You’ve heard me rave about Venice before so it will come as no surprise that after my third visit to the serene city I still feel the desire to return. We stayed in a small hotel called the Locanda La Corte not far from Rialto Bridge and close to the Ospedale vaporetto stop, perfect for walking to the city’s main attractions. The window of our hotel room opened onto a canal, it was ideal for us and there were many moments when all I wanted to do was look out that window, listen to the seagulls and watch the world float by. Of an afternoon, when the sun was shining, the reflection of the waves could be seen on the wall and ceiling of our room creating a feeling of calm.
Being Autumn the number of tourists seemed lower than on my previous visits in Spring and Summer, but still the streets and main squares were crowded. Away from the main attractions such as St Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge we could stroll freely and without interference from people armed with selfie sticks and those trying to sell them. It was the quieter alleys and squares that I love, although feeling like an intruder armed with a camera and invading a local’s personal space. One morning I left hubby at the hotel while I went out for a walk, camera in hand I decided to venture into a part of Venice that I had not seen, Cannaregio. I didn’t make it very far and found myself standing on the edge of the island and looking towards the Island of San Michele and in the background, snow covered mountains. It was shaping up to be a beautiful day, ideal for hopping on a boat and heading to the islands of Burano and Torcello which is exactly what we did.
Venice is often described as a theme park, attracting millions of visitors all year round and it is easy to get caught up in the hype and complain about how expensive everything is and how it is difficult to find a good, affordable meal. On Burano there are a dozen or more places to eat on the main street where all the tourists go, a couple of locals recommended two restaurants but they were packed so we sat down to a meal of fried calamari and chips (fries or frites) by the water. The food was cheap and fresh and not far from the vaporetto stop. Our favourite cheap eat find was a little place not far from the Rialto Bridge, I had read about it in a couple of guide books and expected it to be full of budget conscious tourists like us. Rosticceria Gislon is not what you would expect in a seemingly tourist area, it looks like a cafeteria and offers pre-prepared food at a good price, it was also crammed with locals (or Italian speaking tourists). We had three great meals at Rosticceria Gislon, one of the most memorable (and cheap) being the deep fried mozzarella and ham sandwiches…delicious!
I cannot imagine what it must be like to live in a centuries old city such as Venice, one that is never free of the hoardes of tourists whilst also having to manage the impact of high tides and rising sea levels. The eery beauty of this city appeals greatly to me, I have always wanted to spend a few months living in Venice however I wonder if the enchantment would wear off during an extended stay. In the meantime, editing all my photos and remembering our time in Venice will have to suffice.
Two Black Dogs 
Still on my list…someday. But your photos make me want that day to be soon!
Venice is always on my list and I hope that you get there one day soon, being in the city of a night is magical and there are fewer people because I think many stay on the mainland or come in on a cruise ship.
I can never tire of Venice or the countless pictures I have ❤ beautiful post!
Thank you, I know exactly how you feel. Love this city 🙂
Beautiful pictures! We vacationed in Venice 8 years ago, and are finally returning this April! Only spending three days before training down to Sorrento for 4 days, and on to London/Amsterdam. Wish we could stay three weeks!!
Thank you! Three days would be wonderful, but more is always good if you can get it 🙂
Such wonderful photos and memories you have. Thank you for sharing. I had one quick day trip to Venice with a friend, and we ran through the streets, which were mostly empty. We visited the school of the painter, Titan then spent a few hours in the Peggy Guggenheim. A rich feast for our eyes!
Thank you and yes, those memories will always be with me (I hope). One day is better than none and sounds like you made good use of your time, I still haven’t been to the Peggy Guggenheim museum but I did make it to the Doges Palace this time and saw the huge painting, Paradise, that was started by Tintoretto 🙂
Oh, you saw the palace? How splendid.
It was fascinating, we did one of the guided tours that take you into the secret chambers of the council and we saw the various prison cells. Looking out from inside the Bridge of Sighs was also pretty cool.