You HAVE to Go to Venice in the Winter! It Is the Best!

Oh my gosh! I am so excited that you are thinking about going to Venice! I literally spend half of my year there, and let me tell you a secret: winter is the absolute best time to go. Most people go in the summer when it is super hot and smelly and crowded, but winter? Winter is when the magic happens! It is so quiet and pretty. You are going to have the best time ever!

Why Winter is the Best Choice Ever

First off, the crowds are gone. In the summer, you can barely walk because there are so many people with selfie sticks. In the winter, you can actually see the ground! It feels like you have the whole city to yourself. Also, it doesn’t smell! Sometimes in the summer, the canals get a little stinky, but in the winter, the air is crisp and cold and fresh. It’s perfect for wearing your favorite big sweaters and cute hats. Plus, if it gets foggy, the whole city looks like a movie set. It is so cool!

Where to Get the Best Food (And What to Order!)

You have to eat like a local, okay? Forget those places with the big menus with pictures on them. Those are for tourists and the food is just okay. You want to go to a “Bacaro.” That’s a tiny little bar where they sell “Cicchetti.” Think of it like Italian tapas or little snacks.

Go to a place called All’Arco near the Rialto Bridge. It is tiny! You should stand at the counter. Order the “Baccalà Mantecato.” It is creamy dried fish on a piece of bread. I know, I know, it sounds weird, but trust me, it is SO GOOD! It costs about $3 per piece. Order three different ones and a small glass of wine (they call it an “Ombra”) for $2. Total lunch: $11. You will feel like a total Venice pro.

For dinner, you have to go to Trattoria dalla Marisa in the Cannaregio area. It’s super cozy. Tell them you want whatever the pasta of the day is. Usually, it’s a big bowl of pasta with meat sauce or beans. It will cost you about $20, and it tastes like a grandma made it just for you. It’s the best way to warm up when it’s chilly outside!

The Best Photo Spots (No Crowds!)

You need to get those amazing photos for your Instagram, right? Okay, here is exactly where to stand. Go to St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) at 7:30 in the morning. I know that’s early, but do it! In the winter, the sun comes up late, and the light is all soft and pink. Stand right in the middle of the square. There will be almost nobody there except for some pigeons. It looks amazing!

Another great spot is the Accademia Bridge. Stand right in the middle of the wooden bridge and look toward the big church with the dome (that’s the Salute church). This is the “classic” Venice shot. In the winter, the water looks darker and really cool. Best part? You won’t have to fight twenty people to get to the railing. Budget $0 for this because walking is free!

What to Do All Day

You have to ride a gondola. People say it’s cheesy, but it’s not! It’s awesome! In the winter, the gondoliers give you big fuzzy blankets to sit under. It is so romantic and cozy. It costs exactly $90 for a 30-minute ride during the day. Don’t try to haggle; that’s the set price. Ask them to take you through the small back canals, not just the Grand Canal. It’s way quieter and you can hear the water lapping against the buildings. It’s so peaceful.

Also, go to the Libreria Acqua Alta. It’s a bookstore that keeps its books in bathtubs and boats so they don’t get wet when the city floods! You can climb a staircase made of old books in the back. It’s totally free to enter, but you should buy a postcard for $1 to be nice. It’s the coolest bookstore you will ever see in your life!

The Budget vs. Balling Out Breakdown

I wanted to make sure you know what things cost so you can plan your money. Venice can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! Here is a quick guide to help you choose your adventure.

A Few More Pro Tips

One thing you HAVE to know: sometimes the city floods a little bit. They call it “Acqua Alta.” Don’t be scared! It’s actually kind of fun. The city puts out these little raised wooden walkways so you can walk over the water. If you want to be super prepared, buy some cheap rubber boots for $15 at a hardware store there. Don’t buy those bright neon plastic shoe covers they sell in the street for $10—they break in like five minutes and you’ll just get wet feet. Get the real boots!

Also, if you want the best hot chocolate of your entire life, go to VizioVirtù. It’s near the Rialto Bridge. It isn’t like the watery hot chocolate we have here. It is like a melted chocolate bar in a cup. It is thick and rich and incredible. It costs about $6 and it will change your life. I am not kidding!

Venice in the winter is like a dream. You get to wear your big coats, drink warm drinks, and walk through empty streets that feel like they belong in a fairytale. You are going to take so many photos and eat so much good food. I am so jealous you get to experience it for the first time!

If you want more tips on how to travel for cheap and see all the best spots, you should totally join our group! We talk about this stuff all the time and everyone is super helpful. Come hang out with us here: https://www.facebook.com/CheaptravelVIP.FL

Have the best trip ever! Send me lots of pictures!