Written by Road Trip to Venice: Madness or Masterpiece?
“Venice in a van? Are you out of your mind?!” I hear you cry. “It’s all water, no roads!” Well, fair point. But here’s the secret: you can’t drive your van into Venice (unless it’s a gondola on wheels), but you can park it up just outside and make Venice your oyster from there.
Where to Park Your Trusty Steed
We stayed at Camping Rialto, a convenient spot just outside the city. From here, you can hop on a bus into Venice for the laughably low price of €1.30. It’s a quick 5-minute ride, and before you know it, you’re in the land of canals and carnivals.
Pro-tip: If you’re thinking, “I’ll just drive to where the buses stop and park there,” brace yourself for some Italian-style drama. I once parked legally near the bus station only to be shooed away by a police officer with the authority of a mafia don. Reluctantly, I moved. And what did he do next? Parked his own car in my spot and strolled off like he owned the place. Cheeky, right? But hey, I’d rather lose a parking spot than spend a night in an Italian jail—no matter how good the pasta might be there.
Getting Around Venice: Buses, Boats, and Boot Leather
Once you’re at the bus station, the real adventure begins. A waterbus ticket will cost you €9.50 for 75 minutes of cruising or €25 for a full day of unlimited splashy sightseeing.
But wait, there’s more! Discounts galore:
- Youth (6–29 years) can grab a 3-day pass for €27 with the Rolling Venice Discount Card.
- Seniors (65+) also score discounts (because who doesn’t love a bargain?).
Where to buy tickets? Practically everywhere:
- Ticket offices at hotspots like Piazzale Roma, Rialto, and San Marco.
- Tabacchi shops (tobacco shops, but way classier than they sound).
- Major hubs like the Santa Lucia Railway Station.
- Online (for the tech-savvy).
If you’ve got mobility issues or simply don’t fancy walking too much, the waterbus is a lifesaver. But for the best Venetian experience, nothing beats walking.
Venice by Foot: The Art of Getting Lost
Walking in Venice is like diving into a labyrinth of magic. From the bus station, it’s about a 30-minute walk to San Marco Square—if you manage to go “direct.” But let’s be honest, “direct” in Venice is a loose concept. The joy here isn’t in getting somewhere—it’s in getting wonderfully, beautifully lost.
- Wander down hidden alleys.
- Grab a gelato and perch by a quiet canal.
- Stumble upon tiny squares where locals sip their Spritz.
- Splurge on a tacky fridge magnet—you’ll treasure it later.
And if you’re a photography fan, Venice is your playground. For that perfect postcard shot, stand on the Rialto Bridge and snap away, framing the Grand Canal with Basilica Santa Maria della Salute in the background. It’s the money shot every Instagram feed deserves.
Must-See Spots
- San Marco Square (St. Mark’s Square): Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, it’s packed. But it’s also jaw-droppingly beautiful. Visit on a Sunday if you can—it’s quieter.
- Hidden Gems: Take the less-beaten paths, and you’ll find Venice’s quieter, more charming side. Every corner here feels like a scene from a romantic movie.
The Venice Way of Life
Venice is a city best savored. Sit by a canal with a plate of pasta and a bright orange Aperol Spritz. Watch gondolas glide by. Get a little sunburnt. Realize you just fell in love with a city that feels like it’s floating on clouds.
So, yes, you can’t drive your van into Venice. But trust me, once you’re there, you won’t want to leave anyway.