Solo trip in late February: Venice?

[IceLollyMolly]

I want to go away by myself for 3 or 4 nights and was wondering about Venice. I have never been. I love history, architecture, walking and Italian food.

DH has been and was not overly impressed, but that was some years ago. He preferred Rome and Florence ( both of which I have been to).

What are your thoughts about Venice in February or early March? I am hoping to avoid the tourists.

If you’re wanting to avoid tourists , the Carnival this year is from 31 Jan - 17 Feb.
Whilst it is spectacular, it will be very busy and accommodation is usually booked out way in advance .

Venice is gorgeous in Winter. I would plan visit based on exhibitions available. Acqua alta is likely so pack some gumboots just in case. They put planks.

Barcelona is also a really nice city to consider and food/people are great.

If you really want Italy, you could consider Bologna with daily trips to Ravenna, Rimini, even Verona.

Venice in winter is perfect . Outside of Carnival time it will be quiet and no queues for things . Definitely in the Acqua Alta zone so sturdy boots . Also could be very chilly but the payoff for less touristy is definitely worth it .

DH and I went to Venice in the February half term holiday a few years ago. It was good - not busy, weather was ok though it rained a bit nothing too bad given there’s lots of indoor things to do, and after the main flood season (I don’t know if their barrier thing is working properly now so maybe that’s not an issue now anyway).

Maybe consider doing something similar to what I did on my own re Venice? Staying in Venice solo was very expensive for me (but might not be for you!) so -

I flew into Treviso and caught the bus to Padua (Padova). OMG what a gorgeous place that is in its own right, absolutely charming with plenty of history, the Scrovegni chapel, the University, the Basilica to St. Anthony (in case you get lost ha ha) and much much more. Super little cafes and restaurants etc. etc. Accommodation was half the price of Venice as a solo.

Anyway I was there for four days, and on two of the days/evenings I took the train from Padua into Venice. It only takes 25 mins or so and the tram system in Padua connects with the train station. It was so easy.

I can tell you one thing, the view of the Grand Canal coming out of the St Lucia station is something I will never forget as long as I live.

Go after the carnival finishes, lots of places have good deals on before the main tourist season starts. I would LOVE to go Venice again, I’ve been 6 or 7 times. I love it.