Hello Ingo, this may be a strange question but how did you always know the name of each bridge, piazza, calle you were in? And what the churches and other buildings were called? Did you refer constantly to a map? I don't remember a lot of signage in Venice but my last visit was a long time ago (too long, sigh...)

Holly_uncasdewar: Thank you for reading and for your kind words!
Trophywife007: The trip itself was over too soon for us also! But we decided we must go back. Yes, my mom enjoyed Venice so very much, she loved it! Thank you for your praise
rialtogrl: Your tips were very, very helpful. Thanks again! And thank you for reading this report.
KayF: No, not a strange question at all. At first I also found it quite difficult to navigate in Venice ... all these little alleys that looked similar! But then I found out there were signs, not really new, at each little square and alley, names of bridges, too. They are scratched or painted high up (3 m) on the walls of the buildings - no screaming colors, so you don't see them as a newbie (see pictures below.) And the churches had little plaques with the name and at least when it was built. I used mapy.com (based on openstreetmap), not google maps (which has too many ads for my taste) from time to time, but not constantly.


sign "Corte Prima Del Milion" and in the back "Calle Del Milion"


not easy to read, but the sign says: "Ponte S. Pietro" and below: "Calle Larga de Castello"

I forgot to add that your use of the Vaporetti in making last minute adjustments/changes was impressive.

Trophywife007: Thanks for that compliment! It probably helped a lot that I use public transportation at home in Germany extensively (although I do have a car). At the end of the day it is not so very different whether it is a bus, tram, train or vaporetto that you take - once you understood how the system works. Also, I highly recommend to buy a pass (3 days, a whole week or so.) Makes last minute decisions easy.

Thank you Ingo. I noticed in the bottom photo the steps have been altered slightly on the left. I wonder if that's to help anyone with a rolling bag - luggage or shopping. Also an added handrail, for safety perhaps.

Of course it could have been built that way.

Thank you for the wonderful report and terrific pictures! Makes me want to get right back to Venice. So much great info here!

SusanP: Thank you for reading and your kind comment!

Ingo, your photos and report bring back so many wonderful memories of our trip to Venice last May. You were so smart to spend a whole week in Venice. You explored the backstreets and canals, saw a lot of wonderful churches, and really got off the beaten track.

I especially enjoyed seeing your photos of the Frari Church. We walked past it one evening on our way to dinner, but we didn't have time to go inside. Loved seeing your photos of Murano and Burano since we didn't go there, either. The photos of Ca Rezzonica, the Accademia Bridge, and photos taken from the Accademia Bridge remind me so much of our trip. Our hotel was in Dorsoduro, about a 1-minute walk from Accademia Bridge. We visited Ca Rezzonica, which is awesome, but we didn't have time for the Accademia Museum.

Your photos of Sunset over Venice are stunning!

I feel sorry for the people who only spend one day in Venice. They see Venice at its most crowded worse time, and they don't really get the essence of Venice. I understand, of course, that sometimes one day is all people have time for, but they are missing out on so much. Venice is one of my favorite places, and it really does live up to its hype, IMO.

Thanks so much for this lovely report and terrific photos. Glad that you and your mom had a good visit. [I took my mom to Venice in 2008 and again in fall 2024--I think your mom is more agile than mine these days!]

I spend a week in Venice every other year for the Art Biennale. There is so much to do and enjoy in the city (and nearby), and your report reflects that. I agree with you and others that this city is most enjoyable when one has time to wander, explore, and discover.

Ingo, what a great read! Thank you for all the details and the wonderful photos. It took me back to Venice, including the blooming wisteria. You and your mom covered so much ground (literally).Do you think you will go back?

KarenWoo: Thank you! I cannot agree more with you - one or two overnights at least are a 'must' to really get the spirit of Venice. The city is soooo unique! Too bad you did not see the interior of the Frari church and did not have the time for the excursion to the northern islands. Completely different from central Venice. I hope you will go back!

Leely2: Thank YOU for your kind words! You are so lucky to spend a full week in Venice every other year. I am green of envy!! ;-) Venice must be quite crowded, though, during the Art Biennale, no?

gomiki: Thank you for following my report. You are so kind. Hm, you know to ask the tough questions ;-) Yes, I will go back - but not too soon. I still have that fresh memories, and you cannot repeat all this. I fear I might be disappointed next time (if i return too soon), be it the weather, bad restaurant experiences, maybe unfriendly people ... whatever.

Ingo, yes, to a future return. You stated it perfectly. Expecting (or hoping) for something so good too soon can be unrealistic. Better to have some time for a new experience. When you do I will happily read your report!

Ingo, thanks a lot for this fabulous and very detailed story about your trip to Venice. Reading it is like travelling there myself.

HORSCHECK: Thank you for reading and for the kind comment. Time to really go back to Venice, eh?

Ingo, I’m one of ‘those’ travellers that day tripped to Venice while we were in Verona (family trip, so kids were with us)
Even though it is not ideal, it really was wonderful and I am glad we had a glimpse of it.
But I am sold on a longer stay, your exploration beyond the usual was so fascinating.

Fabulous that you could travel with your mother, we still take mine on domestic trips, as overseas is no longer possible for her.

Adelaidean: Thank you! My first trip to Venice (many years ago) was also a day trip ;-) Not so wonderful, and that's why it took so long to return. I can only encourage you to stay longer and visit the islands, too.

Oh yeah, mom was a trooper. I was surprised. She's usually not a city person, but I guess it was the right mix with the islands.

Soooo, she doesn't live in Dresden then, I assume...

Small town nearby. Very rural, rolling green hills ...