Venice: One of the World's Most Romantic Cities

PHOTO: Be prepared to fall head over heels in one of the most romantic cities in the world! I know I did. (photos by Shannon Wolf)

Given Venice’s notorious reputation for being expensive, I had initially decided to give it a pass, attempting to convince myself that it’s probably not worth blowing the bank for.

However, I was convinced by fellow travelers to stay for two days, and I can honestly say, I’m glad I gave in.

It was like pulling pages straight from a Harlequin romance novel. As you got lost moving from street to street, you would fall even deeper in love.

I fell so deeply in fact that I also forgot what “budget backpacker” meant. I floated along in a traditional gondola where the driver swooned us with his enchanting voice as he sang romantic melodies as we rounded old corners of the floating town. We indulged in a half lobster and fresh cherry tomato pasta directly after, accompanied by probably the best gelato we had ever eaten and at night, of course — bottles and bottles of cheap red wine.

We wined. We dined. And we definitely splurged  (but I don’t regret a thing). Venice is easily in my top rated places to visit for anyone going to Europe. And even with its high prices, it’s worth every penny.

Cheapest Accommodation: Camping Serenissima (€16/4 bed private, €18/2 bed mixed dorm)

Features

• 24-hour security

• Bar/cafe/ restaurant

• Mini-supermarket

• Hot showers

• Internet access (not free)

• Luggage storage

• Parking

• Wheelchair accessible

Best Accommodation: Plus Camping Jolly
(€16.40/3 bed shared tent, €28.30/ 3 bed mixed dorm)

Although a tiny bit pricier than other camping spots, the amenities and “tents” are wonderful along with a great atmosphere. Worth the extra splurge! (Note: If you are traveling solo, ask other travelers if they’d like to share a 3-bed tent instead of mixed dorm — they’re exactly the same.)

Features

• Nice, clean pool/plenty of lounge chairs

• “Tents” are actually comfortable dorm rooms — also comes with outlets!

• Great showers with rainfall showerheads

• 24-hour security

• Bar/cafe/restaurant

• Mini supermarket

• Free Wi-Fi

• Luggage storage

• Parking

• Wheelchair accessible

Money Saving Tips

• Walk everywhere.

• Buy snacks at the supermarket.

• Visit in low season for lower prices.

• Stay in a hostel outside of the city — the bus is easy to use.

• Want to go out? Head to the student quarter (around the Dorsoduro area) for bars and cafes that won’t charge you an arm and a leg.

• Explore the many free churches.

• Most expensive spots are St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge so don’t buy anything around there.

Must Eats

• Gelateria Millevoglie da Tarcisio: The best REAL gelato I’ve had in Italy. (S. Polo 3033/3034).

• Antico Panificio: Forgo the pizza, but make sure to order the half lobster with tomato pasta. It’s incredible ?(S. Polo 945).

PHOTO: The half lobster and cherry tomato pasta from Antico Panificio was out of this world delicious! (and only costs €17).

• All’Arco: Popular with locals and serves mouthwatering paninis (Calle dell’Arco, S. Polo 436).

Must Do’s

• Wander around and get lost in Venice — it’s part of the fun!

• Take yourself out for one nice meal and gelato listed above. The food in Venice is outstanding, especially the seafood!

• Don’t skip the gondola ride. It was one of the highlights of my trip and worth every penny! Be sure to go with a driver who appears to be full of energy and happy. Your experience depends a lot on whom you go with.

PHOTO: One of the most magical experiences while in Venice was the gondola ride. Not only was the view breathtaking, but our driver made the whole experience that much better!

• Wander through the famous food market Mercato del Rialto.

• If you really can’t afford a gondola ride, you can still take the vaporetti, a local waterbus that travels all over the lagoon.

• Visit the other islands: Murano and Burano.