In highschool, I went on a trip all over Italy. Truthfully, it’s what got me started on traveling. After all, when you’re 17 years old and wandering around a beautiful, exotic country, how could the travel bug not bite?
We spent the first three days in Rome/Vatican City (it was Easter Weekend, and I went to a Catholic high school)… you know, it is honestly an amazing thing to be in the Vatican during Easter Weekend. I’m sure it’s not quite like Mecca during Ramadan, but it was still quite moving. Whether it’s for your religion or another one, or even if you are completely Atheist or Agnostic, there is something captivating about so many people coming from all around the world for the same reason. We then went to Florence, Pompeii, Assisi, Milan, Lake Como and of course… *shaking fist* ….Venice.
I’m sure you’ve heard about Venice and how amazing it is, but I just didn’t like the place. Generally I like to write vacation guides for my favorite destinations to tell you how good they are, but not this time. The following are five good reasons to steer clear of Venice.
1) The Canals Are Not That Great
What do you think is the first impression you’ll have of Venice? It’s colorful canals and historic architecture? Not quite. Before anything else, you’re going to notice its stink.
That’s right, Venice stinks like a thru-hiker with dysentery coming off the Appalachian Trail. The reason for this is that the only traffic is boat traffic (and if you’ve ever been to a busy port you’ll know all you can smell is diesel fumes) and the canals. The canals don’t exactly have that salty-sea-breeze smell of Old Spice, by the way. They’re used as the sewer system for the entire city. I don’t know about you, but to me diesel and garbage smell does not a pleasant vacation make.
2) The Locals Are Restless
Venice – and I mean the entire city – is a tourist trap. The citizens appear to be a little fed up with it all too. Normally I wouldn’t think too much of this, but I remember a local barging through our tour group, pushing people around and blowing a loud whistle like he was a Police Officer chasing a criminal.
When we asked our guide if he was some sort of official, she said no – just another local that was tired of the tourists. Not a great way to be introduced to the city.
3) The Pigeons
Venice is essentially Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” come to life! There is no escaping these things; they swarm all the piazzas and try to eat your food, wait on all the towers and tops of buildings to flock around intruders, and their is pigeon poo everywhere. Everywhere! You’ll walk in it, probably get pooped on at least once, and just when you’re far enough from the canals to stop smelling the diesel and garbage is when the smell of pigeon poo starts creeping in.
I never thought of pigeons as a nuisance bird (like seagulls are) until visiting Venice. Now I know how bad they can be.
4) Venice is Overrun with Tourists
As noted in #2, there is no such thing as a “tourist trap” in Venice because the entire place is a tourist trap. If you’ve ever wondered what Vegas would feel like if it was built on the sea and made of buildings many hundreds of years old, then go to Venice. It might be missing the overbearing glitz of the neon signs, but there are just as many street vendors and hawkers doing everything they can to get your attention so you’ll buy their wares.
If your idea of a vacation is constant pestering and people getting in your face so you’ll buy something, head to Venice. If not, move along.
5) High Water Floods the City
Venice is now being flooded (acqua alta) on a regular basis. It used to be that during an unusually high tide, the lowest parts of the city would flood and it wouldn’t be too bad. The tide would come in, but in short order it would go out again and things would go back to normal.
But now, through a combination of rising sea levels (six feet over the last 1600 years) and sinking soil under the city, high water is spreading to the rest of the city, more frequently, and when it comes it stays around longer. Make sure you pack your rain boots!
***
Okay, so there’s my five reasons for not wanting to go back to this cherished city. “But how about that one saving-grace that everyplace must have?” you ask? Let me tell you – for me, it was definitely the Murano Glass Factory. It is steeped in history, the glass-blowers are master artisans very eager to demonstrate their craft to the tours, and they make completely unique and beautiful items. I even picked up a bracelet and earings for my girlfriend there.
Have you been to Venice and think I’ve got it all wrong? Have you always dreamed of visiting Venice and don’t want me raining on your parade? Let me know by leaving a comment!
Elizabeth says
While I believe everything you have said, I also believe you had the terrible misfortune to be in Venice at the wrong time and with too many people.
First of all, yes, Venice can be stinky… in the intense heat of the summer. Side story to make my point: My parents live about a mile or two from the garbage dump for their area. Most the time you can’t smell it at all, couldn’t even tell it was there. But on extremely hot days in late summer the sweet stench wafts over from the heap. While I wouldn’t go for a swim in those canals, walking near them on a cool to normal heat day didn’t raise the stink when I was there.
Secondly, the tourist season sucks no matter where you are. I disliked Rome for the same reasons you disliked Venice- so many people, locals trying to sell you stuff, etc. But if you happen to be there NOT at the hight of tourist season, and perhaps either by yourself or with a smaller group of 2-4 people, you would see a different side of Venice. People everywhere are nicer to individuals than large groups. Groups are just harder to deal with and stress causes frustration. Also vendors are less inclined to start hawking their goods at one or two people who look like they are minding their own business than they are to turn up the charm and start shouting at a group of gullible-looking tourists with their maps and cameras out and their “University of” T-shirts on. When I was there it was not very crowded and I hardly even saw street vendors, and I certainly wasn’t hassled by any locals.
Lastly, If you want to truly enjoy Venice, go by yourself or with one person. Wander together, get lost, and absolutely get to St. Mark’s Square at dawn. The square is most beautiful in the early morning when hardly anyone is there. Then stick around and watch it slowly come alive. Have a cappuccino, pricey but worth it, at the oldest cafe in the entire western world while listening to their string quintet play and don’t get angry at the pigeons. Instead, watch as the little kids play with them. Sit there and soak up the history, listen to the church bells ring and simply enjoy the moment.
The trouble with Venice, in my opinion, isn’t Venice, it’s who you went with and when you went. Give it a second chance, but this time, go when it’s a little cooler and “off” season.
Andy says
Wow, thanks for the great comment Elizabeth!
I’m glad you loved it, and of course many others loved their trip to Venice too. I didn’t, which is unfortunate because I REALLY wanted to love it there.
You do paint a great picture of Piazza San Marco, but I was so badly burned by my trip there that’s it’s hard to see it any other way. Oddly, I loved Rome and every other place we went in Italy. I think it was just a confluence of circumstances that led to Venice not being fun. It was towards the end of the trip and the group was getting tired and a little homesick. It was the only day that wasn’t sunny – it poured the entire time we were there but was still very hot, plus everything mentioned above.
That being said though, Becki hasn’t been there, and I know a lot of the problems I had with it she would have as well (especially the tourists – the city proper only has 60k residents, but has 2.5M visitors per year), but I think it’s a place you have to see for yourself and make your mind up about. So I might have to recant my “will never go back” statement. And this time it would be the two of us and we’d try for a less busy season, so hopefully like you say, it will live up to its legend :)
Thad says
My wife and I just got back from a trip that included Venice, Florence, ad Rome. I would encourage travelers to go to Venice. We loved Venice–the vapporetti, St. Mark’s plaza, the Peggy Guggenheim museum, etc. If you are going to Italy only once, or if this is your first visit, you should go to Venice. But we will return to Italy and go back to Florence and Rome. We saw everything we need to in Venice and will not return to that city.
Liz says
I live in Amsterdam so everything you say about the canals in Venice compared to Amsterdams canals is…welll.. (Amsterdam is WAY in for the win)
I HATED how I was treated by locals that sell for tourists it really made me feel uncomfortable. My bf and I would ask for “typical traditional Italian restaurants” we soon found out they had weren’t sure what we wanted or they just told us they didn’t have them. But we ended up finding small non tourist places ourselves.
I am glad that the Murano experience for you was the highlight, I did not like it they didn’t give us the chance to see the glass being made but instead rushed us forward into the shop to buy buy buy!
In Burano we asked a man on the boat for a nice place to eat he told us to get off the stop BEFORE the typical stop where everyone else gets off. We did this and ended up in a house with an old couple who had their own little restaurant going on with homemade tiramisu. It was the best!
Venice was/is my dream city to visit. However I agree with everything you said I would still go. There are certain time frames that tourist traffic cools down and there are many streets to get lost in and avoid the tourists. Everyday we took different routes.
I think for people who like to travel Venice is still a must see but it is only worthwhile if you go to all the islands that are possible to travel to; like I did.
Andy says
Thanks for your comment Liz, and I really like the way you say that you had similar experiences, but still recommend that people go there. Becki and I talked about it a bit when we were thinking about going to Italy, and decided I’d go back so that she could see it. Because even though I didn’t enjoy it while I was there, I do agree, it’s a place that you just have to see for yourself.
London kind of ended up being the same way for us – we’ll definitely be getting a post about that up soon!
Ariana says
I really enjoy honest pieces like this one. Sometimes people get caught up in a city’s image and then rave about it because they feel they have to. I feel the same way about Berlin. Some people call it edgy, trendy, artsy. I think it’s dark, depressing, and worth skipping over. There are far more beautiful and historically rich places to visit in Germany than Berlin.
Andy says
Thanks for the comment Ariana! I felt like I had to say something, because you never really here about the downsides to some of these places – and it can really be big downsides sometimes! Interesting that you mentioned Berlin, because I’ve never really wanted to go to any part of Germany… except maybe Oktoberfest in Munich ;)
I always hear good things about it when people come back, but for some reason it’s just never interested me.
Jessica says
My husband and I are in Italy now trying to decide if we want to see Venice even though it will be hot and crowded, and possibly stinky! Thanks for the helpful post and comments. Still unsure… Also, we loved Berlin! So much art and history. And good beer. :)
Gypsy Recluse says
Much as I like traveling, I lost my apetite on the commercialism of touristy places, hordes of tourists, and the indifferent, and sometimes down right chilly, attitude of natives, for no fault of their own, mind you. This is not just Venice, which I have not vistied, and doubt I will ever go, but also of other tourist meccas. Offseason traveling takes care of most of these problems from my experience with other European magnates. But, over all, I am now inclined to want to visit not old grand dames or cities, but wild undeveloped, pristine places, even if accomodation is not optimal, and inconvenience can be assured. Rome, Paris, Venice, London were great destinations when cities were rare and far between (19th century). Now Mega cities are a dime a dozen. The wilds of the world, sheeesh… Let’s not spoil the surprise.
Lindsay says
My husband and I just arrived in Venice today. My first words were how the city smelled of fish and garbage. As the day went by though the city itself has grown on me. We started our vacation originally on the 25th of August in Rome, then moved to Florence and now in Venice. Each city we have been told by the locals that we are in the end of the tourist season. Though still busy, they say its nothing compared to what they normally see. We only had a 10 minute wait at the Coliseum (we were told it’s normally 1 plus hours). The street vendors have been pretty relaxed. No one has really approached us (and I love street vendors so I’m a good target for them). It’s been a pretty relaxed trip. From what I can tell, traveling to Italy during the end of August and during September seems to be a great time. Perhaps try that time for your next trip to Venice.
Andy says
Hey Lindsay, thanks for the great tip! I’d say if your wait for the Coliseum was only 10min, then you were indeed there when the crowds weren’t too bad. I think every attraction I went to the line was a minimum of 1hr, sometimes up to 3hrs of waiting, crisping under that Roman sun.
Will definitely look into September for our next visit to Italy :)
Yesenia says
i enjoyed your blog and all the comments about venice! my (now) fiance and i are going for our honeymoon in september and can not wait! it wasn’t until recently that i heard how awful the stench was. and i recently watched, “the talented mr ripley” (i know, i know, where’ve i been for the past 15 years?!) and even in the movie they talk about it being stinky there, lol. while it’s a disapointment to hear, i will have to see (smell) it for myself. i have always dreamed of going to italy, and venice, in particular, and am still excited! :)
Becki says
Thanks for your wonderful comment, Yesenia! I have never been to Venice before, and after hearing Andy talk so harshly about it, it certainly has perked my interest to go. Also, congratulations on getting married and come back after Venice and share your experience! I can’t wait to hear how it goes. :)
Dave says
This has to be the most parochial nonsense I have ever read. Have a word with yourself and then wind your neck in.
Becki says
Sorry if we have upset you at all, Dave. Andy went to Italy many years ago, and it was towards the end of his trip. I’m sure he was feeling the affects of sitting in a tour bus day after day for 16 days, and was feeling homesick.
I have never been before, and I am sure I am not going to take Andy’s experience turn me away from going. And Andy is always willing to give any place a second chance! :)
Sergio says
This review is ridiculous. You are complaining about the pigeons? Really? There are renaissance era paintings with pigeons in St Marks square. And the smell? Yes, it smells. This is not a scrubbed clean American suburb but rather an ancient city built on the water. That’s part of it’s uniqueness. As for the tourist, yes, there are a lot of tourist… In summer, but go in mid to late fall or early to mid spring and the experience will be significantly different. And many less idiotic American tourist. And as for murano? That glass you bought was probably made in china.
Andy says
Well, it sounds like you’ve just agreed with me on every point I made. Except of course for the Murano glass. You managed to put a black mark on the one redeeming feature I found.
RdWd says
As bitter as Sergio’s comment was, I wouldn’t say he necessarily ‘agreed’ with every point you made, Andy; all that Sergio did was dispel what appear to be quite bland reasons for disliking a European city by addressing some of these problems as somewhat trivial (at least to a European travellers). The pigeon point is a tad absurd, could you elaborate?, are you comparing the pigeon-count to back home in the Mid-West, or other Euro cities? In the U.K. pigeons are quite the nuisance, especially here in Swansea; they’re incredibly dim birds, the other day a pigeon’s navigational awareness failed it completely as it flew directly into my face.
Either way, I should thank you really, Andy, as your Top 5 reasons not to go to Venice has made be feel rest assured that it’s more or less like any other European city in summer time; I think I will be going after all this November. :)
Jane says
My husband & I just loved Venice. It was in October, not too hot and we stayed in an apartment which we could find easily because it was near a hospital and all signs pointed to it. People in the supermarket and bakery were wonderful with us. We tasted before we bought and we had conversations in sign language and facial expressions. Pigeons? They are a pest in many places. Where I live it’s lorikeets. It was just so wonderful to wander aimlessly through the streets and see such unique sights. Guess we are all different. I didn’t much enjoy Vatican.
Andy says
Glad you enjoyed it Jane, and I like your tip about staying near a hospital so it was easy to find :)
Kelly says
Totally agree with your comments, Andy. We were there in mid-April and even though we thought we did our research, it was over run with tourists, we couldn’t find any decent restaurants, and hotels were overpriced. How any hours are we supposed to “get lost” in the streets? The city just seemed dingy and drab. Not worth the trip:(
Andy says
“Dingy and drab” – exactly the feeling I got from it.
Mrs C says
Agree. I’ve been to Venice a few times and same o, same o each time. There is no such a thing as low season (unless you want to count the flooding season) so it is always swamped by tourists. The last time we were there, we lasted exactly 30 minutes and decided to take a drive to a small town called Treviso, about half an hour outside of Venice. It was the best travel decision we made. Venice is a must see.. once and that’s it.
Paula says
Totally agree! My opinion is that Venice is a dump. I live 2&half hours drive from Venice over the border in Slovenia so basically can visit it whenever. The first thing visitors want to do is go there, or they fly in there to Marco Polo and want to spend the day there before coming into to Slovenia. They are usually really dissapointed. There is no “down season” – it’s always packed. Very few Venetians actually live there anymore, the population is down to 50,000 from over 500,000 in the 1950’s and 60’s. Most live in Mestre or the other neighbouring towns where you can actually have a car. Yes, Italians want to be able to drive to the supermarket too – they don’t have time to go to the market on a daily basis these days! Few of the cafes or eateries are authentic and compared to the nearby hinterland the prices are a joke. Most of the servers are pakistani or from South Italy. I can’t bear the place. My favourite place in Italy, at least it is technically Italy, is Trieste. Gorgeous and widly underrated. Beautiful squares. On the sea, Miramare Castle, great food, amazing history. Only part of Italy since the 1950’s. Was part of the Hapsburg Empire before WW1, then disputed terrority. Fascinating place, James Joyce lived there! Completely authentic.
Curt says
Trieste best place in Italy? Venice a dump?
Paula, you neither know what you are talking about.
This is the most idiotic commentary ever written!
Thomas says
Good evening everyone,
I’m a Venice resident and native and I agree with some of the things that you pointed out but not with others :
1 – About the stink of our canals there’s nothing that we can do. We use our lagoon as sewer system cause there’s no other solution. You all live on the mainland , I imagine, and you all have treatment facility for your sewer outside of the cities. We don’t. At the end where do you think that most of your treated water go? To the sea or the river
2- Seeing locals screaming at Tourguide/Tourist is quite a common thing cause most of them don’t understand that if you hold a group of 50 people in the middle of our street you block the entire flood of people. As you probably have seen our streets are not the same size as the one in Rome or one of your cities in US. Imagine if this would happen to you everyday while going to work. Would you always be quite and nice? I really doubt it. This is just a matter of common sense and definitively not rocket science. Remember that we are a city of 50000 residents and we have 30 milion tourists every year. Overun? Yes you can say that!
3- Pigeons. A good way of thinking is that they were here before you and me and we all should respect them. Human being have lost connection with nature and concrete has become more important than nature itself. If you want to live in a place without nature than you don’t know where you are.
4- Venice is overun by tourist. You are very right! Local politics and business have been very good at this. Ah! Especially foreing hotels company seems to like the “Venitian tourists”!
5- High water has always flooded the city and this is a problem that it’s getting worst. But this is happening everywhere in the world. At the end does it really bother the tourist? Doesn’t seem like as they all love to take pictures of them surrended by the water.
I would like to reply to Paula:
Venice is not a dump maybe your city is a dump. You should be a little bit more respectfull of a city that was used to be one of the most powerfull in the whole Europe.
I’m proud to say that I do go to the market on a daily basis getting in contact with local producers and fishermans. Everywhere in the world people move their cars even to go the toilets ( so please don’t say that Italians want to go even to the supermarket by car) and saying that it’s not true is a false statment.
Venice is a beautiful city and I wish that everyone in this world come and see it at least once before they die.
Bill says
Thomas,
Thanks for your reply..
We are visiting Venice this month, and we look forward to experiencing your city. We have done research and found some nice restaurants to try out.
Ann Kibort says
I have been to Venice at least a dozen times and love it more each time. I always visit in Spring or Fall and make it a point to wander the little alleys and calles and get away from the crowds. The architecture is amazing, the museums and art outstanding. It’s incredible that it even exists. I have only noticed a faint smell on a few occasions…….. Nothing really strong that I thought worthy of a comment. Maybe that had something to do with the time of year I was visiting. I especially love sitting at the cafe in Piazza San Marco enjoying my cappuccino and the wonderful orchestras!! I consider it one of the most beautiful and unique cities and cannot wait to return!!
Ann Kibort says
I want to add ………..another thing I loved is not hearing the sound of traffic………especially in the evening. Also……..I think of Venice as a collection of villages………and a place where you can walk to a different neighborhood in five or ten minutes.
Becki says
Thank you for your wonderful comment, Ann! You make Venice sound truly amazing (which I am sure it is!), and I have not yet been, but your details really make me want to.
Cindy says
I am in Venice as I write this and I absolutely love it here. I have traveled extensively and came here with some trepidation because of all I’ve read about the city. It is April so while St. Mark’s and the Rialto bridge are crowded with tourists every day, it has always been a short walk to get away from the crowd. Most places are not at all crowded. The weather has been in the low 60’s F, so it is very pleasant for walking – and walk we have – all over this place. We have found locals to be very helpful and patient with our very broken Italian. The water in the canals does not stink – but that very possibly may be because the air is not hot. I would say DO NOT COME IN THE SUMMER! We bought a 24 hour pass for the vaporetta (water bus) system and had a self-guided tour all around the island, then we used it to visit both the island of Murano with its incredible glass artists, and the island of Burano with its sweet buildings colorfully painted. I love the feel of Venice – it is a big city that seems incredibly intimate because of all the alleys and bridges. I am grateful for the opportunity to have visited.
Becki says
Cindy, what a wonderful comment! Sounds like you are having a marvelous time, and I hope one day to have just as great of time in Venice as you.
RC says
All you guys did was confuse me more!! We’re trying to decide between Venice and Rome on our 14-day backpacking trip around Europe (late June/July 2015). We’re hitting a lot of other places so we can’t do both. I’ve heard both wonderful and awful things about Venice…the latest of which is that it is smelly. And I thought that settled it for me–I hate smelly, which is why I hate New York City in the summer. I hate overcrowded and smelly most of all. It just makes it worse. But it’s Venice! So i’m not sure what to do. Original plan has us flying from Amsterdam to Milan (already booked) and then going by train to Rome. I was willing to forgo Rome for Venice before we spend time on the Amalfi Coast, but I’m not sure about that decision now. Thanks for confusing me guys! :)
Becki says
Hi RC!
Sorry about the confusion! And what a tough spot you are in, Rome does sound amazing, and I have never been, but too me it seems SO busy. Andy on the other hand, LOVED IT! Apparently, more than Venice. I hope you are able to make your decision and go with it with no regrets, I believe you have the time of your life no matter where you go! Bon voyage!
eric searcy says
My wife, 15-year-old daughter and I recently visited Venice this past April as part of a 17 day Italy trip we had planned for some time. And we all agree that Venice was the exquisite crown jewel of a lovely trip!
I’ve hear all of the complaints mentioned here before, and we don’t like stink/pushy hawkers/rude shopkeepers/ripoffs etc. etc. any more than anybody else. But a big reason why I think our trip went so well while others maybe have a hard time there is that we went in the so-called “shoulder season” – in the spring. From March – April there are a lot less people (tourists) than summer, so everyone is perhaps a little calmer and less stressed. And odors are more prominent the hotter it gets. When we were there it was not hot at all, just around 75 – 80 degrees F every day for 4 days. There was, I swear to you, no bad odors at all, beyond what you would get in any city – say entering a restaurant from the loading area. People didn’t throw rose petals in our path, but were consistently reasonably pleasant and we were treated courteously wherever we went.
We stayed in San Polo Sestieri near the Rialto bridge, in a charming atmospheric pensione (Pensione Guerrato, which I recommend highly). The accommodation price for Italy was very good, delicious breakfast, and excellent location for exploring.
Bottom line, Venice is a treasure of the world, and if you never experience it for yourself you will be missing something amazing. Just remember, avoid summer visit, go somewhere March-April, and make a life memory you will always cherish.
Andy says
Always happy to hear when someone has a good Venice story. I’m hoping to get Becki there sometime so that we can reassess the city, and hopefully have a great time the next time around.
Andrea says
We just got back from Italy. We went for the middle and end of October. Venice was stop number 3 of the major cities for us. We hated Venice for all the reasons you listed and then some. The food was terrible. The people were rude. We were there during low season and a lot of things were closed down but that also meant no lines to get into things and much fewer tourists. But that also meant there was no safety in numbers being lost at night as we discovered when approached by some natives up to no good taking what fun it would be to rob a couple of lost tourists. Not pleasant. We escaped with no injuries and even kept hold of our purses but only because we have street smarts and were not about to let a couple of rude teenager boys get the better of us. Mostly we hated our hotel which was shabby and didn’t have a working toilet our first night. And we hated the poor maps of the city that clearly show only major pedestrian roads out of the piazzas and don’t label them neglecting the minor alleys. Not fun at all. I so wanted to love Venice as I did the rest of the country but I just didn’t enjoy it. I may give it a try someday but it will be a long time before I forgive the taunting of Venice as I like to call it.
Stephanie says
Hello everyone,
I think Venice is a truly amazing and beautiful city, I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to travel here. I love the maze of alley ways and the little bridges everywhere. I have found these areas quite free of tourists. It’s the off season so the smell and tourists are too bad.
I have to admit that I have been unlucky here because I think it because I’m a solo woman traveller and didnt plan things. The first night I arrived at the train station I was harnessed non-stop by one of the baggage cart guys and when I said no he followed me all the way to my hotel, I was scared and didn’t know what to do. The second time I was ripped off at the toilets, I did complain this time but he just ignored me. Worse things can happen.
I came here from Austria where everyone was so nice and helpful. I just get the feeling that if you ask someone for directions or help here they want something in return. Please Correct me if I’m wrong.
I just suggest to single female travellers to do your research, plan, book and study the map. It’s really important to feel safe in a new city and if you can afford to try to stay in a 4 star plus hotel.
It would be a different experience with a partner I’m sure (like George Clooney)
Sir says
My experience was the complete opposite. Of course I did my research, and went at the end of September (29th on a Sunday). Only spent 3 nights in Venice before heading to Florence, and we (wife) wished we would’ve stayed longer. We stayed in Dorsoduro, which was a more quiet side of the city, very residential, and not a tourist group in sight! My wife and I just wandered at our own pace, and loved the city.
Nancy Rodda says
My husband and I visited Venice for 4 days in early May 2016. We loved it!
I think the key is staying in a historic hotel on the Island. We were able to walk through Venice late at night with no crowds at all. We could visit the sights during off times-before or after the groups and although sometimes it was crowded, not horribly so. I have a very sensitive nose and only noticed a mild smell a couple of times as we walked through the city. My looked over one of the small canals! We had a free tour to the Murano Glass Factory–the glass blowers were very good, but the main purpose was to sell glass. We were traveling with the ” Rick Steves” philosophy–money belts and minimal luggage.
Tom Lowery says
Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever read a more foolish blog post about ANY city in my life. So, in high school you were day trippers “all over Italy, eh? Three hours here, two there.
I’ve been to Italy over 120 times (not on day trips) and never for less than 2-3 weeks at a time – NEVER less than 7 days in any large city. I’ve lived and worked there twice in my lifetime. And I’ve made another 150+ trips throughout Europe (again, not on day trip tours).
Obviously the writer has never done much in the way of research about any of the cities he’s been to – certainly not any of the cities in Italy. But to take his points in turn:
1) Canals are not great – REALLY??? Only an in-observant individual would make so silly a statement. Yes, they are used for sewage, BUT, the tide rolls in twice a day and that sewage leaves the city.
What you DO sometimes smell is the natural smell of inland salt water. You can find the same smell in places off the Gulf of Mexico as well. Also, low tide tends to leak sludge odors. I’ve often smelled the exact same smells in places like Amsterdam. AND, Rome sometimes has similar odors.
2) Locals Are Restless – You would be as well if you had to deal with ignorant, demanding day trippers…Americans are THE worst. I’m constantly embarrassed and I no lover refer to myself as American, but as a New Yorker. Say what you like, but New Yorkers are well-travelled and meet far more diverse types of people than the rest of the USA.
3) Pigeons – YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING. Unless you only stay in San Marco and Rialto, pigeons are minimal at best. Like I said above, this is a complaint from the day tripper brigade.
4) Overrun With Tourists – Name ONE big city in Europe that isn’t? Certainly Rome, Milan, Naples and Florence are no better. NEXT.
5) High Tide – ROFFL. I won’t even comment.
Needless to say, I cannot understand anyone taking this blog seriously because a) the writers are immature, and b) they are not well-travelled at ALL. Find a blog from someone like myself who IS well-travelled and from who you will obtain deep understanding of places the writer has been. Try Rick Steves – he KNOWS about the cities he visits.
Swoozie says
Andy, I totally agree with you! My husband and I have just returned from Venice this week. It is beautiful, but the locals are unfriendly and fed up with tourists, the hawkers spoil everything, the place was swarming with tourists and pigeons and we were ripped off in the food and drink department, even though I took my Lonely Planet guide. Murano was our best day, and the glass there isn’t from anywhere else. It’s artisanal and genuine. It has to be.
The person who told you to wind your neck in, is rude and adds nothing to this discussion, in my opinion.
I came back from Venice feeling rather dejected and sad.
Swoozie says
Oh, and I got “chugged” by a woman on our last night. (charity mugging). She approached us with a form to sign against drugs. I’d already been approached the previous day. Basically, they get you to sign the petition, then they ask you for money, having already marked their paper with donations of 20 Euros as a guide. The first time, I told the chugger he could have my signature for free, as I realised he was going to pocket the money. The second time, on being approached, I said “No thank you.” The woman waved her arms about and started screaming, “I’m not a terrorist!” I said, “No but you want my money! ” She actually lunged towards me and pushed me on my arm. I said “Don’t touch me” but she still stood there screaming at me! Where are the police? That was clearly assault!
Alicia says
I love ur post, i went to venice and the same happen to me, i keep telling people and no one belive me, every post i found say that venice is so nice and is a lie
NieNie says
I absolutely hated Venice as well and traveled all over Italy too! I went to Rome, Almalf Coast, Naples, Pisa, Florence, Venice and Milan. Venice was by far the worst for me personally. The food waan’t great, definitely over crowded and way over priced for everything.
Sloan says
My wife and I go every year and absolutely love it.
It must have been a bit of bad luck you had while there.
We later in the year less crowds the food is great if you find back street restaurants plus follow the locals.
Ask the restaurant if they have sword fish it is amazing.
We find the pigeons hilarious and never been pooped on yet (fingers crossed)
We have found the venetians very welcoming and friendly so don’t let one nutter give you the wrong idea about the locals.
I hope this helps and go again later in the year and get up really when nobody is up you will get venice to yourself.
Dude says
***Its colorful canals
Not it’s.
Learn English.
reneerose says
In 2014, my daughter and I went on a 16 day European vacation. It was half land/half cruise. Started off in France, seeing quite a bit of it in five days. Then, got on a train, traveled through the country to the south, then ended up in Barcelona, where we got on a cruise ship. From there, it was Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey. After two weeks, I’d about had enough. It was becoming too much. My daughter and I had gotten into a disagreement and we ended up not getting off the ship and seeing Venice and Mykonos, but even four years later, I still don’t care. Lol I saw a lot of Italy, (Rome, Capri, Pompeii, etc) that skipping Venice didn’t bother me at all and Mykonos was for the wealthy. Hearing about the canals and the crowds does not surprise me and whether or not I ever saw it, made me realize I could either take it or leave it. I don’t regret missing the last two cities on the trip, but perhaps a 16 day vacation was a bit long after all and I was homesick.
Becki says
I know what you mean! Andy and I took a 14 day cruise, and it was my first time being away from home for so long, and to places that I have never traveled before. At some points during the trip I didn’t care either if I got off the boat or not to see the town. I feel like when you see one port town, you’ve seen all of the port towns. It’s the same shops, just a different country. I still have not been to Venice yet, and I’m still not sure if I want to. After reading all these comments, it really seems to be 50/50. People either REALLY love it, or they don’t care for it. It’s all a matter of personal opinion. Thanks for sharing your experience! :-)
Sandy says
Leaving Venice after 8 hours here. Had to pay $200 to change our flight, but it is money well spent. This Wally World stinky sewage plant is disgusting. We have had a wonderful trip to Rome, a cruise and then Florence. We are deeply disappointed after hearing how lovely it was supposed to be. We will NEVER return, even to take a cruise. Rude people, dishonest culture, way over priced, smelly, and terribly over crowded. Rethink any plan you may have to visit Venice. I’m so sad to write this post.
Man from Milton says
Just got back from a 10 day vacation in Italy (Rome, Pompeii, Assisi, Florence, Ravenna, and Venice). We enjoyed them all BUT Venice for all of the aforementioned reasons. The smell was overwhelming and inescapable. It waifs inside of restaurants when you are trying to eat and precludes ANY romantic notion of dining al fresco. Our hotel was on the canal and STUNK. Centuries of sewer laden water vapors had permeated the hotel. (BTW, this was a 1,000 Euro per night hotel which makes you wonder what the less expensive hotels must smell like).
Spend your time in Florence and the Tuscany country side, ITS BEAUTIFUL!
LMichaelS says
Even if you prefer vacations to warm climate destinations with beaches and sun, there’s certain cities around the world that are a must-see if you’re lucky enough to have the fortune to compile a list of 20-25 cities or regions in the world to visit. If so, Venice should definitely be on 95% of people’s lists. For all the obvious reasons plus the fact that the city could potentially be reclaimed by water within a couple hundred years. The history and uniqueness of Venice as well as numerous world renown sites make it a must see, even if you have moderately low expectations. It may even be better not to expect too much so you might be pleasantly surprised. If you’re in Europe and have seen Paris, London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Athens, Instanbul, Prague, Vienna, Rome, Milan, Florence, among others, you pretty much have to make it to Venice so you can feel confident that you have seen the most historical/beautiful/timeless and unique places that played roles in forming and allowing western civilization to flourish, which is what ultimately allowed for all the masterpieces of art and architecture, as well as most of the ideals that our cultures and societies value. So you don’t have to LOVE everything about everyplace you go, but being mindful of its place in history as well as the quality of materials used, timeless style, and the fact that those cities were built to last, makes you wonder whether our current philosophies on city development is short-sighted and destined for difficult transitions, if not utter failures in the decades and centuries to come.
Edward says
I just came from Venice with my family. My last image of Venice will forever be finding our car smashed by the natives, every window broken, my two young girls crying in the streets. In my mind Venice has no redeeming features. The locals are obnoxious, greedy little snakes with no respect for human beings. They want to stop tourism? What about taking it up with politicians? The food is overpriced and tastes like shit. The locals steal, scream and destroy property, and the city itself is overrun with tourists. On the other hand, the tourists themselves are often really nice. Probably the only nice thing about Venice.
Sam says
After 15 days in Rome, Venice and Florence, I have to say they are all ridiculously overcrowded! This is at mid-end of October. I can not even imagine the summer crowds. Rome smells like rotting garbage near the multitude of trash piles. Florence reaks of sewer gas in areas. Venice for me was least offensive on the stink scale. I came here to see the sights and they are many and beautiful but I am still weighing whether it has been worth fighting through crowds of rude people and the assault to my nose. Be aware and maybe you won’t be disappointed.
Andy says
All good points, and I think something that often gets overlooked are that there are downsides to visiting any major city and they often get left out of peoples descriptions. Much like how we present our lives on social media, we like to only talk about the good parts. And in cities with millennia of history, those downsides are only going to be amplified. But even when we walk around Chicago, I’m reminded of how much more a city of 3.x million people smells bad compared to our home town of Milwaukee with only 600,000 people – and Chicago has had slightly less time to build up a funk than any city in Italy ;)
To me, the benefits of Rome and Florence outweighed the downsides, but not so much with Venice…
Pat says
The author of this blog perhaps is looking to cook up something controversial to get visitors to his blog. He certainly has succeeded. He is complaining about the wrong things if he went there some time back. Yes, Venice is not place for a high school kid. He should have stayed with Disney World and cartoon movies.
The first time I went to Venice was in 1999. I stayed there for 3 nights. I had my four year old with me as well. I remember that taxi (water taxi) trip from the airport to our hotel right next to San Marcos square. With the setting sun in the background the ride itself was memorable.
San Marco square with all the pigeons in the early morning was really nice. Then the evenings and late nights were magical. The locals were really nice. The food was really good. I even went across Grand canal to the lido beach. Again the locals there were very friendly and nice. The palace, the art, the streets, everything was nice.
Venice, in one word, was unforgettable.
I went back again in 2011. I stayed there just the one night. Things had changed a bit. The pigeons were gone, it was very crowded, there was construction. I did not stay long enough to have any kind of impression. It must have gotten a lot more crowded. One has to avoid the peak seasons and going out in the afternoons.
May be things are not what they used to be.
Andy says
The intent wasn’t to create something controversial – it was genuinely what I thought and felt when I was there. It just happens to be not what a lot of people say about Venice. As for the High School part – many young men in High School are more mature and understanding than their 60yr old counterparts. I was as mature then as I am now – I liked and enjoyed Italy very much, just not Venice.