My hometown is one of the most loved cities in the world. It's famous for being the floating city and the city of love.
When I look at the tourists rushing through the calli with their maps and only looking for the signs that will bring them to Piazza San Marco or the Rialto Bridge, I wonder how many of their really see the magical beauty of Venice. I feel bad, I feel like they are all missing the point. They are missing to experience Venice.
So here are my top ten things I recommend you to do while visiting, in place of rushing from one place to the other, to make your visit to Venice one to remember and to repeat.
1. Stop to marvel every canal you encounter.
Every Bridge you cross looks somewhat the same. But take pictures of all of them.....they are all in their own way magical and unique.
Yes stop often to refuel with Spritz, a Venice quintessential cocktail and the cicchetti, local tapas bites made from fresh seasonal ingredients.
3. Stop to admire the rainbow of produce at the Rialto markets.
You will find out what’s on season, what’s grown locally, and perhaps even chat with locals to learn a traditional recipe or two. They are very chatty there.
4. Stop to enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Grand Canal
Stop and buy food from the markets and neighboring shops. You can gather bits and pieces of cured meats, fine cheeses, savory spreads and Veneto wines!
5. Stop to enjoy the sun
In place of rushing and getting only exhausted, stop to have an espresso or a drink on whatever terrace calls your name. That will make you really enjoy Venice. And don't forget to stop for Gelato. You need to try the gelato while in Venice.
Choose places out of the big streets, avoid those with menus written in 10 different languages and with waiters that are outside inviting you in. Find place with locals inside and gondoliers and listen to what the locals order, and then ask for the same thing, in Italian. You will never have a bad meal and never pay too much.
Venice is an Island so you can never get too far. You've never been there before so every corner is new for you. Get lost and rejoice when you start finding your way without the use of a map.
When the night fall Venice become even more magical, there is something unique and mysterious about Venice. A charm that cannot be described but needs to be felt. You will find yourself fall in love with the city, then and there.
9. Make sure to hop on a short ferryboat ride and see Murano
The Island of Murano is the brightest and most beautiful island you’ve possibly ever seen. Walk around and enjoy the happy atmosphere of this this place.
Early in the morning or late at night, when all the tourists are gone and all the locals are home, that's what I love the most of my hometown. It's then that you will feel the ethereal beauty and feel like the city is yours, only your for the night.
Join me on my official mailing list www.giadavalenti.com to be part of my world of lovers of love and to to stay connected with me.
And if you want to join me on the Giada Valenti “From Venice With Love” Cruise on the MSC Musica leaving from Venice on July 9, you can visit www.giadavalenti.com/Cruise to register and more info.
Oh when my late partner and I were in Venice shortly before he died, we did all those things except the market visit. We didn't spend our days and time following the tourist map. A beautiful city and one I shall return to o e day. Am certainly going to follow you now.
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