I visited Venice in May, 2018. I planned the trip around my birthday- a birthday to remember! I spent three days in this unique place.

Venice is divided into six districts (sestieri): San Marco, Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, San Polo, and Santa Croce. My goal was to visit all of the sestieri, which I did. I have never walked so much in my life. To get around in this city you have two main options: boats and walking. Locals will tell you to walk to places, they will say that is the best way to explore Venice and I could not agree more. Allow yourself to walk around and get lost. There are so many alleys that is almost impossible to not get lost in Venice but don`t worry you will find your way. If you have your phone use Google maps because it is a big help.

I stayed in the San Polo really close to Rialto Bridge one of the main touristic attractions in Venice. People like to take pictures from the top of the bridge and it is indeed a nice view. Also, here you can find a nice fish market with fresh local produces. I liked to stay in this area because is near several stores, cafes, and restaurants. The stores are not expensive so it is good for shopping on a budget.

On my first day in Venice I visited the Peggy Guggeinheim Museum. It was an interesting modern art museum specially the view to the Grand Canal but I was not very impressed with the exhibitions in my humble opinion. However, you have to see it for yourself.

Another great way to explore the city is doing a food tour. I did the Jewish Ghetto Food and Wine tour and it was really nice to explore the flavors of Venice while learning the history of one of its historic districts. Of course Italy is known for its amazing culinary. I had some delicious food while I was there but specially the best pasta Carbonara of my life at the restaurant Bistrot de Venise. It was by coincidence that I found this restaurant, after a few attempts to find a restaurant open late at night – have in mind restaurants close around 11pm in Venice.

When I was too tired to walk I took the Venetian public transportation: Vaporetto (boats). I recommend to get the daily pass because it is cheaper if you will ride more than once. The Vaporettos are crowded but an easy way to get around.

You can use the Vaportettos to get to another two small islands near Venice called Murano and Burano. I recommend to make this a day trip and visit both islands. Murano is known by the Glassblowing – the practice of shaping a mass of glass by blowing air into it through a tube. I visited a glass factory to watch a Glassblowing demonstration. It was something very unique to watch. I found Murano a bit too commercial and crowded missing a little bit of that Italian charm. That is why I preferred the island of Burano because even with the tourists around you can still find some spots without the crowds. You will see the colorful houses with clothes hanging out the windows and a lot of cats sleeping under the sun.

Tip: On your way to Burano get off at the small island of Mazzorbo, the stop just before Burano. Mazzorbo has a nice garden to relax and to get to Burano just cross the footbridge connecting the two islands.

After visiting all the districts in Venice, Burano, and Murano I  was ready for the second part of my trip : The Amalfi Coast . I will write about it on my next post.