Why Venice Is Unlike Anywhere Else
Trying to describe Venice to someone who has never been there isn’t easy. Even now, after visiting several times, I find myself smiling as I think about it.
The first time I visited, I wondered if I’d spend the entire day hopelessly lost in its maze of narrow laneways, crossing the wrong bridge or heading in completely the wrong direction. Unlike any other city, you can’t simply look down a street to get your bearings. Your view is framed by centuries-old buildings, with only the sky above reminding you which way is up. There are no cars, no bicycles and no roads in the traditional sense—just winding, narrow walkways, canals and boats weaving their way through the city.
It doesn’t take long to realise that the directional signs attached to the walls are your best friend. Pointing towards major landmarks such as Rialto and San Marco, they guide you through the labyrinth and give you the confidence to simply keep walking. Some of my favourite memories of Venice have come from wandering down streets I hadn’t planned to explore, only to stumble across a picturesque canal, a quiet square or a local café tucked away from the crowds.
Why Venice Rewards Return Visits
Returning this time felt completely different.
Having visited Venice several times before, I already knew my way around its labyrinth of streets and canals. Instead of constantly checking a map or figuring out which vaporetto to catch, I could simply enjoy introducing my friend Arlie to Venice for the very first time.
Twenty-four hours isn’t enough to see everything Venice has to offer, but it’s enough to experience its unique atmosphere and understand why people fall in love with the city.
In fact, I think Venice is one of the destinations that rewards return visits more than almost anywhere else I’ve travelled. Spend a day there on your first trip to see the iconic sights, learn how the city works and become familiar with navigating its maze of streets and canals. Then, include Venice in your next Italy itinerary and stay for two or three days.
That’s when Venice really begins to reveal itself. You no longer spend your time wondering where you are or how to get from A to B. Instead, you discover different neighbourhoods, stumble across hidden squares and simply enjoy wandering with no particular destination in mind.
For me, that’s when Venice transformed from being a city I admired into one I genuinely loved.
💡 Progressive Traveller Tip
Forget about following the fastest route everywhere. Venice is one of the few cities where taking a wrong turn often leads to the best discoveries. Use the directional signs to the famous Rialto and San Marco when you need to reorient yourself, but allow time to wander. Some of my favourite memories have come from unintentionally exploring streets I never intended to.
Travelling from Verona to Venice by Train
After spending one night in Verona, we continued our Italian rail journey to Venice.
We caught a high-speed train from Verona Porta Nuova to Venezia Santa Lucia, a journey of around 1 hour 10 minutes. If you’re planning to spend just one night in Venice, I’d recommend leaving Verona around 9:00 am. That allows you to arrive before lunchtime, make the most of your first afternoon and still enjoy a full evening exploring the city.
One of the things I love most about travelling through Italy by train is how easy it is. There are no airport transfers, lengthy check-ins or traffic delays. Security is quick and straightforward, so there’s no need to arrive hours before departure. We generally arrived at the station around 20 to 30 minutes before our train, giving us plenty of time to locate our platform and board without feeling rushed.
Before you arrive in Venice, send a message to your accommodation host with your estimated arrival time and ask whether an early check-in or luggage storage is possible. Remember to allow enough time for the vaporetto journey from Venezia Santa Lucia Station and the walk to your accommodation.
We did this throughout our Italy trip and, more often than not, our hosts either allowed us to check in early or securely stored our luggage until the apartment was ready. It made a huge difference. Rather than dragging our suitcases around Venice, we could start exploring the moment we arrived.
Arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia is an experience in itself. As you walk out of the station, you’re greeted by the Grand Canal, where vaporettos, water taxis, gondolas and delivery boats replace the traffic you’d expect to see in any other city. It’s one of Europe’s most memorable railway arrivals and the perfect introduction to Venice.
Getting Around Venice by Vaporetto
From the station, we purchased a 24-hour vaporetto pass (€25 per person) before catching the water bus to the Rialto stop, just a short walk from our apartment. Before long, we’d dropped off our bags and were enjoying lunch overlooking the Rialto Bridge.
Interestingly, during our entire 24 hours in Venice, our vaporetto pass wasn’t checked once. We even joked that perhaps we’d wasted our money.
However, I certainly wouldn’t recommend taking that chance. Ticket inspectors can board a vaporetto at any stop, and if you’re travelling without a valid ticket or pass, you can receive a substantial fine on top of the cost of your fare.
For us, the €25 pass was money well spent. It gave us the freedom to hop on and off the vaporettos as often as we liked without worrying about buying individual tickets. With a single 75-minute ticket costing €9.50, the day pass quickly pays for itself if you’re making three or more trips.
💡 Progressive Traveller Tip
If you’re planning to use the vaporetto more than twice in a day, buy the 24-hour pass rather than individual tickets. It gives you the flexibility to hop on and off as you explore Venice without worrying about the cost of each journey.
Also, don’t be tempted to travel without a valid ticket just because no one has checked it. During our visit, our passes weren’t inspected once, but ticket inspectors can board at any stop and issue substantial fines to passengers travelling without a valid ticket. For the small saving, it’s simply not worth the risk.
Where We Stayed in Venice
For this visit, we stayed at Palazzo del Sale Rialto in the San Polo district, located on Calle dei Cinque, 634. I deliberately booked this apartment because it was only 100 metres from the Rialto Mercato vaporetto stop (Line 1). Having visited Venice before, I knew I didn’t want to drag our large suitcases up countless bridges and flights of stairs after arriving from the train station.
It turned out to be an excellent decision. From Venezia Santa Lucia Station, we caught Line 1 to Rialto Mercato and were at our apartment within a couple of minutes. The Rialto Fish Market was just around the corner, while excellent coffee shops, bars and restaurants were all within easy walking distance. We could also explore the Rialto Bridge, San Marco, Cannaregio and many of Venice’s other attractions on foot before returning to the apartment whenever we wanted a break.
Over the years, I’ve stayed in several different parts of Venice, including San Marco, Castello and near the Rialto Bridge. Each neighbourhood has its own appeal, but San Polo strikes an excellent balance between convenience and atmosphere.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change our choice of accommodation. If I were planning this trip again, I’d stay at Palazzo del Sale Rialto. Its location beside the Rialto Mercato vaporetto stop made arriving and departing simple, while having cafés, bars, restaurants and the famous fish market on the doorstep added to the overall experience.
💡 Progressive Traveller Tip
When choosing accommodation in Venice, don’t just look at how close it is to St Mark’s Square. Consider how you’ll get there with your luggage. Many bridges have steps rather than ramps, and pulling large suitcases over multiple bridges can quickly become exhausting. Staying close to a vaporetto stop can make your arrival and departure much easier.
Our Afternoon in Venice
Lunch by the Rialto Bridge
With our bags safely dropped off, we headed straight to Terrazza Sommariva, a waterfront restaurant just steps from the Rialto Bridge. Sitting beside one of Venice’s busiest waterways, it was the perfect place to take in the atmosphere. Gondolas glided beneath the bridge, vaporettos crisscrossed the Grand Canal and people from all over the world paused to admire one of Venice’s most recognisable landmarks.
I ordered the squid ink pasta, while Arlie chose the spaghetti alle vongole (clams). We toasted the start of our time in Venice with an Aperol Spritz, watching the world drift by. It was one of those leisurely lunches that reminded me why I love travelling back here. Good food, good company and one of the world’s most beautiful cityscapes right in front of us.
Crossing the Rialto Bridge
After lunch, we walked onto the Rialto Bridge to take photos of each other before setting off to explore the city on foot.
Wandering to St Mark’s Square
From there, we wandered through Venice’s maze of narrow laneways towards St Mark’s Square. Along the way, we crossed countless bridges, admired quiet canals and passed colourful shops overflowing with handcrafted Venetian masks. From delicate porcelain designs decorated with gold leaf and feathers to dramatic full-face masks inspired by the city’s famous Carnival, every shop seemed to display its own unique collection.
Venetian masks have been part of the city’s identity for centuries. Originally worn during the Venice Carnival and other celebrations, they allowed people to conceal their identity, temporarily blurring the distinctions between nobles, merchants and ordinary citizens. Today, they remain one of Venice’s most recognisable symbols, with many local artisans continuing the tradition of handcrafting masks using techniques passed down through generations.
As we continued towards St Mark’s Square, we passed small cafés, artisan workshops and quiet squares tucked away from the busiest streets. This is the Venice I enjoy most – simply wandering without a strict plan, taking time to appreciate the city’s history and discovering whatever appears around the next corner.
St Mark’s Square and the Clock Tower
Eventually, we arrived at the magnificent St Mark’s Square. Home to St Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile, the Doge’s Palace and the beautiful 15th-century Clock Tower, it’s one of Europe’s most iconic public squares. Although I’d visited before, watching Arlie slowly twirl in a full circle as she tried to take it all in reminded me just how extraordinary it is.
One feature that always catches my eye is the magnificent blue and gold astronomical clock on the Clock Tower. More than 500 years old, it doesn’t simply tell the time – it also displays the phases of the moon and the signs of the zodiac. Above the clock stand two large bronze figures, known as the Moors, which strike the bell every hour. It’s easy to walk straight past without appreciating the craftsmanship and engineering that have fascinated visitors for centuries.
Seeing Venice through Arlie’s eyes reminded me that St Mark’s Square isn’t just about one famous building. Every time you look up, you’ll notice another remarkable piece of history.
💡 Progressive Traveller Tip
Before leaving St Mark’s Square, take a few minutes to look up rather than just around. Most visitors head straight for St Mark’s Basilica, but the Clock Tower is one of the square’s hidden highlights. Watch the bronze Moors strike the bell on the hour and take a closer look at the intricate astronomical clock—it’s one of the oldest working timepieces in the world and easy to miss if you’re focused only on the basilica.
The Bridge of Sighs
Just a few minutes’ walk from St Mark’s Square is one of Venice’s most photographed landmarks, the Bridge of Sighs. Built in the early 17th century, the enclosed white limestone bridge connects the Doge’s Palace with the former prison.
Its romantic name often leads visitors to believe it has something to do with love, but the reality is quite different. The bridge earned its name from the sighs of prisoners catching their final glimpse of Venice through the small stone windows before being led to their cells.
Today, it’s one of the busiest photo spots in the city. We joined the crowds for a few photos before taking a moment to appreciate the history hidden behind its elegant façade. It’s a reminder that beneath Venice’s beauty lies a fascinating and sometimes sombre past.
💡 Progressive Traveller Tip
For one of the best views of the Bridge of Sighs, walk to the nearby Ponte della Paglia. It’s the classic viewpoint you’ll see in many photographs, but expect plenty of company, particularly during the middle of the day. If you’re looking for a quieter perspective, wander to one of the smaller bridges behind the Doge’s Palace for a different angle.
Visiting Libreria Acqua Alta
As we wandered through the shop, we discovered shelves packed with everything from vintage novels and children’s books to maps, postcards and quirky souvenirs. Libreria Acqua Alta is particularly well known for its extensive collection of books about Venice, rare second-hand editions, art books and comic books. Resident cats lounged among the shelves, seemingly unbothered by the steady stream of visitors. It’s the sort of place where you can easily spend half an hour browsing, taking photos and soaking up its wonderfully eccentric character.
Seeing Venice from the Water
Rather than walking back, we decided to hop aboard a vaporetto and simply enjoy Venice from the water. Instead of getting off after a few stops, we stayed on for a leisurely cruise along the Grand Canal. It was one of the best decisions we made, giving us a completely different perspective of Venice while resting our feet after an afternoon of exploring.
From the water, Venice unfolded like an open-air museum. We passed the magnificent Rialto Bridge, the Gothic façade of Ca’ d’Oro, the grand Ca’ Rezzonico, the elegant Palazzo Grassi and the wooden Accademia Bridge, one of only four bridges crossing the Grand Canal. Ahead, the magnificent domes of Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute dominated the skyline as the Grand Canal opened into St Mark’s Basin.
One landmark that particularly caught Arlie’s attention was Support, the striking sculpture by Lorenzo Quinn beside the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Two enormous white hands appear to rise from the Grand Canal, supporting the historic building above. Created for the Venice Biennale, the sculpture symbolises both humanity’s ability to protect the world and the vulnerability of Venice to rising sea levels. It’s an unexpected contrast to the city’s centuries-old architecture and something that’s easy to miss if you’re exploring only on foot.
As we drifted along, we watched gondoliers expertly navigate the narrow waterways while water taxis, delivery boats and vaporettos crisscrossed the canal. Elegant palazzos stood shoulder to shoulder with centuries-old churches, each revealing another chapter of Venice’s remarkable history. It reminded me that the Grand Canal isn’t just Venice’s main street—it’s the city’s lifeblood.
By the time we stepped ashore, we’d seen Venice from an entirely different perspective. For me, a vaporetto ride isn’t simply public transport—it’s one of the city’s best sightseeing experiences.
💡 Progressive Traveller Tip
If you’re not planning to take a gondola ride, spend at least one journey sitting on a vaporetto along the Grand Canal. For the price of a public transport ticket, you’ll enjoy views of many of Venice’s most famous palaces, churches and bridges—one of the best-value sightseeing experiences in the city.
Our Evening in Venice
Venice After Dark
After a quick pit stop back at our apartment to freshen up, we headed out to experience Venice after dark. The city felt completely different from the afternoon. The canals reflected the glow of streetlights, restaurants and bars spilled onto the laneways and the sound of conversation echoed across the water.
By pure coincidence, our visit coincided with Venezia FC’s promotion to Serie A, Italy’s top football league. The city was buzzing with excitement as thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate. Bars and restaurants were busy, football chants filled the air and the club’s orange, green and black colours could be seen throughout the city. It was one of those unexpected travel moments that made our visit even more memorable.
Discovering Cannaregio
Rather than staying around the busiest tourist areas, we crossed to Cannaregio, one of Venice’s most authentic neighbourhoods. Located on the opposite side of the Rialto Market, it’s known for its lively local atmosphere, excellent restaurants and traditional bacari (Venetian wine bars). Unlike the areas around St Mark’s Square, Cannaregio feels like a genuine residential neighbourhood, where you’ll see children walking home from school, neighbours chatting in quiet squares and Venetians going about their daily lives.
Over the years, I’ve stayed in several different parts of Venice, including San Marco, San Polo, Castello and near the Rialto Bridge. Each neighbourhood has its own personality, but Cannaregio immediately stood out for feeling more local. It didn’t take long to understand why so many people recommend spending an evening here.
The souvenir shops disappeared, replaced by family-run restaurants, artisan stores and locals enjoying an evening aperitivo beside the canals. Laundry still hung from apartment windows above narrow waterways, while small bridges connected peaceful laneways that felt a world away from the crowds around St Mark’s Square. This was the Venice I wanted Arlie to experience – not just the famous landmarks, but the neighbourhoods where everyday life continues much as it has for generations.
Dinner in Cannaregio
Like many visitors, we had our heart set on dining at Taverna Barababao after researching restaurants before arriving in Venice. Unfortunately, when we arrived, it was completely booked and there wasn’t a table available.
Rather than simply turning us away, the owner personally recommended another nearby restaurant, Ostaria La Busara, assuring us we’d enjoy it just as much….and he was right.
I ordered the crema di scampi, while Arlie chose the mixed fried Adriatic seafood. We paired our meal with a bottle of Cabernet del Piave, a local red wine from the Veneto region. It was a relaxed dinner, good food and another reminder of why we enjoy travelling through Italy.
As darkness settled over the city, the reflections of centuries-old buildings shimmered across the canals and Venice seemed noticeably quieter than it had during the day. Walking back through Cannaregio, we passed locals enjoying a late drink, couples strolling beside the canals and restaurants still buzzing with conversation.
One of the things I’ve come to appreciate after several visits is that Venice truly rewards those who stay overnight. Once many of the day visitors have left, the city takes on a different atmosphere. It’s quieter, less hurried and, in my opinion, one of the best times to simply wander without an itinerary.
💡 Progressive Traveller Tip
If the restaurant you’ve planned to visit is fully booked, don’t be afraid to ask for another recommendation. In our case, the owner of Taverna Barababao suggested Ostaria La Busara, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. Sometimes local recommendations are better than anything you’ll find online.
Our Morning in Venice
With only a few hours before our train to Rome, we decided to keep things simple. Rather than trying to squeeze in another major attraction, we took one last stroll through the Rialto Fish Market, just around the corner from our apartment. Watching locals and restaurant owners selecting the day’s fresh seafood was a reminder that Venice is still a living, working city.
Before leaving, we stopped at Mauro El Forner de Canton, a traditional family-run Venetian bakery that’s been serving locals for generations. Conveniently located between the Rialto Fish Market and the Rialto Bridge, it was the perfect place to enjoy one last Italian breakfast. With freshly brewed coffee and warm local pastries, it was a simple but memorable way to end our short stay in Venice. The bakery has been producing artisan breads and traditional Venetian pastries for more than 80 years using techniques passed down through four generations.
A few minutes later, we were back at the Rialto Mercato vaporetto stop, boarding Line 1 for the short journey to Venezia Santa Lucia Station. Before long, we were settling into our seats on the high-speed train, ready for the next chapter of our Italian adventure in Rome.
It was a fitting end to our 24 hours in Venice. We had experienced the city’s famous landmarks, wandered its quieter neighbourhoods and discovered that some of the best moments came from simply slowing down and letting Venice reveal itself at its own pace.
💡 Progressive Traveller Tip
If you’re staying near the Rialto area, allow time for breakfast at a local bakery before heading to the station. A stop at Mauro El Forner de Canton is an easy addition to your morning and a great way to experience a traditional Venetian bakery before catching the vaporetto back to Venezia Santa Lucia Station.
Best Time to Visit Venice
Venice is a year-round destination, and every season offers a different experience.
Spring (April to June) is my favourite time to visit. Temperatures are generally pleasant, ranging from 15–26°C, flowers are in bloom and the days are long enough to make the most of sightseeing. We visited in early May and enjoyed warm days that were ideal for exploring on foot.
Autumn (September to October) is another excellent time to visit. Temperatures remain comfortable, averaging 18–25°C, while the summer crowds begin to ease. It’s also a wonderful season for enjoying Venice’s cafés, restaurants and neighbourhoods.
Summer (July and August) brings hot, humid weather, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. Venice can become extremely busy during this period, particularly around St Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the major vaporetto routes. If you visit during summer, start sightseeing early in the morning, enjoy a leisurely lunch during the hottest part of the day and explore quieter neighbourhoods like Cannaregio later in the afternoon or evening.
When booking accommodation, check that it has air conditioning in both the living area and the bedrooms. After a full day of sightseeing in the summer heat, a cool apartment and a comfortable night’s sleep make a big difference.
Winter offers a completely different side of Venice. The city is quieter, accommodation can be more affordable and mist drifting across the canals creates a magical atmosphere. Just be prepared for cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
Festivals and Crowds
Venice hosts several major events throughout the year that attract visitors from around the world. Venice Carnival (February) transforms the city with elaborate masks, costumes and celebrations, while the Venice Biennale draws artists and visitors to its internationally renowned art and architecture exhibitions. The Venice Film Festival (late August to early September) also brings celebrities, media and larger crowds to the city.
Our visit coincided with Venezia FC’s promotion to Serie A, and although it wasn’t something we had planned, it created a fantastic atmosphere. The city was alive with celebrations, reminding us that some of the most memorable travel moments are the ones you never expect.
What About Flooding?
One question I’m often asked is whether flooding should stop you from visiting Venice.
The answer is no.
Seasonal high tides, known as acqua alta, occur mainly between October and January. In most cases, the flooding is temporary, with raised walkways quickly installed across affected areas to help people move around the city.
I’ve experienced flooding in Venice myself. Rather than spoiling the trip, it became part of the adventure. Watching locals pull on gumboots, seeing raised walkways appear almost magically and witnessing St Mark’s Square transformed into a giant mirror created some of my most memorable photographs and travel experiences.
Like Venice itself, it’s simply something to embrace. With a little flexibility, acqua alta becomes another reminder that Venice is unlike anywhere else in the world.
💡 Progressive Traveller Tip
Before you travel, check whether your visit coincides with major festivals or public events. They create a wonderful atmosphere but also mean higher accommodation prices, busier attractions and restaurants that book out well in advance. If you’re visiting during the acqua alta season, pack waterproof footwear or shoes that don’t mind getting wet—you might end up with one of your favourite memories of Venice.
Final Thoughts
Many people will tell you that 24 hours isn’t enough to experience Venice. They’re right – you could spend a lifetime exploring its canals, hidden squares and neighbourhoods.
But don’t let that discourage you.
Just look at everything we experienced in a single day. We travelled by high-speed train from Verona, arrived by vaporetto, enjoyed lunch overlooking the Rialto Bridge, explored the Rialto area, discovered Libreria Acqua Alta, wandered through Venice’s maze of laneways, admired St Mark’s Square, the Clock Tower and the Bridge of Sighs, cruised along the Grand Canal, explored Cannaregio, enjoyed a memorable seafood dinner, wandered Venice after dark and still had time the following morning to visit the Rialto Fish Market and enjoy breakfast at a traditional Venetian bakery before catching the train to Rome.
That’s a remarkable amount to experience in just 24 hours.
Would I recommend staying longer? Absolutely. Venice is one of those rare destinations that becomes more rewarding with every visit. But if your itinerary only allows one day, don’t hesitate to include it. With a little planning, you can experience many of Venice’s highlights while still finding time to wander, slow down and discover the moments that make this city so unforgettable.
If I were planning this trip again, I’d still spend just one night in Venice if that was all my itinerary allowed. The experience exceeded my expectations and proved that a single day is enough to fall in love with the city. The only thing I’d change is that next time I’d return for two or three nights – not because we missed the highlights, but because once you understand how Venice works, you can stop navigating and simply start exploring.
For me, that’s the real magic of Venice. It’s not about trying to see everything—it’s about leaving with memories you’ll never forget and a reason to come back.
Continue Exploring Italy
If Venice is part of a longer Italian adventure, here are the destinations we visited before and after our stay. Each guide is based on our own experience and includes practical tips to help you make the most of your time.
- Lake Como (Varenna): Why Varenna is the perfect base for first-time visitors exploring Bellagio, Menaggio and Villa Carlotta.
- Verona: A one-day itinerary featuring the Arena di Verona, Juliet’s House, Ponte Pietra and Castel San Pietro.
- Rome: Discover the Eternal City, from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to Trastevere, the Vatican and hidden local favourites.
Planning a longer trip? Our Italy guides are designed to help first-time visitors combine iconic destinations with practical advice, personal experiences and realistic itineraries that work.
