Venice is probably on most people’s bucket lists – and quite rightly so! The dreamy streets, winding canals, and stunning architecture are only a tiny portion of what makes Venice so great. However, it isn’t all dreamboats (or should I say gondolas?) and petticoats, here are a few things I wish I knew before visiting Venice.
Gondola Rides are EXPENSIVE
Taking a ride on a gondola is a must when visiting Venice. However, you may find yourself reconsidering when you find out how much they cost!
At 80€ for a 30-minute tour, you will spend a small fortune on this excursion. Sure, it may be romantic, or perhaps just the most quintessentially Venetian thing to do, but for that price, you may find yourself questioning if it’s worth it?
I’ll let you decide if a jaunt through the canals is worth the expense. Personally, I couldn’t justify it.
Almost No Nightlife
Unlike most European cities, Venice seems to shut down after dinner. Although you may find a few bars open, there is certainly not a party atmosphere.
Since returning from Venice, we have discovered that if you look hard enough, you will find establishments open until 2 am. So I recommendation your research before heading out, or you will be wandering aimlessly through the quaint streets of Venice.
Let us know in the comments below if you know of any good nightlife spots in Venice, as we were left bemused!
Finding Somewhere to Eat After 10 pm is Almost Impossible
After a reasonably late flight arriving in Venice at just after 11 pm, I was completely famished. However, trying to find an establishment to satisfy my hunger was almost impossible.
The majority of restaurants close at 10/11 pm, which leaves little options for finding food.
Thankfully, there is a 24 hr kebab shop open not far from San Marcos Square. Pako’s Pizza and Pasta’s relentless commitment to serving hungry tourists makes it the unsung hero of Venice. The trip advisor comment below sums Pako’s up perfectly!
Pako… not the hero Venice deserves, but the hero Venice needs.
If you are ever in a similar predicament, be sure to check them out – you won’t regret it!
Soft Drinks are Extortionately Priced
As someone who relies on the sweet, sweet liquid gold that is Coca-Cola, I were shocked, appalled, and out-of-pocket after realising how expensive soft drinks are in Venice.
Expect to spend a minimum of 5€ for a 250ml can of Coke. OUTRAGEOUS!
For anyone that is conscious of their budget, I recommend packing a water bottle or asking for tap water, or best yet, scout out a supermarket and buy some cheaper beverages.
Flooding Can Happen Very Suddenly
The fact that Venice floods shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. However, the speed and spontaneity of the flooding may catch you off guard. As quickly as the flooding occurs, it disappears and Venice carries on as if nothing has happened.
Unsurprisingly, Venice is extremely prepared for these tides, so much so you may not even get wet, however, however, you may wish to pack wellies – just in case!
If you are looking to avoid wading in the water, then you should plan a trip in summer, as the tides that flood Venice are most prevalent between October and March.
There is a more in-depth post about the flooding in Venice coming soon.
Conclusion
Although none of the points discussed are “deal breakers” I still wish I knew them prior to visiting Venice so I could be more prepared. It is so easy to get carried away with the romance of Venice, that you may not even think about these little snaggling issues.
However, with that being said, Venice is undeniably one of my favourite places in the world (even when it’s flooded)! So do not be deterred, be prepared – for a trip of a lifetime!
Let us know what you didn’t expect to see on this list of things I wish I knew before going to Venice. Personally, I was shocked that the nightlife was so sparse!
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