We had just a morning to explore Venice, so we skipped the museums and grand tours and focused on what the city does best—its streets, canals, and everyday beauty. No rigid plan, just a few hours to get lost in the maze that is Venice. It was more than enough to fall in love with the place.
The first thing we did was dive into the narrow streets, walking alongside the canals. Gondolas were everywhere—those sleek black boats gliding through the water with a certain grace. We didn’t take a ride ourselves (not in the mood for the tourist splurge), but they were definitely a classic Venice moment to witness. A couple of the gondola parking spots along the waterfront made for great photo ops.
From there, we ended up in a couple of piazzas, each more charming than the last. The big highlight of the morning was Piazza San Marco — even if you’ve heard a million things about it, seeing it in person is something else. The Basilica di San Marco towers over everything with its domes and detailed mosaics. The square was buzzing with people, but it didn’t feel overwhelming. It’s the heart of Venice, and you can feel the city’s pulse right there.

As we wandered away from the main sights, the city got quieter. This is where Venice really shines—down side streets and over little stone bridges, where it’s just you and the sound of the water lapping at the buildings. We crossed the Rialto Bridge at some point and passed by the Rialto Market, which was full of vibrant fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth checking out just for the vibe.

We also stopped in a few quirky shops along the way. Venice is full of these little places packed with personality, from intricate masks to unique glass pieces. It’s easy to find something unexpected around every corner.
By the time our morning in Venice wrapped up, we found ourselves by the Grand Canal again, watching the waterbuses and gondolas go by. Even with just a few hours, Venice left its mark.
And then, it was time to head off to Murano. But that’s a story for another post…

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