Venice? Is it worth it? Not enough time?

[CosyNavyLeader]

We have an opportunity for a child free weekend away.

Friday flight out 11.35am. Land Venice 2.45pm.

Sunday flight back home. Depart Venice airport 3.30pm. Land back home 5pm.

Flights are £200 for the both of us in total.

I can find accommodation for around £150 for the two nights.

Is it worth it? Has anyone else done such a short trip?

Is it enough time to at least feel like we've seen enough of Venice?

It will be in January, 2nd to 4th. Not sure if this would still come under the Christmas crazy time or if it will be quieter (which is better for us if we are on a tight schedule)

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thankyou!

I think it's a city that's enchanting even in the rain. Every street is a surprise and a work of art - and if the weather is terrible there are hundreds of churches, museums, buildings and shops to explore. You couldn't regret it.

Totally worth it. It's stunning and there's so much to see.
I wouldn't bother with the islands if it's only two days.

Read some of Donna Leon's Brunetti series before you go, the first one at least. I particularly enjoyed Acqua Alta.

Venice is ruined compared to how it used to be.
Plenty of other great European cities for a short break - I’d go to Switzerland; Geneva or Basel.

@NewGirlInTown Those cities are great but Geneva airport is full of skiers in January. Neither Swiss city is Venice and we cannot turn the clock back.

I don't think you can say that. "Ruined" because of tourism? Well, mass tourism in Venice has been going on since the 18th century. It is the original tourist trap.

It's changed in some ways since I lived there 25 years ago, both positive and negative. There has been a slow, gradual drain of Venetian- born inhabitants for decades, way before I lived there (and way predating AirBnB). Tourism has always played a part in this, plus a lot of Venetians craved more spacious, modern accommodation and the convenience of a car, so moving to the mainland always had its attractions.

Public transport links to the mainland are better (there's a tram now!) More people speak English (to my disgust when I went back and tried to use my fluent-but-rusty Italian 😱). It's way more multicultural now, with immigrants from all over the world, and with that has come a good bit of creative dynamism- Italy as a whole definitely had quite an insular, parochial feel back in the day, and it feels more outward looking now. I noticed some places that had little community gardens and planted areas in the street, something that just wasn't a thing 25 years ago, and is welcome in a city with a dearth of green spaces.

Negatives? So many of the old traditional wooden boats have gone, and that's heartbreaking. Back in the day, it was normal to own a small wooden boat- there were a dozen or so different kinds- I used to own one, in fact. Nowadays they mostly seem to have been replaced by white fibreglass monstrosities.

And the cats have gone. The city used to be haunted by hundreds of stray cats, broadly (but probably insufficiently) looked after by the inhabitants. Now they've all been trapped, neutered, rehomed and/ or died out, and you hardly see a cat. Even pet cats are kept inside it seems. I know it was for their welfare really but I do miss them 😪

Please go @CosyNavyLeader it is one of the most unique and magical places on this earth, and all you need to do on a short trip is walk and mooch and eat… and see where your heart leads you.

Sorry I meant water buses not private water taxis.

I've been to Venice twice, both times on a cruise.
We had a day in Venice each time, you can cover most of Venice in a day or at least see a lot, we did all the touristy stuff, had lunch, shared a bottle of wine sat by a canal, went shopping etc.
Absolutely love Venice, one of my favourite places, you've picked well and won't be disappointed.
You'll have plenty of time to explore

I would definitely go, there is no where quite like it. We loved wandering by the canals just off the beaten track stopping for chiccetti and a drink here and there. It really isn’t super expensive if you get away from the main sights. We did decide to go to St Marks Square for coffee (this was a few years back). 10 Euro to sit outside with it of 2 Euro inside.

if you like modern art the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is fabulous and in a lovely location.

@DonewhatIcando Venice in a day? Obviously a snapshot. Cruises need to be banned from Venice. You cannot “do” Venice in a day!