Our First 36 Hours in Venice: Is It Really Worth Visiting?
By Jen Perkins, Jen's Magical Memories
When we first arrived in Venice, I knew it would be beautiful—but I wasn't prepared for just how magical this floating city would feel. From gliding through the canals by private water taxi to sipping an Aperol Spritz while overlooking the city skyline, Venice quickly became one of my favorite places we've ever visited.
If you're considering adding Venice to your European vacation, here are some of the highlights from our first day and a half exploring this unforgettable destination.
Arriving in Venice by Water Taxi
There's something incredibly special about arriving in Venice by boat. Instead of pulling up to a hotel in a car, we cruised through the canals by private water taxi before arriving at the beautiful Hilton Molino Stucky Venice. The hotel sits on Giudecca Island and even serves as a featured hotel on select Adventures by Disney itineraries.
It was the perfect place to relax after our overnight flight while still being just a quick shuttle ride from St. Mark's Square.
A Visit to Historic Caffè Florian
One of our first stops was the famous Caffè Florian, located in St. Mark's Square. Open since 1720, it's considered the oldest café in Italy.
Yes, it's expensive—but you're paying for much more than coffee. Sitting in one of the most iconic squares in the world while listening to live music and soaking in the history made it one of those travel moments we'll always remember.
Sunset at the Skyline Rooftop Bar
That evening we headed back to the Skyline Rooftop Bar at our hotel.
Watching the sun set over Venice while enjoying an authentic Aperol Spritz was one of my favorite moments of the trip. The views were absolutely incredible and offered a completely different perspective of the city.
Yes...It Was HOT!
We visited during an extreme heat wave, with temperatures feeling like 106°F.
There were definitely moments when we needed to slow down, find shade, and enjoy another gelato. While the heat was challenging, it didn't take away from how beautiful Venice is. We simply adjusted our pace and enjoyed the city one stop at a time.
The Little Discoveries
Some of my favorite travel memories are often the unexpected ones.
We stumbled across an amazing little gelato shop tucked away from the crowds, discovered an incredible candy store that instantly made us think of Luca and Maddy, and watched Reanna find the perfect pair of handmade Venetian shoes—a souvenir she'll always remember and the cappuccino is something out of a storybook!
Those little moments often become the biggest memories.
And of Course...The Food!
Every evening ended with incredible Italian dinners and homemade tiramisu.
Fresh pasta, authentic Italian cuisine, and dessert that somehow tasted even better after walking miles through the city made every meal something to look forward to.
Would I Visit Venice Again?
Absolutely.
Venice challenged us with the summer heat, but it rewarded us with breathtaking canals, fascinating history, incredible food, and memories that will stay with us forever.
If you've ever dreamed of visiting Venice, my advice is simple: go. Plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and leave plenty of time to simply wander. Some of the best moments happen when you turn down a quiet side street and discover something you weren't expecting.
Planning Your Own Venice Vacation?
Whether you're dreaming of exploring Venice on its own, combining it with a Mediterranean cruise, or including it as part of a larger European itinerary, I'd love to help you create a vacation that's personalized just for you.
✨ Ready to start planning? Visit the Start Planning page here on my website, and let's begin creating your own magical memories!
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