Recap
It was nice seeing Venice again - I always tend to have a better time visiting a city after the initial visit (after getting through all the “must-see” sites). This time around, I booked an air b&b outside the main area near the train station in San Croce. I actually prefer this over our last accommodation 6 years ago (right in St Mark’s Square) because you are getting pretty much the same ghetto (whoops I mean “basic”) accommodation, with the same alley views, but for a much cheaper price. As for proximity to the main attraction area, I again prefer being further away because it is less chaotic and crowded. But ultimately, the choice is yours!
As it was my husband’s first time visiting Venice, we still crossed off a few of the “must-see” attractions but did so indirectly as we happened to stumble upon them while walking around the city. The best piece of advice is to listen to everyone else’s advice which happens to be moreorless something along the lines of “just wander.. get lost and you will ultimately find your destination”. My pet peeve is having to stick your nose at your map in search of your destination, missing pretty much everything along the way. Sure, sometimes it has to be done but if you can avoid it, why not? And Venice is definitely one of those places. After getting through the must-see's (the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Square, Basilica di Santa Marta) we were free to wander. My favorite area was actually Giudecca as it had a really nice nautical atmosphere. It was super quiet, which was a nice contrast to the overcrowded St. Mark’s Square.
Food, Food, Food
Now onto the more important side of things, the food! 6 years after the initial visit, with a little more $$ in the bank account, more appreciation for food and better understanding of review sites, we had some great meals in Venice. This is a big improvement from the last visit where we just walked into whatever restaurant we found (cough, major tourist traps) and paid ridiculous amounts for mediocre food.
PASTA at Del Marco – It really is THAT good. Doesn’t open until 12pm and is closed on Sundays. We had the Pesto & Bolognese and I can still remember the taste! Such a great deal at only 6-7 euros per order and worth every lick. Serves only takeout so go grab your order and find a spot along one of the many bridges. If you have trouble visualizing what I’m saying, just observe literally everybody around you doing the exact same thing and you’ll be good to go. Just act fast because those bridges get occupied quickly with the same patrons holding the same Del Marco white takeout boxes.
Seafood & Wine at La Colombina – A Michelin Honourable Mention and well deserved! We didn’t have reservations so we were lucky to grab a table (interject: recommend you to reserve). I’m sure you can read up their website for more info but to summarize, this quaint little restaurant does a great job at mixing Venice local delights with Seafood. Their service is also top notch and their prices are such a good deal! We did the tasting menu for 50 euros which involved 5 dishes and 3 wine pairings. Amazing.
6 years later, I still have the same impression of Venice. That is, Venice is a city that should be experienced when you have enough discretionary money to really indulge. On that same note, it is still very welcoming to budget travellers as there are so many views to visit for absolutely free (every corner turn is another picturesque moment). Hopefully I’ll have the chance to visit again and …. maybe one day I’ll be rich enough to afford an amazing hotel suite with stunning views and a ride aboard one of the gondolas :P