Italy has so much to offer to tourists in terms of culture and wonderful attractions. The City of Venice is definitely a must-visit.
It is here where a uniquely relaxing and romantic holiday can be experienced by visitors. No sounds of cars driving by, only a smooth ride via the gondola along canals and under the bridges to see the sights around the place.
For married couples on a honeymoon or those still engaged, they can surely savor their romance while here. We share five spots worth exploring for some quality and romantic time.
The Canals
The waterways of Venice are magnetic. Calm and inviting, they always attract couples looking to spend a relaxing time sightseeing or simply having a heart-to-heart conversation on board a gondola. They can even arrange for some live music while cruising courtesy of a gondolier skilled at serenading.
To pick up a gondola, the main bridges of Rialto and Accademia are the place to go. You can easily spot a drive through his striped shirt and boater hat.
Cannaregio
At this place are small bars or bacaros where you can experience the traditional and down-to-earth village atmosphere and dine in peace away from the crowd. You can even eat or just have drinks outdoors beside the canal to enjoy the local atmosphere. This is where the locals often go for some wine, tasty snacks or a chat.
Most of the restaurants here offer al fresco dining beside the canal during the day and night. Worth visiting are Al Timon which caters to students and young Venetians, Dodo Caffe named after the owner, 10 Metri Quadrati which is one of the popular bars today that attract both locals and tourists, Anice Stellato which is an elegant restaurant that requires reservation as the place is often fully booked and Osteria Al Bacco situated at the quiet Canal delle Capuzine.
Palazzo Barbarigo
Music lovers should not miss this place. Operas are staged at this Venetian Gothic palace by a group of musicians called Musica a Palazzo. Here, you will be able to experience performances via candlelight and what’s unique as well is you follow the artists to different rooms for their acts.
Constructed in the 16th century on the Grand Canal, this palace named after the owner is famous for its mosaics using Murano glass. Also to be found in this building today is the shop and showroom of Murano glass. Beside it is the Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto, one of the many palaces in Venice owned by the Barbarigo family.
Accademia Bridge
Ponte dell’Accademia is one the four bridges in Venice and named for the Accademia galleries. Well known for its high arch, this structure was built in the middle of the 19th century and was replaced in the 1930s.
This wooden bridge built over the Grand Canal and links sestiere of Dorsoduro and San Marco provides fantastic views and turns into a romantic place at night. Nighttime is the best time to be here as it can get crowded during the day. Many men have proposed to their lovers in this place.
Giudecca
This is a waterfront area, a separate island actually, with great views of the St. Mark’s Square and the Ducal Palace across the lagoon. You can savor a quiet time here away from large groups of people in Venice and cap your day by watching the beautiful sunset and dining outdoors. A good place to dine under the sky is at Figli Delle Stelle.
Guidecca is most known for its churches and long docks. Originally, it was home to large palaces with lovely gardens but transformed into an industrial area in the early 20th century. At that time, factories and shipyards were built.
A hint if you’d like to experience getting lost in a maze is to go to Dorsoduro and Cannaregio. These are quite neighborhoods with a rural feel and lots of alleyways that will bring you to some waterway or a square where you can dine and drink afterwards.
Photo via doctorsreview.com
About the guest author:
Bernard loves traveling to Italy and highly recommends Luxury Venice holidays with Citalia.