Actress Olivia Wilde said it best when she tweeted, “Venice. The most romantic city in the world. If you’re lucky, you’ll fall in love at first sight.” It’s true. There’s something about approaching a city by boat that makes the heart flutter. For those who love a romantic stroll along the canals with their loved ones, there’s no other option but to fall in love. It’s a beautiful day when you and your loved one stroll along the Venice canals, holding hands and sharing sweet nothings. Little does the person you love know that you’re thinking about someone else. It’s a magical moment when you gaze into each other’s eyes and feelings begin to flow. You’d do anything for this person. It’s a bittersweet love when you think about how one day you’ll have to say goodbye.
The heart wants what it wants. And for those who love Venice, romance will take it any way it can. For those who can’t swim, a cruise ship offers a unique way to arrive in Venice. For those who do, there are plenty of alternatives. You can arrive by water taxi or even catch a gondola. There are even beaches inside the city, perfect for a midday stroll. But it’s not just about showing up. It’s about putting into practice all the romantic ideas you have floating around in your head. That’s the key to a lasting relationship. And for those who love Venice, that’s a key that will never expire.
The Best Time to Visit Venice
If you’re visiting Venice, it’s best to do so during the warmer seasons. Spring and summer are ideal times to visit the city, as temperatures stay pleasant and there are fewer people around to bother you. If you do a lot of traveling in winter, then the temperature can take a sharp turn, dragging you from one disaster to another. When the sun shines, it’s dazzling. When the sun starts to hide, you can always grab a jacket to feel more comfortable. You’ll also need lots of sunscreen to prevent damage to your skin. But other than that, you won’t need special clothing to feel cool and comfortable. In summertime, shirts with neckties and long pants can make you feel like a million bucks. But maybe leave the shoes and socks behind as there will be lots of humidity during this time of year. So if you’re going to be cooped up inside a bar or restaurant for long periods of time, then the last thing you need is to stink like a mess of fish. The best way to enjoy this season is by taking a stroll along the canals with your sweetheart or dear companion. Or even better, ride the Gondola that will let you see the city from a different perspective. You’ll feel like you’re on a magic carpet, flying over the places where William Shakespeare and his beloved Romeo and Juliet met. It’s magical. It’s like falling in love all over again. The only downside is that the line for the Gondola can be very long, and it will probably take a while to arrive at your destination. But the ride itself is worth it.
Where to Stay in Venice
Staying in Venice doesn’t have to be expensive. There are lots of good-quality hotels located in the city that will give you an affordable and comfortable night’s sleep. If you visit the website of the Hotels Division of the Venice Tourism Office (https://tourismoffice.venice/), you’ll see that there are over 90 properties scattered around the city. The prices vary from around £45 per night for a small hotel (up to £600 per night for a luxury hotel) to £165 per night for a budget-friendly bed and breakfast. So you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to finding a cheaper and more comfortable place to stay in Venice. There you’ll find everything from palaces and villas to castles and monasteries. You can also opt for the unique accommodation option of a “Cannocchiato,” which is essentially a wood-framed, single-bed room in a shared house. You’ll be joining other guests and will probably have to make the most of your savings to purchase your nightly meal (which will often be served outside on a terrace or balcony). But it’s all worth it.
Getting Around Venice
If you want to get around Venice easily and quickly, you can opt for the Vaporetto, the city’s famous gondola-style water bus. The route map for the bus can be found at https://tourismoffice.venice/en/sightseeing-and-transport/maps-and-travel-information/map-of-the-venice-gondola-water-bus-routes/; it’s a one-stop-shop for travel information and has maps of all the canals and their connections. There’s also the option of renting a private boat for an hour or two to get across the Grand Canal to your desired destination. If you want to get a taste of what it’s like to spend a night in a luxury hotel in Venice, then why not? It’s unforgettable. However, if you want to save money and stay in a hostel, it’s best to opt for a walk, because the vaporetto only stops at a few stations along the canals. If you walk, you’ll be able to catch any bus or even take a taxi to your destination. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to travel. If you do opt for a boat ride, make sure to bring some swimming suits with you. Venice is located in the southern part of Italy, so the water can be a bit chilly.
What to Eat in Venice
Breakfast in Venice is another thing; it’s not usually served until later in the day. It tends to be a lighter meal, with sandwiches, pastries, and perhaps an assortment of cold meats and cheeses. This is great if you’re opting for a spot of leisure, as there are tons of cafés and restaurants around the city where you can satiate your hunger. If you plan on exploring the city’s churches and bars then you’ll have to look for a place to eat in advance, as there aren’t many restaurants that offer such luxury. Otherwise, you’ll have to carry a snacks with you. The downside is that a lot of the city’s eateries close in the early afternoon, so if you need a place to eat early in the day, then you’d better find one that offers a later opening or stays open all night. One thing is for sure: you won’t go hungry in Venice, as there’s always something going on in the city, whether it’s a festival or even an opera performance. You’ll have your choice of restaurants, bars, and cafés if you visit the Rialto Bridge and make a right turn. There are also lots of gelato shops around the corner from the restaurant, Locanda Solstice.
Top Attractions in Venice
There are plenty of things to do in Venice, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. You can start by wandering the city’s narrow streets and coming across art galleries, churches, and monuments. You can rent a bike and explore the city’s canals, or even take a romantic stroll down the city’s romantic cobbled lanes. You can attend any of the festivals that take place in Venice, such as the famous Venice Film Festival, which is one of the largest and most renowned in the world. And if you want to save money, you can always opt for the cheaper option of going to the Alpes for the day. There are lots of trails that you can take, and you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Lombardy and Veneto regions. From there you can catch a train back to Venice and indulge in some more expensive retail therapy. Or you can simply stroll back along the banks of the River Adriatic, holding hands and sharing sweet nothings. It’s a matter of choosing what you want to do and how you want to spend your time. There are lots of options. And the key is to make the most out of whatever situation you’re in. Two people in love wandering the streets of Venice, for example, can be a beautiful sight to behold.