[Travel] Venice In January

[el punal]

It will be Mrs.Punal’s birthday in January and to celebrate we’re thinking of having a short break in Venice. Many reviews say it’s the best time of year to go as there won’t be hordes of tourists but most of the sites will still be accessible. So, has anyone been and what recommendations would you suggest? Thanks.

 

[Drebin]

The wife and I did Venice in January all the way back in 2006 (in the days when you could fly to
European cities for a thruppence). It was foggy and extremely cold but still very much worth it. No queues, plenty of space, easy to find a table at good restaurants.
The small ferries still go out to the small fishing islands in the lagoon so that’s a good day trip.

 

[Mellor 3 Ward 4]

We went in February, pre-covid, so must have been 2019 - and had a great time - weather was cold but sunny - no crowds.

Coincidentally, it was 'Venice Festival/Carnival' (we had no idea before we went) and it was fantastic - not sure when it will be in 2024.

Just checked - starts 3rd Feb 24

 

[Yes Chef]

Me and the ex went in January around 15 years ago, we stayed in a lovely hotel on Lido, I was astonished how cheap it was.

Venice is expensive in the tourist areas as you might anticipate, but we had a nice couple of days, and the weather was sunny and crisp blue skies

 

[mile oak]

from my visit may years ago i say its worthwhile going but still overrated. Dress up no shorts if you want to visit the popular tourist attractions.

 

[clapham_gull]

It will be Mrs.Punal’s birthday in January and to celebrate we’re thinking of having a short break in Venice. Many reviews say it’s the best time of year to go as there won’t be hordes of tourists but most of the sites will still be accessible. So, has anyone been and what recommendations would you suggest? Thanks.

Do your research before you go as there are lots of places to eat / drink where you don't get ripped off.

Expect to get lost and your mobile unable to help you out.

The best way in (of course) a private boat from the airport.

 

[Psychobilly freakout]

It will be Mrs.Punal’s birthday in January and to celebrate we’re thinking of having a short break in Venice. Many reviews say it’s the best time of year to go as there won’t be hordes of tourists but most of the sites will still be accessible. So, has anyone been and what recommendations would you suggest? Thanks.

Beautiful place, there is so much to see and do, just do not eat or stay near the station, we stayed in the Hotel Rialto, very nice.
You can walk all day, just stopping anywhere you fancy for a coffee or bite to eat.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Eat like a local in Venice

Avoid over-priced tourist traps – wine and dine like a local in Venice's back-street bars

www.theguardian.com

I can recommend this. We went to all of the listed bars, bar one which had closed, and ate and drank well and they are all lovely venues.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

PS I love that Venician sardine dish witht onions and raisins.

 

[el punal]

Thanks for your comments everybody. Mrs.Punal is now very excited!

 

[Live by the sea]

Yeah def get a boat in , it’s great fun .

 

[clapham_gull]

Yeah def get a boat in , it’s great fun .

Driving a car into Venice is well known to be a hassle.

 

[Sepulveda]

If (and only if) you have the time and stay there a bit, you could also visit Treviso, lovely underrated town that's only half an hour away by train.

 

[PILTDOWN MAN]

Thanks for your comments everybody. Mrs.Punal is now very excited!

I went in Jan some years ago, sorry can't remember exactly, It was flooded and hard to get about.

 

[Harold]

Get boat transfer to hotel. Great fun. Went in Feb 4yrs ago. Good time to do it. Walked and walked. We left just before Festival of Masks which looked massive event judging by the prep. Recommend buy a day ticket for public water taxi and hop on hop off as you like.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Mrs.Punal is now very excited!

Does she like a punt up the canal then?

 

[Brian Fantana]

We went in January just before Covid. The weather was absolutely perfect and it was relatively empty. I'd really endorse going at that time of year.

 

[cloud]

Venice carnival is well worth seeing.

It might be worth taking footwear that can withstand having to wade back to the hotel through half a foot of water, or have a spare pair.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

It will be Mrs.Punal’s birthday in January and to celebrate we’re thinking of having a short break in Venice. Many reviews say it’s the best time of year to go as there won’t be hordes of tourists but most of the sites will still be accessible. So, has anyone been and what recommendations would you suggest? Thanks.

Would suggest (re)visiting Nicolas Roeg's 1973 masterpiece 'Don't Look Now' starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie to get you in the mood. Much of that was filmed in Venice in January. Maybe beware of any vertically-challenged person in a red hoodie tho eh?

 

[Since1982]

Wonderful place. We did a guided walking tour for a couple of hours early on which was v interesting. Using the water buses is a great way of getting around Inc the return trip to the airport.