Venice in December
Before I created this blog, I travelled a little around Europe. I have a lot of photos from these trips and rather than not use them, I have decided to do a series of “Blast from the Past” posts starting with Venice! I was in Venice in December 2006 (time really does fly!) and actually got engaged there (it didn’t last).
Anyway on with the photos…………
The Grand Canal
The Rialto Bridge
Market at Rialto bridge
Gondola Ride
One of the obvious tourist things to do in Venice, is to take in a Gondola ride. Is it expensive! Back in 2006, it was €70 for two people for a 45 minute trip (seranading optional). Then again, you will probably only do it once in your live, so is it really that bad?
Gondola ride on the Grand Canal
Rialto bridge from Gondola
Very old prison
Gondola ride
More gondola ride
Saint Marks Square
Of course no trip to Venice would be complete without a visit to Saint Marks Square!
Saint Mark’s Basilica
Piazza San Marco
My Hotel – Foscari Palace
If you are interested, the Hotel I stayed in was the 4* Foscari Palace located right on the Grand Canal itself and complete with solid marble bathrooms. Very fancy! Too fancy for me if I am honest!
Rooftop view from where i stayed
Before I had laser eye surgery!
Viewing market from hotel
Grand Canal at night
It’s hard to take a bad photo in Venice
Have you ever been to Venice? What did you think of it? I visited Venice in December and got very lucky with the weather. While still feeling quite touristy, I can only imagine it being really bad during the summer months! Of course, another advantage of going in winter months is getting good deals on flights and accommodation.
22 Comments
Miranda
October 6, 2017 at 04:12Oh how id love to ride a gondola someday 😊 really love the architecture of the buildings on st. Marks square too
Damien
October 9, 2017 at 13:21One day you will. I wonder how much they cost now though!
Paul
October 6, 2017 at 03:13We visited Venice last year and absolutely loved it, yes it was touristy and hard to move around in some of the tight streets but it is expected as it’s such a beautiful place to see! Unfortunately we didn’t go on a Gondola as it felt too expensive at the time but like you said, you only need to do it once and is something that you should do especially in Venice, we will definitely do it next time! Thanks for sharing and reminding us of our amazing time there!
Damien
October 9, 2017 at 13:21I am glad that this reminded you of your time in Venice. Sometimes you just have to accept that somewhere will be touristy and just go with it I think.
Sandy N Vyjay
October 6, 2017 at 01:14Your pictures brought back pleasant memories of our own trip to Venice. We were there a couple of years ago in October and absolutely loved the place. One of our dreams was to have a romantic ride on a Gondola in Venice and that was what one of the things we did in Venice. The lure of Venice still haunts us and we would like to get back again some day.
Damien
October 9, 2017 at 13:20It’s not everyday you get to have a gondola ride in Venice! Hope you get back there again soon
Brianna
October 5, 2017 at 18:01Venice is pretty, but it has gotten so touristy. I like visiting smaller Italian cities nowadays.
Damien
October 9, 2017 at 13:18I suspect they would be more ‘real’ as well. This was almost 10 years ago now. I can’t imagine what it would be like now.
Corinne
October 2, 2017 at 12:59I love a good “blast from the past” post. It’s a shame not to use photos and stories from the bb (before blog) time. I get it. I do the same thing sometimes.
Damien
October 9, 2017 at 13:17Thanks. I decided that I might as well use the photos as I have them. Sure they wont be as good as more recent photos but no point in them just hiding on a laptop somewhere
Sarah
October 2, 2017 at 10:08We really enjoyed our last trip to Venice which was an overnight trip from Milan. We also visited out of season to avoid the crowds. Looking forward to visiting again this year!
Damien
October 9, 2017 at 13:16Glad you had a good time in Venice as well. Hope you have another great trip this year as well!
Aisha
October 1, 2017 at 16:20I have always wanted to visit Venice. I love how romantic it looks and the architecture. I think I would be in photo heaven and hell at the same time. I hate people pollution in my photos and I have a feeling I would have to get over that there with all of the tourists.
Damien
October 9, 2017 at 13:14I think if you go to some of the island out of season, there will be a lot less people there. Areas like St Marks will always be busy but if you can be patient you might get a lucky break in the numbers of people passing by
Helene D'Souza
October 1, 2017 at 09:11No snow but it looks cold nonetheless! I come from Austria and Venice is actually just a few hours drive, but I have never visited the city. I don’t think I will simple because I don’t like tourists, so it’s not for me. Yet I have to say I do enjoy looking at your picture. 🙂
Damien
October 9, 2017 at 13:12Thank you very much! I don’t like going to places full of tourists either I have to say
Elaine
September 30, 2017 at 17:58Your photos are wonderful. I have not yet visited Venice. We had to cancel a visit due to health problems. I am very cold natured, so December would not be my preferred month. The shoulder season, maybe October would probably fit me better.
Damien
October 9, 2017 at 13:11Thank you very much! Yes the shoulder seasons are probably the better times to visit. There is also the carnival in February when it will be very busy as well so October looks a good time
Lara Dunning
September 30, 2017 at 17:14I think I would prefer Venice in December as I’m not into being in a very crowded touristy scene. I haven’t been yet, but it is on my list. Love seeing your photos. I got laser surgery too, it didn’t last, three years later I was back to glasses.
Damien
October 9, 2017 at 13:10I agree with you regarding the touristy scene. December wasn’t bad at all. I was in Prague in January this year and it was still crammed full! Sorry about the surgery, mine is so far (touch wood) going ok!
Maria Angelova
August 13, 2017 at 08:11I visited in June and it was really touristy with flows of tourists flooding the streets from early morning till late at night. You just have to accept it and find your own secret backstreet canal where you could sit in silence and have your pizza. However, even then we managed to find some cozy bookshops and craft shops, so it is up to you.
Damien
August 15, 2017 at 13:17Very true. I think in general it is getting harder to find places that are too touristic.