Venice, an ornate maze

Capital of the Veneto region of Italy, Venice is an enchanting and radiant city. Full of color, picturesque canals, and choicest people watching, this city can also make one feel like a mouse in a maze.

Stepping out of the train station for the first time in Venice can be confusing and distracting. Water canals filled with taxi boats, gondolas, and delivery barges fill the water. Grand historic palaces, shops, and restaurants adorn every street. Throngs of tourist meander along every passageway trying to avoid the tenacious street vendors. The best time to visit Venice is early in the morning or wintertime to avoid the tourist-filled streets.

I visited Venice in low and high tourist times. Fortunately, the city was about 30 minutes from our home in Northern Italy. Even though it will be crowded, one of the premier events of the year is Carnavale (Carnival of Venice). This annual festival held at the end of February is most well-know for the dramatic costumes and fascinating masks.

Each time I visited Venice, I felt as though everyone’s goal was to reach Piazza San Marco (or St. Mark’s Square). Signs posted on street corners direct tourist in the direction of the famous piazza. Although one wrong turn could lead to a dead end or in an even thicker maze of winding alleyways. It’s also possible to hop aboard a water taxi from the train station that will take you wherever your heart desires within the city. However you get there, Piazza San Marco is surely worth it!

Venice is a city meant for meandering. It’s countless cafes and outdoor seating areas are welcome reminders to take a pause and appreciate life. It’s hard to not feel fortunate when roaming through a city such as this. Venice has recently taken measures to control tourism and the strain on such large numbers of visitors to the city. It’s impossible to not make a stop here if travelling in Europe, but remember to always respect the locals, the history, and try to travel in the off season. Maybe even make Venice a day trip from a neighboring town and not stay overnight here – the city is quiet at night and shuts down around 9pm anyway!