Venice Mini Travel Guide
On
One Day in Venice
This is the miniest of mini-guides because, honestly, Venice wasn’t one of my favorite destinations. I think it may have had something to do with the…uh…strong odor that came from the canal. But even though I had to walk around with my nose pinched I did take note of all the things that make Venice a unique and romantic place.
The architecture is incredible, the food is scrumdiddlyumptious, and it’s just all-around pretty freaking cool that it’s an entire city built on water. Ancient Venetians laughed in the face of Mother Nature and her pesky floods. So if you decide to give Venice a try, use this guide to make the most of your day.
Planning on seeing more of Italy? Check out the Two Week Solo Travel Italy Itinerary for more information on where to go while in this beautiful country.
When to Go
Fall: September – November (Shoulder Season)
Daytime Temps: 73F – 53F (23C-12C)
Nighttime Temps: 58F– 39F (14C-4C)
Summer: June – August (High Season)
Daytime Temps: 77F – 82F (25C-28C)
Nighttime Temps: 61F– 64F (16C-18C)
**Disclaimer: This post contains an Amazon Affiliate/other affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you!**
What to Wear
It’s nice and toasty in Venice during the summer so if you decide to visit in the high season then I suggest packing light summer dresses and shorts. If you want to take advantage of fewer crowds and lower prices in the shoulder season then pack coats and long pants. Temperatures can drop into the 30s.
Accommodations
Hostels during Shoulder Season: Prices range from 18 Euro to 50 Euro per night.
Hostels during High Season: Prices range from 23 Euro to 50 Euro per night.
**Note: These are the prices for hostels with a rating of 8.0 or higher on Hostelworld.com**
Hotels during Shoulder Season: Prices for budget hotels run about 59 Euro to 75 Euro per night.
Hotels during High Season: Prices for budget hotels run about 55 Euro to 80 Euro per night.
What To Spend
Daily Budget:
60 USD/ 80 AUD/ 80 CAD/ 50 EUR/ 40 GBP
*Assuming you’re on a backpacker’s budget. Making use of public transportation, staying in hostels or other budget accommodations and eating out about once a day. For the daily budgets of other destinations check out Round The World Trip Budget next.*
How To Get Around
By Foot
While I was in Venice I got around exclusively by walking and as a result, got hopelessly lost. I had a map and GPS but still spent most of the day completely clueless about where I was. I was pretty calm about the whole thing though. When you’re in a city of twisting streets, hidden signs and few landmarks to help you distinguish one paved path from the other…then getting lost is just the inevitable result. Don’t fight it, just enjoy seeing more of the city then you expected. Eventually, you will find yourself where you want to be.
By Water Bus
The water bus, or vaporetto, is an option but walking would still be easier. The Vaporetti mostly serves the Grand Canal and the waterways outside of Venice. A ticket for an hour of travel on the water bus will cost 6.50€. For twenty-four hours you will spend 18€. Most water bus lines run frequently from 7 am to midnight about every fifteen minutes during normal hours and then every hour late at night. You can purchase tickets at the water bus docks.
By Water Taxi
A water taxi is a very expensive option for public transport. The meter starts at 14.50€ and goes up 1.80€ every minute. There are also a few extra fees that can be tacked on. An 8€ fee if you take a water taxi from between 10 pm at night to 7 am in the morning. Another 8€ fee if you ride on a holiday or on a Sunday. If you call for a taxi instead of hailing one then you will be hit with a 6€ fee. Walking is looking a lot more attractive now, isn’t it?
By Gondola
Super touristy but if you can’t do touristy things when you are a tourist then when can you?! But even with that said, gondola rides are ridiculously expensive with the base price being 80€ and going up from there based on how long you ride and if you want singing. Also, the canals get a bit whiffy in the summer heat so you might not enjoy cruising down them all that much.
What To Do In Venice
Gallerie dell’Accademia
The city’s most famous art gallery showcases centuries worth of magnificent works from Italian painters. The museum doesn’t get too crowded so you have a chance to enjoy the art at your own pace and experience the culture and beauty of Italy up-close. Entrance is free on the first Sunday of the month, otherwise, the cost is 15€.
St. Mark’s Square
The Square is an amazing space. It’s surrounded by impressive feats of architecture, charming cafes, restaurants, and shops. But for me, I thought the unique part about St. Mark’s Square was all the pigeons. After decades of being spoiled and fed by tourists, they have no fear of us and instead walk freely in the Square alongside us. And when someone opens up a hand full of treats they swarm all over them and eat right out of it. I know that doesn’t really sound appealing to everyone, but I thought it was cool.
Doge’s Palace
The palace is a wonderfully preserved and an impressive display of Gothic architecture. The oldest part of the palace was constructed in the 14th century. It’s hard to even conceive of something so old still existing to this day. You can see the doge’s rooms, the institutional chambers where the game of government was played and you can journey through the prisons and over the infamous Bridge of Sighs. I’ll admit Venice wasn’t one of my top favorite Italian cities but despite that, I still enjoyed my time in the Doge’s Palace and I would visit again just to walk its ancient halls once more.
Safety & Travel Tips
In general, Venice is a pretty safe place for solo female travelers but you should be on alert for pickpockets. They prey on unsuspecting tourists in crowded areas. Keep your belongings safe and carry an anti-theft bag. For more safety tips, see this post on safe solo female travel. If you’re wondering what to pack to help protect yourself and your things then read Solo Female Travel Safety Items next.
Also, this post is for you if you’re planning a Verona Day Trip from Venice!
Happy Travels!