Are you excited about a romantic Venice getaway?
Weather you are planning a Venice honeymoon, anniversary or maybe just a little getaway, Venice is a great location to make your dreams come true.
Maybe you already have it planned or maybe you are dreaming of a future trip. This will be your guide on what you can do to make this the most magical, romantic time of your life!
Venice is a great choice as a destination for love. The Italian people are in love with love. Going on a romantic Venice honeymoon or anniversary is a great option!
Be sure to pin this to Pinterest as a great reference!
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Romantic Venice - Private Gondola Ride

I want you to imagine a beautiful canal between picturesque buildings, the sun is setting and you are in a gondola with the love of your life. This may be the most romantic thing you will ever do in your life. Really! What can beat it?
The gondola rides offered in Venice are the best in the entire world. The whole experience will bring you great joy. Your private gondolier will take you down many canals and out into the Grand Canal.
The water is so blue and your surroundings are breathtaking. You can add a musician and have romantic songs sung in Italian the entire time. This will really set the mood to your romantic Venice Getaway!
Pro Tip
Romance comes with a price tag! 80-100 euros for a 40 minute ride, and an extra 120 euros for the musician! Is it worth it? You will have to decide! Personally, I would book ahead of time so you do not have to negotiate a price when you arrive.
Time of Day Makes a Difference

As you plan your romantic Venice trip, remember timing is everything. One of the most romantic times of day is the sunrise in Venice. If you are coming from the United States you will most likely be jet lagged, and will want to wake up early. My advice is do it! Wake up at 5:00 AM and hit the streets. Having the feeling of being completely alone with your love is one you will not regret.
Romantic Venice Vaporetto Ride
A Vaporetto ride in any other part of the day will not be romantic because, it will be crowded and uncomfortable. The rides begins at 6:00AM. It is almost as good as the gondola ride at this hour.
If you want to learn about the history of the city and about the Grand Canal, download a audio tour from Rick Steves. Relax and enjoy a romantic ride down the Grand Canal.
A sunset cruise is also another amazing time of day to explore romantic Venice!
Pro Tip
Venice is overly crowded until 4:00 pm each day because of all the cruise ships that port nearby. This may take away some of the romantic vibe but don’t let it.
Getting Lost in Venice
Romantic Venice Walk
Take your sweetheart on a long romantic walk. Venice has amazing narrow alleyways and, as a result you can truly get lost! But not too lost. The city is three by two miles, so you can eventually find your way. But who cares. When you are with the one you love, being lost is both an adventure and a dream.
Holding hands and passing the time talking about your dreams and hopes will be one of the highlights of your trip. We actually went on one of these beautiful long romantic walks and found that we were actually lost!
Pro Tip
Make sure to download Google Maps before you attempt this walk or your night may go from romantic to frustrating! We were so grateful for Google Maps!
Romantic Hotels in Venice

The ambiance of a hotel really makes it or breaks it for me. We stayed in the heart of the city. As we looked out of our window there was nothing but blue water. We could see the gondoliers rowing around. It was the ultimate romantic experience.
We stayed at the Westin that overlooked the Grand Canal. Ultimately, my discovery was staying at the right place really does set a romantic mood!
Personal View
I personally think staying in Venice is the way to go. We had family and friends suggest staying outside of Venice in Mestre, and then taking a train in.
I’m glad we didn’t. I loved staying in Venice. Being able to wake up early and be in the streets of Venice, by simply stepping out of my hotel. Not having to worry about a commute at the end of the night. Having the city more to ourselves when the cruise ships left. It was great!!
Pro Tip
Keep in mind that most hotel rooms are very small in Europe. This hotel was beautiful and very romantic but was no exception. I still felt very comfortable and loved being there with my husband.
Some of our friends suggested Airbnb’s but if you are going for the romantic vibe it could be tricky to find on the meets your standards.

Murano Glass Blowing
While the crowds are high in the middle of the day, a great little boat ride away is a place called Murano. If you want a romantic date, take a Vaporetto (water taxi) to the Colonna stop to Murano.
Murano is famous for glass making. If you walk down Fondamenta dei Vetrai street, you will see all the glass shops along the canal, which are incredible!
Glass Museum
There is a glass museum that displays the history of this amazing type of art work. We also saw a demonstration with a true Venetian glass maker; so cool! Murano is also a great place for a romantic walk. There are little stores along the dock that are so inviting.
Tours and Things To Do In Venice
Walking Tour in Venice
Now, if you and your sweetheart love to learn and want to gain a great grasp of the Venice area a walking tour might be something to consider.
Pro Tip
Walking tours are affordable and fun. The only downside is that you will be with other people on this adventure!
Cooking Class In Venice
This tour is at the top of romantic choices! A local will take you on a food walking tour to sample some of the best local cuisine. Then they will take you to their home and you will prepare a 3 course meal. Amazing!
Venice Photography Tour
If having a guided tour of Venice at sunset is appealing to you this photography tour would be a must. A local will guide you around the city and help you capture the most romantic pictures. If you love photography this is for you.
Time for a Romantic Venice Dinner Date
Romantic Venetian Restaurants Along the Grand Canal
I think food is essential for any great romantic date atmosphere. Dining along the Grand Canal would make your night unforgettable! I love the idea of sitting at a little table staring into the eyes of my one and only.
Keep in mind, you are paying for the view and the experience and not necessarily the delicacy of the food.
Top Recommended Romantic Venetian Restaurants
One place that may have it all is called Taverna al Remer. This restaurant is in a candle-lit warehouse that has a private pier to overlook and enjoy the canal.
There are five restaurants that over look the Grand Canal; Bancogiro Stretch. Bar Naranzaria, Caffe Vergnano, Osteria al Pescador, Bar Ristorante Bancogiro, and Bar Ancora that invite you to have a stunning view of the canal.
Another option is a four course meal prepared just for you.
I wish a romantic picnic in the moonlight was an option, but in most parts of the city it is forbidden. So don’t count on that. I am not exactly sure why but it is a law.
Pro Tip
A popular place at night is St. Mark’s Square. There are restaurants and live bands. It is a bit crowded, but a wonderful experience! Personally, I think that St. Mark’s Square in the morning is a better way to experience romantic Venice atmosphere.
How Long Should We Stay In Venice
Should you stay in Venice your whole honeymoon or other trip? No, you should plan maybe two or three days, but you can do most sites in Venice in a relatively short time.
What Other Italy Cities Are Romantic
Tuscany

La Taverna Di Cecco Siena Italy
(Just think about eating amazing food in the area of the country)
Italy is a very romantic place, and there are other areas that give you different experiences. I would recommend going to Tuscany. Driving through the beautiful country side and stopping in Siena and other towns.
Lake Como
Or if you love nature, take your significant other on beautiful hikes near Lake Como to the North of Milan. This area can be very magical because of all the natural beauty all around.
Amalfi Coast
Consider skipping Florence on your romantic getaway, unless you love art and museums. Personally, I would head straight down south to the Mediterranean Coast.
Amalfi, Positano, and other cities along the Amalfi coast give you scenic views of the mountains and sea, and provide beaches, eateries, and streets carved into the mountainsides.
Florence
(We just ran 3-4 miles from our hotel to get to the top, sweaty kiss but who cares when you are in love)
If you love art Florence may be a romantic stop for you. Florence is more of an art and history city. It is beautiful, but can be crowded, and we enjoyed it more for the museums.
If you are in Florence, consider going on an early morning run up Michelangelo’s Hill to get a panoramic view of the city. The trek up the hill is pretty in its own right, and the view from top is gorgeous.
Cinque Terre

Image Courtesy of EU . org
If you don’t make it down south, consider visiting Cinque Terre. These villages are beautiful, and gives you the coastline feel that is similar to what you would get down south, but at the same time unique!
Pro Tip
Many of the places I list above can be very touristy. One way to avoid the crowds is to stay at the location of choice. Crowds take a while to gather, and dissipate in the evenings. We found this to be true not only in Venice, but in other places as well.
Capri
During our stay in Capri we loved experiencing it without crowds. While we had a wonderful time doing the Blue Grotto, our absolute favorite part was when the crowds took the boats back to the mainland. This made taking strolls down peaceful lanes compared to crowded alleys earlier in the day.
One exciting thing we found was a restaurant that was hidden and unlike many other places that were closed since they catered to tourists, this one stayed open.
We had a beautiful view of the sea, and a nice quite dinner. That is until later in our meal, when the locals started to arrive! Then we got to “people watch” as the place filled up. We felt like we got a taste of both Italian food and culture!
Hidden Gems
Also, consider going off the beaten path. We loved Gaeta. Look for some hidden gems that do not have many tourists, but offer a local flare, serenity, and a relaxing time with the person you love!
Check out my How Rick Steve’s Saved My Italy Trip Video!
Are You Ready for a Romantic Venice trip?
Hopefully, this gives you an overview of what a romantic Venice vacation could look like. Start planning your Venice honeymoon, anniversary, or romantic getaway now. Italy is beautiful and you will not regret embracing the love the Italians have for love!
Facebook Group
If you need advice about your upcoming trip Planningaway has a private Facebook Group full of amazing people that will answer any questions you might have. Join us and we can help!
Also, if you would like a Free Italy Guide with Itineraries and Restaurant suggestions sign up and I will email them to you.
Where will your next stop be? Maybe Florence to Rome or maybe down to the Amalfi Coast? We loved everywhere we visited in Italy be sure to check out my adventures in Italy!
Also, I highly recommend getting a Italy Travel Guidebook before you plan your trip.
If you are planning a northern or central Italy vacation be sure to check out my other post Venice , Pisa and Lucca, Romantic Venice, Siena, Florence.
If you are looking for a southern Italy itinerary be sure to check out Capri, Pompeii, Gaeta, and the Amalfi Coast.
Top Travel Tips for Italy is another great place to look for great Italy advice.
Missy
April 18, 2019 7:39 amMurano’s glass blowing is a learning experience. It has been many years since I have visited and viewed a demonstration. They do a wonderful job.
Lisa
April 18, 2019 6:04 pmIt was really interesting!
Kristi @ Way Beyond The Norm
April 18, 2019 9:33 amWow! That pizza! I could go just for that. But really, your trip looks amazing. I’ve always wanted to do glass blowing. We’ve yet to experience that anywhere we’ve traveled.
Shannon Delaney
April 18, 2019 9:54 amLooks Amazing! You have some really great photos.
Heather
April 18, 2019 11:47 amEvery since having pizza in Italy, I just can’t bring myself to eat it back here in the states. It is just not the same!
Lisa
April 18, 2019 6:02 pmI heard Naples is the best for pizza!
Hera
April 18, 2019 2:00 pmVenice looks so romantic. We’ve been to Italy twice but seem to miss it. Great reason to return.
Lisa
April 18, 2019 5:59 pmIt can be a very romantic city!
kmf
April 18, 2019 8:48 pmLove, love, love Venice! And I think the price for the gondola is definitely worth it. Love all your posts about Italy!
Lisa
April 19, 2019 10:40 amIt’s good to get feedback! Gondola Ride is Worth it!
jen
April 18, 2019 9:27 pmWhat a gorgeous trip. I would love to get there one day. SO special!
Lisa
April 19, 2019 10:38 amI hope you get to go one day too!
Shirley
April 19, 2019 5:09 amYour photos are amazing! I would love to add Venice to my travel wish list for 2019. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa
April 19, 2019 10:37 amVenice is a neat place to visit for sure!
Marianne Blackham
April 19, 2019 8:52 amI love Venice. Where did you stay and did you get to go on an evening gondola ride? I want to go back to Venice so badly.
Lisa
April 19, 2019 10:36 amWe stayed at the Westin, it may have been bought out by another company now, It over looked the Grand Canal. We woke up at 5AM and took a vaperetto totally alone down the canal instead of the gondola!
Julie Gazdecki
April 19, 2019 9:51 amWhat a dream trip!! And yes, I believe the gondola ride would totally be worth it!!
Lisa
April 19, 2019 10:33 amFor Sure! XOXO
Amanda
April 19, 2019 11:02 amIt looks amazing. I have to go one day!
Lisa
April 20, 2019 10:53 amTotally!
Clara
April 19, 2019 3:50 pmGoodness… that gave me the feels! That’d be a great anniversary trip!
Lisa
April 20, 2019 10:52 amTotally!
Lori Nielsen
April 19, 2019 4:32 pmSomeday I will get to Italy, and the trip will now be sure to include Venice! It looks heavenly!
Lisa
April 20, 2019 10:52 amTotally worth a visit!
Heather
April 19, 2019 5:00 pmOur gondola ride was far from romantic. We booked ours as part of a walking tour and had the kids with us. The gondolas went through the smaller canals and got in a traffic jam. There was no singing.
life beyond zebra
April 19, 2019 7:47 pmThis is so on my list. Want to go so bad!
Tricia Snow
April 20, 2019 8:43 pmLooks like an amazing trip! I have not been since a kid. I can’t wait to go back!
Lara
April 22, 2019 10:22 amSo romantic. Great photos. Also, it seems like your husband is way taller than you. So cute!
Jen
August 16, 2019 1:48 pmInformational post with lots of great pics. That pizza! ?. Def on my bucket list!
Lisa
August 16, 2019 5:08 pmI love Italian food especially in Italy!
Angela
August 16, 2019 2:14 pmWHat a lovely and romantic post. I enjoyed all your sidenote/tips. I went to Venice about 15 years ago and loved it. The gondola oh yeah, expensive and sunset is the best time. We did meet a couple the night before at a restaurant and chatted for hours. We decided to meet the next day to share the ride and had a nice time, not as romantic but had so,meone to take our photos on and chat with etc.
Lisa
August 16, 2019 5:08 pmIt’s nice to share a ride with someone that you can talk with!
Melissa Parcel
August 16, 2019 2:23 pmI have a friend who recently went to Venice and she totally agrees with your recommendation to get up at sunrise. They found a ballerina practicing her dance alongside the canals at sunrise and got the most amazing photos.
Lisa
August 16, 2019 5:07 pmOh that is awesome!
Lisa
August 16, 2019 2:35 pmVenice is beautiful. Very lovely pictures, thank you for sharing.
Lisa
August 16, 2019 5:06 pmI agree Venice is beautiful!
Cynthia
August 16, 2019 2:57 pmGreat post! I love your side notes-so helpful! I would love to go with my husband to Venice sometime. I did go to the island of Capri many years ago and the Blue Grotto is definitely at the top of my travel memories. Thank you for sharing!
Lisa
August 16, 2019 5:06 pmMe too that Island was so awesome!
Leigh Ann Newman
August 16, 2019 5:39 pmWhat an extraordinary experience! The views, the food, the city…I hope to visit someday too! Thanks for sharing your tips and insights!
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:54 pmNo problem, I hope you get to go one day!
Katie
August 16, 2019 5:50 pmVenice is such a beautiful city! You have some really great tips in your post!
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:54 pmThanks! It is beautiful!
Brandi
August 16, 2019 8:01 pmOh Venice. What a beautiful place. It’s on my bucket list of places I’d love to visit. I’m vicariously living through your pictures, thank you for sharing.
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:53 pmI love to look back and just remember what a great time and place we had!
Suzan
August 17, 2019 4:36 amConfirms our desire to visit Italy. Wonderful iconic places, history, and their “love with love” all call to me 🙂
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:52 pmIt’s worth going if you get the opportunity!
Sian
August 17, 2019 8:33 amSo glad you enjoyed Italy! It’s a dream of mine to do a road trip there
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:51 pmMy husband and I did a road trip from the north all the way to the south!
Maria
August 17, 2019 10:52 amVenice is magical without question! I’ve been twice and loved it both times.
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:51 pmYes, I agree 100%
Ramae Hamrin
August 17, 2019 12:18 pmOh my goodness — that pizza at St. Mark’s Square! Great photos, and it looks like you had an amazing time! I would so love to go to Venice someday!
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:51 pmI can easily say Italy has the best food in Europe!
Melissa Jones
August 17, 2019 2:22 pmThat is amazing and definitely on my bucket list! What a fantastic trip!
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:50 pmI heart Venice! It is a fun place to visit!
Christa
August 17, 2019 4:39 pmI love Venice! I always have such a wonderful time when I’m there. The food is always my favorite.
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:48 pmI love Italian food in Italy!
Karla Petersen
August 17, 2019 10:46 pmI have never traveled for romance (I know… sad), BUT, Venice is at the very top of my bucket list. I love reading about anything Venice. Thank you!
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:47 pmI don’t get to go on romantic trips that often either but this would be a great place for a honeymoon!
Cindy
August 18, 2019 1:20 amI visited Italy in 2017 and I loved it! It was not a romantic getaway. The trip was my graduation gift to my grandson. My daughter, grandson and I spent 12 wonderful days touring the country. Venice was my favorite city although I loved the Cinque Terre region as well. There were things to love in every town, village and area that we visited.
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:46 pmI agree! Italy has a lot to offer!
Jen at My Average Life
August 18, 2019 7:15 amI’m so jealous! I would love to go to Italy.
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:46 pmIt is a dream trip!
Stacey Billingsley
August 18, 2019 11:10 amI’d love to go to Venice, or anywhere in Italy! I’d love to explore and try the food. I think your hotel room looks sweet! Maybe someday I will get there!
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:45 pmWe have been a few times and I would go back again!
T.M.
August 18, 2019 5:31 pmNow I want to get on a plane and travel to Italy. You made this sound sooooo enticing.
Lisa
August 18, 2019 9:44 pmItaly is amazing!
Laura Lee
August 19, 2019 3:07 pmMy husband and I have been married for 33 years, but have never had a honeymoon. I’m trying to figure out the perfect getaway for us. This looks like a contender!
Lisa
August 21, 2019 4:48 pmOur honeymoon kind of stunk so we have to make up for it now!
Jennifer Morrison
August 20, 2019 11:00 amWhat an amazing trip!!!! Thanks for all of the pictures and the time tip on Venice.
Dawnmarie @ EnjoyingtheDays
August 24, 2019 5:20 amIt looks like you definitely had a beautiful vacation. A gondola ride is something that I think we would like to do if we were there. It seems both stereotypical and like such an enjoyable adventure that one can see why it is so stereotypical. Thank you for sharing pattsnof your adventure!
Lisa
August 24, 2019 4:21 pmIt’s true!