Venice, the city of canals and gondolas, is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Couples can experience Venice in a unique and intimate way through its winding streets, picturesque bridges, and charming gondoliers.
Even if it’s often crowded, even if some grumblers would say that at certain times of the year Venice doesn’t have a… right scent, the city of waters remains one of the fascinating destinations, which is mandatory to see at least once in your life.
Are you planning a romantic getaway to Venice? Here’s a guide on how to make it perfect!
Romantic activities to do in Venice
Take a gondola ride
A gondola ride is a must-do for any couple visiting Venice. A gondola is a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a gondolier using a single oar. The gondola rides give you a unique perspective of the city’s charming sights and sound as you wind through the canals of Venice.
You will be able to see some of the most popular landmarks in Venice, such as the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Basilica, when you take the standard 40-minute gondola ride through the city’s main canals. The city regulates the prices for gondola rides, typically around 80 to 100 euros for a private ride.
If you’re looking for a more romantic experience, you can take a gondola ride at sunset. As the city is bathed in a warm, golden light, this is a beautiful time of day to take in the sights of Venice. While cruising through the canals, you can opt for a serenade gondola ride, during which a gondolier will sing traditional Venetian songs.
During the peak tourist season, it’s worth noting that the lines to take a gondola ride can be long, and the wait time can be significant. To avoid the crowds and ensure you get a gondola ride, it’s best to book in advance or consider taking a ride early in the morning, later in the evening, or during off-peak hours.
Suppose you are interested in experiencing something a little more interesting and want to study the Gondola and its heritage. In that case, you can also take a guided gondola tour, where you can learn about the history and tradition of the Gondola and the art behind it.
Take a romantic stroll through the streets of Venice
Have a romantic walk through Venice as you overlook the quaint, winding spaces of the Dorsoduro district and passage by Venetian landmarks like the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a Renaissance structure embellished with works by Tintoretto or the San Giorgio Maggiore, located on an isle in the Venetian lagoon. Here are additional tips for a romantic walk through Venice:
Take a walk along the Grand Canal
Some of the city’s most beautiful views can be seen from the Grand Canal, the main waterway of Venice. Walk along the canal admiring the beautiful palaces and buildings, stopping for a drink or a bite at one of the many waterfront cafes.
Venice has many charming and picturesque neighbourhoods, each with its unique character. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a beautiful Renaissance building adorned with Tintoretto’s paintings, and the Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli, a small church known for its beautiful marble façade, are hidden gems in the Cannaregio or Dorsoduro neighbourhoods that can be discovered by taking a stroll through the narrow streets.
Visit the Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is the most well-known square in Venice – it is home to St Mark’s Basilica and is often considered the city’s heart. Admire the beautiful architecture and the Basilica view as you stroll through the square, and stop for a coffee or a gelato at one of the many cafes that surround the square.
Walk along the Rialto Bridge
One of the most famous landmarks of Venice, the Rialto Bridge, offers a great view of the Grand Canal. Walk across the bridge to take in the scenery, then stop at one of the many restaurants or bars lining the bridge for a drink or bite to eat.
Visit the islands of Murano and Burano
Ride a vaporetto to the Murano and Burano islands to see glass-blowing and lace-making, respectively. As you stroll along the streets, take in the houses’ colours and the Venetian Lagoon’s view. Stop for a drink or a quick meal at one of the local restaurants.
Have a romantic dinner in a Venice restaurant
The delicious cuisine offers many great options for a romantic dinner in Venice. Here are just three excellent restaurants where you can stop with your beloved one:
Osteria Alla Staffa: An osteria is a traditional Italian eatery, and this one is located in Dorsoduro – known for its seafood dishes and cosy atmosphere. You’ll find a selection of seafood dishes on the menu like fish carpaccio, spaghetti with seafood, and grilled fish.
Osteria alle Testiere: The Cannaregio neighbourhood is home to this charming and intimate restaurant. Its traditional Venetian cuisine and wine list are well known. Various seafood dishes are featured on the menu, such as risotto with cuttlefish and squid ink and pasta with scallops and sea urchins.
Osteria da Fiore: This restaurant is located in the San Polo neighbourhood and has a Michelin star. There is a variety of dishes on the menu, such as risotto with red prawns and pumpkin cream and sea bass with wild fennel and black truffle. It’s the perfect place for a special occasion because of its creative and contemporary Italian cuisine.
Some traditional dishes you should try when it comes to eating in Venice are “baccalà mantecato”, a creamy cod dish, “risotto alla veneta”, which is a risotto with local fish, “sarde in saor”, sardines marinated in sweet and sour sauce, and “bigoli in salsa”, a type of thick spaghetti with a sauce made from anchovies, onions and raisins.
When you want to eat in Venice, it makes the most sense to opt for a location that’s in a less busy area, where the setting is intimate and cosy, and the menu boasts Venetian cuisine. Be sure to reserve a table also, as many of the best restaurants in Venice get extremely busy during peak tourist seasons.
Where to stay in Venice
Venice offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. For a truly romantic experience, consider staying in a hotel with a terrace or balcony overlooking a canal. An example would be Hotel Danieli, a luxury hotel located in the heart of Venice with stunning views of the Lagoon and St Mark’s Basilica. Here are some of the best areas to find accommodation for your Venice vacation:
San Marco: is one of Venice’s most popular and central neighbourhoods and is home to many of the city’s main attractions, such as St Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge. Many main sites are close to this perfect location for those who want to be in the heart of the city.
Cannaregio: This area is more residential, located in the north of the city, and is known for its charming narrow streets and canals. Venice can be experienced in many ways, but for those who want a more authentic experience, staying away from the tourist crowds is a great option.
Dorsoduro: This neighbourhood, known for its art galleries and museums, is located on the city’s southern side. Those interested in art and who want to be near the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Gallerie dell’Accademia, and the Punta della Dogana will find this a great option.
Lido: Just a short boat ride from Venice is this small island. If you’re looking to get away from the noise and craziness of the city, this is a great option. Lido is an excellent spot for beach lovers as it has a beach.
Giudecca: This neighbourhood, located just across from the main island of Venice and connected by the vaporetto, is quiet and peaceful. It’s a perfect option for those who want to be close to the city and have a tranquil environment, offering a great view of the city.
Best time to visit Venice
The ideal time to visit Venice based on your travel plans depends upon your preferences. The busy tourist season in Venice runs from spring through summer when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, this is also when the city is most crowded and costly.
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall, from April to May and from September to October, feature milder weather and lower crowds. This is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenery a bit more.
As for the Venice Carnival, it is held annually in February and is one of the most famous events in the city. People dressed in traditional costumes, masks, and elaborate costumes parade through the streets, transforming Venice into a colourful and festive place during the carnival. This event is very popular and can make the city quite crowded. It is essential to book your accommodation and travel arrangements well in advance if you plan to attend the carnival.
Conclusion
A romantic getaway to Venice is the perfect way to spend quality time with your partner. Couples can enjoy a unique and intimate experience in this amazing city with its winding streets, picturesque bridges, and charming gondoliers. You can make this a perfect romantic getaway by staying at a hotel with a terrace or balcony overlooking a canal, taking a gondola ride, visiting St Mark’s Basilica, discovering hidden gems, and indulging in delicious cuisine.
Photos: Canva Photos
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