See the latest Guide to Visiting Venice, Italy
This guide is designed specifically for women and couples traveling to Venice, prioritizing safety, unique experiences, and a touch of romance.
Safety Assessment:
Venice is generally safe, but awareness is key.
Safe Neighborhoods: San Polo, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, Cannaregio (quieter than San Polo)
Safety Tips: Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in dimly lit areas. Stick to well-lit and populated streets.
Areas of Caution: Avoid the area around the train station late at night. Exercise caution in very touristy areas.
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice (Opulent historic hotel with stunning views, close to St. Mark’s Square). Expect to pay upwards of $500/night.
Mid-Range: Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo (Charming canal-side hotel in Santa Croce, convenient location). Around $200-$300/night.
Budget: Ca’ Dogaressa (Clean and comfortable hotel near the Rialto Bridge, safe neighborhood). Around $100-$200/night. All offer standard safety features like in-room safes and 24-hour reception.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Classic Venice
Morning: Arrive in Venice, check into your hotel. Visit St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Basilica. (Moderate walking, Budget: €50-€70 per person including entrance fees).
Lunch: Enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and wine at a bacaro (wine bar) near Rialto Market. (Budget: €20-€30 per person).
Afternoon: Explore the Rialto Market and Bridge. Take a gondola ride. (€80-€100 for a private ride).
Evening: Romantic dinner at Trattoria Al Gazzettino (traditional Venetian cuisine). (Budget: €40-€50 per person).
Day 2: Island Hopping & Art
Morning: Visit Murano Island (famous for glassblowing demonstrations) and Burano Island (known for its colorful houses). (Easy walking, vaporetto (water bus) travel required. Budget: €30-€40 per person including vaporetto).
Lunch: Trattoria al Gatto Nero on Burano (seafood specialties, reservations recommended). (Budget: €30-€40 per person).
Afternoon: Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection (modern art museum in Dorsoduro).
Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view at Ristorante Terrazza Danieli (rooftop restaurant with stunning views). (Budget: €60-€80 per person).
Day 3: Hidden Gems & Departure
Morning: Explore the quieter Cannaregio district. Visit the Jewish Ghetto. (Moderate walking, Budget: €20-€30 for optional synagogue visits).
Lunch: Have a casual lunch at a local osteria in Cannaregio. (Budget: €15-€20 per person).
Afternoon: Wander through the backstreets and discover hidden canals. Enjoy a final Venetian gelato.
Evening: Depart from Venice.
Must-See Attractions:
St. Mark’s Basilica: Byzantine architecture, mosaics, and religious history.
Doge’s Palace: Former palace of the Venetian rulers, opulent interiors, and Bridge of Sighs.
Rialto Bridge: Iconic bridge with shops and stunning views.
Grand Canal: Main waterway of Venice, gondola rides, and palazzo views.
Gallerie dell’Accademia: Venetian art from the 14th to 18th centuries.
Local Hidden Gems:
Libreria Acqua Alta: Bookstore with books piled in gondolas, bathtubs, and even a full-size gondola out back!
Scala Contarini del Bovolo: Hidden spiral staircase offering unique views.
Explore the backstreets of Cannaregio: Discover charming bridges, quiet canals, and local life.
Visit the islands of Torcello and Mazzorbo: Escape the crowds and discover ancient churches and vineyards.
Dining Recommendations:
La Zucca: Venetian cuisine with vegetarian options. (Mid-range, reservations recommended)
Osteria Alle Testiere: Seafood-focused, intimate setting. (High-end, reservations essential)
Dal Moro’s – Fresh Pasta To Go: Quick, affordable, and delicious pasta near Rialto. (Budget-friendly)
Additional Practical Information:
Local Transportation: Vaporetto (water bus) is the main form of public transportation. Walking is also a great way to explore.
Language Tips: Learning a few basic Italian phrases will be appreciated.
Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting churches. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.
Approximate Total Trip Budget: €500 – €1000 per person (excluding flights) depending on your accommodation and dining choices.
This recommended itinerary is only a suggestion, feel free to adapt it to your interests and pace. Enjoy your Venetian adventure!
