There’s a lot to love about Venice, from the unique architecture to the outstanding glasswork.
Unfortunately, though, I was underwhelmed by the food and noticed some things like souvenirs, meals, and experiences were more expensive than they were in other Italian cities I’d visited.
Although the architecture is stunning, the narrow, winding streets also made it difficult to navigate the city and added to the feeling of overcrowding.
Additional planning is now needed to visit, as the city requires tourism permits on certain days. Considering the expense, challenges with walkability, and additional planning required, I likely won’t return to Venice for another visit.
This story was originally published on May 3, 2025, and most recently updated on September 11, 2026.
