Our first day trip from Bologna this time was to Venice. I always wanted to go ever since I was a child. Going to Venice and riding a gondola was on my bucket list for a long time!
From Bologna to Venice, it took us about 1 hour and a half with a speed train which I booked through the Trainline app before flying to Italy. Again, I booked Premium seats for us without knowing (I also booked Business seats without knowing between Milan to Bologna!) so it was also a good treat for us.
As you get out of Venice Santa Lucia station (Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia NOT Venezia Porto Marghera railway station), you are immediately greeted by the familiar scene of the Grand Canal with Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo in front of you, that you have seen in some films before. It could be a dream but without a moment to waste, you’ll be stepping into Venice (Little did I know we’d be doing 24k steps at the end of the day!).
This year’s trip to Italy was filled with surreal moments, but the pinnacle was standing in front of The Grand Canal in Venice. After years of seeing its iconic beauty in photos, on TV, and online, experiencing it in person was a true “pinch me” moment. As I stood there, it felt like stepping into a childhood dream. I’d always longed to visit Venice, but I had also heard countless warnings about its dangers – pickpockets, scammers, etc. Thankfully, my experience was far from that. Despite the horror stories and all the online videos about pickpockets in Italy, I felt surprisingly safe. I came prepared with an anti-theft bag from our last trip, but Venice was much more welcoming than I had anticipated. Italy didn’t seem as unsafe as I expected. It was fine as long as we stayed cautious.
Visiting in mid-July, we expected crowds, and while it was busy, it wasn’t unbearable. We skipped the water buses and opted to walk everywhere, which gave us a chance to soak in the atmosphere at our own pace. We wandered through the winding streets, playing the part of eager tourists, crossing famous bridges like Ponte degli Scalzi and Ponte di Rialto. The city is unbelievably picturesque, and we captured countless photos, even as the heat bore down on us. I was relieved it didn’t rain—Venice under the sun was more magical than I could have imagined.
One of the first things I noticed as we start walking in Venice is just how narrow the streets are. It almost feels like we’re walking through a maze, with every turn revealing a new hidden gem. The buildings seem to lean in towards each other, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of streets.
One of the most charming aspects of walking in Venice is navigating the narrow streets and alleys that crisscross the city. These winding pathways lead you to quaint cafes, bustling markets, and hidden courtyards that are waiting to be discovered. Every turn reveals a new sight to behold, whether it’s a historic church, a colourful mural, or a local artisan at work.
One highlight was our gondola ride from Gondola Station – S. Sofia. You can pay just €2 to cross the canal, or splurge €90 for a 30-minute ride (as of July 2024). We chose the latter, and it was worth every penny. Our gondolier was friendly and full of stories about the area’s history. I’d heard mixed reviews about gondoliers – some don’t even talk, and others might cut the ride short – but we were lucky. Our experience was smooth, and it became a cherished memory. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s a quintessential Venetian experience that I’m glad we didn’t miss.
After our gondola adventure, we headed to Piazza San Marco. It’s as stunning as I’d imagined. Unfortunately, I missed the chance to book tickets to Saint Mark’s Basilica online, so we couldn’t go inside. A word of advice – book early if you plan to visit! Although we were disappointed, I see it as a sign to return to Venice someday.
We enjoyed some delicious gelato during our time in Venice, visiting not one, not two, but four different shops in a single day – Gelatoteca Suso, Venchi (twice!) and Grom! We also grabbed some food at Farini, a nice, clean café with the bonus of having a toilet, which is always a plus when you’re out exploring. Between our walks, we cooled off with boba and slushes because the heat was relentless, and we needed all the cold treats we could get.
Despite Venice being such a tourist hotspot, I was pleasantly surprised that the food we had wasn’t too expensive. Even the supermarkets were reasonably priced, especially compared to the higher costs we encountered in Portofino last year.
Next, we made our way to Teatro La Fenice, a stunning theater and one of the most historic opera houses in Venice, Italy. It’s often hailed as “one of the most famous and renowned landmarks in the history of Italian theatre” and opera as a whole, according to Wikipedia. We took a tour, complete with a free audio guide, which really brought the history to life. One day, I hope to return to see a concert there – it would be a dream come true.
While we were there, we had the delightful surprise of hearing some students, likely part of a summer course, practicing Vivaldi’s Winter in the hall. We paused to listen, it was a lovely, unexpected treat.
After that, while my husband and daughters were busy shopping for swimsuits, I took the opportunity to go for a walk. I eventually found a café nearby and treated myself to a delicious crema caffè.
Venice is an incredibly picturesque place, but I can imagine it being quite challenging to navigate with a suitcase if you’re staying overnight. I saw plenty of people struggling with their luggage, and it seems like using a water bus or even a water taxi (though they can be pricey!) is a must if your hotel is conveniently located near the stations. Plus, the narrow streets can make getting around even trickier.
Next time I visit Venice, I’d love to stay for a couple of nights – keeping my luggage small and manageable. I’d definitely make time to explore things we missed this trip, like going inside Saint Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), visiting Doge’s Palace and enjoying evening and early morning strolls. I’d also add a visit to the island of Murano for its famous glass and Burano for its beautiful lace.
We had a fantastic time, but the heat was intense – we clocked in an impressive 24k steps! While it was an amazing experience, I think spring or autumn would be a better choice for visiting. The cooler weather would make exploring much more comfortable.
