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.
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