There couldn’t be a better time to visit Venice because there are no crowds, says SAPeople contributor Marie and her husband. And the proof is in their gorgeous photographs.
They stayed at Bauer Palazzo, a luxury 5-star hotel in the heart of Venice, near Piazza San Marco – with a balcony and views of the Grand Canal. For three nights bed and breakfast they paid only €856, what would normally cost over €2,000.
Piazza San Marco
(Usually the square is packed with people, and the view of the water is blocked by a large cruise ship.)
The buildings are now all visible and not covered by huge billboard advertising which had become common in recent years.
Marie says everything was empty of crowds of tourists – the cathedral, museums, restaurants… but all were open and the Italians were very welcoming to tourists. The only businesses they saw closed were “tourist-trap” restaurants because their customers are keeping away. Only restaurants supported by locals are currently open… which means you have more chance of experiencing delicious, authentic Italian food.
There were no dolphins in the canals, but that was fake news anyway!
They had to jump through a lot of Covid-test and Covid-form tests to travel, but in the end their info was barely checked.
The couple hired a guide for half a day each day, and said they would greatly recommend others do the same to discover all the hidden secrets and behind-the-scenes stories of Venice.
Empty canals to explore the floating city
Empty restaurants
The famous Florian Caffe is open, but none of the usual queues and it is not at all full (as can be seen in the picture below).
Empty Churches, Museums, Art Galleries, Squares etc
The Canals!
Rialto Bridge
Bridge of Sighs
With people dressed in costume…
View from the Hotel Bauer Palazzo
Banksy Artwork – A Migrant Child
St Mark’s Clock Tower
‘Building Bridges’ Art installation by Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn for last year’s VENICE Biennale 2019
