In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, we chat all things Venice. Sean and Brandon break down their first impressions, the city’s wild history, and the must-know tips for eating, staying, and making the most of 36 hours in the floating city.
Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post along with our dedicated guide to planning your visit to Venice, where you’ll find everything you need. Also, check out our article on the best Venice tours to take.
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What We Cover in This Episode
- Sean and Brandon’s first impressions of Venice
- The wild history and culture that shaped Venice
- Tips for planning your trip to Venice
- How to spend 36 hours in Venice
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- Venice Guide Book
- Best Restaurants in Venice
- Where To Stay in Venice
- Best Food and Drinks to Try in Venice
- Top Things to Do in Venice
Not ready to book a tour? See our best Venice tours to take and why.
Venice Podcast: Dead Romans, Black Teeth, Smoke, and Mirrors
Segment 1: Introduction to Venice
- Want to relive Brandon’s AMAZING first time in Venice? Learn all about attending the Venice Carnival and which tours to take to make your experience even more magical.
- Venice’s dining options range from high-end cuisine to local favorites, with a fair share of tourist traps in between. A guided food tour ensures you enjoy the right dishes without wasting time or money.
- To experience Venice at its best, remember three things: plan where to go, limit your stay to a few days, and don’t shy away from spending.
Not ready to book a tour? See our best Venice tours to take and why.
Segment 2: History & Culture of Venice
From a swampy refuge to a global empire—Venice’s history is anything but ordinary. Here’s the short version:
- Venice began as a defensive outpost in the lagoon, settled by those escaping the chaos of the collapsing Roman Empire.
- By the 15th century, Venice was one of the most powerful trade empires in Europe, built on spices, silk, and global commerce.
- The island of Murano became famous in the 14th century for its glassmakers, who were kept under strict control to prevent them from leaking their mirror-making secrets.
- From the 14th to the 18th century, the Doge’s Palace was the political heart of Venice, housing its elected leader and serving as both a grand residence and a court. There was also a prison beneath where criminals—like Casanova—awaited their fate.
Not ready to book a tour? See our guide to visiting the Doge’s Palace.
Segment 3: Planning Your Trip to Venice
When to Go:
- Aim for spring or fall—early May and late September to October have that sweet spot of great weather and fewer crowds.
- Skip the summer rush if possible. Venice in June and July is hot, packed, and not nearly as enjoyable.
Where to Stay:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the podcast. For a full list of our recommended neighborhoods and hotels, check out our article Where to Stay in Venice.
- Dorsoduro: Central, artsy, and packed with great restaurants and museums.
- Cannaregio: More local, with lively bars and authentic cicchetti spots.
- Castello: Quieter and residential, but close to major sights without the chaos.
What to Eat & Drink:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the podcast. For a full list of our recommended must-try dishes, check out our article Best Foods to Try in Venice.
- Fritto Misto: A glorious heap of crispy, golden-brown seafood, typically including shrimp, calamari, whitebait, and soft-shell crab.
- Pasta al nero di seppia: Squid ink pasta, briny and rich in flavor.
- Cicchetti: Venice’s take on tapas—small bites, usually served on bread.
- Ombra: Often served in bacaros (local bars in Venice), an ombra is a small glass of house wine.
- Seafood: Go for white fish, octopus, or Venetian-style sardines.
- Spritz: The go-to aperitivo, with options like Aperol, Campari, or Hugo.
Not ready to book a tour? See our best Venice tours to take and why.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Below, you’ll find our favorites mentioned in the podcast. For a full list of our recommended restaurants, check out our article on the Best Venice Dining Spots.
- Caffè Florian: The most elegant (and expensive) way to sip a cappuccino in St. Mark’s Square, often complemented by live music.
- Osteria Enoteca San Marco: The perfect mix of casual wine bar and upscale dining—grab a snack at the bar or go all in on the roasted lamb.
- Al Timon: A lively canal-side spot where you can sip wine on a docked boat or head inside for one of the best steaks in Venice.
- Cantina Do Spade: One of Venice’s oldest cicchetterias, serving up small seafood plates and local wine since 1448—don’t miss the anchovy and mozzarella cicchetti.
- Osteria ai Promessi Sposi: A laid-back, no-fuss osteria loved by locals for its simple yet delicious traditional dishes.
Not ready to book a food tour? Check out our best Venice tours to take and why.
Venice Travel Tips:
- Avoid the tourist traps: Skip restaurants with waiters calling you in or menus in a dozen languages.
- Trust the chef: Venetian food is made to be eaten as is—don’t ask for modifications.
- Get lost (on purpose): The best spots aren’t on the main streets, so wander a little.
- Traveling with family or friends? A private tour gives you more flexibility and a better experience.
Segment 4: Venice Itinerary
Day 1 – Arriving in Style & Savoring the View
- Arrive: By train from Milan or Florence and take a water taxi (pricy, but worth it) or walk to your hotel in Dorsoduro.
- Kick Things Off: With a rooftop Spritz at Terrazza Danieli near St. Mark’s Square.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Cannaregio, then take a late-night walk through St. Mark’s Square to see it at its most peaceful.
Day 2 – Art, Islands & A Night in Dorsoduro
- Morning: Take a private or small group tour of Doge’s Palace or explore modern masterpieces at the Guggenheim Museum.
- Afternoon: Grab lunch at Osteria Al Portego in Castello, then take a vaporetto to Isola San Giorgio for the best view of Venice without the crowds.
- Late Afternoon: Witness master artisans at work on a Murano glassblowing tour.
- Evening: Dine with a rooftop view at a San Marco hotel, then head to Dorsoduro’s jazz bars for a laid-back, music-filled night.
Day 3 – A Venetian Farewell
- Morning: Savor your last cappuccino at the iconic Caffè Florian in St. Mark’s Square before bidding farewell to Venice.
Not ready to book a tour? See our best Venice tours to take and why.
