After the luggage dropoff at our hotel, we were off to Piazza San Marco. We had a bit of a walk to get there (maybe a vaporetto pass would have been interesting) as we were staying quite a bit away from the famous piazza and it's many touristic spots and museums. Our hotel was in the Cannaregio district which is one of my favorites. This is (I believe) where many locals still live, so everything has a more authentic feel, the food, the people. However, if you're in Venice for the 1st time or are staying for less than 3 days, this may not be the best option. You will be walking a lot. In this case look for something closer to Piazza San Marco or the Rialto Bridge.
Here are a few scenes captured during our walks to and from Piazza San Marco :
Here are a few scenes captured during our walks to and from Piazza San Marco :
Piazza San Marco, there is no getting away from Venice without making a stop here, even if you try your hardest. All the roads and canals seem to lead here :D And you know what, why would you even try to avoid it ? it is amazing at any time of day, rain or shine. And you don't want to miss it when the waters rise. Reflections galore !
Gondolieris. You can't miss these guys. They are everywhere, on their gondolas, or near them trying to lure the tourists.
While you're in the Piazza San Marco area, head to the Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica. The 4 horses (intro image) were taken inside the Basilica. The visit of the Doge's Palace is a long one but very interesting. Don't forget to cross the Ponte dei Sospiri (bridge of Sighs). This is the bridge prisoners would take, once condemned, to reach their cells. If there aren't too many people, try to stop inside the bridge to capture the life going on outside, reminding yourself that this could very possibly have been the prisoners last glimpse of the outside world.
I got lucky with the passing gondola, as I managed to click the shutter between 2 groups of tourists.
I got lucky with the passing gondola, as I managed to click the shutter between 2 groups of tourists.
Burano
We really enjoyed Burano despite the rain. Well, it wasn't only rain, we did also get a few glimpses of the sun at times. Burano is so colorful, I could spend hours wandering around looking for nice scenes to capture.
However, I imagine that in spring or summer, when it is crawling with tourists, it may not be as enjoyable, but in october, with the covid pandemic still present, there weren't that many people around.
However, I imagine that in spring or summer, when it is crawling with tourists, it may not be as enjoyable, but in october, with the covid pandemic still present, there weren't that many people around.
Murano
We didn't stay very long in Murano, just a few hours. We can't say we much appreciated it to tell the truth. We should have spent longer in Burano which felt more authentic to our taste. In Murano, it's shop after shop of Murano glass and pretty much all the shops are selling the same items. People may tell you that you must absolutely make a stop in Murano... but it won't be me.
Below are a few shots captured in Murano :
Below are a few shots captured in Murano :
Hopefully, I'll get the opportunity to head back to Venice soon !!!
All photos taken by Sylvain Duchêne