Venice, Italy
Venice is a city of timeless romance and mystery, where gondolas glide through ancient canals, and every turn reveals a new hidden gem. From the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica to the winding alleyways of Dorsoduro, Venice is a masterpiece of art, history, and culture. If you’re a student traveler looking for history, adventure, and a touch of magic, Venice is the place to be. Here’s everything you need to know before you arrive!
A Very Brief History
Venice rose from the Venetian Lagoon over 1,500 years ago, built on a series of islands connected by bridges and canals. Once a powerful maritime republic, Venice was a hub of trade, exploration, and culture, controlling trade routes across the Mediterranean. Today, its gilded palaces, centuries-old bridges, and breathtaking basilicas make it one of the most unique cities in the world.
Essential Languages
Italian: The official language of Venice and all of Italy.
Venetian Dialect: Still spoken by many locals, but Italian is widely used.
English: Common in tourist areas, but learning a few Italian phrases like “Grazie” (Thank you) and “Dov’è il vaporetto?” (Where is the water bus?) can be helpful!
Taste of Venice
Venetian cuisine is a fusion of land and sea, with flavors influenced by centuries of trade with the East.
🍝 Bigoli in Salsa
A Venetian pasta dish made with thick noodles, onions, and a light anchovy sauce—simple but packed with flavor!
🐟 Sarde in Saor
Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, and pine nuts—a traditional Venetian favorite.
🍚 Risotto al Nero di Seppia
A rich and creamy seafood risotto, dyed black with squid ink for a dramatic look and bold flavor.
Pro Tip: Skip the overpriced tourist traps in San Marco and eat where the locals go—try a small bacaro (Venetian eatery) for cicchetti (Venetian tapas)!
What To See and Do
🛶 Ride a Gondola or Vaporetto – Experience Venice’s beauty from the water, whether on a traditional gondola or the budget-friendly Vaporetto (water bus).
🏛️ St. Mark’s Basilica – A stunning blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture with golden mosaics and breathtaking domes.
🌉 Rialto Bridge – The most famous bridge in Venice, offering stunning views of the Grand Canal.
🏰 Doge’s Palace & The Bridge of Sighs – Step into Venice’s royal past and see the bridge where prisoners glimpsed their last view of freedom.
🎭 Explore the Hidden Streets of Cannaregio – Discover Venice’s Jewish Ghetto, artisan shops, and quiet canals away from the tourist crowds.
Fun Facts & Quirky Highlights
🛶 Venice Has Over 400 Bridges – You’ll never run out of beautiful crossings!
🐦 The Pigeons in St. Mark’s Square Are Famous – But feeding them is actually illegal!
🎭 Venice Invented Carnival Masks – The city’s famous Carnevale di Venezia dates back to the 13th century.
🚣 Gondoliers Must Pass a Test – It takes years of training to become a licensed gondolier.
🌊 Venice is Sinking – Rising sea levels cause frequent flooding, known as “Acqua Alta” (High Water).
Practical Tips
✔️ No Cars Allowed – Venice is entirely pedestrian and boat-based, so wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll be on your feet a lot!
💶 Cash is Handy – While most places take credit cards, small shops and cafés may prefer cash.
⏳ Plan for Crowds – Venice gets busy, especially around St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Visit early in the morning or later in the evening for a quieter experience.
🚤 Use the Vaporetto (Water Bus) – Gondola rides are fun but pricey! The Vaporetto (public water bus) is a more affordable way to experience Venice’s canals.
🚶 Get Lost on Purpose – Venice’s charm is in its hidden alleys and lesser-known canals. Don’t be afraid to wander off the main tourist paths!
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance – Skip long lines by reserving tickets for St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and museums ahead of time.
Making the Most of Your Stay
🌅 Watch the Sunset from the Rialto Bridge
A picture-perfect moment as the sky turns golden over the Grand Canal.
🚢 Take a Day Trip to Murano & Burano
Murano is famous for its hand-blown glass, and Burano’s colorful houses make for the most Instagram-worthy spot in Venice!