Wondering if you can have fun in less than 12 hours in Venice, Italy? Indeed, you can.
Perhaps you have a layover or you have some downtime before heading off on a Mediterranean cruise. No fear, exploring Venice is very easy to do and I’m here to break it down for you.
Once you arrive at Marco Polo International Airport in Venice, it’s only a short drive (15-20 minutes) to arrive at the hub of the action – San Marco Square. The ride should cost approximately 35 Euros.
Not only is San Macro Square filled with beautiful views and rich history, it is essentially a huge outdoor shopping center with hundreds of restaurants and boutiques – a popular hub for tourists. I always recommend travelers to have local currency, which can easily be exchanged at the airport or at a currency exchange vendor at San Marco Square.
Be prepared for a lot of walking – wear your most comfortable walking shoes.
Since you’re traveling for only a short period of time, I recommend carrying the least amount of bags/luggage on you – a small bookbag if that. Also, if you’re traveling during peak season, it will be hot! Keep a bottle of water with you to hydrate.
Once you arrive at San Marco Square, you can visit Basilica di San Marco (pictured above), view the beautiful mosaics, grab some lunch, spoil yourself with some Italian Gelato, wander the streets and explore the alleyways, and of course – no trip is complete with a gondola ride.
Walking through the narrow alleyways as you spot waterways under bridges is my favorite part of Venice. You’ll feel like you’re on a mini adventure discovering what’s beyond the next turn.
A tour I highly recommend is the Hop on Hop Off Tour!
This is the only tour company my parents ever use when they travel abroad. The tour takes you to all the best tourist spots with unlimited rides up to 24 hours. It is typically a bus, but for Venice, it’s a ferry ride. Ken is pictured above in the ferry – which offers covered and uncovered seating. The cost is around $20 USD. I highly recommend stopping off in Murano to see some beautiful glass sculptures and even pop in on a glass blowing class.
I’m a huge foodie so Venice is definitely the place to indulge in your desires: bread, cheese, pasta, wine, and gelato – not necessarily in that order, but you get the idea.
Bottom line, if you’re in Venice – make it happen and explore the city. You have ample time to return back to the airport, train station, or cruise. Happy Travels!
Lovely, loren, glad had a good time.