Buongiorno, Venezia: 24 Hours in Venice

Venice is one of those cities that it seems people either love or hate–there isn’t much in between. And after just 24 hours in Venice, I totally fall in the “love” camp.

I took a train in from Bologna and only had one day to spend exploring the city before boarding a plane to Dublin. Because I only had one day, I had to maximize my time there, beginning with my arrival. I arranged to have a pickup with Walks of Italy–there’s a pickup spot just outside of the Venezia Santa Lucia train station, where you take a private boat to your accommodation. It’s also a wonderful way of catching those first few glimpses of the city–the colorful buildings, endless canals, and hundreds of bridges.

The private transfer dropped me just a short walk from my GoWithOh apartment in Castello. I was worried that the neighborhood might not be terribly convenient for seeing Venice’s main sights, but it ended up being just a short leisurely walk from central Venice. Also, I highly recommend staying in an apartment in Venice because hotels are terribly expensive and don’t offer half the amenities you can get in an apartment. I was so grateful to have a washer and full kitchen in the apartment in which I stayed–it would’ve been perfect for an even longer stay but was great for even just a night. (Though, small tip–make sure you read everything on the apartment rental’s amenities. I sort of skipped over the Internet part and was sorely disappointed when I arrived to find out there was no WiFi.. and I’m a social media junkie.)

Venice is a dream for photographers. Everything is so colorful and beautiful; charming and picturesque. One moment you’re catching glimpses of children chasing pigeons in Piazza San Marco, then you’re watching the sunset over the canals from Rialto Bridge, and finishing up the night watching the empty gondolas bobbing in the water.

The city is a maze and I’ve heard many a complaint about getting lost there. But I genuinely enjoyed getting hopelessly lost (until it was late and I just wanted to find my apartment and get some rest). When there’s no set agenda, I find that’s one of the best ways of seeing a city and exploring things you might otherwise miss.

My single day ended up being total perfection–great weather, delicious pizza and gelato, and gorgeous views. When I woke up early the following morning to catch my Walks of Italy private taxi ride to the airport, I was sad to say goodbye to Venice. She slowly faded out of view as the boat bobbed along in the water.

My private taxi transfers were courtesy of Walks of Italy and my accommodation was generously provided by GoWithOh. As always, all opinions are my own.