venice gondola the best thing to do in Venice

Venice for Couples: 7 Romantic things to do in Venice

WRITTEN BY Tim Surgenor

Venice is one of those cities where simply wandering around feels otherworldly. The paths kink and turn unpredictably, and there is a certain romance to finding yourself wonderfully lost on an island no more than two kilometers wide. As an adult, there are very few opportunities to lose your bearings and feel completely at ease. As you and your partner traipse through the maze of the ancient city, lost in a child-like wonder, you will find that there are plenty of things to do in Venice; Some are signposted both physically and all across the internet. Others, you might miss if not for an infinitesimal glance down the right alley on the right day. Join us as we explore the latter; the right things at the right time. If you are looking for things to do in Italy for honeymoon, look no further.

Venice at Twilight

1. St Mark’s Basilica at twilight

At almost a thousand years old, St Mark’s is the postcard of choice for most of the vendors on the island, and it is for good reason that it has pride of place in every tourist book. It does become a hotspot for tourists, but it would be remiss of us to guide you around Venice without at least a visit. You can make the best of this by visiting in the cool of the evening. The day tourists have headed home, and those looking for dinner have yet to venture out. The byzantine domes are truly a sight to behold, particularly as the sun goes down. You may find yourself moved into a silent awe from the sheer beauty. Once you have taken a turn through the square and feel the need for something to eat, or drink, disappear back a few streets. Everything becomes significantly more affordable when it doesn’t come with a view of the square.

2. See Venice from on high

Venice is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and to appreciate it completely, you must see the motley collection of red and black tiles which combine like a patchwork quilt. One of the best ways to do this is to visit the Fondaco Dei Tedeschi. It is nestled in the retail heart of Venice, and the top floor is a viewing platform which offers 360 degree views of the city. During the day, you can see for miles. At night, the soft light of Venice glows silently beneath you. You can’t go wrong. Crucially, the numbers are limited so you won’t be crowded out by the throng of people who will move about beneath you, blissfully ignorant of the view they are missing. You do need to book, so get online and get viewing.

3. The happiest of hours

Venice is a town which loves a happy hour. There is a special romance to nestling into a hole in the wall bar at the right time of day, and having a rest before the night begins to unfurl across the sky. If you’re clever, the two of you can find prices which will make you very happy indeed. An Aperol Spritz for few Euros… Or be on the lookout for the Hugo, one of the signature cocktails of north east Italy. As the day unwinds, you should do the same in one of the many bars that are tucked into the winding streets of Venice.

books stacked up in a shop in venice italy

4. Libreria Acqua Alta Bookshop

Take a step back in time, with one of the most old world book shops in the entire world being found deep within the maze of winding streets of Venice. It is a lovely moment of peace and quiet, as you browse through the eclectic collection of everything from leather bound gold leaf books, to second hand paperbacks. The owner Luigi Frizzo calls it ‘the most beautiful bookshop in the world.’ Go and see. We think you’ll find it hard to disagree. It is one of the best things to do in Italy for honeymoon!

5. The Gondola

This is the archetypal romantic Venetian activity. You and your loved one can sit back while a professional gondolier punts you both down the Grand Canal. Don’t surprised if it is busy; You are travelling down the arterial route of the city after all! But as you peel off through some of the canals less travelled, there is a certain peace to be found in the gentle lap of the water against wood. If you let yourself, you can drift through the centuries to a time gone by. Sit back, relax. It will make all the difference.

6. The Rialto

Again, this is one the unmissable sights in all of Venice. The iconic bridge has been the financial heart of the city since the 11th century, and there is something slightly magical knowing that you are participating in something that has been happening for almost a thousand years. Fans of Shakespeare and Browning may recall the Rialto from The Merchant of Venice and Sonnets from the Portugese. Something which has inspired some of the most famous works of drama and poetry is certainly worth checking out.

venice canal Italy in spring the best time to visit venice

7. Simply get lost!

Lose the stress of being organised, being in control. Surrender yourself to the child within. In your wandering, you will come across the artisanal bakeries, coffee bars, one of the many glass shops which characterise Venice… Together, the two of you will walk a little bit lighter, smile a little bit wider and feel a little bit closer. The narrow paths won’t leave you with a choice. There are plenty of things to do in Venice. And if you’re wondering where to stay in Venice? The answer is pretty much anywhere! Part of the fun is in the wandering and the journeying anyway.

Come and see for yourself! Contact us to begin your journey.

Timelessness for those caught in the fever and fret of life.

For all it’s beauty, the thing we value most about Puglia is its gift of time. The days pass differently here – the mornings effortlessly blend into the afternoons and the afternoons into night. One day complements the next in the way that vineyards complement the sea in the Valle d’Itria. Puglia is best enjoyed with others – with those you most love – not just because good food and good wine invites good company, but because the region offers time to reconnect, rekindle, and rejoice.

In short, here is our humble opinion: tours of Puglia never disappoint. They rejuvenate, revive, delight. And while there is more to the region than the ocean, you are never far from the sweet, sweet sound of the sea.