I owe this title to a lovely girl whom I had met during my stay in the beautiful city of Venice. I had not made this observation myself despite exploring the city for some hours. Perhaps I was too used to travelling on foot! Venice had been on my bucket list for some time, and I finally got the opportunity to visit over this past summer. The city may have been a little expensive for my student budget, but fulfilling some dreams are just worth it!

I have seen many postcards, and many fellow travellers have spoken about the city’s beauty, but nothing compared to seeing it in person. Journeying from Venice Marco Polo Airport on the mainland to the islands of Venice was like crossing into a different realm. Finally, I beheld the city for myself, and I was blown away by its magnificence. All of it: the gondolas, the canals, the Venetian archways; it was like gazing on the divine!

The most beautiful city in the world

Venice’s beauty is unparalleled. It is certainly one of if not the most beautiful cities I have ever explored. It has been named the most beautiful city in the world countless times, and for good reason! Venetian architecture conveys an air of grandeur. I spent my days wandering the streets and canals, getting lost in the splendour of the city. Exploring on foot is simply the most intimate way to get to know Venice.

Piazza San Marco

Europe is famous for its public squares; most European cities have one. I have visited many of them during my travels, but Venice’s St. Mark’s Square unquestionably stands out above the rest. I love it when a city’s main attractions are concentrated in one spot. I spent many hours at St. Mark’s, just contemplating my surroundings. There is something exquisite to admire no matter where you turn. Being an aesthete, Piazza San Marco was undeniably my favourite spot in the city.

Saint Mark’s Basilica

The square is named after Saint Mark, whose remains are housed in Saint Mark’s Basilica. It is impossible to visit every single attraction in a city like Venice. This is especially true if you are on a tight budget or strict schedule. I like to choose just one or two sites that interest me the most and enjoy them at a leisurely pace. Trying to do as much as possible as fast as possible transforms the vacation into yet another to-do list, making it more stressful than enjoyable!

Saint Mark’s Campanile

The spectacular structure of St Mark’s Campanile stands right next to the cathedral, watching over it, day after day. You can take the lift to the top of the bell tower for a bird’s eye view of the entire square, but do take note, tickets are expensive, and lines are long in Venice. After all, it is one of Italy’s most popular cities. I strongly recommend getting a head start on the day to avoid the crowds and the long lines!

Bridge of Sighs

Located right next to the Doge’s Palace is the Bridge of Sighs. With a build as unique as its name, it is the most interesting bridge in all of Venice, at least to me. You will see many people crowding the area as it is an excellent spot for a photo opportunity. I was fortunate enough to have a few quiet moments to myself, watching the skilled gondoliers guide their gondolas under the bridge. What an interesting profession!

Cutting costs not experiences

I am a strong advocate of cutting costs while travelling; this entire blog is written from the perspective of a student on a budget. However, this mindset works well in some places and less well in others. Unfortunately, the reality is that Venice is just an expensive city. I believe in saving as much as possible, but it should not compromise your experience. Sometimes you may have to exceed your budget for the experiences you desire but don’t feel guilty! Money can always be recovered but the present moment will never return!

Spending the night in Venice

Staying on Venice’s islands is more expensive than staying on the mainland, but it was an experience I was not going to miss out on. Most tourists commute to Venice during the day by bus, train, or water taxi, making it considerably more crowded. The city was quiet and peaceful at night once the hordes of tourists had left. I was more than willing to pay extra to experience the city’s unique charm. As I wandered the streets in the evening, it felt like I had the entire city to myself.

Rialto Bridge

Spending the night in Venice is also the only way to experience the city’s sights without any distractions. I set out at dawn to explore the city, well before the bulk of tourists arrived. The Rialto Bridge is usually lined with people from end to end during the day. Staying in Venice was an experience I desired, and I am glad I got it. It made for some lovely photos as well, which I am happy to share with you today. It was definitely worth it!

Riding a gondola

Many would say that riding a gondola is one of those things you have to do while in Venice. However, there are no absolutes when it comes to travel experiences—different people want different things! If riding a gondola through the canals of Venice is an experience you desire, I say go for it! It was, unfortunately, a little too pricey for my taste and something I was not really interested in. Walking was my preferred mode of transportation!

Exploring the canals

Venice was my cup of tea as walking was the only option. There were no roads for cars, and there were too many steps and bridges for bicycles. That did not matter to me; I loved exploring on foot! The real beauty of Venice lies in its tiny canals, the ones you stumble upon when you venture away from the main streets. I sensed an atmosphere of romance as I ambled through the streets. Life was beautiful, and I felt like anything was possible (I feel this way a lot).

As I strolled along Venice’s charming streets, I came across a girl sitting by a canal. Her hand moved swiftly as she added the most vibrant colours to her sketch of the canal, bringing it to life. I was thoroughly impressed and could not resist saying hello. We spent the day together, exploring Venice’s quaint streets; Alba shared my passion for exploring. That is the story of how two people started the day as strangers and ended it as friends. Every connection starts with a simple hello!

Do check out Alba’s art if you are interested. I promise you will not be disappointed! On that pleasant note, I end this short piece about my time in Venice. I hope you enjoyed reading it, and do not hesitate to ask me any questions in the comments down below. Wishing you an awesome rest of the week!