Would you go back to Venice?

Yes! I can't wait to go back! Loved every minute even though it was hotter than hell when we were there. Even the Venetians were miserable b/c of the heat. Loved it anyway!

Definitely. I skipped Venice on my first few trips to Italy because I do not like the art of the Venitian Renaissance... saw no reason to go. Went last fall; stayed 7 days would have extended if possible. Despite what is sometimes said about crowds, I found it to be one of the most relaxing places in Italy, an absolutely charming place to wander. Definitely take the vaporetto to some of the smaller islands (ie, something other than Murano). I really like Torcello.

In a heartbeat!

We will visit Venice again, I know some people who visited once and that was enough for them. Like most cities whether you would want to go back again will depend on your experience there.

Have been visiting Italy for more than 30 years and have included Venice on every trip. Every time we return, stay longer and longer. Last trip was 9 nights.

Yes, yes, yes -- loved every bit of it!

Without hesitaiton YES!

Went on both our trips, and this year we were going to stop in Florence, but I says to my husband.....Venice is only a few hrs by train, winkwink nudgenudge - so it got added again for another 2 nights. It is my absolute fav place (speaking from someone who visited in mid-late Sept and not having to deals with crazy heat and crowds)...but it is magical, IMO.

Venice is, to me, unique among the great Italian cities that one must visit. It is not the art in museums or churches that attract, but the city itself--there is just nothing like it in the world. If, however, all you experience are the popular spots during the day amidst the crush of tourists, the experience will fall short. But, in the early morning and the evening Venice is one of the loveliest places you can be. Actually, this applies to many European cities, but they don't have the added benefit of canals, bridges and, rare for Western Europe, a Byzantine aspect. And, yes, I do consider returning just the reasons I've stated here.

Yes any chance I would have. Absolutely magical.

It's the most interesting city in Europe. I would live there if I could....my house would not be near St mark's square, though. I have only been there once and look forward to going back. We stayed there for 3 nights, too. I will stay much longer next time. Now, if you asked me if I would ever return to Rome, my answer would be a quick "NO!". It is an important city to go to, but I had my fill and will not return if I do not have too.

No, I wouldn't return. To me, Venice was like Disneyland, as the huge noisy crowds funneled through narrow passageways, everyone seemingly going to the same places. Also felt that, in general, the food was marginal. Worth one visit? Definitely yes; to see St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, Accademia, Peggy Gugenheim Museum, take a gondola ride, cruise in the lagoon to Burano or Murano, etc. But, the question posed is would you go back? Given the opportunity to return to Europe, I would opt for Rome, Florence, Paris, London, Vienna, Prague, Amsterdam, etc. I feel that they have much more to offer.

Yes yes yes! Am here in Venice now (first trip) and we are already planning our next! It is on par with Prague in our minds. LOVE this city!!

Yep. That's my Gary Cooper impression.

LOL! Camille took the very words out of my mouth! Although after 2 brief visits, I've promised myself not to return until I have about a week to stay... Good job, Claudia ;-)

We are going back for a month. Does that answer your question? But Venice is definitely not for everyone. Many people react as Robert does. I don't know if it is attitude, expectations, or what, but I know of lots of poeple who swear they won't return to Venice, ever. That's fine. Leave some of the magic for those of us who appreciate her.

There are so many different ways to experience Venice. My first 4 times there were just for a day trip in as I stayed out of the city as I had a car... and I only returned because I was traveling with someone who had never been and I felt you had to see it at least once. Totally enjoyed the crowds, heat, and the whole ambiance of the city.... Then a few years ago I had the opportunity to spend 6 days there during Carnavale and stayed a few blocks off St. Marks Square. Totally different experience...and now I feel it is something everyone needs to do if you really want to experience Venice. Stay the night I mean, however, if you ever have to chance to visit during Carnavale it is a magical and unforgettable experience. Hope you love it! Also, visit Burano if you get a chance.

yeah like yesterday. if you go at the end of september look up bardolino wine festival on lake garda and GO!!!! had so much fun. EAT DRINK and BE MERRY!!! take the vaporetto to burano then to the lido and back to venice during sunset.
Enjoy

Loved Venice 2003 & am returning this August because we loved it so much. Venice definitely is different after the day trippers leave. It's true that there are a lot of crowds in Venice but if you get away from the main tourist areas (St. Mark's Square, Rialto Bridge, etc.) and explore the back canals, it's magical. Enjoy.

We're going back for our 4th visit next year. Question answered.

We were there last May and will be there this October. Does that answer your question?

We just got back (Tuesday) and would say that since your group has never been there before, then yes, go to Venice. Would I go back, probably not. Very crowded and hot. The Venetians we met were mostly cranky. Make it a point to be in St. Marks Square in the evening for the "dueling orchestras," a real delight.

YES! Been 4 times and would go again. But not in the middle of summer if I can help it.

We've had three 4-day visits and will definitely return. Just stay away from the Rialto Bridge and San Marco, and you'll avoid the crowds. We've found the best food down little alleys, in the Dorsoduro or Cannaregio areas.

We are heading for Italy on October 2 and will visit Venice for the fifth time. It is, for us, a magical place and it is so much fun to wander the back streets, not to mention the obvious sights. It is a one-of-a-kind place and I prepare to be charmed once again by its beauty.

Never in a million years. Its the most touristy, unitalian city I have ever been too. The locals are not proud to show off their product like most of italy just out to make a buck no matter what it takes. It is so congested and polluted. We were suppose to spend 3 days there last year.

YES!!! Tomorrow, if I could!! Jan B

Stay IN Venice...the crowds go away in the late afternoon, and it is a different city. Take a tour of St. Marks to avoid the lines, get lost walking the canals, take the vaporetto to Murano, Burano and others suggested here during the day, get up early to see St Mark's square and the Rialto with no people around. Don't deprive the other 4 in your group the experience of their first visit. Jan B

I would go back in a second! We were there 2 1/2 days and 3 nights last September. Yes, some areas were crowded (St. Mark's, area around the Rialto esp.) but it's not hard to get away from those popular sites. Do your best to get "lost"!

For those who wonder if Venice is too crowded, I created this group of photos that I took in May 2008 and May of last year.

Yes!

Michael, Beautiful photos! Loved them! That's exactly how Venice was for us and we were there for 3 days in the middle of summer. It wasn't crowded at all, not even St. Mark's Sq or the Rialto Bridge. As I said in my previous post, it was hotter than I ever imagined was possible (and I've lived in hot places) but I still absolutely loved Venice.

Jerry, Yes, absolutely! While I've found Venice to be a bit more expensive than other locations in Itay, it's such a unique place that a visit is definitely worthwhile. The city takes on a somewhat different character at night after the cruise ship "daytrippers" have departed. Although there are lots of people out dining and walking well into the evening, it's not as crowded as during the day. Happy travels!

Absolutely! It was an incredible experience and a very unique city. When the crowds go away at night it does transform. And it is fantastic.

Every year we return if we can, twice when its possible. But never in the summer. I don't like being too hot.

In a fast minute. Have been there more than a dozen times, and always find something new, different light, new people. It's my favorite city!!! Be sure and wander away from the crowds. Also, take one of those days and do all the Islands...it's relaxing, and again beautiful!!
enjoy!!!!!!!

We have never been and are in the midst of planning a trip for Christmas to Italy. I had decided not to visit Venice as we don't have much time and had planned Florence for Christmas Eve and Christmas but after perusing some guidebooks decided we must visit Venice. Now I am excited! Our trip is Munich - Verona - Venice - Bologna - Milan.

Just returned - only spent two days. Absolutely want to go back for a longer visit and explore all the streets. Done with Rome an Florence and museums for a while. Venice is such a walkable city and I would love to explore more. Hotel staff were very helpful; showed where a supermaket was and I bought fruit and bread there and an occasional gelato to keep company on the walks.

Would I go back? I've been 5 times, 2 of those times I stayed 4 nights. NO - I think it's a city you have to see once, but having seen it once (and twice and three times etc.), I don't really want to go back. Why do I keep going back? I keep going with people who have never seen it and I do believe you need to see it once in your life. I think it's a city which is beautiful, but it's the one place I've visited regularly in Italy where I don't feel people really live. I know that lots of people have moved out of Venice to the mainland because of the difficulty of living in the city, the cost of living and the numerous visitors. The last time I stayed in Dorsoduro out of the mainstream of visitors and still didn't feel like it was a living city. Yes, the Rialto market is interesting, but the last time I was there there were posters all over the market in Italian protesting some new changes that the market people felt were benefiting tourists and not the people in the market. There are no little alimentari around to just pick up 6 bottles of water - I looked in my neighbourhood in vain. I had to go to the big supermarket to get water and other necessities. There were certainly lots of places to buy souvenirs though. So go if others in your group haven't because as I said, one should see Venice once but for me once is enough.

Most definitely!!! I went there last summer with my college roommate (as part of our first tour of Europe!). We spent two nights there (it was originally supposed to be 3, but we just HAD to stay an extra night in Rome--there's so much to see!). It is absolutely breathtaking and romantic. It was our last stop before heading back to the states. I'm actually really grateful for that, because if it had been our first, I would have probably spent all my money there shopping; they have such fine things! I'm planning a trip to Italy next summer, and I'm definitely re-visiting Venice.

Yes! It's paradise! But I wouldn't go on spring break. Too crowded and al full of Americans.

Couldn't agree more with Camille, " In a heartbeat " is so true. It's unique. Early morning and in the evening are far and away the best times. Check out the Doges' Palace and St. Marks square, then, like in Paris, just start walking...

We have been three times, the last two in the spring for a week at a time. Also great place for day tripping the Veneto.

If I were to back to Italy, I'd definitely include Venice again. And I'd stay IN Venice again. Plenty to see and do. We were only ther three nights the first time and I'd have liked to stay longer.

I don't know what is the situation of your group, but maybe you can "branch off" for those three nights elsewhere if you are not so keen returning to the place.

I would go back to Venice in a heartbeat. I hate that hordes of cruise ship tourists pretty well overtake the San Marco to Rialto area every day, but the bottom line is that Venice is so much more than that one area. A quick walk away from the throngs and the city is still its magical self. I reserve San Marco for early mornings and evenings after the daytrippers are gone. Nothing can equal Venice at night.

Full of cruise ship daytrippers and American tourists....how dare they go there!

Elaine, I know that your reply is a bit in jest, but the issue is that a cruise ship holds up to 3.000 people, and there are often at least 5 ships in harbor dumping the majority of their folks into the San Marco area with dire warnings of "don't get lost, because we will leave without you" and "Venice is easy to get lost in" which are both true statements. This means that there can be 15,000+ people crammed into the waterfront and San Marco areas, afraid to move from them. The first time I went to Venice was 1998, and I was SHOCKED when I saw the mass of humanity there last year. There is no way this could have been an enjoyable experience for these poor folks. All of that being said, you can see the rest of Venice during the day, and visit San Marco at night-- and I will return to Venice.

Venice made a lasting impression on my son and me. It was especially wonderful to eat a late night dinner (after 9pm -- I recommend Rosa Rosa.) Late at night is when many of the locals eat and walk about. It is much more peaceful after the tourist rush is gone for the day. Locals really appreciate when people take some time to talk to them and learn about their culture. Besides the main attractions, we explored on our own. For example, we had very interesting experiences persistently seeking a "bachinella" -- a small tub. My feet were aching and we asked at several small pharmacies. Finally we found one at a hardware store. In the process, we talked with many locals and had a lot of fun. Venice is very pretty and very old. Nothing is like it on the planet and I want to go back! When I think of my experience in Venice, with many wonderful and kind locals, I think WOW, what a wonderful time I had there with my son and what wonderful memories. We saw many of the famous sites, we watched a local artist paint gondolas, we went up in the bell tower to hear the bells ring and be mezmorized by the beautiful red tiled city, we sat on a dock and watched the boats go by, we ate gelato, we ate at a chicati bar (baguette bread with lots of tasty toppings), we appreciated the absence of cars. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Ruth

We have travelled to Italy numerous times, and if in that part of the country, always try for a stay in Venice. I think the key to truly enjoying Venice is to stay right in Venice. During the day, when it can get very crowded, you can escape to the further reaches of the island or take day trips (to wonderful towns like Vicenza, Treviso, Bassano del Grappa, etc) and return once the crowds have left. Venice is at its most magical in the evenings. Heather

No, but then I didn't go the first time either.