Travel around Venice with Bobby
Day 1A Grand Welcome at St. Mark's Square
Touching down in Venice is like stepping into a fairytale. The city greeted me with its mesmerizing canals, iconic bridges, and the beautiful chaos of water traffic. After settling into Hotel Canal Grande, a charming boutique hotel right by the Grand Canal, I decided to dive right into Venice’s magic. My first stop? A classic gondola ride. Drifting through the canals, I felt transported to another era. The gondolier told stories of Venice’s history, pointing out landmarks like Rialto Bridge and the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, a hidden gem with its spiral staircase.
Later, I wandered through the bustling Piazza San Marco, soaking in the energy of the heart of Venice. The St. Mark’s Basilica gleamed in the afternoon sun, and its ornate, Byzantine beauty took my breath away. The intricate mosaics inside were nothing short of spectacular.
For dinner, I stopped by Ristorante Quadri with views over the square. I indulged in some local seafood—soft-shell crab, or “moeche,” prepared to perfection. Watching the sunset from here was the perfect way to end my first day.
Start your trip with St. Mark’s Square early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Also, don’t miss the Campanile—it’s the best way to take in Venice’s full beauty from above.
Day 2Gliding Through the Grand Canal
My second day in Venice started with a visit to the Gallerie dell’Accademia, home to one of the richest collections of Venetian art. Walking through its halls, I admired masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese. The colors, the grandeur—each piece seemed to tell a story of Venice’s past.
In the afternoon, I hopped on a vaporetto (Venice’s public water bus) and headed to Murano, famous for its glassmaking. Watching the artisans at work was mesmerizing. The skill, the artistry, and the centuries-old tradition of glassblowing were on full display. I even picked up a small glass ornament to take home as a memento.
From Murano, I took another boat to Burano, a colorful, picturesque island known for its lace-making. The rows of vividly painted houses reflected in the water created an almost surreal landscape. Lunch at Trattoria da Romano featured a Venetian classic, risotto di gò, a creamy dish made with local goby fish—delicious and hearty.
Lunch was a seafood lover’s dream at an osteria near the Rialto Market. I had fritto misto, which was fresh and crispy. In the evening, I indulged in a simple but flavorful dish of risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto), a Venetian classic.
Food
The hotel continued to impress, with attentive service and a hearty breakfast. The room’s decor added to the Venetian charm, and I appreciated the quiet atmosphere despite being in a central location.
Accomodation
The gondola ride through the Grand Canal was an iconic Venetian experience, offering views of the Rialto Bridge and stunning palazzos. The afternoon walk through Venice's labyrinthine streets, stumbling upon art galleries and local shops, made for an exciting and enriching day.
Activity
A gondola ride may be a bit touristy, but it’s worth every euro. Also, take time to get lost in Venice’s streets—it’s the best way to stumble upon hidden gems.
Day 3The Colors of Burano and Murano
While most tourists head straight for the big attractions, I wanted to explore Venice’s lesser-known treasures. I started with a walk through the Dorsoduro district, which felt quieter and more authentic. I visited the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, an incredible modern art museum tucked away on the Grand Canal. The garden and canalside views were just as captivating as the art itself.
Afterward, I wandered through the Campo Santa Margherita, a lively square where locals gather. I grabbed a quick bite at Pizzeria ae Oche, where the pizza, though simple, was packed with flavor. This was the Venice I’d hoped to discover—unpretentious and full of character.
As the sun set, I found myself at Harry’s Bar, the birthplace of the famous Bellini cocktail. Sipping this sweet, peach-flavored drink, I couldn’t help but imagine how many famous figures had done the same over the years. Dinner was an indulgence at Osteria alle Testiere, a small, intimate seafood restaurant known for its fresh catch of the day. The grilled sea bass was light, flaky, and the perfect end to a day of discovery.
On the islands of Murano and Burano, I savored a fresh seafood risotto at a small restaurant overlooking the canal in Burano. The seafood was so fresh, and the flavors were perfectly balanced. It was one of the best meals I had during my trip.
Food
Returning to my hotel after a day of exploring the islands, I appreciated the comfortable space to unwind. The bed was especially comfortable, and the peaceful environment made for a great night’s sleep.
Accomodation
Watching the glass-blowing demonstration in Murano was fascinating, and Burano’s colorful streets were like walking through a painting. These islands offered a different vibe from Venice’s main attractions, adding diversity to my trip.
Activity
Don’t skip the islands of Burano and Murano—each has a unique charm, and the boat ride offers a peaceful escape from the busier parts of Venice.
Day 4A Farewell to Venice with a Venetian Feast
On my final day, I wanted to end with something truly unforgettable. I began with a visit to Doge’s Palace, a symbol of Venice’s political history. The opulence of the grand chambers, especially the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, left me in awe. Walking across the Bridge of Sighs, I could feel the weight of history and stories of prisoners who crossed it centuries ago.
My last stop was a visit to San Giorgio Maggiore, an island opposite St. Mark’s Square. I took the lift up the bell tower for the most breathtaking view of Venice. Seeing the city from above—the canals, the rooftops, and the endless horizon of the Adriatic—was the perfect way to say goodbye.
Lunch was at Antiche Carampane, a tucked-away trattoria known for traditional Venetian cuisine. I ordered the bigoli in salsa, a thick pasta with a rich anchovy sauce. Simple, flavorful, and a fitting tribute to the local food scene.
As evening fell, I took one last stroll along the Grand Canal, soaking in the twilight magic of Venice. It was hard to believe my journey was coming to an end.
My last day started with a lovely breakfast along the Grand Canal, followed by a Venetian feast for lunch. Sarde in saor and baccalà mantecato were rich, flavorful, and perfectly captured the essence of Venice’s culinary heritage. I ended the evening with a casual bite of cicchetti and wine at a local bar, mingling with locals.
Food
The final night at the hotel was as enjoyable as the rest of my stay. The staff even helped arrange my transportation to the airport, making the departure seamless. It was the perfect way to wrap up my time in Venice.
Accomodation
Exploring the art-filled Dorsoduro district and visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection was an art lover’s dream. The sunset gondola ride at the end of the day was the most magical way to say goodbye to Venice.
Activity
If you’re into art, don’t miss Dorsoduro. And for your last evening, I highly recommend a sunset gondola ride to wrap up your time in Venice on a magical note.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Venice is a city that offers a truly unique travel experience, blending history, art, and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. From its world-famous canals to the vibrant local culture, Venice has something special for every kind of traveler. While it has its challenges, like crowds and the higher cost of staying in the city, the charm of its hidden alleys and picturesque views makes it worth every moment.
For lunch, I enjoyed a plate of bigoli in salsa at a small trattoria near St. Mark's Square. The flavors of the rich anchovy sauce with the thick pasta were delicious and a perfect introduction to Venetian cuisine. Dinner was light, with a few cicchetti (Venetian tapas) paired with a spritz.
Food
I stayed at a charming boutique hotel near the Rialto Bridge. The room was cozy with traditional Venetian decor, offering a lovely view of the Grand Canal. Though a bit pricey, the location was unbeatable for accessing the main attractions.
Accomodation
Exploring St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace was the highlight of the day. The grandeur of the architecture and the fascinating history behind these landmarks made the visit unforgettable. Ending the day with a stroll along the waterfront added to the perfect Venetian experience.
Activity