Arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia Station was one of the highlights of my trip to Italy. The moment…read moreyou step outside the station, you're greeted by one of the most breathtaking views I've ever seen. Seeing a city built entirely on water is something you truly have to experience in person. I absolutely fell in love with Venice. The historic architecture, charming canals, colorful boats, and beautiful bridges make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Everywhere you look, there's history, culture, and incredible scenery. Watching the boats glide through the canals while people go about their daily lives is simply mesmerizing. We spent time just relaxing along the water, taking in the views, and enjoying the atmosphere. It was peaceful, beautiful, and unlike anywhere else I've ever visited. The restaurants, cafés, and waterfront views only added to the experience. Out of all the places I visited in Italy, Venice was by far my favorite. As someone who loves history and historic architecture, this city exceeded every expectation. I could easily spend days wandering its streets and canals. It's a destination I would absolutely return to and highly recommend to anyone visiting Italy.

Main train station in Venice that has about 16 tracks that you can take to different cities. We…read moretook the train from here to Milan which was about 2.5 hour train ride. Just be sure to constantly keep an eye on the monitors so you know which train to take. They're constantly updating. Try to arrive about an hour before your departure so you can give yourself some time to get familiar with the platform or just to check out the little shops inside for some last minute souvenirs or snacks. Trains are clean and seats are comfortable.

If you rented a vehicle and wanted to come to Venice for a stay, this garage will be the best bet…read more(as cars are not allowed in the city). For small cars only ~ inside the ramps to reach upper decks are sooo narrow. You will be instructed to self park and the space given is sooo narrow. To weave back and forth to park in reverse is sooo small. Oddly, after you park, you hand them your keys and that is it. A slight stress wondering if your belongings are safe but it is what it is. *Making a reservation is highly recommended.

The parking is very close to Piazzale Roma (as you're not allowed to bring cars into Venice), so…read moreit's a prime location. There's multiple levels but note that the spaces are quite small, so if you have a large car, you'll be hard pressed to navigate. This spot seems to be better for long-term parking, as the garage across the street was cheaper for short-term parking on a per hour basis. You pay at the end of your stay and must leave your keys. There is an attendant on the floor and he checked us out fairly quickly. Each car has its own slot (it's not stacked parking). There are elevators.

Parking in Venice can make parking in San Francisco seem like a dream. But if you have to do it,…read moreAutorimessa Comunale comes to the rescue. There are two parking options here, a 24-hour option for around 29 Euro, and an after 10pm option (to 5am) for 15 euros. The structure is 10 floors, and of course, I had to park on the top floor. The spiral road leading up is narrow, so be careful, otherwise you will hit a wall. And be sure and pre-pay your ticket before you drive up to the exit area, otherwise you will have to reverse, and this could create a problem if folks pile up behind you. Once parked, it is a short walk into the wonders of Venice. For 15 euros, you can't beat the evening price. If this place is full, or if you just don't like the ugly building, especially in contract to beautiful Venice, there are other options nearby at similar prices.

This iconic and famous stone arch crossing bridge is the oldest in Venice. It is a must see when…read morevisiting. Here you will see and experience daily life, gondola rides, water traffic, shops, and nearby waterfront restaurants. Best time to visit is early morning or late night to avoid the crowds. I recommend seeing it late at night so you can see all the lights glistening in the water. Very pretty.

Ponte di Rialto, or the Rialto Bridge, is the oldest and most iconic bridge across the Grand Canal,…read moreand it is an essential landmark to visit when in Venice. The bridge connects 2 key districts in Venice: San Marco and San Polo. It was only a 15 minute walk over for us and as we approached I was surprised to see it wasn't just a bridge. There were jewelry shops, leathered goods shops, Murano glass shops, and other different types of souvenir shops. The only downside is that IT WAS SO BUSY. The crazy inconsiderate tourists would be walking and then stopping part way through the bridge blocking the flow of the walk way to talk their photos. I feel like you're obligated to see the Rialto Bridge if you're in Venice, but mentally prepare for some madness.

Named for the nearby Chiesa degli Scalzi, literally the "church of the barefoot monks," the Scalzi…read moreBridge is an elegant stone span that links the Santa Croce and Cannaregio neighborhoods. The Scalzi Bridge dates from 1934 and is one of four bridges over the Grand Canal. We arrived in Venice via rail to the Santa Lucia Station, the Scalzi Bridge was the first bridge you will cross after disembarking. It is also referred to as the Bridge of Sighs. As prisoners were being brought to San Marco Square they would cross the bridge, admire Venice and sigh.

Venice is known for the canals and especially the Grand Canal. But did you know there are only…read morefour bridges that cross the Grand Canal? The Ponte degli Scalzi is one of those four bridges. It is located nearly in front of the Santa Lucia/Ferrovia train station (just to the left if standing in front facing the Canal). It is, however, in front of the Santa Maria di Nazareth Church. It was originally an Austrian iron structure built in the 1850's. The stone arch bridge we see and use today was designed by Eugenio Miozzi and finished in 1934. The bridge connects the sestieri of Santa Croce and Cannaregio. The name comes from the order of bare-footed friars, Scalzi, that once had a convent located there. Reality is...if you arrive by train and then step out the train station you see the canal, the beautiful buildings in front of you...and then you are almost drawn to the bridge. This is Venice baby...get on that bridge!!! Let the whole idea of being in Venice sink in...right here! It's the back drop for many selfies since it's really the first bridge a lot of folks see. Just take it all in...and its surroundings!