On a recent trip to Venice, Italy, I discovered six things that I would do differently if I had the chance to visit again. Despite the city’s stunning architecture, picturesque canals, and rich history, I found that certain aspects of beautiful Venice weren’t as delightful as the city itself.

The main thing s I would do differently is to figure out how to avoid the overwhelming onslaught of other tourists. While Venice is undoubtedly a popular destination, I found that the crowds could be overwhelming at times, making it difficult to appreciate the city’s beauty and charm fully. Additionally, I would have spent more time exploring the city’s lesser-known neighborhoods, which offer a more authentic and less crowded experience.

With cruise ships docking at different times and days, I should have checked to ensure we weren’t in the popular parts of Venice when the cruise ships arrived.

 

The First Thing I Would Do Differently in Venice

 

When I first arrived in Venice, I was so excited to explore the city and see all the sights. However, I quickly realized I had made a mistake – not bringing comfortable walking shoes. The streets of Venice are made of cobblestones, and walking on them for hours on end can be incredibly painful.

I brought my favorite pair of Birkenstocks and while they are comfortable enough at home, walking for hours in Venice made them slide all over and create hot spots. After that, I vowed to find the most comfortable sandals for sightseeing.

 

Not having comfortable shoes made it difficult to fully enjoy the city. By the end of my long day in Venice, I was limping and grumpy! My kids were limping and grumpy and everyone just wanted to sit down.

Let it be said, that my family and I are not novice travelers who haven’t walked around a city for hours, there is something about the cobblestones that made this so much worse. If I go back to Venice I will bring a change of shoes with me for halfway through the day!

 

The Second Thing I Would Do Differently

When visiting Venice, the second thing I would do differently is to avoid the tourist traps. This is hard to do in Venice because you want to see the famous bridges, squares and more. But just because you are visiting the Doge’s palace doesn’t mean you need to eat at the closest restaurant.

Walk, get lost, and find some more authentic restaurants and shopping. The more I did that, the more I enjoyed Venice.

Venice can be an expensive city, so it’s essential to plan and avoid overspending. By avoiding the tourist traps and finding local spots, I saved money and had a more authentic experience.

 

The Third Thing I Would Do Differently

On the 2nd day of my trip to Venice, I realized that I had not fully researched the city’s transportation options. I had assumed that walking and taking water taxis would be sufficient. Still, I soon discovered that the Vaporetto, Venice’s public water bus, was the most efficient and affordable way to get around. (Not to mention it saved my aching feet.

 

Don’t make the mistake of purchasing single tickets instead of a multi-day pass. You will have to constantly buy new tickets every time you want to use the Vaporetto, which can became both tedious and expensive.

Purchase a multi-day pass at the beginning of their trip. This will save time and money, and allow you to explore more of Venice without worrying about transportation costs.

 

The Fourth Thing I Would Do Differently

When I visited Venice, I quickly realized that the city is filled with tourists. The crowds make it difficult to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city fully. However, I found that there are ways to avoid the crowds and enjoy Venice at a more leisurely pace.

Avoid the main tourist spots during peak hours. When I woke up early and explored the city before the crowds arrived, I was able to see the city in a different light. The early morning light cast a beautiful glow on the city’s architecture, and the canals were calm and peaceful.

If you stay out late at night that can be another great way to avoid tourists.

Cruise ships dock for a few hours during the daytime, so stay over for at least one night in Venice to feel like you have the city to yourself.

I also found that by exploring the city’s hidden alleys and side streets, I was able to discover some of Venice’s hidden gems. These hidden spots were not crowded with tourists, and the traveler was able to experience the city’s authentic charm and character.

 

The Fifth Thing I Would Do Differently

When visiting Venice, the fifth thing one should consider doing differently is avoiding taking a gondola ride during peak hours. While a gondola ride is a quintessential Venetian experience, it can be quite expensive, especially during peak hours. Instead, one can opt for a water taxi or Vaporetto, which are more affordable and offer a similar experience.

During peak hours, the canals can get quite crowded, and it can be challenging to enjoy the ride thoroughly. Additionally, some gondoliers may rush through the ride, which can be disappointing. Therefore, taking the gondola ride during off-peak hours is advisable, when the canals are less crowded and the gondoliers are more relaxed.

 

Moreover, one should consider negotiating the price of the gondola ride beforehand. Some gondoliers may charge exorbitant prices, especially during peak hours.  It is essential to agree on the price before embarking on the ride.

We loved our late afternoon, Gondola ride and were warned ahead of time to grab a gondola off the beaten path as it would be cheaper.

 

The Sixth Thing I Would Do Differently

Staying on the main Island of Venice (Centro Storico) lets you be close to all the major tourist attractions and shops. I wish I had chosen to stay in Murano or Lido di Venezia to feel less rushed and have a more authentic experience.

It is easy to travel from one island to the next, and I could have still seen all the sights and then returned to a quiet hotel or Airbnb. If I ever go back, this is will the biggest thing I will change. If you value quiet at night and a more unique experience, you should also look into these options.

 

What Would I Do the Same in Venice

Venice is a must-see. I would visit it again and again! Most of what we did and saw in Venice was so fabulous that I have few regrets. If you would like to read about my experience in Venice, check out my post here.

 

Want to know how to do 10 days in Italy and see Venice, Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Naples, click here.