Dreaming of visiting Venice? 5 Reasons to plan your trip today

With all the hype, many travellers planning their dream trip to Europe find themselves asking the same question: is Venice really worth visiting?

Even though it’s undeniably beautiful, there’s no denying that Venice can feel crowded, especially during major events like Carnival and the Venice Film Festival.

But despite the crowds, the city on the water remains one of the most unique places you can visit in Italy. And I’m going to explain exactly why.

Is Venice worth visiting?

From wandering through quiet canals and getting lost in the narrow streets to discovering incredible food, history and architecture, Venice offers far more than the postcard-perfect sights you’ve probably seen online.

These are just some of the reasons I believe Venice is a city that’s worth your time.

And trust me, there are plenty more. So if you’re dreaming of an immersive Northern Italian city escape, Venice could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Think about it. What other place on the planet can you admire the sunset on the lagoon and where you can take a gondola and cross the Grand Canal looking at ancient Byzantine and Gothic palaces as well as at the historic Rialto Bridge?

Let’s dig in…

5 Reasons to visit Venice

1. The only city on the water in the world

Venice is known for being the only city on the water in the world, and that’s the first reason why I believe Venice is worth visiting.

Venice sits in the heart of the 40-kilometre-long Venice Lagoon, much of which consists of islands and shallow wetlands. The city itself is built on water, supported by 25-metre-long oak trunks driven deep into the mud to form its foundations.

Back in the Serenissima Republic days, the canals were waterways necessary to transport people and products coming from the mainland and the Far East.

Locals and visitors today get around Venice with gondolas, water taxis, and “vaporetto”, the local ferry, and get to other islands on the lagoon too.

2. Perfect destination for wine and food lovers

Everyone knows Italy is world-famous for its food, and Venice makes no exception when it comes to Italian cuisine; you can find tasty food everywhere.

The motherland of the “Bellini” cocktail and “bigoli in salsa” (pasta in anchovy sauce) has a vast offer of gastronomic spots and food options for you to try.

Venice can satisfy every palate: you can even try the “bacari” tour, the traditional low-profile taverns run by Venetian people, to experience the most authentic side of the city.

But also, chic restaurants and clubs scattered around canals, narrow streets, and venues modeled inside magnificent historical landmarks.

Why not stay at the H10 Palazzo Canova for an unforgettable evening? You’ll be only a few minutes’ walk away from the Rialto Bridge and Market where the best restaurants and ‘bacari’ in Venice are situated.

Eating in Venice is all about high-quality fresh ingredients worked by the wise hands of prestigious chefs and local people.

These are the ones who have extensive knowledge of the traditional dishes and what edible delights the generous Adriatic Sea has to offer.

3. Ideal city break for art and history lovers

Venice is one of the best city breaks in Europe for art and history lovers. Just by walking around the city, you can see how old the history of Venice is and there are thousands of ways to learn more.

There is not one single place to learn about Venice’s history, but the San Marco Basilica is a good place to understand how the relationship between Venice and Byzantium was. Then, depending on how many days in Venice you have, you’ll be able to explore the history as well as current-day events that are happening.

The Doge Palace helps you to get a sense of how Venice was during the Serenissima Republic. Then you have the Correr Museum, which helps you to see how Venice was during the Napoleonic rule.

Many people visit Venice for its remarkable art collections. There is something for all tastes, from Renaissance masters such as Titian and Veronese to modern art from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Then you have the Venice Biennale, which attracts the best artists from all over the world.

4. Historical events and festivals

Venice is worth visiting because it hosts some of the most important international festivals and a couple of well-known events worldwide.

Many travellers visit the famous Venice Carnival! Its origin dates back to the year 1162 to celebrate a military victory of the city at that time.

The Carnival is celebrated all around the city, and many events are going on during the whole Carnival celebrations. It ends the Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) before the start of Lent. There are still masks and costume makers around the city who want to keep alive the ancient tradition.

Other events not to be missed in Venice include:

5. Hidden gems in Venice

Venice has a lot of hidden corners and secret places you shouldn’t miss, especially during an extended stay. Don’t miss a walk in the Jewish Ghetto, and take the off-the-beaten-way to reach the Castello district, the less-visited district in Venice where the Arsenale is based.

Check out the Hotel Nuovo Teson to be a few metres away from the Biennale and to enjoy the best of the Castello neighbourhood. On your way, you’ll see many local businesses such as bakeries, small bookshops, and “osterie”.

I suggest spending money here when you want to taste traditional delicacies or buy gifts from Italy or local handmade souvenirs.

Some hidden gems you can add to your Venice itinerary include:

• Scala Contarini del Bovolo
• Libreria Acqua Alta
• Gardens and cloisters of San Francesco della Vigna
• Calle Varisco, the narrowest street in Venice
• Squero San Trovaso
• Giudecca island
• Oratorio dei Crociferi

All in all, Venice is like an open-air museum, and this makes the city a perfect European break for not only art and history lovers but also luxury travellers.

Read up on how to be a respectful tourist while here and see my popular 1 day in Venice itinerary if you’re looking to experience more Venice and its festivities.