Is Feb. to cold to enjoy Venice , And has anyone been during Carnival ? If so how was it , fun or to crowed. My Husband and I are 50 not dead yet but not crazy about young rough crowds. Thanks for you time
I've been to Venice in February and during Carnevale. It's an experience that no one should pass up. Yes, it's a zoo. Yes, it's a little rowdy, but that's what makes it fun. If I were you I'd stay in a hotel or apartment away from the main drag that leads between the train station and St. Mark's Square. This is where the crowds are noisy and the tiny streets get packed. I stayed in the Dorsoduro area, which was completely quiet and away from all the noise. The weather is cold. Think 50s during the day, maybe lower. It's not bone chilling freezing, but you definitely want to bring a heavy down coat or jacket. I suggest wearing leggings/thermals if needed. Enjoy it! You'll have a blast. And take lots of pictures of the costumes.
I also have been during Carnavale and it was an incredible experience. It was terribly crowded near the Rialto bridge, etc., but two or three blocks away and there was hardly anyone. We avoided those areas when it was packed. Just get up early (I am a photographer so I was up every morning at dawn) and you have the costumed Venetians and the city almost to yourself) Definitely get a costume and a mask and go to a 'ball'. We went to one of the cheapest and it was a concert, and desserts and it was fantastic. It is an expensive city and time to be there, so do not think of New Orleans and rowdy, drunk college kids. It is one of those really unique experiences that has become more special the longer I am away from it. It was chilly and foggy and misty, but we dressed for it, and the weather just added to the ambience. We stayed at the Hotel Nicola, or something like that, just a few blocks from St. Marks. I am considering going again. We took a boat trip to Burano one day and the weather that day was lovely... sunny and warm.
When I was living in Italy (a century ago) I used to go to Venice for Carnevale every year. Feb can be very cold (one year I remember it snowed). Yes it is crowded especially along the main calles and in or near the main piazzas and campos. It's not just youngsters. There are people of all ages and lots of concerts and dancing in many campi and campielli. Take your camera. Some of the costumes people wear (and most do) are amazing.
If you have the opportunity, GO! I went first time in 1999, last in 2009.Over those years I think the crowds increased with more university students, but it's not a rowdy crowd like Mardi Gras. It's festive and magical, especially if you stay in a hotel away from the throngs. I like the Dorsodura. Just watch the weather predictions and be prepared for cold - boots and down. We had beautiful blue skies almost all week, but it was very cold! Loved it!
Gina, I have only been to Carnevale once, some years ago, but I agree with what's been said by everyone else. I suppose the weather varies some year to year, but when I was there it was sometimes chilly but other times pretty warm, a couple times there were light snow flurries but generally it was sunny and bright during the day. It was certainly an active and festive crowd, but by no means rough or unfriendly. Lots of masks and costumes, many very ornate. The Carnevale pros are more than happy to pose for wonderful photos, especially in front of orate buildings, bridges, gondolas, etc. Away from the very heart of the city it is less crowded and much less carnivalesque, but still busy since there are so many visitors from all over Italy and the world. One thing I noticed was that almst immediately after the Carnevale finale, like the very next day, the city emptied out and quieted down, seemed like a different world really. You should decide early though, as I imagine flights into Venice and hotels will fill up early too. Go and enjoy, it's an experience not to be missed!
Agree with what Larry said about the town changing the next day. I had friends meeting me at the end of Carnavale as we were going on to Croatia and Rome and they could not believe when I told them how crowded it had been just the day before. It was actually kind of creepy.
I was in Venice for Carnival this year. It was really fun and also crowded. It was cool but comfortable (light winter jacket and gloves). I even got to see snow in Venice and a pretty high Aqua Alta (high water). It is a great photo opportunity, all week people stand around in costume and pose for photographs. I was there on a photo workshop. I was also in Venice in May and it was more crowded for Carnival but it was worth it. It wasn't a young rowdy crowd. There are people of all ages. We stayed at Pensionne Guerratto that R.S. recommends in his book,it was nice but it was right next to a square where there was loud music every night until 1AM. Other than that it was great and I was usually so tired I would fall asleep even with loud music. A link to my photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/losta/sets/72157632706034032/
A friend went for Carnival. He described it as walking slowly in a continuous loop packed in a crowd. He enjoyed it but said if he had it to do over again, he'd get tickets to a ball - just so he could be above the street watching the crowd rather than buried in it. Apparently some balls are very expensive and some aren't too bad. It may be worth looking into.
Thank you all ,great information , I think we are going . I will see if we can book a Hotel .
Hi Gina, I have been to Venice many times, usually late spring and early summer. This year I was there in early March, greatest experience, so different from early trips. It snowed and the squares were flooded and we had to walk on boards in some parts. I had never experienced Venice like that on 12 other trips, so me that was really cool. It is beautiful and be especially aware of the sounds, it's all water lapping against walls, no city in the world has the distinctive sound of Venice. Enjoy
Carnivale goes through 2 weekends. I was there for the first - I was also told that the second is better and more crowded. I arrived on Friday and the city was "normal" - good for sightseeing, no crowds. On Saturday the decorations in the Piazza were up, a few people were in elaborate costumes already and there was a definite feeling of Carnivale. Sunday was the official opening ceremony in the Piazza. That was so crowded. By sheer accident, I was in the Corer Museum about an hour before the ceremony began. Many of the windows there open onto the Piazza and we (tourists and employees) had a great view of the proceedings. Once the crowds began to move away the narrow streets were so crowded all foot traffic actually came to a halt several times. One Italian tourist said we were moving like a Sicilian funeral :-) On Monday, there were many people in their elaborate costumes (taking photos of each other too) and much better for photographs. The crowds had pretty much disappeared and places like the Basilica weren't crowded. There were lots of families with small children (in costumes). There were many many tourists in their 40's, 50's, and older. I didn't see any rowdiness - except for the confetti-throwing. There was very little drinking - I only had one opportunity to enjoy hot mulled wine! The Dorsoduro is a great place to stay. It's quiet and residential yet easy walking to St. Mark's. The weather was often chilly and drizzly, but Sunday was 60 and sunny. Loved it ALL.