Two Days in Venice, Italy

My second stop on my trip to northern Italy in September was to Venice. I spent two days in Venice and met my friend Nicole there.  Although I wish I had more time to explore, that leaves things to see for the first time next trip.

From Parma where I was previously, I took the train to Venice early one morning. You definitely don’t want to bring a vehicle to Venice. The train was easy and inexpensive.

How to Spend Two Days in Venice

Venice was one of those places that everyone wants to go to in Italy. Well, it is such a compact place and there are so many tourists it definitely feels like EVERYONE is there at once. I was there in September, which isn’t the busiest season. I can’t imagine the summertime. Despite the crowds it was 100% worth the visit.

Venice was such a magical place full of culture and amazing views, and the Venetian Lagoon islands were truly beautiful to see. As in the rest of Italy, the food was amazing. I think I ate gelato for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I couldn’t help myself!

The first day I meet Nicole at the hotel and we headed out to explore. Our first stop was to this hidden away castle that had breathtaking views and really wasn’t busy at all. I would really suggest that you check out Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo if you go.

Around sunset, we made our way around Venice exploring all the famous spots. Venice is a very busy place and one of my best Venice photography tips is to wake up around sunrise and be the first there. This is a great way to enjoy the architecture and charm of the area without crowds.

Make sure you head to Piazza San Marco early in the morning if you want to get photos. It is so busy during the day.

Venice Gondola

Another amazing thing we did was go on a gondola and it was just magical. Even though it was expensive, I would have been disappointed if I left Venice without that experience. Venice has water everywhere, so seeing it from a different angle was great.  Venice was just amazing it was full of history and the buildings were so old and pretty, I am a sucker for old buildings.

Burano

While you are in Venice you should hop on the boat and head to Burano. It was busy, too but it’s the most colourful place I have ever been to and you know I LOVE colour! The whole area is just adorable and perfect for photos and gelato. The boat ride is an hour each way so this will probably take a half day to get there and back. I am glad that I took the time to visit Burano during my two days in Venice.

You might also like My Paris Adventure, My Rewarding Trip to Italy, or One Day in Geneva.

Thanks to Nicole Autumn Photography for all the images and spending two days in Venice with me.

Where I Stayed in Venice

In Venice, we stayed at the Hotel de Codega which was in a great location and a reasonable rate.

On my trip to Italy I used Hotels.com to research and book my accommodations. They have reviews written by previous guests to read…which I love as a resource when booking. I always take time to read recent reviews to help shortlist hotels that I am considering to book. The reviews are extremely helpful often finding out about details like the availability of parking in an area, noise in the area and tips on what type of room to book.

Loved by Guests

A great tool for choosing your accommodation is Loved by Guests Awards on Hotels.com.  The winners are determined through the analysis of millions of guests’ reviews and celebrate hotels that provided a top-notch experience. Resorts and hotels taking home the top prize of a Loved by Guests Gold Award have all achieved an average guest review rating of 4.7 or higher. In 2016, a total of 153 hotels in Italy were awarded this honour. It was easy finding a place to stay that I knew was highly regarded by previous guests.

All these guest favourite hotels are bookable through the Hotels.com mobile app or online. Look for the Loved by Guests badges to find your favourite. Check out some of the award-winning hotels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the #LovedbyGuests hashtag or you can also visit https://ca.hotels.com/page/loved-by-guests/ 

What to Wear in Venice

When planning a trip to Venice, it is essential to consider what to wear during your visit. The city’s notoriously unpredictable weather, along with its cultural customs, will influence your clothing choices. Of course, you will want the perfect gondola ride outfit! Below is a guide to help you decide what to pack for your Venice trip.

• Seasonal considerations: Venice has four distinct seasons, each with its unique weather patterns. Spring, from March to May, is mild and often rainy. It is advisable to pack a light, waterproof jacket and an umbrella. In the summer months of June to August, heat and humidity are common, making lightweight, breathable clothing a must. Autumn, from September to November, can range from warm to cool, so it’s best to have layers for temperature fluctuations. Finally, winter, from December to February, is chilly and damp; thus, warm coats, scarves, and hats are necessary.
• Comfortable footwear: As you will likely spend most of your time walking on the city’s cobblestone streets, bridges, and canals, comfortable and supportive footwear is essential. Opt for shoes with thick soles and good arch support, such as sneakers or walking shoes. Closed-toe shoes are also preferable to prevent stubbing your toes on the uneven pavement. If visiting in the rainy months, consider waterproof shoes since puddles and flooding are not uncommon.
• Dress code in churches and other religious sites: When visiting Venice’s famous churches and religious sites, modest attire is expected. Men should wear long pants, and women should wear skirts or dresses that cover the knees. Both genders should avoid sleeveless tops, opting for shirts with at least short sleeves. A scarf or shawl is a versatile accessory for women to cover their shoulders when needed.

• Purse: When deciding which purse to take to Europe, it’s important to have a purse that is both functional and stylish. A crossbody bag is a great option as it allows for hands-free exploration of the city’s winding streets and canals. Look for a bag with multiple compartments to keep your essentials organized and secure while you take in the sights of this beautiful Italian city.
• Casual chic for dining and evening events: Although Venice is a tourist-heavy city, locals and visitors alike often dress stylishly for dining out and attending evening events. It’s best to pack a few smart-casual outfits for these occasions. Men may opt for button-down shirts with dress pants or nice jeans, while women can choose between dresses, skirts, or pants with a fashionable top.
• Pack for potential acqua alta: Acqua alta, or high water, is a common occurrence in Venice during the autumn and winter months. Streets and piazzas can flood, making it necessary to wade through ankle-deep water. Locals typically wear rubber boots, and it’s wise to follow their example. Alternatively, waterproof shoe covers can be purchased in the city.
• Sun protection: Regardless of the season, UV protection is crucial in Venice. Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to shield your face and neck from the sun’s rays.
• Colors and fabrics: When choosing clothing, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics, such as cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking synthetic blends. Neutral colors, black, and navy blue are versatile choices that can be easily mixed and matched.

Thanks for following along on my travels! I will be back to Italy soon because there was still more to see after spending two days in Venice. There is so much more that I want to see and do.

This blog post is brought you in collaboration with  Hotels.com .  Thank you for supporting the brands that support me.