". . . because Venice is always Venice!" Venice by tpal

Venice Travel Guide: 8,137 reviews and 21,375 photos

The Grand Canal from the Accademia Bridge

If you search Virtual Tourist for "Venice, Italy" you will find more than 5500 Travel Tips and 8100 photographs. It seems unlikely that in our short six day visit to this spectacular city we would have found something entirely unrevealed. In fact, there are a few VT sites, such as, Sandy Smith's (sandysmith) and Simone's (sim1) that are so well written, complete and informative that they constitute "the" Must-See-Activity for anyone planning a trip to Venice.

So, what can I tell you? I am struggling with this even as I write. What I have settled on is a more experiential rather than factual narrative. I will, of course try to be accurate and to offer interesting scenes and activities. I will offer some of the world class "must-sees" that everyone who visits will no doubt want to experience. More often, however, I will present more out-of-the-way areas that would not appear in a travel guide but will, hopefully, demonstrate our astonishment with our stay and our regret with its brevity.

..."yet-another" narrow canal

The organization of this section is, to say the least, in a rather fluid state, however, I expect that the General Tips and the Off The Beaten Track categories will be heavily loaded with Carol's and my personal and sometimes emotional observations. We were both entranced with the look and feel of Venice at Night and tried to capture images in the dark whenever possible. We spent a lot of time wondering the back lanes, taking pictures of "yet-another" narrow canal or calle. We wondered a lot about the elegant older women who would emerge from their obscure doorways dressed to the "nines" to walk their dogs or simply to stroll arm and arm with their friend. We speculated about the American woman who greeted her guests to her up-scale walled-in home along the Zattare and then rushed off to pickup some last minute party item. We were bewildered by all the shuttered windows that never seemed to open or to have lights on behind them.

What is beyond?

Visiting a city like Venice is a lot like meeting an interesting stranger. The conversation may be interesting or exciting. The topics may be familiar or obscure. The experiences shared may be exotic or enviable. In your mind you may believe this stranger should become your new best friend but...what is she really like. What fascinating secrets has she kept to herself or from you. What would be revealed if only you had more time?

What, indeed, would be revealed?

Last visit to Venice: Oct 2004
Intro Updated Dec 15, 2004
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Reviews (20)

Venetian Kitty Local Customs (5)

Out for a stroll more travel advice

Saverio Pastor in fòrcola workshop - Venice

Master Artisan Unique to Venice Local Customs (5)

This is Saverio Pastor and he is a master. He is the sculptor of an essential component necessary for the propulsion and... more travel advice

View from the roof of St. Mark's Basilica - Venice

Piazza San Marco From Basilica San Marco Things to Do (2)

Early October in Venice...what a difference! My previous visits to Venice had been in mid-summer at the absolute height... more travel advice

Thom Price and not quite a gondola - Venice

American Gondola Builder in Venice Local Customs (5)

This is what I I had been waiting for! Carol and I had purposefully kept our vacation schedule loose. Aside from hotel... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All Classic Venice
Favorites (3)
See All Working Class Canal
Nightlife (4)
See All Night Time Magic in Piazza San Marco

Comments (41)

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RoscoeGregg Oct 17, 2009 at 12:51 PM

I agree Venice is just terrible after sunset. Everyone should flee the city as soon as the sun starts to set. Ha,Ha, Happy Trails
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Zvrlj Jan 31, 2009 at 2:34 AM

Beautiful page, one of the best Venice pages on VT. We have enjoyed rereading it. Great story about Saverio Pastor. Does kitty live on Campo San Cassano?
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scottishvisitor Jan 31, 2008 at 2:19 PM

Would love to get lost in Venice & explore the back streets = seeing the light must have been a great delight even if it may have been by default!
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BeatChick Aug 24, 2007 at 5:42 AM

Hey TPal! I'm wanting to stay at the Hotel Antica Locanda Montin and am doing research. Imagine my surprise when I do a search on VT & come across YOUR tip, from my pal, TPal!! :D
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craic Oct 20, 2006 at 4:55 PM

amazing
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nighthawk Aug 27, 2006 at 8:30 AM

wow, u don t have to refer to other people's pages! your pages are lovely! and just thank you! for showing me nighttime venice! loved it!
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Fam.Rauca Mar 5, 2006 at 11:28 AM

First, I thank you, for the visit of my Venice web page. I read your commentary, looked also your Venice page, and was impressed from your wonderful work. Your precious photos, are a joy for the eyes. Thanks! Gabriela
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evaanna Jan 28, 2006 at 10:54 AM

Your page is a pleasure to read and the photos are fabulous.
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Luchonda Dec 17, 2005 at 4:48 PM

Fantastic night pics of Venice - greetz
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uglyscot Oct 29, 2005 at 2:28 AM

I love the glimpses you give of the hidden [non-tourist] side of Venice.