Ah, the city of canals and love and gondoliers… and mazes. I arrived in Venice after spending 8 hours on various trains coming from Switzerland, but my journey was all but over. It was too late to obtain a map, so I had to trust the directions I wrote down from the internet. I got lucky and found my hostel/apartment within minutes, phew (you thought I was going to get lost didn’t you?). The first challenge was over, if only I could have navigated that well the next day.

Despite my trouble getting around, I actually enjoyed wandering the streets aimlessly (in case you haven’t noticed I tend to do that in almost every city). I say I get lost in every city I go to, but this was the first time I actually had no clue where I was going the majority of the day. I had no map, so I thought it would be fun to just follow the crowds and see where it took me, and I have to be honest I was pleasantly surprised. Just a brief geography lesson about the main “island” of Venice. It is essentially divided into two parts by the Grand Canal, you can’t miss it because it’s the largest canal you will come across. There are only three bridges that cross this waterway, hence why it may be tough to navigate. Unless of course you chose to pay for the water taxis or small boats the can take you across at certain points. Outside of the Grand Canal, there are countless smaller canals that dissect the city in every way, shape and form imaginable. I found the easiest way to find you way around really is to follow groups of people and read the signs that direct you to the major attractions and plazas.

The absolute must in my book for Venice is visiting Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica). It is the main attraction located in the biggest plaza Piazza San Marco. Signs everywhere direct you towards it, so keep your eyes peeled. The piazza is a hive of activity with shops and stands surrounding every corner looking to take your money. The basilica itself was astounding both from the outside and inside, but the most impressive once you enter. The majority of the walls and ceiling are gold colored mosaic tiles that must have taken an absurd amount of time to piece together. Stop by the piazza, linger for a bit, then once you’re hungry you should stop by a gelateria for the most delicious frozen treat ever.

Gelato has been my vice since arriving in Italy and I simply can’t get enough. I’ve tried over a dozen flavors so far and I still have a week left in the country, it’s trouble. So you don’t have the sweet tooth that I have, no biggie, you can stop by one of the many pizzerias or markets to try some deliciously fresh seafood most likely caught that very same day. The food in Italy alone is worth coming for, so be sure to indulge a little and savor every bite.

Venice was a unique city without a doubt, I just couldn’t find much reason to stay there for long if you don’t have a romantic getaway planned. Definitely worth the trip to experience navigating through the canals, take in the unique scenery of waterways and aged buildings, and treat those taste buds to delicious local fare, but make sure to spend more time elsewhere in the country… it has so much to offer.