Last updated on at 07:39 am
How’s Venice in November? That’s the question a long-time friend broached to me over the phone one hectic Monday morning (while I was still struggling to come to terms with the fact that it’s already Monday, heh). And it’s also the question that gave life to this post.
She’s planning to visit Venice in November and since I went in the same month not too long ago, she thought I would be an expert on the subject. Ha.
I wouldn’t exactly call myself an expert, but I do know a thing or two about visiting Venice in November to credibly (I’d like to think) write something about it. So to answer her question and those of others who wonder the same, here’s a look at Venice in November.
Venice in November
For starters, I didn’t have the most favorable first impression of Venice when I disembarked from our Vaporetto (a canal boat or water bus) at the San Marco stop one wet, rainy midnight.
The midnight part was totally my fault (I missed my original flight from Paris, leaving me to board a later one–an interesting story for another time). The rain? A force of nature that couldn’t be helped. But the rest that followed, I would say, was totally on Venice.
First off, the streets were flooded. So much water, we had a hard time navigating our way.
Second, everyone we talked to in the streets was either: one, saying we wouldn’t be able to reach our hotel that night; or two, selling us one thing or another, claiming we needed them to reach our hotel that night–not exactly encouraging things to hear when you’re bone-tired after a long day spent traveling.
To make the story short, we, thankfully, found our hotel just before we fell asleep on our feet, but not without discouraging thoughts about how this Venice City trip might just… suck?
Well, we couldn’t be more wrong, though, because it turned out to be the opposite of that. That Venice trip became one of the best and most memorable Europe trips we’ve made. Here’s how that came about.
Venice Gondola
The morning after we arrived, we woke up to this sight.
Oh wow. Gondolas after gondolas ferrying sightseers, who wanted to experience an authentic Venice Gondola ride, passed by on the canals under our room. What a sight that was! If the reality that we were already in Venice still seemed surreal before that, then that picturesque scene certainly brought the fact sinking in.
When we went out, this site greeted us, however.
In some areas, there was still water left by the high tide the night before. We were surprised, for sure, but that’s mainly because we didn’t check how Venice is in the fall.
This didn’t bother us, though, because while it might be a bit of a hassle walking on wet streets, still the weather was cool and there were fewer crowds, which are plusses when visiting during autumn.
These pictures were taken in the morning, hence the water.
Come lunch or early afternoon, however, it receded significantly, making going around easier.
St. Mark’s Square
And as you can see, we weren’t the only ones not bothered by all the wetness. People still enjoyed Venice despite it.
And many were still out and about.
Venice Canal
Because who wouldn’t when Venice is amazingly gorgeous; it’s just wonderful and unique: a city on water.
Grand Canal, Venice
The biggest canal, the Grand Canal, is a sight to behold. It’s huge compared to other inner canals, and bustling with activity that’s so fascinating to see. We took this photo while on the Rialto Bridge.
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Bridge of Sighs
The famous Bridge of Sighs didn’t disappoint. It was as splendid as the photos we’ve seen before portrayed it to be. Actually, more splendid.
Exploring Venice
We went exploring. Venice with its labyrinth of streets is a joy to explore–you’ll never know what may turn up on a corner or what you’ll chance upon down a pathway.
And then, of course, there are those little, dramatic bridges like this that afford you another delightful and romantic view of gondolas gently sailing on the water.
We explored Venice for around three days and we had the best time of our lives that we promised ourselves we would return.
Is Venice Worth Visiting?
So visiting Venice in November is great for many reasons, a few of which are:
- One, the weather isn’t hot as opposed to going in the summer. Also, they say that the canals emit this foul smell in the summer that isn’t present during the autumn.
- Second, November belongs to shoulder season or one approaching the off-season, so there are fewer crowds.
- Third, hotels aren’t fully booked, so you have more options to choose from. A little story: we had this cousin who visited Venice in the summer and had to stay at a hotel an hour and a half from Venice because all the hotels in and around the city center were fully booked. He had to take a bus every day to get to Venice.
- Fourth, prices on almost everything are more affordable.
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Venice Tours
For a most extraordinary and memorable Venice experience, you can avail of these Venice tours that offer something extra special. Book in advance to ensure there are still slots available.
Hotels in Venice
For places to stay in Venice, here are some highly-rated hotels near the attractions.
Wrap Up
We hope you’ll love and enjoy Venice as much as we did!
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Venice is so beautiful! Can’t believe how high the water gets though haha
Yes, it is. And yes, there’s that, heh. But it’s tolerable and fun in some ways, I guess.
It’s beautiful! I would definitely go in November. Such a beautiful place to visit. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Thank you so much and you’re welcome.
Venice is one of our favorite day trips from Verona, and we love going in the off-season like November. It’s nice to be able to dodge all the tourists for sure.