Venezia, is a love it or hate it destination. OK, maybe love/hate is a little strong. But, there doesn’t seem to be much middle of the road opinion. Everyone I know who has been to Venice either can’t wait to return, or swear they’ll never go back.
I am a lover. I find it captivating. The history is fascinating – from its Roman origins, through its cruel medieval era, its excellence as a thriving Renaissance period, to designated UNESCO heritage site. Art and architecture to die for – Piazza San Marco, Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Italian opera houses. Not to mention the entire city is built over water. Plus, it’s a foodie heaven – Northern Italian cooking and wines, even if cuttlefish isn’t your thing. (Cuttlefish is both a required and an acquired taste!)
The best part about Venice is getting lost. It is so easy to get lost. The city has no apparent street plan. The streets are narrow (the narrowest is 21 inches wide!), unmarked and intertwined with the infinite canals. If you move just a couple of streets away from the piazza, you’ll find small shops, cafes, gelato stands, and restaurants all intermingled and with a local flavor, as opposed to the chain stores found near St. Mark’s Square. They crisscross and meander and before you know it, you are lost. People are friendly and helpful to point you back in the right direction. The city is small enough that no matter how lost you get, you aren’t too far from home.
Yes, the city struggles with the balance of kitschy tourism and cultural icon. Some days the Piazza San Marco can become so crowded with tourists that there isn’t even room for the resident pigeons! But, the touristy things are also part of its charm. As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, being a tourist isn’t a bad thing. We travel to experience and sometimes we want to experience what we’ve read about or heard about from others. i.e. gondola rides, crossing (and posing on) the Rialto Bridge, and coffee on the Piazza San Marcos to name a few.
Example: my friends and I decided to take a coffee break and indulge in some pigeon watching at Piazza San Marco. Café choices abounded around the plaza. We decided on one that wasn’t too crowded and inquired about pricing and seating. Price for an espresso inside – two euros. Price for an espresso outside on the plaza? Twelve euros. We paid!
Are you ready to return to Venice or experience it for the first time? Or is it your idea of a tourist trap?
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