I am picking up a car in Munich in late March, and I am Planning a driving trip through northern and central Italy. I am having serious second thoughts about going to Venice; here are a few of my issues.....I have been to Venice before, but it was when I was a teenager traveling with my family - I remember liking it, but thinking that the two or three days there was plenty....I will be traveling alone, and in my mind, Venice is really a "couply" romantic place...I am not a huge fan of overly touristy places....The hotel and restaurant prices are high (I am booked at The Danieli for a basic room at about $300/night), and the value low...I am not thrilled about trusting my new car in some parking lot out of my sight....I am planning on doing just 24 hours there; and it just seems like a big hassle; lugging my bags, on and off vaparettos, etc. - just for a night in Venice....I just think it would be better to go another time, for a few days, when I am with someone I care about.

BUT, On the other hand...I am going to be in the neighborhood, it seems silly not to stop by for a night or two. So many people think Venice is just the most magical place on earth; is it that great, or do some of the supposed negatives I've mentioned have merit?...Am I absolutely crazy and overly negative about this?

Thank you.

It sounds to me like you don't want to go, you have more minuses than plusses in your post. Will you be worried about your car? Do you have to stay at the Danieli? You know already there are tourists in Venice.

Go someplace else, you will be on vacation, do what you want to do.

you could overnight in chioggia,or other nearby town, and then take the ferry to lido/or train /bus for a day trip, have a nice meal, walk around, see another museum... and do venice that way if you really wanted to visit again being "so close" as you say.

then, depending on your feelings, you could always book something simple for the next /that night once there, couldn't you?

Where will you be leaving your car anyway when visiting other cities? I don't know if a venice garage is more dangerous than a vicenza one, for ex.

this is not an "am i nuts decision". Whatever pleases you most. like said.. its your vacation!

have a great time, whatever!

THere are so many other lovely places; skip venice since you have already been there. Are you going to Napoli?

I think it makes sense to skip Venice on this trip. If you think you may get back another time and will be able to spend a few days there instead of trying to do it in 24 hours then it makes sense to wait.

Go to Venice Menstre, stay in the hotel and park you car there. Get on the train and take the 10 minute trip over to Venice Island. Fare E1.
No worries.

I think Venice is lovely, but would want at least two nights - for one night, I would probably skip it unless there is something there you really want to see.

You were there as a teen, which is different then being there as an adult. There are many side streets to roam and Venice is a great place to just 'get lost' and roam - I think you should read up on Venice, and see if there are things there you truly want to see that would interest you now as an adult that you didnt' see on your visit as a teen, then make up your mind. But I wouldn't go just to go if there isn't something there that peaks your interest. See if the Palace, one of the islands (Murano is my least favorite of them), or new area to explore in Venice grabs your attention.

If not, then you can leave Venice for another time and choose a new destination for that night or two.

Thanks for the responses - very helpful.
I do like the idea of doing a day trip there; I am planning on staying in Asolo the night before, so I won't be too far from Venice; good idea, thanks.

I like CU's suggestion of staying in Mestre... or not going there at all. There are so many other wonderful places to see!

I've traveled to numerous European cities. Venice is the only one that would not make my "return" list. Believe me, Venice hasn't change since you were a teenager, except perhaps in it's depth below sea level.

from your original post it sounds like you don't really want to go. so why go? i don't get it.

that said, you certainly don't have to give $300 for a hotel room nor do I consider Venice particularly romantic or a place for couples only (having been there twice, once solo and once with a friend).

Are you crazy for considering skipping Venice? Absolutely, without a doubt, thousand times over, YES!!! IMO, this is the only city in Italy which I would never "skip," ever, ever, at any cost.

However, I am not here to change your mind or even attempt to influence it in any way. And, it sounds like you have already made up your mind anyway. So, just let it go.

Anna Roz

"Suze" - I posted because I was seeking guidance - what's so hard to get? While I am leaning towards not going, the whole point of this forum is to get insight from others who may have more knowledge and experience, or have a fresh perspective different from your own (and vice versa).

As for the $300 hotel, let's not get into what to spend or not to spend on hotels; that goes nowhere. I like staying in nice hotels, whether they be $200 or $500 per night. My only point was that in Venice, my hotel expectations for that price (plus the $50 parking for my car) are low. $300 seems to be the starting point for a nice hotel in a small room in the off-season. Venice is no bargain.

Perhaps you are correct; maybe I don't have a burning desire to go to Venice - but I am trying to find out if I am missing something. That's all. Nothing more, nothing less.

You said -I assumed it was a complaint- the hotel price was high, that it was an overly touristy place for couples, that you didn't want to take your new car there, and that it would be better to go another time instead with someone you loved. So yes you came across as overly negative about Venice. But there's nothing wrong with that. Not everyone likes every place. And not every city must be included in every itinerary. So sure, skip Venice, no you aren't crazy, it doesn't fit in with what you want to do.

BTW you are the one who mentioned the price of your hotel. I simply stated if that is a major reason for skipping Venice you can certainly find nice alternatives at lesser prices. My favorite hotel in Venice is half that price and very very nice.

You say you want a fresh perspective, then you say "let's not get into that" and give me a hard time for my reply.

You want to find out if you will be missing something... of course you will, you will be missing Venice -lol.

Fishskis, I can't imagine doing a day trip to Venice and walking away with anything more than confirming your feeling that Venice is overly touristy. If you choose to spend a night at the Danieli, your choice of hotel location will still confirm that feeling. Here's what I would do - spend a night AWAY from the San Marco/Rialto/Accademia triangle. There are other sestieres that will give you a whole different taste of the city, while you can still get to those spots in a short walk or vaporetto ride. My suggestion would be to find a nice hotel near the Salute, or San Giovanni e Paolo, or the Arsenale, or Misericordia area, to name just a few, and see a different side of Venice.

Anna - Actually, I have not made up my mind; and I appreciate all the helpful posts here. I tried to share all my "negatives" as concerns with question marks, seeking alternative views. I do not know Venice at all, and I am looking for compelling reasons to go, or to skip. For me, most places are on a clear list; either I know I want to go, or I know I really have no interest - in the case of Venice I am really ambivalent.

Holly - Thank you for your thoughts. I will consider what you suggested, and do some more research. I am completely undecided, and I will probably change my plans a few times between now and March.

Thank you again for the help.

In a new car, I'd rather spend the time in the Alto Aldige/Sudtirol area. In fact, I can't think of a better way to see it. But where were you planning to cross the mountains into Italy? Where in northern/central Italy do you intend to go?

Keep in mind that some on this forum advise "Venice or bust," no matter the circumstances. But Venice takes some effort and time to get to. For the trip you have briefly described, I think it would be more enjoyable to keep driving.