Visit Venice: Italy’s Floating City

The city of Venice is one of the most unique and beautiful places in Europe partly thanks to the contrast of its “old world” and the bustling modern scene of Venice today. Venice remains a sort of living museum of its past, where its remarkable architecture, art, and canals continue to reflect its rich and complex history. At the same time, Venice is bustling with modern art, tourism, and innovations that point to a legacy of human ingenuity.

Andrew and I visited Venice for a few days on our tour of Italy, and I can safely say that my expectations were not high enough going into the experience. In this article, you will learn that Venice is so much more than just the famous landmarks—St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the gondola rides. While these are iconic and worth seeing, there’s a whole hidden side to the city that most travelers miss.

We ventured away from the crowded paths and discovered Venice’s quieter corners: secluded canals where the only sound is a soft ripple of water, tucked-away cafes serving espresso and pastries to locals, and narrow streets lined with centuries-old buildings that whisper stories of a bygone era.

A view of the Grand Canal at sunset seen from the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy.

A Brief History:

Venice, founded in the 5th century as a refuge from barbarian invasions, rose to prominence as a powerful maritime republic known for its strategic location and thriving trade routes across the Mediterranean. From the 9th to the 18th century, Venice became a hub for commerce, art, and culture, influencing the Renaissance and pioneering both banking and naval innovations thanks to its position on the Mediterranean and the large amount of wealth that flowed in and out through its sprawling canals.

The Republic of Venice, with its unique political structure led by the Doge, flourished as a center of wealth and influence, boasting renowned artists like Titian and Tintoretto. However, by the late 18th century, Venice’s political and economic power waned, and it eventually became part of Italy in 1866. Today, its rich history endures in its architecture, art, and canals, offering a glimpse into its glorious past.

Our Arrival In Venice:

Andrew and I took a train from Rome in the center of Italy to the north to visit Venice. After passing through rolling hills covered in grape vines for a few hours, we know Venice was near when the train tracks began to take us over the Adriatic sea itself.

As many already know, Venice is a city constructed at sea-level over the water, and while there is a driving bridge that can be used to access Venice, transport by boat is the primary means of getting from one place to another within the city. As soon as we got off the train, we could see boats sailing the canals less than 30 feet from the station’s doors.

With our rolling suitcases in hand, we began to traverse the historic streets, stairs, and alleyways of Venice to find our niche hotel. I will say, navigating the streets of Venice with luggage in hand is one of the most challenging first-experiences we’ve had in a new city thanks in part to climbing over waterways, dodging the morning commerce in local shopping areas, and squeezing ourselves through the tightest “street” we’ve ever seen (pictured below, and yes, Google Maps called it a street).

When we arrived at the Aquarius Hotel, we were already well off the beaten path! It was the perfect location to be close enough to the famous tourist sites while also staying within the area that locals inhabited on a day-to-day basis. We stopped at Al Prosecco beside our hotel for a lovely bite and a drink before heading out for a day of exploration.

St. Mark’s Square:

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the beating heart of Venice, a place where history, architecture, and culture converge in a stunning setting. We began our sight-seeing here with other tourists excited to see the most famous area of Venice.

The square itself is surrounded by magnificent buildings that showcase Venice’s rich heritage, starting with the breathtaking Basilica di San Marco. With its shimmering mosaics, Byzantine-style architecture, and opulent interiors, the basilica is a must-see, and visitors can even climb to the rooftop for a panoramic view of the square and the city beyond. (pictured below)

Adjacent to the basilica is the Campanile di San Marco, the towering bell tower that offers one of the best vantage points in Venice. You can take an elevator to the top and enjoy sweeping views of the entire city, the lagoon, and the islands surrounding Venice. Just a few steps away, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) invites you to explore the former seat of Venetian power. With its ornate Gothic architecture, the palace houses impressive works of art and takes you through the rooms where the Doge and the ruling council once met, as well as across the famous Bridge of Sighs that connects the palace to the prison.

In the square itself, you’ll find the iconic Caffè Florian, one of the oldest cafes in the world, where you can sit and soak in the atmosphere while enjoying a coffee or a traditional Venetian cocktail. As you wander, take in the enchanting sights of the Loggetta del Palazzo Ducale, the Museo Correr, and the historic Biblioteca Marciana (St. Mark's Library), all situated around the square. The square is also home to the famous Piazza San Marco pigeons, which are a traditional part of the experience, though be prepared for the occasional flurry of wings as they fly about.

Hidden View at the DFS Store:

The DFS Department Store in Venice is a luxury shopping destination offering an exclusive blend of high-end fashion, jewelry, beauty products, and unique Venetian goods. Think Saks Fifth Avenue in New York but filled with European fine goods, Italian Leather, and beautiful Swiss watches. Located near iconic landmarks, it caters to both locals and tourists with a curated selection of designer brands and handcrafted Venetian items, such as Murano glass and lace.

The store emphasizes luxury and elegance, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Venice while providing a modern, world-class shopping experience. It’s a place where visitors can indulge in premium shopping, but also enjoy what we believe to be the best view in the city!

After ascending the many floors by stairs or escalator, we reached the rooftop just as the sun was beginning to set. Unlike the the Campanile di San Marco bell tower, this location felt calm and a bit more secluded from the throng of tourists while still offering a tremendous view of the entire city.

From this observation deck, you can see Venice from a new perspective and get incredible shots of yourselves with the canals and Basilica in the background along with the mountains in the distance that serve as the boarder between Italy and Switzerland.

Mercato di Rialto:

Venice is also home to the vibrant Mercato di Rialto, a historic waterfront market that has been serving locals for centuries. This bustling hub is where local Venetians shop for fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, and a variety of Italian delicacies. The market is a feast for the senses, with colorful stalls brimming with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and aromatic herbs.

We decided to visit early in the morning on our second day in Venice and we recommend you visit from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM. This is when local fishermen bring in their fresh catch, offering a lively spectacle of Venice's maritime heritage.

Afterwards, you can do as we did and take a leisurely stroll around the nearby Rialto area, which is lined with charming shops, cafes, and picturesque views of the Grand Canal. The market isn’t just a place to shop but an integral part of Venetian daily life, where the city's rich culinary traditions are kept alive.

This marketplace is the ideal spot to take a gondola ride to soak in the views of Venice’s architecture and sail down the Grand Canal. If you go in the morning, you can sail alongside the local fishing boats bringing in their fresh catch as they’ve done for hundreds of years!

Contact us today to plan your own Journey to Italy’s Floating City!

If you’re vacationing anywhere nearby in Italy, I recommend you budget a few days to venture into Venice yourself! We traveled to Venice specifically for the history and renown of this quaint and beautiful city, and you can too. Message us today to get exclusive discounted prices for Chickadee Travel clients and explore the beauty and history of Venice!