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Venice, a city unlike any other in the world.
Unlike any other city, Venice is a marvel built on over 100 small islands, connected by 400 bridges and more than 170 canals. There are no roads, no cars, no trams; all you need to do is walk or travel by boat. This is one of the unique features that makes Venice so irresistibly charming. A trip to Venice, Italy, is a wonderful experience, combining the unique beauty of its canals, ancient architecture, and rich culture.
Upon arriving in this city, its magical beauty begins to unfold. Ancient buildings are reflected on the clear blue water, gondolas glide gently through the canals, and the narrow streets intertwine like a labyrinth, awaiting the traveler's exploration. However, Venice is also one of the most crowded tourist destinations in the world. Areas like San Marco Square and the Rialto Bridge are almost always packed with tourists. To truly appreciate Venice's beauty, the quiet moments of early morning or late evening are ideal times to admire the city in its mystical and peaceful atmosphere.
Unlike any other city, Venice is a marvel built on more than 100 small islands, connected by 400 bridges and over 170 canals of varying sizes.
What destinations should you explore in Venice?
San Marco Square (Piazza San Marco)
This is the heart of Venice, home to magnificent architectural landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Campanile Bell Tower. During the day, it's a paradise for Instagrammers, but in the early morning or late evening, when it's less crowded, San Marco becomes mystical and romantic, like something out of a painting. Don't forget to go up the bell tower for panoramic city views and book your tickets online to avoid long queues.
The bell tower at San Marco Square
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) – A symbol of Venice
The Rialto Bridge is famous for its views of the Grand Canal and the gondolas gliding by. However, the Rialto Bridge is always crowded. To get a good photo without too many people in the background, it's best to visit early in the morning or late at night.
Gondola Ride – An expensive but worthwhile experience
Although gondola rides aren't cheap, it's still an experience almost everyone visiting Venice wants to try. A 30-minute gondola ride during the day costs around €80 (approximately 2 million VND), while at night it goes up to €100 (over 2.5 million VND). If you want to save money, you can try the Traghetto – a type of gondola that transports people across the canals – for only €2. While not as luxurious as a gondola, it's still very enjoyable.
Gondola boat
Strolling through the streets of Venice
Stroll through any corner of Venice to discover its local charm. Don't forget to wander through the narrow streets, explore the bougainvillea-covered balconies, traditional craft shops, or simply stop at a small café for an espresso. This is the real Venice, not overly ornate or glamorous like in the movies, but one that feels very genuine and intimate.
Is Venice, the most romantic city in the world, really as romantic as it's rumored to be?
Is Venice really worth visiting? The answer is yes! This city possesses a unique beauty, with architecture steeped in history and culture. Every street corner, every canal holds a story. However, there are also issues to consider, such as large crowds of tourists, especially in the summer. The canal water can easily become smelly, and Venice faces the risk of flooding due to high tides. In addition, theft and pickpocketing are quite common. High prices, especially in popular tourist areas, are also something visitors should be aware of.
Venice is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in the world, but it's not always as romantic as one might imagine. Visiting on a hot summer day, when the city is crowded and prices are high, you might not fully appreciate Venice's true beauty. However, on quiet evenings, with the warm glow of lights reflecting on the water and the gentle music emanating from the canal-side cafes, Venice truly becomes more dreamy than ever.
On quiet evenings, when the warm glow of the lights shines on the water and soft music emanates from the canal-side cafes, Venice truly becomes more dreamlike than ever.
Venice is not for those seeking modern conveniences. It's a city for those who love nostalgia, savoring every little moment in a city unlike any other.
What should you keep in mind when visiting the world's most romantic city?
Cuisine
Venetian cuisine is also well worth exploring. Dishes like Cicchetti (Italian tapas served with wine), Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia (pasta with black ink sauce), and Tiramisu (a famous dessert) are must-try. However, visitors should note that restaurants in Venice are quite expensive and often add a service charge of 10-15%, so be sure to check the menu before ordering.
Tips
- Visit Venice in the fall or spring to avoid the crowds.
- Choose a hotel outside the city center to save money.
- Bring cash because many small shops don't accept cards.
Visa
- Vietnamese citizens need a Schengen visa to enter Italy and other Schengen area countries. You will have to apply for a tourist visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in Vietnam.
- Visa application procedure: You need to prepare necessary documents such as a passport valid for at least 3 months, passport photos, invitation letter (if any), proof of financial means, flight tickets, travel insurance, etc. The Schengen visa fee ranges from 60–80 euros (approximately 1.5 to 2 million VND). Schengen visas usually take 10–15 working days to process, so you should apply for a visa about 3–4 weeks before your trip.
Move
Venice has no cars, and its transportation system is primarily water-based, using vaporettos (canal buses), water taxis, or gondolas. You can purchase tickets for public water buses (vaporettos) to travel between the city's main attractions.
- Gondola is a popular option, but it's quite expensive and only suitable if you want a romantic travel experience or to take photos.
- To save money, you can buy a Venezia Unica City Pass or a long-term bus/train ticket for unlimited travel within the area.
Tourist season and weather
- Peak season: The period from May to September is the peak tourist season, especially in the summer (July and August) when Venice welcomes a large number of visitors. You will encounter crowds and higher prices during this time.
- Off-season: If you want to avoid crowds and save money, you can travel in the fall (October-November) or spring (March-April). The weather is cooler and more pleasant, and you can also participate in off-season festivals.
