enice is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, with the famous Venetian landmarks, and magnificent canals to explore. However, when the tourists have long since gone home, there is no better time to visit this romantic city, than the cooler winter months. Prices will be lower, and you will be able to soak up all that the city has to offer away from the crowds at peak season.
As you arrive, begin your experience by travelling from Treviso Airport to Venice City by water taxi. We also recommend you stay in Venice’s oldest hotel, Baglioni Hotel Luna, which is especially attractive at this time of year, with its open fires to combat the winter chill and gorgeous 12th Century decor. It will also be at a fraction of the price during this period. The lower costs are just one of the reasons why Venice is particularly attractive during this time of year. However, to make your holiday truly memorable, these are the other reasons why Venice should be your destination of choice.
Take to the ice
From the beginning of December through to the end of February, the largest square in Venice, Campo San Polo, is transformed into a massive ice-skating rink. In the daytime, the rink is surrounded by a fantastic outdoor market, selling food, crafts, and mulled wine to alleviate the winter cold. At night, you can avoid the crowds (and risk of embarrassment if your skating isn’t up to scratch), and skate under the dazzling lights of the city.
Attend a masked ball
During January and February, Venice is host to the magnificent Carnevale, a huge open-air festival with music, dancing, and masquerade balls. If you ever wanted to soak up the culture of Venice, this is the time to do it. Don your mask and costume, and attend Mascheranda Grand Ball, which takes place in Palazzo Pisani Moretta, an elegant candlelit palace. This is perfect for any of you wanting to live out your Cinderella fantasies, but you have the peace of mind knowing you won’t be turned into a pumpkin after midnight.
Board a gondola
You will need to wrap up warm, but during the mist-shrouded winter, taking a gondola ride can be incredibly romantic. The canals will be hauntingly quiet, and you will be taken on a peaceful voyage through the hazy winter light. If you have ever seen the Katharine Hepburn movie, ‘Summertime,’ you will know how romantic sailing on a gondola can be. What’s more, as it’s low season, you will be able to charm the gondolier into giving you a cheaper price.
See the sights
Unless you are in Venice during the Carnival season, you will be able to enjoy the local attractions in relative peace. Visit St Mark’s Basilica, Italy’s famous Byzantine Cathedral, and gaze in wonder at the priceless relics without fighting through the crowds. Then enjoy a hot chocolate at the iconic Caffè Florian, where literary greats, such as Dickens and Proust took inspiration. Of course, no trip would be complete without a night at the opera, such as the Teatro La Fenice. Simply glorious!
Have you been to Venice before?
What was your favourite place in the city when visiting?