My Second Trip to Venice – Still Feels Like a Dream
This was my second visit to Venice, and honestly, it still felt like a dream. There’s no place like it — a city floating on canals. Once you’re in the city, the only transport is by boat. No trains, no cars. Maybe that’s why it feels so surreal.
This time, we got some local tips from a friend who lives in Venice, and it showed us a whole new side of the city. After combining both of my trips, I’ve put together this list of things to do to help you enjoy Venice to the fullest.
1. Get Lost in the Streets – The Best Way to Explore Venice
Venice is full of tiny, winding streets — and that’s what makes it magical. Just walking around is a joy. There’s nothing like wandering through the narrow streets of Venice. Every few steps, you’ll find a new canal, a cute café, or an old building that feels like it’s from a movie.
You can take the ferry to get around, but I highly recommend walking as much as you can — it’s the best way to soak up the city.
2. Take a Gondola Ride (Even on a Budget!)
Riding a gondola is one of the most iconic things to do in Venice. It’s pricey, but I think it’s worth it — especially since it’s a private ride just for you. You can choose your starting point depending on what you want to see — each gondola stop offers a different route, so it’s worth checking ahead if you have specific spots in mind.
The first time I visited Venice, I chose a gondola ride that started near Hotel Danieli. I looked it up beforehand and wanted to go under the Bridge of Sighs, so I picked the Danieli starting point. The route also passed through a peaceful square, Campo Santa Maria Formosa, where locals hang out.
At the end of the ride, the view of San Marco from the water was just stunning — definitely the highlight!
A gondola ride was unforgettable. Floating through quiet canals and seeing the beautiful buildings from the water was so special.
Local tip:
Want the gondola experience but don’t want to spend €80+? There’s a budget-friendly option called the Traghetto — a shared gondola that crosses the Grand Canal for just €2 (or €0.70 for locals!). It’s a short ride between Salute and San Marco, but perfect if you just want a little taste of the gondola vibe.
Heads-up: They only take cash — and not always big bills! We had cash, but only a €20 note, and they didn’t have change. There wasn’t an ATM nearby, so we ended up going to a nearby café to break the bill.
It turned out to be a nice lunch spot, though! 😄
Tip: Try to have small coins or exact change ready — especially for quick local transport like this.
3. Grab Gelato – But Skip the Crowd
Trying gelato in Italy is a must. One of the most famous shops in Venice is Suso, and yes — it’s popular for a reason. We tried it, and it was good! But we found an even better one thanks to a local tip: Bacaro del Gelato.
It’s right by the river, with no line at all, and the gelato was amazing! If you’re after a chill gelato spot away from the crowds, this is the one.
4. Hidden Gem: Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti Viewpoint
Right before we crossed the famous Ponte dell’Accademia, we stumbled upon a gorgeous building — Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti, which turned out to be an art museum. We weren’t planning to go in, but it ended up being one of the most beautiful spots in Venice.
The interior was stunning as we walked up the stairs, and at the top, there was a plant exhibition that added to the charm. Best of all, we got a peaceful view of the canal and bridge — without the crowd.
5. Apero Hour at Osteria al Squero
I love the aperitivo culture in Italy — having a drink and little bites before dinner, especially in the long summer evenings. One of the best spots we found was Osteria al Squero, right by the water.
You can sit inside, but I highly recommend taking your drinks and tapas to-go. We grabbed some tapas from the bar and joined the locals, sitting right on the stone edge by the canal. The view was lovely — calm water, passing boats, and the soft golden hour light.
It’s a little tucked away from the main tourist spots, so it felt way more relaxed and local. The view, the atmosphere, the cicchetti (Venetian tapas)… everything was spot on!
6. Dinner by the Water in Cannaregio
For dinner, Cannaregio is the place to be. It’s a bit outside the busy centre, but it was hands down our favourite dining area in Venice. There are lots of restaurants along the river, with a more local feel.
We ate at Trattoria Bar Pontini — and it totally hit the spot! There was a bit of a queue, but it moved quickly — and it was totally worth the wait! We got lucky and sat outside by the water, and honestly, it was the best meal of our Italy trip.
We ordered seafood fritters and seafood pasta (highly recommend!), and of course finished with tiramisu. So good. I’ve heard people say food in Venice isn’t great — but trust me, it’s all about where you go.
More Local Tips for Venice
🚤 Take the Ferry at Night
Venice at night is pure magic. The lights reflecting on the water, the quiet streets… it’s a completely different vibe from the daytime. Taking the ferry at night is a super romantic and peaceful way to see the city from the water.
🛏️ Stay Inside Venice for the Full Experience
Yes, staying in Venice can be pricey, but if you can, stay inside the city — it’s 100% worth it. The atmosphere in the early morning and late at night is something you won’t experience if you stay outside.
We stayed at Zen Accommodation Grand Canal, which was super convenient from Santa Lucia station and right by the river. The location was perfect for strolling around and soaking in the vibe.
I’m already dreaming of my third visit — Venice is just one of those places that stays with you.
