Finding romantic Venice takes little effort
Romantic nighttime walks in Venice are wonderful and easy to enjoy. I expected to find the city overrun with tourists. It seems every day there is a horror story about overcrowding in this magical city. Cruise ships unloading hoards of tourists and packed crowds shuffling past the Bridge of Sighs.
Though over-tourism may be a problem in certain areas of the city and during specific months, Venice can be peaceful and evocative. Lamplights still shimmer in the canals in romantic Venice. Gondolas glide silently. Canalside restaurants have a unique atmosphere. Few tourists are racing from site to site just off the beaten path. And, especially in the mornings, evenings, and nights, Venice wraps itself in a romantic shawl of beauty and silence.
Soothing orchestras play at St. Mark’s Square. One can hear footsteps along quiet canals, Lampights dance across ancient palazzo facades. They twinkle on placid canals. And, temperatures drop, even in the height of a hot summer.
Those searching for a quiet side of Venice needs to be realistic.
St. Mark’s Square, except at night, is a madhouse. And the waterbus stops that serve the square, the railway station, and the bus stations are packed.
This magical city is made up of six neighborhoods. The central area, San Marco, has the most sights but is the most crowded. However, the other neighborhoods, or Sestriere, have their romantic corners. Plus, some of the most dreamy areas a bit of a walk from the normal tourist haunts.
Early risers will have the city to themselves.
I always take time to enjoy a ride on the Number 1 Vaporetto down the Grand Canal. I float through the Giudecca Canal between 7 and 8:30 am. The city is quiet, just awakening. Tourists either have not arrived for their day from the parking lot or the cruise ships. And, locals are hurrying to work. This personal sunrise tour provides a look at Venice, not too different than it was a century ago.
Dorsoduro is the best place for an evening walk.
Stroll along quiet lighted canals past majestic churches. This is the neighborhood where Peggy Guggenheim decided to build her palace and museum. It is where the University of Venice has the bulk of its buildings. Here, the second-largest campo in Venice is packed with Venetians sipping on their Spritz while kids kick soccer balls across the stone expanse.
A walk of only a few meters from the major campo brings one to quiet canals, parallel-parked boats, stone bridges, and silence. One can even hear footsteps echoing through the centuries-old building.
Here are two great walks that I have always enjoyed.
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
