To Venice? or not to Venice?

I did not find it dirty or smelly and I am rather sensitive to that.. . I did find it very expensive, and we had some of our worst meals in Venice.

I do think it is beautiful, especially as you approach it from the water going down the Grand Canal.
I don't know if I would go if it was rainy or dreary,, frankly ,, it is beautiful, but I think in bad weather is would lose some of its " magic" for sure.

Should you go if you have never been, well, I think so.

I have been twice, and I likely will not return unless it is with my hubby who has not been. There isn't alot to do there,, mostly just atmosphere enjoying. It is crowded and the streets around St Marcos square are packed with people and touristy shops, which I did not like, but, if you get out of main area there are pretty little squares with nice little cafes. If it is rainy you would not enjoy that though and since you said trip is in late Oct. I think that increases your chances of rainy days.

But to repeat, it is not dirty or smelly!!( I didn't think so anyways) It is expensive, and food is mediorce at best.

Venice is unlike any other city in the world. It's important to have some sense of its history and architecture and also the ability to spend at least a few nights there. The main tourist destinations can be crowded during the day. But the city as a whole is magical. It's great to have the ability to just wander.

It's by no means dirty and smelly - certainly compared to other Italian cities. Just do more research on this site and you'll find lots of enthusiasm for Venice. It also doesn't have to be expensive. There are plenty of reasonable cafes and restaurants and one of the unique experiences of Venice is eating small plates in its bars.

Sue, I adore Venice. It can be expensive, but I've never really found it to be dirty and smelly. I've been 3 times, all at different times of the year, including October, which is lovely, not so crowded.

Venice is expensive but you can find some reasonable places to stay. We did not find Venice either dirty or smelly. Just magical. It does get crowded during the day with the cruise people in but still, there's no city like it.

I find the biggest challenge with Venice (beyond the expense) is the fact that it isn't really located conveniently to the other main sites people want to see. You don't say how much total time you have in Italy, but if you're planning on fitting in the 'big sites' (Rome, Florence, Tuscany--which is a region and so encompasses a lot of towns), then you may have trouble fitting Venice in.

I'd suggest looking into an open jaw flight, perhaps fly into Venice to start your trip and then fly out of Florence or Rome or wherever you finish, or vice versa.

When are you going? We went last November and it was fantastic. No stink or trash even though it was a holiday weekend and packed!! We took the RS tour, three nights in Venice, three nights in Florence and three nights in Rome...Initially I wasn't even going to bother with Venice...but all in all...it was my FAVORITE! I was surprised myself!!

See all the normal tourist stuff...but you HAVE to go to the Frari Church (Chiesa dei Frari). It doesn't look like much from the outside..but I was very very special place for me. A true "experience" in every way.

By the way...yes, the food in the "old" city was very expensive...but we took the "stand up gondola" across the canal and went to the "new" side...where the locals do their living..the food was much better over there...We also went into the grocery store over there and bought picnic style stuff...VERY VERY GOOD!! The four of us ate for about 20 euro!!!

In my opinion Venice is an unique place and worth to visit even if it's smelly and expensive. I have never been there, yet. I am going to go there for 2 days in October as well.n I did a lot research and all I can tell you is that I can't wait to go.

We loved Venice. Did not find it dirty or smelly at all. Just one of the most magical places in the world...yes, magical is THE word to describe Venice. We ate at places away from the most touristy areas and did not find them to be expensive. No cars, wondrous architecture, bridge after bridge to meander across, lovely churches to visit, great pasta dishes, gelato, floating in the Grand Canal at dusk, dueling orchestras in the evening... we loved Venice...did I already say that?

First time was magic and second time we allowed three nights and left after two due to crowds (June), commercialism, bad food and expense. I have never noticed a smell and I would probably say to see it as it's so unique. You could stop in Verona on the way which is one of my daughter's favorite places in Italy (she just earned her masters there). Tuscany is lovely and hopeful you can fit a day trip to Siena in.

It may be dirty, smelly and expensive but its Venice, period. It is absolutely worth visiting without a doubt.

Btw I don't think its really dirty or smelly, but it IS expensive.

Sue... Your son is very fortunate. By all means, do visit Venice and stay for at least two nights. You will not regret it.

Sue,

Like you, I wasn't sure if I would like Venice or not, but after touring all of Italy, it is my top place that I'd like to go back to. It is truly spectacular. I think the canals can be smelly in the summertime, but October should be lovely. Make sure you spend the night there so you can see the city after the tour groups have left. There is no place in the world like Venice and you will not regret it. :-) Let us know how you make out.

Thanks so much to all who replied. Consensus is that I should definitely go and stay a couple of nights. -I am going to be booking either at the Hotel Flour or Antiche Figure - anyone ever stay at either?
(BTW, I couldn't for the life of me figure out why all info said that Venice is so crowded during the day but less so at night. Thanks to your posts, I got the answer - the cruise crowd.)

Sue, not just the cruise crowd, there are huge parking lots on the mainland, filled with cars, from daytrippers. Many people choose to stay off islands and sleep on mainland, its cheaper.

I had a cousin who returned from Venice after a summer trip and said it was smelly, crowded and expensive.

We went in mid/late October and really loved it. We didn't notice a bad smell. There were lots of people but not as overcrowded as it apparently gets during summer. Expensive? somewhat, but we found decent lodging without reservations for about what we paid in CT and Rome (we have a good Rome connection) and much less than Florence.

We loved walking around Venice at night, you can hear the water lapping against the buildings. One of my top all time sights is the Duomo when it's lit up inside (at least once a day and whenever there is a mass), it's truly spectacular.

I also heard different things about Venice. That's why when I'm in Milan, I'm taking a one day tour to Venice. If I do like it, I can always return, and stay longer.
Lisa P.

Sue

I would make time for Venice. It is a magical city in a lot of ways, because there are no vehicles it is very clean, especially the air. While the hotels and restaurants are expensive its worth a couple of days to walk around. My 12 year old daughter was absolutely entranced with the city and is counting the days till she can return.

Venice is expensive but I think it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Don't miss it!!!

Venice is the most touristy, expensive, overated and crowded city in Europe. BUT, go there once, preferably a day trip, and see the Basilica San Marco, the Doge's Palace and prison and feed the pigeons if you must. The leave and never go back. Like the Grand Canyon and the Rolling Stones, everyone should see Venice once in his life.

Tourism is slowly killing Venice, but that's been true for a hundred years. It's beautiful. If you go, don't just do a day trip, and don't stay on the mainland to save a few dollars. That's what many shortsighted people do and they end up not enjoying the city.

I have to disagree with Charles.Venice is magic but only if you stay there overnight.After the day trippers leave it is not as crowded.It is only expensive if you stay in the hight end places. There are places that are not over the top.It isnt dirty and smelly either.

Hear , Hear! Imagine a sort of 17thc. Disneyland, where the main attraction is the city itself!