It still boggles my mind knowing that the average tourist of Venice stays for only one day. How? There is so much to see and explore that even our 5 night stay wasn't long enough for me to be fully satisfied. Venice has so many "have-to-see" sights it would take a month to thoroughly see it all! Some of these places may cost a bit more than I am comfortable paying, but with careful planning you can save substantial amount of money. Most of Venice's REAL treasures are free! Here are my top suggestions:
1) Explore the Streets of Venice.
The placement of the buildings in Venice create these maze-like alleyways and streets makes Venice so unique. Though it may be a little scary when you first find yourself lost on these streets, don't panic. It's part of the experience. Oh and don't worry, it will definitely happen more than once. You'll find your way. In the meantime, enjoy the views and maybe have a little fun pretending you are in the movie "Labyrinth."
2) Spend Time in the San Marco Plaza.
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| San Marco Basilica. |
Though the Doge's Palace, San Marco Bell Tower, San Marco Clock Tower, Museo Correr, Biblioteca Marciana, San Basso, and Venice National Archaeological Museum in the San Marco Plaza may have an entrance fee, the San Marco Basilica and night festivities such as live quintet ensemble performances does not. Funny how my favorite memories of Venice were the freebies in the San Marco Plaza.
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| San Marco Basilica (Picture gives no justice to the mosaic detail). |
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| View of "Bridge of Sighs." Doge's Palace. Prisoners would "sigh" as they took their last look of Venice while crossing this bridge before being imprisoned. |
3) Enter Many Churches and Basilicas. Any church, cathedral, or basilica would be worthwhile to see and enter in Venice. It seems like there is one around every corner. While some may have an entrance fee, many others including the San Marco Basilica and Basilica de Santa Maria della Salute, do not. Make room in your itinerary to have your breath taken away by the beauty and history behind these churches and basilicas. Take note that some of these churches that usually have an entrance fee during the day, but most do not cost earlier in the mornings (hint, hint).
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| Basilica de Santa Maria della Salute. |
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| Basilica de Santa Maria della Salute. |
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| Parrocchia Santi Apostoli. |
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| Parrocchia S. Trovaso. |
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| Parrocchia Santa Maria del Rosario. |
4) Visit and Respect the Rialto Bridge. Seeing and crossing the oldest and most popular bridge in Venice will not cost you anything. It's a must-see during the day and at night. Fun fact, this 400 year old marble bridge was built on over 12,000 wooden pillars. The bridge is faltering and in need of restoration due to the massive amount of foot traffic and increasing water levels.
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| Rialto Bridge. |
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| Rialto Bridge. |
5) Take a Stroll Through the Parks. Go on a walk or take a run through some of the parks in Venice. I suggest going in the morning. It will make you feel like you're in an isolated world or in a secret garden.
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| Giardini Papadopoli (Park), Venice. |
6) Relive Life in the Jewish Ghetto/Quarters. There's something about entering an area you know that not only has fascinating, but heart-breaking history. Known to be the oldest Jewish ghetto in the world, these Jewish Quarters in Venice are free to walk around and explore. Learn the history before you go, for the area will take on a completely different vibe. It will touch your heart to see the entrance and door hinge imprints on the walls that were once used to "imprison" or segregate so many Jews from Venice.
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| Entrance to Jewish Quarters, Venice. |
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| "Plaza" area of Jewish Quarters, Venice. |
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| Burano. |
7) Be a local in Murano, Burano, and Lido. Though you will have to purchase a water bus ticket (you'll need one around Venice anyway), once you get to these islands, walking around and viewing the beautiful and colorful buildings will be a treat in itself. Purchase and bring a collapsible fishing rod with you to a Lido beach to do some fishing. Bonus: No fishing license is required! Go in the fall and find yourself in a ghost town in Lido. During the summer months, find yourself in a fun, popping town where locals and tourists enjoy the beach everyday.
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| Burano. |
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| Burano wine vineyard. |
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| Fishing in Lido (Adriatic Sea). |
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| Lido Beach (Adriatic Sea). |
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| Canal in Murano. |
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Murano.
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8) Take Advantage of the Free Art. You may want to spend a few bucks to enter some of the art galleries that house some of the most incredible art in Venice. But know that everywhere you look, you will already be seeing some amazing old and modern art that includes bridges, buildings, statues, sculptures, etc. Don't stress, you won't be missing out on getting your art fill.
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| "Support" art piece by Lorenzo Quinn. Modern art that symbolizes "...the threat that climate change has on history, but also the power that mankind has to stop it" (atlasobscura.com). |
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| Mosaic by Grand Canal, Venice. |
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| Jan Fabre art displays. |
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| "Golden Tower." |
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| "The Fate of a Banished Man." |
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| "Mermaid." |
Don't allow the title, "Most Expensive City in Italy" stray you away from Venice or even be a reason to stay only one day here. It is very possible to enjoy and savor Venice on a budget. Go ahead. Stay a week and I bet you still won't discover all of the free gems Venice has to offer!
