and eventually became a well-established tradition. Their popularity peaked during the world-famous Carnival of Venice.

Interestingly, masks were not only worn during Carnival. In the time of the Republic, many Venetians used them throughout the year – for example, while gambling or engaging in secretive dealings between merchants, smugglers, or members of the nobility. Masks served as a way to protect one's identity and maintain anonymity in delicate situations.

Today, Venetian masks are seen as symbols of elegance, creativity, and joyful celebrations. Whether at Carnival, a masquerade ball, or a New Year’s Eve party – they are worn around the world to celebrate in a truly festive atmosphere.

We loved the masks so much that we ended up buying one at the Casa del Sol shop!

Our accommodation

We rented an apartment in Venice through Airbnb, located in the Santa Croce district. The apartment was recently renovated and features a beautiful, high ceiling with exposed wooden beams. It is situated in a typical Venetian building, and the check-in was hassle-free thanks to a code.

We felt very safe there, and for Venice, the location was pleasantly quiet. Despite that, we were able to comfortably reach most of the sights on foot.

Restaurants

I must be honest – I can’t give you many truly great restaurant recommendations for Venice. The main reason is that the city has an overwhelming number of restaurants, and the culinary scene is largely geared toward mass tourism.

That said, I’d still like to recommend one place that stood out to us: Al Giglio dal 1712. The food there was very good – a bit more expensive than at the other places we tried, likely due to its location in the San Marco district.

The restaurant also seems to be popular with locals. During our visit, we noticed that many gondoliers were having their lunch there – which we took as a good sign.

I can also highly recommend Gelateria Suso. We had an incredibly delicious ice cream there – and I get the impression it’s quite popular in general, as the line in front was rather long.

In Venice, you can only give tips in cash. We didn’t know that before – in no restaurant were we able to simply round up the bill when paying by credit card. So, it’s best to always carry some change with you. I always felt uncomfortable when we couldn’t leave a tip.

A simple trick

Venice, as beautiful as it is, unfortunately has a bit of a reputation when it comes to pickpockets. Maybe you’ve seen those TikTok videos of Monica Poli – the woman who loudly shouts “Attenzione, pickpocket!” as she films suspected thieves in action. She became somewhat of a viral sensation by calling out pickpockets trying to sneak onto tourist boats or blend into crowds. With her camera pointed right at them, she shouts “Attenzione, borseggiatrici!” (which means “Watch out – female pickpockets!”). Often, the offenders turn around and walk away quickly.

Those videos stuck with me. So, we decided to buy a small padlock – the kind you’d normally use for a suitcase – and used it to secure our backpack. It’s a simple trick, but it made a huge difference. We were able to explore the busy streets and famous squares much more relaxed, without constantly worrying about getting robbed.

Closing words

For me, Venice is a city you can visit over and over again – and one that never fails to enchant each time. I’ve now been there twice, yet I still feel as though I haven’t seen everything. Around every alleyway, on every bridge, and along every small canal, a new discovery awaits.

However, Venice holds an even more special meaning for me: it’s where my partner proposed to me. That moment, framed by the unique backdrop of the lagoon city, will forever hold a special place in my heart. So, for us, there’s no question – we will most certainly return to create even more memories in this magical place.