This city totally draws you in, it’s almost overwhelming….there’s so much to look at and observe all at the same time. Sometimes it seems like the only way to truly appreciate a place with so much meticulous detail and distraction is to focus on the macro level and just what’s in front of you. Even better yet is to focus on the simple and yet sublime – in looking more carefully and at the very small details, you can start to understand and see how truly exceptional the city is.
What to see in Venice – it’s all in the details
Mailbox with angel
Many little details attract me and draw my immediate attention when I’m walking down some of the quiet alleyways, away from all the mayhem and bustle of the all the tourists pressing to find the top attractions to the city. But for me these little impressions that draw my eyes to focus on them for a moment makes me appreciate the special things that no-one else sees while touring the city or doing some day trips from Venice to explore.
Here are some things along my walk that drew me in for a closer look:
Fresh produce via boat
The Cicchetti and pub crawl experience in Venice
Trying some of the delicious seafood at any of the small bacari (Venetian bars) is definitely a must do experience…so many Cicchetti (small bites) to savor!
Fried seafood to go
Brass knob
All about the little details in Venice
I love enjoying the walk around various parts of the city and the islands. Along the way I spot so many beautiful little details like door entrances, portals, corner sculpture and even unexpected art in the public squares. It’s all a fun discovery tour of the islands.
Church stone detail
Murano glasswork in Venice
Stunning artwork like Murano glass installations dot several locations on Murano island, you must see them and visit some of the amazing galleries there.
Murano Glass in a park setting
Ornate door details
An intricate and color door entry
Venetian style windows
Wondering around the historic sites and islands, a weekend in Venice is ideal to see everything or just slow down and capture those special moments or photographs to treasure forever.
Gondolas with blue covers
Windows and fountains
Venetian hand crafted
Beautiful crafts and artistry when you window shop and look at all the amazing work from Venetian artisans. The leather masks below are a fine example of a specialized craft made in Venice.
Leather crafted masks
I’m doing a short series of articles about Venice, if you haven’t seen my first post, it’s about capturing Venice in black and white which I really enjoyed working on, have a look here
How to get around Venice
I find that getting around Venice, a city of canals and islands, requires a unique approach due to its lack of conventional roads and vehicles. Once you are at Venice it is easy to walk around and explore or even take a local water bus to some of the outlying islands.
Here are the primary ways to navigate Venice:
1. Walking: Venice is a pedestrian-friendly city, and much of its charm lies in exploring its narrow streets and historic neighborhoods on foot. Stroll through the labyrinthine alleyways, crossing countless picturesque bridges, and discover hidden gems around every corner.
2. Vaporetto (Water Bus): The vaporetto is Venice’s primary mode of public transportation on the water. It’s essentially a water bus that serves various routes along the Grand Canal and to the outer islands. Tickets can be purchased at ticket booths or automated machines at vaporetto stops.
3. Water Taxis: Water taxis offer a more private and convenient way to get around Venice, but they are more expensive than vaporettos. You can hire them at designated taxi stops or arrange for pickup in advance.
4. Gondolas: While primarily used for tourist rides, gondolas can also serve as a means of transportation in the narrowest canals. However, they are quite pricey and more of a cultural experience than practical transport.
5. Traghetti: Traghetti are gondola ferries that transport passengers across the Grand Canal at various points. They provide a unique and inexpensive way to cross the canal and experience a gondola ride without the full expense.
6. Water Buses (Alilaguna): Alilaguna operates water buses that connect Venice’s Marco Polo Airport to the city and provide transportation to the nearby islands like Murano and Burano.
7. Walking Tours: Guided walking tours are an excellent way to explore Venice with the expertise of a local guide who can lead you to notable landmarks and share the city’s history and culture.
8. Bicycles: While not commonly used within the main part of Venice, some of the outlying islands like Lido allow for bicycle use. You can rent bicycles on Lido for a leisurely exploration.
Keep in mind that Venice is a city of waterways, so expect to rely on boats, walking, and a sense of adventure to navigate its unique and charming streets and canals. Each mode of transport offers a different perspective on this iconic city, so be sure to take advantage of the variety of options available.
If you enjoyed this post, check out these other points of interest
Trieste city hall at night time
Exploring Murano for Travel Photo Mondays
Venice random thoughts and observations
Venice Cicchetti and the pub crawl experience
If your looking to visit Venice soon, check out some of these places to stay in Venice so you can find those little details to capture yourself.
Did you enjoy seeing all the little details on this photo essay showcasing Venice? Thank you for visiting this Monday, please do visit these other bloggers below by clicking on their links.
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Noel, These are absolutely lovely and bring back such wonderful memories of Venice. You caught its mystery and magic.
Noel, your photos astound me, as always! I’ve been to Venice several times, but this post makes me want to go back- especially to appreciate (and attempt to capture) the beauty there!
Noel you are right when you say things draw you closer in Venice…everything is full of character and totally amazing… I did not want to leave that still, calm beautiful place
Ive never been to Venice, but your post makes me really want to go! Gorgeous photos, as always!
Stunning photos! Your eye for the small, unique details make every photo worth lingering over for a while. Color, light, composition, detail. You are a master and I have much to learn. Thank you for the inspiration – both travel and photography.
I love how you focus on those intricate details in your photography. It’s the small things that matter and the best pictures are those that focus solely on something truly unique and tell a story in just one shot. A place as beautiful as Venice deserves quality photography and you have certainly delivered here. I would also add that the image of the boats in the harbor is probably my favorite but maybe that’s because I have a soft spot for that sort of thing.
We are honored to be able to link up to this great series of posts!
Great photos! I really enjoyed Venice 🙂
It’s a while since I’ve been to Venice but it looks as though little has changed.
You’ve captured some great details in your photos, Noel… I particularly like the look of the Cicchetti!
Noel, based on my one visit to Venice, I’d say you captured her essence in your photos. It’s a fantastic place to get lost in—and chances are you will.
Lovely photos! It’s nice to be reminded of the details. I tend to miss them since I live near Venice and go there all the time.
Haven’t been to Venice yet but lovely photos! I would love to try some of that seafood!
This takes me back a few decades ago. You’re right, Venice is overwhelming – it would even be without the canals and the boats! I remember we looked at a few very skilled glass blowing demonstrations.We came by Hoovercraft from Copper in former Zecho-Slovakia and spent the day… one day is not enough!
It’s always nice to see how visitors can capture small details of meaningful moments in life, that often become “unseen” to people living in the place! Beautiful photos! :)2
Awesome photos!
Yeah, in Venice everything is amazing, from the little details to the panoramic views.
I always come back with hundreds of photos every single time I go.
Have you visited Burano and Torcello islands? I love them and their scenery.
Oh yes, that is going to be my next post actually, stay tuned
The glass statue is very striking and I imagine when the sun hits it, the color really pops. The blue covers over the boats are a very striking subject that you photographed.
The glass statue is striking and I imagine when the sun hits it, it really pops. I also loved the serene, yet bold look of the blue covers on the boats.
Simply breathtaking photography!!
I look forward to the day when we land in Italy, but we’re waiting until we can stay for at least 3 months to get a good feel for the country, definitely Venice is on the list! Lovely photos.
Nice shots. Vistied Venice 3 times (many years ago), and never tire of the magic.
Fabulous photos – you’re right, in Venice the devil’s in the detail!
We are off to venice in early April and this is a great taster – I get the impression we don’t have to ‘hunt’ for these sites, they are everywhere!!??
He blue covered gondolas, that is such an evocative photo that ties the city to its name, did you have to get up early for that??
HI Anna,
Yes it’s all above keying in on details, the Venice scene is almost overwhelming and then you include all the tourists so it is better to focus on the unique that stands out outside of typical landmarks and attractions.
Some more lovely photographs here but I especially love the first one. You’ve given us a very refreshing, alternative view of Venice (apart from perhaps the row of gondalas with their blue covers but I could never grow tired of seeing their photographs).
Hi Noel I’ve just come across your lovely blog and Monday photography link up for the first time, to which I’ve added a post. Thanks for hosting. I love how your images portray a different vision of Venice here. I too love the smaller details.
Noel, I really loved this photo tour! I am from Venice, and I always like to see wonderful pictures of my city. You really seized the atmosphere in your pictures, thanks for the post!
Wow, I didn’t know you are from this gorgeous city, that’s a first! Thanks for connecting with me.
Beautiful shots! You really captured some of the city’s loveliest of details…
Great photos, I like especially the glass statue 🙂
woww gorgeous photos 🙂
Sorry, the first link is broken. Please delete…
I really like this detailed look at Venice. That saw in the produce boat is intriguing. I wonder what they use it for? The food looks delicious. I just want to reach into the computer and grab a bite.
The vendor really took pride with his produce and it really looked amazing, I was quite impressed with his styling and all the textural qualities of the produce and he had a crowd buying and also taking pictures like me
Gorgeous! The vivid blue gondolas really caught our eye 🙂
Absolutely marvelous pictures. Almost as good as visiting for real 🙂
The brass knob photo is my favourite. One of my favourite memories of Venice is of Fritto Misto or deep fried mixed Adriatic small fish and your bowl of seafood looks just like it. Instead of having ours at a small bar we walked, got lost, walked and found a little restaurant. The dish was memorable but we could never find the restaurant again 🙂
It’s a very popular dish at most of the bacari in town of of course served with fried polenta cakes underneath!
Beautiful photos. I love the close detail and clarity. Venice (Italy on a whole) is top on my list to visit next. I can imagine that I will be overwhelmed with so many things to photograph! How long were you in Venice? I can’t wait for a gondola ride!! Oh, I want that hippo!! 😉
Ohhhh, I love these pictures, particularly the mailboxes! Glad I didn’t choose Venice for my post this week – my photos are poor in comparison!!! 🙂
You always manage to capture the magic with your photos;those gondolas look so regal- even the one filled with food! I’ll have to keep an eye out for some of these details when I’m back in Venice in April 🙂
Love all the details you saw and captured, Noel. They’re absolutely beautiful. We cannot wait to go back to Venice. It’s such a wonderful place to just get lost and wander. It’s such a photographer’s dream. Gorgeous photos as always. That Murano glass sculpture is amazing.
I loved your pictures of Venice, I’ve always wanted to visit!
Such lovely photos! I especially loved the close-up of the gondola, the water is so clear. Thanks for inviting me over to the link-up, what a great idea!
Hi Caitlyn,
The water is clear but I would be afraid to touch it 🙂 Thanks for joining us today!
Beautiful detail