Venice: Between Dolce Vita, film set and small island escapes
- nadimagic
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
Venice isn't just beautiful – it's a complete experience. And the deeper you delve, the more you realize: the real highlights are often not where everyone stops.
The classics – but done right
Of course, sooner or later you'll end up at St. Mark's Square. And yes, it's crowded. But: Go early in the morning or late in the evening. Then you'll suddenly have this place almost entirely to yourself – and that's precisely when St. Mark's Basilica unfolds its full magic.
From there you are also directly at the water – perfect for continuing towards the lagoon.
Island hopping: Burano & Murano – two completely different worlds
If you truly want to understand Venice, you have to get out on the water. The islands of Burano and Murano, just off the coast, are perfect day trips from Venice – with their colorful houses and traditional glassmaking, respectively. It's best to set off early in the morning before the large tourist crowds arrive and the magic fades a bit.
Starting point: Most boats depart from the docks around Riva degli Schiavoni or Fondamente Nove . This means: simply walk from St. Mark's Square towards the water or drift northwards across the city – the journey itself is part of the experience.
Murano is the island of glass. These delicate glass artworks have been created here for centuries – and if you ever see glass being blown in a workshop, you'll gain a whole new appreciation for it. It's almost meditative.
Burano is the complete opposite – loud, colorful, almost surreal. The brightly colored houses look like an Instagram filter in real life. Originally built so fishermen could find their houses in the fog, today they are one of the most photogenic places in Italy.
Click here to go to the official tourism website.
Gondola ride – and then suddenly someone sings
Yes, it's expensive – and very touristy. But you should definitely treat yourself to a gondola ride if you're ever in Venice. It's more than just a sightseeing activity. Especially if a trained opera singer is with you. That voice echoing through the narrow canals, the water gently lapping against the gondola – it's almost surreal. For a moment, it all feels like a movie. Many gondoliers, by the way, come from families who have practiced the profession for generations. It's almost like an "inherited" job – even though it's become more open these days.
Prices – treat yourself once or share?
A classic gondola ride in Venice costs:
Approximately €80–90 for 30 minutes (up to 5 people)
If you share the gondola, the price quickly becomes less of an issue. It gets significantly more expensive with a singer or musician (often €120+ per person on organized tours) – but it's also a completely different experience.
My tip: Go to a more remote pier and trade like crazy. If you're charming, you might just manage to ease the strain on your holiday budget a bit ;)
Where Venice looks (and feels) like a movie
Venice has been the backdrop for countless films – for example, James Bond 007: Casino Royale or Indiana Jones, The Tourist...
And if you want to fully experience this feeling, check out hotels like the legendary Hotel Danieli or the elegant Gritti Palace. Stars regularly stay here – and you'll immediately notice: this isn't just a hotel, it's a stage.
Other sights with a WOW effect
Art, views & a little bit of a wow moment
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection of modern art is located directly on the Grand Canal – surprisingly relaxed compared to the rest of the city.
Admission: approx. €16
Gallerie dell'Accademia: Here you can immerse yourself in Venetian painting – from the Renaissance to the Baroque. Admission: approx. €12. Great views for your perfect photo.
Campanile di San Marco ( the bell tower in St. Mark's Square) – take the elevator up and you'll get the perfect view over the rooftops and the lagoon. Admission: approx . €10
Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop: A little-known gem: a rooftop terrace with a free view over the Grand Canal. Admission: free , but reservations recommended! Architecture & quiet moments
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute: One of the city's most beautiful churches – located right on the waterfront. Admission: free (a small fee may apply for certain areas).
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is completely filled with paintings by Tintoretto – almost like a quieter, less crowded alternative to the Sistine Chapel. Admission: approx . €10
Bridges & Venice Moments
Rialto Bridge: Probably the most famous bridge in the city – touristy, but simply a must-see. Admission: free
Tip: Come early in the morning or late in the evening; it has a completely different feel then. The shopping street directly behind the Rialto Bridge is also interesting for all shopping enthusiasts and souvenir hunters.
Hidden Perspectives
Scala Contarini del Bovolo: This spiral staircase is a small architectural highlight – and less crowded. Click here to go to the tourism page.
Admission: approx. €8
A quick water taxi ride – Dolce Vita in a nutshell.
Gliding through Venice in a water taxi, the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, feels like a scene from a movie. It's that relaxed, subtly luxurious dolce vita feeling that you'd love to hold onto.
Private speedboats are the VIP version of transportation. The prices:
Short distance: often €70–100+
Longer journeys (e.g. from the airport): €120–150
Not cheap – but the feeling of flying over the lagoon is quite unique.
Transportation in Venice
The vaporetto is essentially Venice's subway – only on the water. You can get almost anywhere with these water buses, and like in London, it has its own network of waterways.
Multi-day tickets
You can save money on your holiday by booking a multi-day ticket.
The prices:
Single ticket: approx. €9.50 (valid for 75 minutes)
1 day: approx. €25
2 days: approx. €35
3 days: approx. €45
7 days: approx. €65
If you're planning more than just a single trip: a multi-day ticket is almost always worthwhile.
City Passes & Combination Tickets
Combination tickets and discounts – do they exist and are they worth it? Yes, sometimes they are really useful.
Venice City Passes / Combination Tickets The City Pass is modular and you can put together your own individual offer as you need it.
Ideally suited for: Individualists who want to combine public transport (ACTV) and museums.
Contents: Optional vaporetto tickets, admission to the Doge's Palace, city museums and Chorus churches.
Prices usually start at €23–€50 and go up from there, depending on how many entries are included in the package. It's especially worthwhile if you really want to see several attractions. Click here for the official website.
Conclusion:
Venice is not a budget-friendly trip. But this city on the water is simply a unique destination that everyone should see and, above all, experience at least once in their lifetime. Therefore, my recommendation is: just let yourself drift, lose yourself in the alleyways of Venice, and experience its very special magic for yourself – a magic you'll never forget.
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