I’m potentially going to Italy in late September, and mainly want to go to Rome, but would also like to see another region.
From the UK flights to Venice and Rome are similar in cost, and I’m considering flying into Venice in the morning, spending 1 night, and then getting the train to Rome the following afternoon.
For those who have been is 1 night enough to get an idea of the area? Or would it feel too rushed and not really worth it?
I would love to stay for longer but trying to keep costs down, and not sure if i am better off just staying in Rome.
Also, other than exploring Venice itself, are there any ‘must see’ attractions I shouldn’t miss if I do go?
Venice is absolutely worth exploring over a few days. I haven’t been for a few years now, so it may have become more quiet and there is now an entry fee. But I lived there for a whole month and explored something new every day! Most tourists just hit the highlights—San Marco (cathedral and square) and the Rialto Bridge— but the whole city is an open-air museum! There are so many beautiful churches, so much art, so many atmospheric quarters (there are 6), plus the islands…you can stay in Padova (a 30 min train ride) and easily commute into Venice. Padova is a beautiful city in its own right!
Honestly, I think you’ll need at least 1 full day, so 2 nights, and that’s still rushing it. Venice is a special place. Yes it can be touristy, but I feel that it’s warranted here because it’s so amazingly beautiful.
If you can’t give it the time it deserves, perhaps skip it and plan to come back when you have more time. Rome in 5 days is doable and you’d probably have a few days in there for day trips to nearby places, but Venice and Rome in 5 days could be done if it’s more half-and-half with your schedule.
@ck_explorer1000 Both Venice and Rome are incredible, and honestly, both have so much to see.
One night in Venice might not feel like enough, but if your time is limited, I still think it’s worth it. Venice is so unique — even just wandering through the canals in the evening and early morning gives you a special atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
If you can stay one night, arrive early and leave the next afternoon, you can still get a good feel for the city. It may feel a little rushed, but I don’t think you’d regret seeing it.
If anything, it might just make you want to come back for longer
@ck_explorer1000 I just came back from Venice. I arrived on Saturday morning by sleeper train. And left Monday morning early. For me, this was the perfect amount of time.
In the two days I did the following:
You walk everywhere! It is easy to walk from one side of Venice to the other in 40min. By walking, you see SO much already.
I did a food tour on Saturday evening, which was a great way to experience local food culture. Wrote about it here.
On Sunday, I walked again and went to the Doge Palace. Was beautiful and the audio guide was very good.
After the palace, I went for a long lunch at one of the restaurants the food tour guide suggested. Food coma, but worth it!
And then I walked some more to catch the sunset on Ponte dell’Accademia for that iconic photo.
And then I wandered home, stopping at small bars, having a drink at each.
In my opinion, two days are enough to cover the highlights.
