BONNIE

I've heard enough glowing reports about Venice to know that it's a MUST SEE city.... but somewhere in the back of my mind, I think I've heard/read somewhere that the canal can get very smelly and can ruin the experience - is this true? If so, is there a time of the year when this is worse? I was thinking of going to Venice for 3 days towards the end of August this year. Any comments?

Uncle Sam

In the Summer, when the temperatures are warmer the canals can carry a ratehr unpleasant odor.<BR><BR>US

Gregg

I love the smell of seafood-sewage-petrol in the morning. Don't worry, by day 2 you'll acclimante.

Tina

I was there during the latter part of October & didn't encounter any odors. I've heard that heat & humidity in August can make the city uncomfortable & 'pungent'. People still go there in droves during summertime, so couldn't be that disgusting.<BR>

Janda

We were worried about it being smelly also. It wasnt in the slightest. Venice is so incredibly beautiful. You will have a wonderful time...

Jack

Yes, very smelly in the summer, specially August. They call it Canal No. 5. However, the BO from the French tourist covers the stench.

my experience

I have been to Venice twice, both times in August. It is so beautiful. No, the canals did not smell bad. And YES it is an incredible, must see city.

Capo

Hi Bonnie. I would think the canals would be at their worst in the heat of summer. We were there for seven days in mid-April and didn't notice any offensive odors from the canals. <BR><BR>Even if they did get very smelly, it's hard for me to imagine that those odors could actually ruin someone's experience in this amazing -- and yes, must-see -- city.

Kay

I was there a few days ago. I only really smelled the canal on one occasion, and it wasn't bad. I am currently on a trip and have found fellow fodorites advice very accurate, so I would pay attention to it. At the same time, if you have to go in August, going is going to be better than missing Venice altogether. Kay

xxx

It would take Venice YEARS to get anywhere NEAR as smelly as New Orleans. If you can walk down Bourbon Street, you can handle the worst Venice has to offer.

Art

<BR>No.

Donna

Venice is so visually beautiful that whether you are there on a smelly day or not, you wont notice it.<BR>

Thyra

My husband and I were there in March and didn't smell a thing. We just fell in love with Venice.

xxxx

Ha ha! Too true about Bourbon Street!<BR><BR>I was there last week. It wasn't too hot, but there was no offensive smell whatsoever (just the typical light ocean smell). It's a fantastic city.

BONNIE

Many thanks for all the feedback. It sounds like the odour is overwhelmed by the beauty.... I'm gonna take a chance! See you there in August!