Oh the places You'll Go - Venice, Italy

Venice is one of my favorite spots in Italy. Why? It is small and compact, perfect to be explored with just a few days time. Venice is romantic, historic, and gorgeous. The canals, the gondolas, the architecture, the colorful towns of Murano and Burano…what is not to love?

Heres a little guide that I have created as you embark or just learn about Venezia.

A brief history lesson about Venice, Italy is according to tradition Venice was founded in 421 AD. At that time, the Celtic people called were called Veneti - they lived along the coast of what is now Northeast Italy. Since 49 BC they had been Roman citizens. However, in 453 Attila the Hun invaded Italy. In terror, some Veneti fled to islands in the lagoon and built a village there. They soon formed a loose federation. Then in 568 AD, a people called the Lombards invaded the mainland and many Veneti fled to the islands swelling the population.

At first, Venice was controlled by the Byzantine Empire (the Eastern half of the Roman Empire, which survived the fall of Rome). However, in 726 the Venetians partly gained their independence and elected Orso Ipato as doge (their word for Duke).

In 810 the Franks tried but failed to conquer the Venetians. Meanwhile, Venice flourished as a trading center and ships sailed to and from its ports. Its population grew steadily. In 828 the body of St Mark was smuggled from Egypt to Venice. St Mark then became the patron saint of the city.

To read more about the history of Venice, Italy click the link Venice History for more information.

Now to continue to the information you really want to read about...

The best recommendation that I can give you is to just get lost. Explore this beautiful city without a map because you'll never know what you're going to find. So forget the big, popular sites (we will get to those soon I promise). The smaller canals off of the main tourist trail are perfect for wandering.

The main city of Venice is small enough that you can walk it in several hours. Explore the canals, sit and relax in the small squares that punctuate the city, go cafe-hopping for coffee or wine, and just enjoy this city without feeling like you have to check a bunch of sites off of your to-do list.

Sites to see are:

St. Market Square

St. Market Square is in the heart of Vencie. From here you can easily visit most of the other main sites. The best things to do here? Take a 360° panorama photo, feed (or run through) the pigeons, and go people watching.

Climb the Campanile di San Marco

The Campanile is the bell tower that dominates the skyline of Venice. The only way to the top is by elevator (so don't worry). From the top, your reward is one of the best views of the city.

View Venice from the Rialto Bridge

Spanning the Grand Canal, the Ponte di Rialto is Venice’s most popular bridge. From the top of the bridge, enjoy another fantastic, iconic view of this city. See it at sunrise, see it at sunset, join the crowds of tourists in the middle of the day. Watching the gondolas, vaporettos, and ferries travel up and down the Grand Canal from this spot is mesmerizing.

Expect to share this space with a lot of other travelers. Find a spot, take lots of selfie photos, and smile because you are in Venice!

Gondola ride through Venice

It may be cliché and super-touristy, but in my opinion, a visit to Venice would not be complete without a gondola ride through the canals.

Saint Mark’s Basilica

This is another landmark of Venice that is not to be missed. During the summer months, expect lines to be long. Very long. Arrive early or very late for your best chance of not waiting in an epic line. Waiting in long lines is definitely NOT a must-have experience in Venice! I can assure you though it is truly remarkable inside and will not disappoint.

Must-Have View of Venice

For one final, stunning view, see the Grand Canal from Ponte dell’Accademia. Beautiful, right?

Hungry?

While wandering throughout Venice you will run into tons of places to eat however my absolute favorite, which I recommend to everyone that goes to Venice, is Dal Moro. Let me explain...They put the pasta in to-go chinese boxes so you can continue wandering around while eating the best food. And its literally 3 Euros. It doesn't get better than that!

World's Most Beautiful Book Store

Remember when I said you had to walk around and get lost to find the best places? Well this is exactly what I did with my cousin when we came across the coolest little look store. I highly suggest checking it out and going all the way to the back, where you can find steps made of books and get a cool view!

Pictures of my trip to Venice, Italy: