Dreaming About Venice, Italy

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Last summer I went to Italy for the first time and we couldn't have picked a more magical city. Two of my best friends and I went to Venice for 3 days and every second there was perfect, even when we were clumsily navigating the city. When it comes to navigation, Venice was quite the learning curve. One of the things that makes this Italian city so magical is that there are no cars, NONE. Everyone gets around on foot, bike or by boat. It was a breath of fresh air to not have to worry about traffic or stopping at street lights but one thing to keep in mind are all of the canals. If you don't pay attention to the map it's easy to think things are closer than they are by not taking into account that you may have to find a bridge to cross the water or take an entirely different route to get to your destination. Venice is truly a labyrinth with all of the alleys, canals and side streets. 

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

We stayed in Cannaregio which I can't recommend enough. There weren't many tourists in that neighborhood and you can tell that most of the shops and restaurants cater to local residents. Our first stop was a little restaurant by the water (lol, JK EVERYTHING is by the water in Venice) called Dalla Marisa. It was a homey little place without a menu. Whatever they are making that day, you are having! Evidently they have a wonderful and large full meal option for only 15 Euros but we came shortly before they were closing so our options were limited. I went with wine and prosciutto covered melon and it hit the spot after an afternoon of traveling from Paris. 

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

We didn't have much of a set plan in Venice, we mostly just wandered around and stumbled upon places to eat or a place to stop, sit and take in the atmosphere around us - boats cruising along the canals, fresh fruit stands, people speaking Italian along with various other languages, sunshine, the sound of water, people kissing (how Italian?), people eating, people yelling (okay, maybe a little less of that) - we wanted to soak Venice in as much as we possibly could. Below I'm sharing a few recommendations on where to eat/what to do in Venice based on our too brief of a stay! 

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

EAT/DRINK

Trattoria Dallas Marisa - This is where I got that delicious prosciutto covered melon, yum! But evidently they offer a great (and cheap!) full home cooked meal if you don't get there an hour before they close. 

Bar Longhi - I typically wouldn't recomend overpriced hotel bars but the perfect view of the canal is worth it for one overpriced aperol spritz. 

Fruit Stands - Grab fresh fruit from the market stands around the city on your way back to your airbnb or hotel! 

Gelatoteca Suso - I'm sure you would fine going to just about any gelato stand in Venice, but this one had a wide range of flavor options and it was so creamy! 

Try a Caffè Corretto - A shot of esprosso with a shot of liquor? Yes, please! We went with brandy. And yes, this is an Italian thing so it's definitely worth trying in Venice. 

Eat Pasta and Pizza - I mean, this one is obvious. Most places will be great, just avoid the touristy areas so that you aren't ripped off. 

BE A TOURIST AND...

Ride a Gondola - Yes, it is super expensive and it may feel cheesy but it's 100% worth it. It's so incredible to see the city from the view of the water. And when else will you be able to say that you rode a Gondola in freaking Venice!? 

Go see St. Mark's Basilica - It's suggested to be the most stunning example of Italo-Byzantine architecture. 

Spend a Little Bit of Time in San Marco - This is considered the heart of the city and it's where you'll find St. Mark's Basilica as well as the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. It's worth checking out but I wouldn't spend too much time here since it is quite touristy and it gets incredibly crowded. 

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess
  
If you have time, I definitely suggest an afternoon in Murano. The island is best known for their specific art of glass making and is only a short water taxi ride from Venice. The island is full of shops carrying their infamous glass and quiet places to eat. We didn't get a chance to, but if you have an entire afternoon check out Burano as well which is famous for colorful houses and handmade lace or go to Lido Beach! 

 Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess

Dreaming About Venice, Italy | Organized Mess
Like so many wonderful things in life, our trip to Venice was short and sweet. I'm happy that it was the first city I got to experience in Italy and I already can't wait to plan a trip back. Although, I would love to hear what your favorite city in Italy is! Where should we go next?