Solo Traveller Adventures in Venice - The Highlights

Venice is indeed a romantic city. There is no doubt about that. However, that should not stop the single traveller from still visiting this beautiful city. Besides getting lost in the maze of streets and canals, there are still many things for travellers to do, especially if there is no significant other, or even a travel buddy.

So as a tourist, I had a few places I definitely wanted to visit in Venice. As most people know, I am a history buff and so I will always always always look for the museum in a city. I have been blessed to visit some of Europe's most spectacular museums and galleries like the Prado, the Louvre, Uffizi, Rijksmuseum, National Gallery, among others and now, Accademia in Venice.

Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice

Loved the woodwork in this room,and of course, the art - Gallerie dell'Accademia

St Mark's Basilica was also beautiful - always a bit of a sombre moment when visiting the great churches in Europe. Just a note to the uninitiated, when visiting churches, please respect that it is indeed a spiritual house and be modest in one's attire. Walking with a shawl or sweater would save you being barred from entering.

I also had the chance to see the square when it was devoid of human life. I would recommend setting the alarm for sunrise and heading to St Mark's Square to see the full beauty of the square when the tourists are all asleep. Beautiful.

View of St Mark's Basilica from the outside. No photos allowed inside.

The peace and quiet of St Mark's Square as Venice just begins to wake up.

Palazzo Ducale or the Doge's Palace. The artistry and attention to detail here were extraordinary. I am always amazed at just how much work went into these palaces in an age where technology was basic but innovation still amazingly high. Something to think about, millenials. Really enjoyed this visit. 

The detail in the ceilings, paintings, walls and even the doors is magnificent. The tour of the prisons within the palace walls was also one that was a bit sad, particularly of course, walking across the Bridge of Sighs - so named because the view from the bridge, as limited as it was, would be the last view prisoners would have of Venice before being sealed behind the huge and heavy doors of the dungeons.

Exterior of the Doge's Palace in Venice

Just one of the many spectacular rooms in the Doge's Palace

The doors of the prison cells that locked away life for years and years in the Doge's Palace

The last sight of Venice the prisoners would have as they crossed the Bridge of Sighs

But the easy pace of life on the island of Burano was a highlight. I took the vaporetti from Venice to the outlying island of Burano, famous for its beautiful lace. I had planned to visit all three islands but the heat and exhaustion made me make a tough choice as to which of the three - Murano, Torcello or Burano - I would make the effort for. The glass blowing of Murano has been cited as a great treat but I was far more interested in just chilling, and so took the ride out to Burano instead.  A great difference to the tourist-mad mainland where streets were quiet and locals sat on their doorsteps chatting or observing the tourists taking photos. The selfie stick phenomenon was a real source of amusement for the Burano folk as it was almost death by selfie from the visitors. Love love the kaleidoscope of colour in Burano and strolling through the quaint and peaceful streets as dusk began to fall was calming and wonderful. Burano is also well known for its lace and there are several shops where you can purchase a variety of lace items, from clothing to fans, to umbrellas to home accessories. A must for anyone visiting Venice I think. Your multiple day travel pass (mentioned in the last post) will also cover your journey to the outlying islands, so definitely invest in one if you are staying in Venice for a few days.

Burano - a quiet and welcome escape from tourist-riddled Venice

Loved the splash of colour all across the island of Burano

Peaceful Burano. Love,

More importantly, just take it easy. Walk the streets and explore all the little nooks and crannies, take a tour of the Rialto market when it is at its peak, and sit along the canal with an aperol spritz and just people watch - the best part of any solo traveller adventure in Venice. Will share my favourite eats in the next post.

Aperol spritz - the best thing ever. Sip one while sitting along the Grand Canal and life is golden