My trip started quite sian tbh… a big train delay, reached at midnight, then took the wrong boat in the dark 🫠 But walking through a silent St. Mark’s Square at 2 AM? Core memory.
If you are planning a trip, here are the real tips I learned (some the hard way):
1️⃣ The "Lobang" for Under 30s: If you are age 6-29, you must buy the Rolling Venice Card. It gives a huge discount on the 72hr Vaporetto pass (cheaper than the normal 48hr one!) and drops the Museum Pass price from €40 to €22. Don't say I never share!
2️⃣ Food Hack: Don't eat at the tourist traps near the square, wallet will cry. Do a giro d’ombra (pub crawl) instead! Find local bars (bacari), point at the snacks (cicchetti), and order house wine (ombra). Cheap and confirm nice.
3️⃣ Confirm Worth It: At St. Mark's Basilica, pay the extra to go to the museum upstairs. The view from the terrace is the best photo spot.
4️⃣ Luggage Warning: Venice is basically 100% stairs and bridges. Hauling a big luggage to the train station is a workout you don't want. Pack light!
Swipe through for my honest 2-day itinerary and the quiet moments. 👉
For the more of my Venice travel tips, check the link in my bio! 🔗
Looking to visit other parts of Italy? Here are my other posts:
... Read moreVenice is truly a city that rewards patience and a willingness to explore beyond the usual tourist paths. From my experience, embracing a flexible schedule allowed me to enjoy the quieter, more authentic moments that make the city so special. For instance, walking through St. Mark’s Square at 2 AM was an unforgettable memory — no crowds, just the peaceful ambiance of this iconic place under the stars.
One important tip I learned is to plan your public transport carefully, especially the Vaporetto passes. The Rolling Venice Card for travelers aged 6-29 provides a substantial discount, which is a game-changer for budget travelers. This card not only saves you money on transport but also lowers the cost of museum entries, making cultural exploration more accessible.
When it comes to food, skip the touristy spots near the main squares where prices soar. Instead, dive into a "giro d’ombra"—a Venetian version of a pub crawl where you enjoy cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and local house wine called ombra in small, authentic bacari bars. This way, you taste genuine flavors without breaking the bank.
Venice’s unique way of life means you’ll be navigating countless bridges and stairs. Carrying heavy luggage can become a real hassle, especially when switching between boats and train stations. My advice is to pack light and bring comfortable shoes for the walking and stair climbing.
For a peaceful retreat, I recommend visiting Frari Church to escape the hustle of places like Rialto. It’s spacious, serene, and offers a different side of Venetian charm. Plus, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica’s museum upstairs is worth the extra fee — the terrace provides one of the best panoramic views over the city.
Lastly, don’t rush. Venice doesn’t reveal all its magic at once but unfolds slowly as you wander through its narrow alleys and canals. Take your time, enjoy the small details, and let the city’s ambiance soak in naturally. This mindset turned my challenging start into a journey I’ll cherish forever.