„Venice is eternity itself!“- Joseph Brodsky
If you’re spending your summer vacation in Jesolo, there’s one excursion you can hardly miss: a day in Venice. The lagoon city is practically on your doorstep, and although getting there requires a bit of patience, it’s always an experience. This was our second visit together – we were there for the first time two years ago. And honestly, it made our planning a lot easier this time. We knew exactly what we definitely wanted to see again, what we could possibly skip, and where we wanted to go.
So: sit back, Aperol in hand, and I’ll take you on our day between St. Mark’s Square, Suso ice cream, small alleys, and a very, very slow boat ride back to Jesolo.
From Punta Sabbioni
by ferry to Venice
Our day started in Jesolo, where after breakfast we headed towards Punta Sabbioni. This is the point from which most ferries to Venice depart. The journey there alone is a bit of a „rising excitement“ feeling – you know you’re about to walk through one of the most famous cities in the world.
But – and now comes the big BUT – these ferries are and will always be a bit of a test of patience. You know those boats that look like they’re still original equipment from the 90s? That’s exactly what they are. On top of that, you feel like sardines in a can because, of course, no one gets left behind along the way. Understandable – everyone wants to go to Venice. But when you’re chugging along for almost an hour and every other boat in the lagoon passes you three times, you do feel a bit like you’ve been made a fool of.
Oh well. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and think about the first Aperol that would be waiting for us in Venice.
First stop:
St. Mark’s Square & Basilica
As soon as I arrive, the path automatically leads me there: St. Mark’s Square. It’s this moment that always gives me goosebumps. Suddenly, the square opens up, the hustle and bustle of tourists, the pigeons, the cafés, and in the middle of it all, the incredible St. Mark’s Basilica.
A work of art that can’t be easily addressed casually. Golden mosaics, imposing arches, a building so steeped in history that you’d love to stand in front of it for hours.
And now comes a fun fact that most people who don’t know my husband personally might find quite amusing: He’s a walking encyclopedia. Really. While other tourists wave their guidebooks or use Google, I get a live tour right by my hand. He tells me all sorts of things—how and why the square was built, who played what role in history, and details you might otherwise miss.
Sometimes I just look at him and think to myself, „Okay, I married my personal guide—jackpot.“
Aperol, baby!
After so much culture, my gut usually speaks up very quickly – and my gut has a pretty good nose for Aperol. I swear, my body led me to the famous Aperol bar almost as if by remote control. Without a map, without a navigation system, just by gut feeling. And lo and behold: we were standing right in front of it.
The first glass of Spritz in Venice is always a little magical moment. Yes, you could say you drink Aperol Spritz everywhere else – true. But in Venice, with a view of the old houses, the canals, and the bustling crowds, it simply tastes twice as good.
Suso
Ice Cream Like a Cocktail
We continued on toward the Rialto Bridge – a classic that simply has to be seen, even if it’s always packed. But: On the way there, perhaps the most important memory of our first trip to Venice came back to me – the legendary Suso ice cream.
And let me tell you: we simply HAD to go there again.
This time I opted for passion fruit. And now hold on tight: It really tasted like a pornstar martini in ice cream form. Fruity, fresh, a little cheeky – perfect for a hot summer day. My husband also treated himself to a scoop, and for a brief moment, the world was simply sweet, creamy, and completely right.
Letting yourself drift
through the alleys
For me, one of the most beautiful parts of Venice isn’t necessarily a tourist attraction. It’s strolling through the small alleys, away from the crowds of tourists. Suddenly, you find yourself in a courtyard, discovering tiny shops selling masks or leather goods, or stopping on a small bridge and watching a gondola slowly glide by.
That’s exactly what we did: let ourselves drift. No plan, no pressure, just walk, look, and marvel.
Of course, you’ll also stumble across charming cafés and small boutiques along the way. And even though we didn’t plan on doing any major shopping this time, it’s simply fun to peek through the windows and imagine what it would be like to live here.
Back to Jesolo
– The Boat Odyssey
At some point, the moment comes when you have to go back. And as romantic as Venice is, your heart swells a little when you think about the return trip.
The truth is: It takes a long time. Almost an hour in the old boats, including the wait until you even get on them. And when you’re slowly chugging through the lagoon, while speedboats whizz by on either side, you feel a bit like the grandpa of travelers.
But hey, that’s just how it is. I always try to see the trip as a last opportunity to enjoy the water, the sun, and the wind one last time before landing back in Jesolo.
my summary
A day in Venice isn’t a relaxing „feet-up“ day. It’s a day full of impressions, full of beauty, full of little adventures, and—yes—full of nerves when it comes to the boats. But at the end of the day, the good outweighs the bad.
Venice is unique. No photo, no video, no story can fully describe what it’s like to walk through the alleys there, a glass of Aperol in your hand, Suso’s ice cream in your stomach, and the sun on your skin.
I would go back anytime—despite the boats being from the 90s. And perhaps that’s exactly what makes Venice so special: It always stays in your memory as a little bit chaotic, but that’s precisely what ensures you never forget it.
👉 So, if you’re spending your vacation in Jesolo, take the time for a day trip to Venice. Pack patience, sunscreen, and maybe a good book for the boat ride—and let yourself be enchanted by this incredible city.
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