When a friend (who should remain anonymous!) says, “Can you just pop to Venice and grab something I left in a hotel safe?” Of course this heroine answers the call.
Cue: little_blonde_heroine starring in Mission: Improbable – The Gondola Gambit.
Here is my experience of my mad dash to Venice
I packed in five minutes, nailed it with the world’s smallest bag, mainly due to RyanAir charging for anything more, (seriously, I deserve an award), and within the shake of a tail, I'm en route to Venice with vague instructions, a free ticket, and a very strong sense of “what on earth have I just agreed to?”
.........questionable decisions, suspiciously good gelato, and hopefully no international incidents.
Arriving at Venice’s Marco Polo Airport offers several convenient options for reaching the heart of the city.
For the most scenic route, the Alilaguna water bus is a popular choice, gliding across the lagoon to various stops including San Marco and Rialto.
If you're traveling light and want a direct transfer, a private water taxi offers a faster and more glamorous—though more expensive—ride straight to your hotel’s doorstep.
For budget-conscious travellers, the ATVO or ACTV shuttle buses take you to Piazzale Roma, the city’s land transport hub, from where you can continue on foot or by vaporetto (public water bus). Each option provides a unique introduction to Venice, whether you’re after efficiency, economy, or unforgettable views.
Check the timings for your transport, as it doesn't operate all night. I landed at 2200, so had some concerns on catching the water bus over from the airport. In the end I got the penultimate water bus and opted for a 38 EURO return ticket. There are ticket machines everywhere and I was told that it's easy to get to from the airport - absolutely it was.
Check where your hotel is or book a hotel that is close to the stops. I chose Guglie, it was the third stop on the drop off route and my hotel was a 2 min walk.
Venice, I thought, would be a leisurely stroll—a charming wander from the top to the bottom of a modestly sized island.
I did my homework, of course, Googled the distance, checked the walking time, and smugly concluded it would be a breeze.
How wrong I was. What the internet failed to mention was the sheer number of bridges (with steps, naturally), the uneven cobbled stones, and the fact that every picturesque turn somehow led me further away from where I intended to go. By mid-afternoon, I was drenched, dizzy, and convinced I’d unknowingly strapped a 30kg pack to my back.
At one point, I was overtaken by an octogenarian local pushing a trolley of fish. Venice may be floating, but my legs certainly weren’t.
But would I do this again? Abso-bloody-lutely, I would.
Next time, I want more than two nights and I would ensure I buy a bus and water-taxi package. One or three day pass to really see the sights and explore each aspect from this amazing, spectacular, history-steeped location.
Ciao Venezia, tornerò presto.
Venice: The Timeless City of Love, Legends, and Layers
Few cities in the world evoke such an immediate sense of wonder as Venice. With its winding canals, storied palazzos, and dreamy gondola rides, it's easy to be swept up in its romance. But beneath the postcard-perfect scenes lies a city shaped by resilience, innovation, and centuries of rich history.
Venice wasn’t so much founded as it was forged. In the 5th century, as the Roman Empire crumbled and barbarian invasions swept through Northern Italy, refugees from nearby towns sought sanctuary on the marshy islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Far from an ideal location, the swamps offered one precious commodity: protection. There were no roads for armies to march on, and the shallow, shifting waters were treacherous for invaders. It was here—on mudflats, sandbanks, and wooden piles driven into the seabed—that Venice rose.
By the Middle Ages, Venice had transformed from a haven into a hub. The city became a powerful maritime republic, controlling trade routes between Europe and the East. Its ships dominated the Mediterranean, and its merchants grew fabulously wealthy, bringing back silks, spices, art, and ideas. Venice wasn't just a city—it was an empire built on water and commerce.
Its independence and wealth allowed it to flourish culturally and architecturally. Landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace still stand as testament to its grandeur. Venetian glassmakers, printers, and painters became world-renowned. And let’s not forget Carnival—the city's elaborate masked festival—which dates back to the 12th century and still draws crowds today.
Choosing to build a city in a lagoon may seem like madness, but it was an act of genius. Venice turned its isolation into strength. The lagoon was a natural moat. It allowed the Venetians to control trade between East and West and, for centuries, to remain politically independent. The city's unique location also gave rise to its unusual infrastructure: canals instead of streets, boats instead of cars, and bridges that connect the floating neighborhoods.
So why is Venice called the City of Love? Romance is woven into its atmosphere. Maybe it’s the timeless beauty of its faded facades, or the way the light dances on the water. Perhaps it's the hushed intimacy of gliding through narrow canals by gondola, or the dramatic sunsets over the Grand Canal. Venice has inspired love stories, poetry, and operas for centuries. Casanova, one of the world’s most famous lovers, was born here. And today, it remains a favorite destination for honeymoons, proposals, and timeless romance.
Yes, the canals are iconic—but Venice is more than water. It's a city of art and intellect. The Venice Biennale showcases contemporary art from around the world. The Venice Film Festival, the oldest in the world, draws the biggest names in cinema. It’s also home to La Fenice, one of Italy’s most prestigious opera houses, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a must-visit for modern art lovers.
Venice is as much a triumph of engineering as it is a cultural jewel. Every brick, every beam, every bridge had to be carefully placed to defy the water that surrounds it. It’s a living reminder of human ingenuity and determination—fragile, yes, but endlessly captivating.
Whether you're wandering its labyrinthine alleys, sipping a spritz in a sunny piazza, or getting lost in the hush of a misty morning, Venice doesn’t just feel like a destination—it feels like a dream you never want to wake from.