The third major city I visited while in Europe was Venice. Today, I’m happy to share some of my favorite photos from the “City of Water” with all of you!
One thing I didn’t expect about Venice was just how HOT it was! The first day was incredibly humid and I felt like a melting popsicle…
We took a water bus into the city from the transportation center and got a chance to see how everyone gets around in a city where cars really aren’t a thing. There were so many alleys, small side streets, bridges and more that we walked through. It was refreshing to not constantly have to wait for streetlights to change or for cars to move out of the way.
As beautiful as the city was, it was a bit too touristy for me. At the same time, it was amazing just how many languages I heard being spoken! I heard some French, some Spanish and a lot of English. I really didn’t hear a ton of Italian.
When we were on a water bus, I overheard a conversation between some teens from Barcelona and I was amazed at how much of my high school Spanish I remembered and how much I was able to understand.
Close to St. Mark’s square they had a whole area of upscale shops like Chanel, Celine, Louis Vuitton and more.
St. Mark’s Basilica was remarkable. We weren’t allowed to take photos inside, but the outside was beautiful as well.
San Marco Campanile
We walked by the Bridge of Sighs on our first day in Venice, then on the second we actually walked through it! You’ll see those photos when you scroll a bit farther down.
I think that this was one of my favorite details that I noticed on this leg of the trip. I loved the way that this lamp was done with the multicolored circular cuts of glass. I want one like this some day!
The flag of the city of Venice
We ate at this cafe, Gran Caffe Chioggia. I’d highly recommend it, but go in the morning (before 1pm) or else you’ll be sitting in direct sunlight. Before then, you’re in the shade which is perfect in the Venice heat!
Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) – Scala dei Giganti (Giant’s Stairway)
Scala d’Oro (Golden Staircase)
This might be one of my favorite photos from Venice! I loved the way the light came through this window and sheer curtain. This was also taken in the Doge’s Palace.
Check out this massive family tree!
View from inside the Bridge of Sighs, facing away from the Grand Canal.
View from inside the Bridge of Sighs, facing toward the Grand Canal.
That’s the bridge I stood on the day before!
On the balcony at the top of St. Mark’s!
We took a 30 minute gondola ride and it was definitely a major highlight of this portion of the trip! If you go to Venice, you NEED to go on a gondola ride!
A back doorway on the water.
This building in gold was intricately decorated and caught my eye each time we passed it!
On our way back to the hotel I saw these two on this bridge. I couldn’t help but snap a photo.
Have you ever been to Venice? What were your favorite spots?
