Venice, Italy, is one of those destinations that looks almost too beautiful to be real. With its winding canals, historic bridges, colourful islands and centuries-old architecture, it is easy to understand why travelers flock to this floating city. However, is Venice worth visiting when you consider the crowds, high prices and occasionally less-than-romantic realities? After spending three days exploring Venice with my husband, I have a few thoughts! We saw the major highlights, took a day trip to Murano and Burano, ate some delicious food and wandered through countless narrow streets. Here is my honest review and three-day Venice itinerary to help you decide whether it deserves a spot on your list.
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How to Get to Venice
My husband and I travelled from Rome to Venice by train. We departed from the Roma Termini station and booked our tickets in advance through Omio, a platform which makes comparing and booking European train journeys convenient. Our journey took four hours, arriving at the Venezia Santa Lucia station, right on the Grand Canal. I paid US$48 for the ticket, but prices will vary depending on the operator, travel date and how far ahead you book. Venice is accessible by train from many other parts of Italy, including Florence, Bologna and Milan, making it easy to incorporate into a multi-city itinerary.
If you are flying internationally, Venice Marco Polo Airport serves the city with onward connections by bus and water taxi. One important thing to know is that Venice is essentially car-free. If you are travelling with a rental car, you can park at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto Island before continuing into the city on foot or by water taxi. However, parking can be expensive, so skip driving and take public transport where possible.
Where to Stay in Venice
We stayed at Hotel Rossi, a small, dated but quaint one-star hotel which was 4 minutes walk from the train station and costed US$140 per night. It was clean and served its purpose as a base for exploring the city. If you are travelling on a budget, I recommend prioritizing cleanliness, location and convenient access to transport over luxury amenities. Accommodation in Venice is expensive.
My biggest tip for visiting Venice is to pack light! My husband and I travelled with just one backpack and one carry-on suitcase each (check out my tips for travelling with only a carry-on). Venice’s streets can be narrow, crowded and uneven, with cobblestones, bridges and steps to navigate. Dragging a large suitcase through busy pedestrian areas can quickly become exhausting. If you have mobility concerns or cannot manage your luggage independently, check whether your hotel offers porter assistance. Note: There’s a city tax payable at your hotel for €1 per person, per night.
Pro Tip: Book travel insurance before your trip.
Day 1: Rialto Bridge & Sightseeing
We checked in, got some rest then headed out for dinner at La Lista Venezia. We enjoyed there so much that we returned on our final day. Next, we visited the famous Rialto Bridge, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It was crowded, as expected, but still worth seeing. The bridge offers lovely views of the Grand Canal and is surrounded by shops, restaurants and bustling pedestrian streets. Afterward, we wandered through Venice without a strict itinerary. We crossed little bridges, followed winding streets and stopped to admire canals and buildings along the way. Venice has a way of revealing charming corners when you least expect them.
Day 2: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace & More
Day two was dedicated to Venice’s major historical attractions. That morning, we walked to St. Mark’s Square, the city’s famous central piazza. It is beautiful, but the crowds can be overwhelming, particularly around the main attractions. In this square you can find Caffè Florian, the world’s oldest coffeeshop in continuous operation, established in 1720. From there, we met our tour guide as we had booked a skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. St. Mark’s Basilica is renowned for its stunning Byzantine architecture, intricate mosaics and ornate domes. Its history dates back to the 11th century and reflects Venice’s connection with the East. While the church itself was impressive, the visit felt too rushed for my liking. I would have preferred more time to appreciate the interior and its intricate details.
Next was Doge’s Palace, and wow! This was one of the highlights of our trip. The grand rooms, ornate golden ceilings, elaborate decorations and impressive artwork were genuinely jaw-dropping. Just when I thought I’d seen it all, each room got more opulent. We also got to see the dungeons, and an interesting collection of armor, swords, guns, cannons and other medieval war paraphernalia. I appreciated the free audio guide included in my admission ticket which brought the palace to life. If you enjoy history and architecture, Doge’s Palace belongs on your itinerary.
Our final stop was Museo Correr which houses art and historical collections connected to Venice. Unfortunately, by this point, we were exhausted and had reached our limit for absorbing new sights. We did not fully appreciate the museum, and in hindsight, I would have visited it on a separate day if we had more time.
Day 3: Murano and Burano
Our final day was spent visiting Murano and Burano, two islands in the Venetian Lagoon. On our walk to the tour’s meeting point, we stumbled upon the Bridge of Sighs, an iconic landmark which connects the Doge’s Palace to a former prison. Legend has it that couples who kiss while passing below the bridge in a gondola at sunset will be granted eternal love. It was empty when we saw it that morning but got crowded in the afternoon, so I recommend visiting early for the best experience.
Murano is famous for its glassmaking traditions, and we watched a glassblowing demonstration. It was fascinating to see skilled artisans transform molten glass into beautiful objects. We then visited Burano, known for its brightly coloured houses and traditional lace-making heritage. Walking around the island felt like stepping into a postcard, with colourful buildings lining the canals and plenty of opportunities for photographs. I’ll share more about this excursion next week as I believe it deserves its own post!
Where We Ate in Venice
Food was another enjoyable part of our trip. We ate at La Lista Venezia twice, and our dinners for two there cost €49 and €43 respectively, including the service charge of €2.50 per person. On the afternoon of our second day, we ate at a Chinese restaurant for €41.50 because we were really craving chicken and didn’t see it on most Italian menus. We also enjoyed the most delicious gelato in Venice! Otherwise, we kept costs down by purchasing groceries for tea, coffee, sandwiches and pastries. Unlike our Airbnb in Rome where we had cooking facilities, our hotel in Venice did not have a kitchen. That meant we had to be more strategic about meals since restaurant costs add up quickly.
So, Is Venice Worth Visiting?
Yes, Venice is worth visiting, but three days was enough for me. We saw the major highlights, explored the canals and bridges, and took a memorable trip to Murano and Burano. Unlike my three days in Rome where I wish I’d had more time, I didn’t feel that we needed any longer to appreciate Venice. Beyond three days, I suspect we would have started to feel bored or annoyed. The crowds of tourists dragging oversized suitcases through narrow streets can be nauseating, and the romantic image of Venice didn’t always match reality. The canals occasionally smelled during our visit, particularly at night. Despite these drawbacks, Venice was beautiful, fascinating and unlike anywhere else I’ve visited. I would recommend it to first-time visitors to Italy, especially those who enjoy architecture, history, photography and wandering through historic cities. Note: We skipped the gondola ride because of the cost (€90). However, watching them glide through the canals looked like a wonderful experience. I’d consider it if my budget allows on a future visit.
Wrap Up
My verdict? Visit Venice, spend three days exploring its highlights, pack light and go with realistic expectations. You may find yourself falling in love with its beauty, even if the city occasionally tests your patience. Have you ever visited Venice, or would you like to visit? Sound off in the comments section below! ‘Til next time. 🙂
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:
- A Day Trip to Vatican City
- How to Spend 3 Days in Rome
- A Day Trip to Padua from Venice
- Colosseum, Rome: Tips For Your First Visit
- How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Jamaica
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