Join A Secret Italy

The visual beauty of Venice

by Charlotte
(Leeds)



With its 116 islands, winding waterways, cobbled courtyards, beautiful architecture and tiny back streets, Venice is one of the most picturesque and recognizable cities in the world.

But Venice offers far more than what you see in photos and on TV. This ancient city provides a stunning backdrop for modern, pioneering contemporary art, meaning that this is a city very much looking forward as much as looking back. Even cheap digital cameras will take stunning images in this stunning city.

For the first few hours upon arriving you will probably spend your time standing back and admiring the genius of a city built on water, with huge marble churches based upon posts driven into mud banks. Looking at ancient arched bridges scattered with osterias (bars) and traditional trattorias (restaurants) should precede a ride on a gondola along the Grand Canal.

Then, once you have appreciated the scale of it all, you can delve deeper and explore a place of contrasts, the modern alongside the ancient, the innovative as well as traditional, a place that ebbs and flows with the tide of the water that surrounds it.

Speaking of water, don’t forget to watch out for Acqua alta (high water), when many of the courtyards and streets become flooded, meaning the city is only navigable by raised walkways. An Acqua Alta map can be found at tourist information and if you haven’t been able to locate one, there are many cafés with internet points for laptops, so you could always log on to find the tourist points that are not as well advertised while you are there.

All this beauty comes at a price; its endless charm means tourists regularly outnumber locals, meaning you have to share the many sights with several hundred other people.

To try and avoid the crowds I recommend avoiding Venice in high season. Not only is it busier during the summer but the heat can be stifling and, given the amount of standing water, fly infestations and less than savoury smells can hover above the waterways.

Try heading across in spring or autumn when the heat is less intense and you may just get that museum to yourself.

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Your Venice Story.

Please Book with Us... Maria here, if you enjoy my site I'd love your support.

Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) via the link below or with any of the hotel links on the website.

You'll get the best deal available and the income I receive helps me to remain independent and to keep bringing you more of beautiful Italy.

Click to Begin

More Travel Tips:

  1. Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
  2. Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda help you to book accommodation in advance
  3. Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
  4. Book your car. At least a month before is best. Use Discover Car Hire.
  5. Cash Back on Flights: Great deals & money back with WayAway
  6. Get peace of mind when traveling. Get insured with VisitorsCoverage.com