Venice: The City That Stole My Heart
Who hasn’t heard of Venice, or Venezia as it’s called in Italian? Growing up, I marveled at the stories of a city uniquely built on 118 small islands, interconnected by over 400 bridges and separated by scenic canals. It’s no wonder Venice remains one of the top 5 most-visited cities in Italy, always featured in West Europe group tours.
When my husband first visited Venice during his backpacking trip across Europe, he wasn’t too impressed—he found it overly touristy. I almost took his word for it, but after watching A Haunting in Venice and Mission Impossible, I was reminded of why Venice had always been on my bucket list. As a lover of the sea and cities built around water, I knew Venice would captivate me. And so, for our year-end holiday, we decided to go. The cherry on top? A direct flight from Marseilles to Venice and a seamless connection back to Indonesia with Qatar Airways.
A Relaxed 4-Day Itinerary in Venice
As I’ve grown older (and perhaps wiser 😜), I’ve learned to plan less ambitious trips. For this 3-week holiday, we divided our time across three countries: the Netherlands (to reunite with our son), France (to spend Christmas with family and ski together), and Venice for the final, dreamy leg of our journey. Here’s how we made the most of four perfect days in Venice:
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Venice
- Morning to afternoon: Visit Rialto fresh market, Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica and climb up the bell tower (don’t miss the panoramic view!), Doge’s Palace, the iconic Bridge of Sighs and Venetian arsenal.
- Late afternoon to evening: Stroll along the Grand Canal, visit the Rialto Bridge and its bustling market. End the day by enjoying Venetian cuisine.
Day 2: Art and Culture
- Morning: Discover masterpieces at the Gallerie dell’Accademia and modern art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
- Afternoon: Cross the Accademia Bridge to explore the tranquil Dorsoduro district and visit the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.
- Evening: Early dinner and attend a show at Teatro La Fenice.
Day 3: Islands of the Lagoon
- Morning: Head to Murano for a glass-blowing demonstration and visit the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato.
- Afternoon: Explore Burano’s colorful houses and lace-making traditions, soaking in a magical sunset.
- Evening: Return to Venice for a quiet evening stroll.
Day 4: Hidden Gems and Leisure
- Morning: Wander Cannaregio’s historic Jewish Ghetto and admire the Chiesa della Madonna dell’Orto.
- Afternoon: Visit Ca’ Rezzonico, a museum of Venetian life, and take a romantic gondola ride through the canals.
- Evening: End your trip with a stunning sunset at Zattere promenade and a memorable dinner.
Practical Tips for Visiting Venice
- Getting Around:
- Walking: Venice is car-free, making it ideal for leisurely strolls.
- Vaporetto (waterbus): Plan passes carefully to save on transport costs. One ride cost €9.5 and 1 day pass €25. There is also 3, 5 and 7 days pass. Ticket can be purchased at ticket counter or ticket machine at Vappretto stop. Not all vaporetto stop has ticket machine.
- Traghetto: A €2 ride across the Grand Canal is a fun and affordable experience
- Where to Stay:
- San Marco: Central but crowded. Perfect for first-timers.
- Cannaregio: Affordable, quieter, and authentically Venetian.
- Dorsoduro (Our Choice): Artsy and relaxed, with easy access to Vaporetto stops and major sites.
- Arriving in Venice:
- From Marco Polo Airport (VCE): Take airport bus to Piazzale Roma Bus Station and from there use Vaporetto or water Taxi. Or Alilaguna water bus depending on where you stay.
- From Treviso Airport (TSF): Affordable shuttle buses take about an hour to Piazzale Roma
- From Santa Lucia train station: take Vaporetto to your accommodation
Final Reflections on Venice
Spending four days in Venice was transformative. While popular attractions like St. Mark’s Square and Rialto can feel crowded, the true charm of Venice lies in its quieter corners—the serene canals, hidden gems, and unhurried moments of exploration. My husband, who initially dismissed Venice as overly touristy, now admits that a day trip doesn’t do it justice. Staying on the island itself allowed us to experience the authentic, tranquil side of Venice.
Our tip: Don’t rush your visit. Stay a few days, take your time to explore, and let the magic of Venice reveal itself. You might just find, as I did, that this enchanting city is worth every moment. 🛶✨
