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.
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
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.
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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.
