Venice, with its rich culture, iconic canals, and gondoliers, is a tourist hotspot. But don’t let that deter you. Just be prepared for it.
Getting to Venice from the airport offers a range of options, from budget-friendly to wallet-busting. You could take a bus to Piazzale Roma and walk to your hotel, or hop on a vaporetto (water bus) from the airport into town. The quickest, but priciest, option is a water taxi.
I opted for the vaporetto. I bought a return ticket on the blue line for a reasonable 25 euros. The journey to the hotel was a bit noisy and bumpy, but it was an exhilarating ride.
The Hilton Molino Stucky, where I stayed, is a grand Hilton hotel on the island of Giudecca. It’s a former textiles factory, which explains its size. The rates weren’t cheap, so I used 70,000 HHonors points for a free night.
Once in Venice, I was snapping pictures left and right. The city is filled with bridges, canals, and gondolas. I made my way to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal.
I met up with my friends at their hotel, the Boscolo Venezia, a Marriott Autograph property. We explored the city, got lost a bit, and ended up at St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice’s tourist scene.
We decided to skip the Basilica due to the long lines and instead headed south for some ice cream. We enjoyed the view and people-watching before parting ways.
Back at the hotel, I capped off the day at the rooftop bar.
Venice is undeniably touristy, but it’s unique and worth a visit. Just be prepared for tourist prices. I enjoyed exploring the city with my friends and look forward to my next adventure in Paris.
P.S. Fun fact: Only 30% of homes in Venice have septic systems. The rest? They use the canals. So, enjoy your gondola ride, but try not to fall in!
