Is Venice overrated?
Jun 22nd, 2016, 09:17 AM
#1
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Is Venice overrated?
My husband and I are doing a trip to Switzerland for a few days at the end of August and then we were planning on spending the rest of our vacation in North Italy.
We were trying to stay in North Italy (we fly in and out of Milan) and originally wanted to do 2 locations which are kind of far apart , Venice and San Gimignano in Tuscany.
We also thought at first of swapping Tuscany with Cinque Terre but after i heard how terribly packed it gets with tourists there in the summer time, i got a big turned off...
Lately, we have been hearing feedback from actual people that have been to Venice that it is filled with tourists and has a feeling of "Times Square " of NYC and that food is not all that great..
Yes, i would love to ride in gondola and have that romantic experience with my husband, but is it really worth the trip there for a few days ?
WE have been thinking that is it better to just do Tuscany and then move somewhere in the Riviera? Any suggestion where?
We are not into museums or things like that, so mostly would just like to vacation at places that have great food, culture and a lot of natural beauty.
Would love to get some info from others who have been to Venice and the rest of Italy.
We were trying to stay in North Italy (we fly in and out of Milan) and originally wanted to do 2 locations which are kind of far apart , Venice and San Gimignano in Tuscany.
We also thought at first of swapping Tuscany with Cinque Terre but after i heard how terribly packed it gets with tourists there in the summer time, i got a big turned off...
Lately, we have been hearing feedback from actual people that have been to Venice that it is filled with tourists and has a feeling of "Times Square " of NYC and that food is not all that great..
Yes, i would love to ride in gondola and have that romantic experience with my husband, but is it really worth the trip there for a few days ?
WE have been thinking that is it better to just do Tuscany and then move somewhere in the Riviera? Any suggestion where?
We are not into museums or things like that, so mostly would just like to vacation at places that have great food, culture and a lot of natural beauty.
Would love to get some info from others who have been to Venice and the rest of Italy.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 09:29 AM
#2
I would say that for someone who goes at the height of tourist season for a short stay in the busiest parts of town then, yes, it's over-rated. However, if you can stay a week in a neighborhood out of the center (maybe defined as not in close proximity to the Grand Canal), are willing to walk and explore, then there's just no place like it.
As in so many places in the world that have hosted tourists for centuries or even decades, it will be crowded in the center in high season, especially during the hours when cruisers & daytrippers descend. But if you have a sense of adventure and are willing to stay off the (very) beaten path, you'll find quiet neighborhoods to which 9 out of 10 (or 99 out of 100) visitors never venture. As with so many things, it's up to you what you find.
As in so many places in the world that have hosted tourists for centuries or even decades, it will be crowded in the center in high season, especially during the hours when cruisers & daytrippers descend. But if you have a sense of adventure and are willing to stay off the (very) beaten path, you'll find quiet neighborhoods to which 9 out of 10 (or 99 out of 100) visitors never venture. As with so many things, it's up to you what you find.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 09:31 AM
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I don't think you should try to plan your trip based on my opinion of Venice. I don't like it as much as some do, but I would never warn people off because one should go to decide for oneself.
That said, if it really puts a kink in your plans, then leave it off. It's your trip, nobody else's. Do what is right for you.
That said, if it really puts a kink in your plans, then leave it off. It's your trip, nobody else's. Do what is right for you.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 09:35 AM
#4
There is a reason people flock to certain places, wouldn't you agree? So, if you don;t want to be in these places along with everybody else I suggest you go at some other time of the year.
Is Venice overrated? NO, and how could it be unless all those millions of people are WRONG?
Is Venice overrated? NO, and how could it be unless all those millions of people are WRONG?
Jun 22nd, 2016, 09:42 AM
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mrsliv: from your OP:
"We are not into museums or things like that, so mostly would just like to vacation at places that have great food, culture and a lot of natural beauty"
Churches with great works of art, as well as museums, are a big part of Venice's attractions. Great food needs to be sought in Venice, one doesn't just trip over it, as in some other places. Natural beauty is not what Venice is about; it's about man made beauty.
I'm not sure what you classify as "culture." For me, history, art, architecture, music, etc. are culture. If those aren't your things, Venice may not be for you.
How about Lago di Como? Close to Milan and very very beautiful.
Or as is often recommended here, Santa Margherita Ligure. Really great food in that part of Italy. Lots of natural beauty. No museums and minimal history. Lively resort area with a "feel" if that's what you mean by culture.
"We are not into museums or things like that, so mostly would just like to vacation at places that have great food, culture and a lot of natural beauty"
Churches with great works of art, as well as museums, are a big part of Venice's attractions. Great food needs to be sought in Venice, one doesn't just trip over it, as in some other places. Natural beauty is not what Venice is about; it's about man made beauty.
I'm not sure what you classify as "culture." For me, history, art, architecture, music, etc. are culture. If those aren't your things, Venice may not be for you.
How about Lago di Como? Close to Milan and very very beautiful.
Or as is often recommended here, Santa Margherita Ligure. Really great food in that part of Italy. Lots of natural beauty. No museums and minimal history. Lively resort area with a "feel" if that's what you mean by culture.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 09:48 AM
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If you don't like to be surrounded by tourists don't go.
I know of some places which attract no tourists. Like Charleroi in Belgium. But there is reason for it. There is nothing to see.
So ? Going to some place beautiful in high season obviously means flocks of tourists. It will be the case in San gimignano Firenze etc.
I know of some places which attract no tourists. Like Charleroi in Belgium. But there is reason for it. There is nothing to see.
So ? Going to some place beautiful in high season obviously means flocks of tourists. It will be the case in San gimignano Firenze etc.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 09:55 AM
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I think the idea of
a place = over rated; is too simplistic. It rules out many destinations.
I think it is more like:
a place, at certain time of the year, at certain time of the day, doing certain activities = "over rated".
With astonishing rise in selfie-stick toting mass group tourists from certain countries in just last few years, one need to do more research and plan destination routing in a way to avoid being in a "Times Square" syndrome.
Any place that offers "I was here" photos would attract mass tourists during the group tour hours - around 9am to mid afternoon. Same for places that offers "I bought it here!"
San Gimignano attracts mass tourism during the day, just like Venice, in case you have not thought about it.
So where do you find non "Times Square" moments in Venice? Actually plenty as long as you think counter to these selfie-stick folks.
For example, in Venice, before breakfast time, I go around to take pictures of the city at sunrise. I only see serious photographers at this time. No selfie-stick people. The lighting is not good for "I was here" photos, but stunning for photographers.
Torcello, Mazzorbo, and other minor island offer a tranquility even during the day. No major monuments for "I was here" photo and no luxury goods shopping = no mass tourists.
Dinner away from Rialto or San Marco, offer peaceful experiences. Mass tourists might walk by, but too busy going to the next selfie-stick locations.
a place = over rated; is too simplistic. It rules out many destinations.
I think it is more like:
a place, at certain time of the year, at certain time of the day, doing certain activities = "over rated".
With astonishing rise in selfie-stick toting mass group tourists from certain countries in just last few years, one need to do more research and plan destination routing in a way to avoid being in a "Times Square" syndrome.
Any place that offers "I was here" photos would attract mass tourists during the group tour hours - around 9am to mid afternoon. Same for places that offers "I bought it here!"
San Gimignano attracts mass tourism during the day, just like Venice, in case you have not thought about it.
So where do you find non "Times Square" moments in Venice? Actually plenty as long as you think counter to these selfie-stick folks.
For example, in Venice, before breakfast time, I go around to take pictures of the city at sunrise. I only see serious photographers at this time. No selfie-stick people. The lighting is not good for "I was here" photos, but stunning for photographers.
Torcello, Mazzorbo, and other minor island offer a tranquility even during the day. No major monuments for "I was here" photo and no luxury goods shopping = no mass tourists.
Dinner away from Rialto or San Marco, offer peaceful experiences. Mass tourists might walk by, but too busy going to the next selfie-stick locations.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 10:16 AM
#8
The first time I traveled to Venice it was on a day-trip. I hated it...even called it "Disneyland On Speed."
On our next trip, we spent three nights (keyword is "night" when Venice is magical). As far as the crowds during the day, we tend to stay away from San Marco (for the most part) and wander to different areas. We've visited twice since then.
In short...No, Venice is not overrated.
On our next trip, we spent three nights (keyword is "night" when Venice is magical). As far as the crowds during the day, we tend to stay away from San Marco (for the most part) and wander to different areas. We've visited twice since then.
In short...No, Venice is not overrated.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 10:23 AM
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I don't care for museums either - in my two longest visits to Venice (3 nights each), I think I went to one small one. I spent much more of my time just exploring - not just Venice itself but day trips. Because yes, parts of Venice ARE obnoxiously touristy and crowded especially during the day, and in my opinion, that's a great time to day trip somewhere. (Burano island is a great half day trip by vaporetto water bus.)
But Venice is breathtaking at night especially, when it is far less crowded. Everything is lit up along the canals, and it feels magical. I really love mornings there, too - when you can see more of the "real" Venice, when shopkeepers are setting up, delivery people are carrying in supplies from the boats, etc.
My last visit to Venice was unfortunately a day stop off the train, and I found it pretty miserably crowded. Fortunately, I had stayed over twice before for evenings/mornings and knew what it was really like then. I suspect many people who do only day trips to Venice or who stay on the mainland in Mestre wind up not like Venice much. It can feel like Disneyland.
But Venice is breathtaking at night especially, when it is far less crowded. Everything is lit up along the canals, and it feels magical. I really love mornings there, too - when you can see more of the "real" Venice, when shopkeepers are setting up, delivery people are carrying in supplies from the boats, etc.
My last visit to Venice was unfortunately a day stop off the train, and I found it pretty miserably crowded. Fortunately, I had stayed over twice before for evenings/mornings and knew what it was really like then. I suspect many people who do only day trips to Venice or who stay on the mainland in Mestre wind up not like Venice much. It can feel like Disneyland.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 11:06 AM
#10
No it isn't, but at the end of August, with the heat and crowds, you may find it so.
The paths between St Mark's and the Rialto Bridge can get so crowded, that it is might be possible to walk the distance using heads as stwepping stones (I'm not recommending it - but it is wall to wall - or wall to canal bodies)
The food isn't great - particularly when compared to the rest of Italy.
As others have said - It is magical - particularly at night or early morning (go exploring at 6am - it's just you and the street sweepers in St Mark's). Get lost - it's not hard to do, and you're never really far from a vaporetto stop to get you back to where you need to be. There are some lovely , unspoilt areas where tourists seldom go.
San Gimignao sufers from a similar hordes of tourist problem.
The paths between St Mark's and the Rialto Bridge can get so crowded, that it is might be possible to walk the distance using heads as stwepping stones (I'm not recommending it - but it is wall to wall - or wall to canal bodies)
The food isn't great - particularly when compared to the rest of Italy.
As others have said - It is magical - particularly at night or early morning (go exploring at 6am - it's just you and the street sweepers in St Mark's). Get lost - it's not hard to do, and you're never really far from a vaporetto stop to get you back to where you need to be. There are some lovely , unspoilt areas where tourists seldom go.
San Gimignao sufers from a similar hordes of tourist problem.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 11:07 AM
#11
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When you get off the water shuttle from the airport it's craziness. I was floored and I'm from NYC. This was at the end of September.
At night, yes the big ship tourists are gone and it calms down.
I wasn't a fan, but that's me.
At night, yes the big ship tourists are gone and it calms down.
I wasn't a fan, but that's me.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 11:45 AM
#12
Venice is overrated if you show up as a bumpkin with a suitcase.
Plan your visit. Do your homework.
Know where you are staying. Don't be afraid to go off the beaten path.
Venice stinks at times, like sh#t and brine. Accept that. It is apart of a city built on seawater.
Don't eat at restaurants just because they have menus printed in English.
Dont spend all your time looking for cheap souvenirs and Murano glass.
Thin
Plan your visit. Do your homework.
Know where you are staying. Don't be afraid to go off the beaten path.
Venice stinks at times, like sh#t and brine. Accept that. It is apart of a city built on seawater.
Don't eat at restaurants just because they have menus printed in English.
Dont spend all your time looking for cheap souvenirs and Murano glass.
Thin
Jun 22nd, 2016, 12:39 PM
#13
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We do think it is over rated. The problem is us-tourists and the attendant problems hordes of tourist bring.
Two SIL's who went there recently said it was their favorite city. One has visited 5 continents, the other has spent considerable time in Spain and Italy.
Two SIL's who went there recently said it was their favorite city. One has visited 5 continents, the other has spent considerable time in Spain and Italy.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 12:46 PM
#14
I didn't say it in my first post but I believe it's the most beautiful city in the world, one of a kind. So do many others and even more stop in to find out. But the crowds, limited to particular areas and times of the day, are easy to avoid.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 12:48 PM
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I love Venice but only in the winter months when there are fewer people and it's not hot/muggy.
I like the idea of combining Lake Como and Santa Margherita Ligure. Both may be crowded but probably not as crowded as Venice and San Gimignano.
Better yet, rent a car and spend your time in the Piedmont region exploring villages, small cities and lovely countryside. The food and wine are terrific in Piedmont.
I like the idea of combining Lake Como and Santa Margherita Ligure. Both may be crowded but probably not as crowded as Venice and San Gimignano.
Better yet, rent a car and spend your time in the Piedmont region exploring villages, small cities and lovely countryside. The food and wine are terrific in Piedmont.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 01:02 PM
#16
Venice is absolutely gobsmacking gorgeous -- one of the most beautiful/photogenic places on earth. One doesn't need to go inside a single museum if they don't want.
But during the day - in the middle of summer - in St Marks Sq or around the Rialto Bridge . . . It is a mob scene and tourist central.
But during the day - in the middle of summer - in St Marks Sq or around the Rialto Bridge . . . It is a mob scene and tourist central.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 02:04 PM
#18
No, it is not overrated, but I would never plan to go in August.
If you want a destination not on the main tourist trail, but in Northern Italy, I recently enjoyed Turin. Or, further south, I like Ferrara, although I also use it as a base for visiting Ravenna, where the wonderful mosaics may be too much like museums for you. Bologna is nearby and would satisfy your interest in food.
If you want a destination not on the main tourist trail, but in Northern Italy, I recently enjoyed Turin. Or, further south, I like Ferrara, although I also use it as a base for visiting Ravenna, where the wonderful mosaics may be too much like museums for you. Bologna is nearby and would satisfy your interest in food.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 02:22 PM
#19
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Its worth visiting once ( I have visited twice).. but in summer.. no.. its crowded and hot and sometimes smelly. I also have never been impressed with food.
However,, I do not regret going.. just glad I only allowed 3 nights each time.. sorry ..I would never stay longer.
PS That said.. I wouldn't go in winter either.. its a city to wander and I am not big into wandering around in wet weather.. so I think April-May would be nice.
However,, I do not regret going.. just glad I only allowed 3 nights each time.. sorry ..I would never stay longer.
PS That said.. I wouldn't go in winter either.. its a city to wander and I am not big into wandering around in wet weather.. so I think April-May would be nice.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 02:33 PM
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Good discussion! I am in the camp of those who find Venice breathtaking, but I did not go in August, and it does sound as if crowds have worsened considerably in recent years.
I do not think it is overrated.
But I am still stuck on the question of what "culture" means to the OP.
<I'm not sure what you classify as "culture." For me, history, art, architecture, music, etc. are culture.>
I agree, and so would welcome clarification.
I do not think it is overrated.
But I am still stuck on the question of what "culture" means to the OP.
<I'm not sure what you classify as "culture." For me, history, art, architecture, music, etc. are culture.>
I agree, and so would welcome clarification.
