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Venice is one of the most romantic and rewarding cities on earth. It is not just another tourist trap (especially if one visits more than just the most touristic places and in the off-season). Venice is a stunning city in sunshine and rain - arguably Venice is even more spectacular in the rain. It is a destination that can be very expensive - and it can also be explored on a tight backpacking budget.

Venice is one of the most visited cities in Europe - although not nearly as much as other cities like Paris and London. While many cities have only a small historical center - meaning that most of the tourists are bunched up gawking at the same monuments - Venice is quite large. It also has many scattered islands that one can visit to escape the crowds on the main island.

The Storied And Unique History Of Venice

Venice has a long and storied history and was one of the most important European cities of the Middle Ages. It was from Venice that Marco Polo began his long and adventurous expedition to China. For over a millennium Venice was its own country - the Republic of Venice from 697 to 1797. The Republic of Venice finally came to an end with the French invasion led by Napoleon.

  • Republic of Venice: From 697 to 1797
  • Disestablished: by Napoleon Bonaparte

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it was a staging area for the Crusades. It was one of the most important centers of commerce - especially in grain, silk, and spice. It grew to become the first real international financial center reaching its peak in the 14th century.

Throughout much of its history, Venice was a wealthy city that possessed a small maritime empire with numerous territories along the Adriatic Sea and beyond.

Today one can feel its unique history in its architecture and many canals. Venice is known affectionately by many names like "City of Water", "City of Bridges", "The Floating City", "The City of Canals," and more.

Related: Avoid These Things In Venice If You Want To Have A Good Trip

Venice: "Undoubtedly The Most Beautiful City Built By Man"

Venice was even declared "undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man" in one New York Times article. It's not hard to see why. All of its buildings are old and sitting only a foot or so above the water and the city is sliced through with around 150 canals with gondolas taking honeymoon couples on romantic rides.

  • Canals: 150 Canals
  • Streets: A Veritable Rabbit Warren

The whole city is a rabbit warren of narrow alleyways and narrow streets. Before the age of Google Maps with GPS, it is easy to see how every tourist and newcomer would have been hopelessly lost.

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world - it is a city that easily rivals the likes of Paris and Prague in romance and atmosphere. After all, there's a reason why Venice was chosen as the romantic location for James Bond and Vesper Lynd serving as the filming location in the 2006 James Bond movie Casino Royale.

Related: 10 Easy (But Fun) Things To Do For 3 Days In Venice

A City Whose Tourism Is Still Recovering

While it is true that there are concerns about over-tourism in Venice and fears that the pollution, cruise ships, and a number of tour boats could have an adverse effect on the city. But the city is so large and beautiful that most tourists can escape all of this.

Venice's tourism industry is also still recovering from the effects of the pandemic, so if one visits in 2022, the number of tourists will likely still be significantly lower than what they were before the pandemic. It is also not likely to recover this year so long as travel restrictions still remain in places like China. Before the pandemic, Venice welcomed 5.5 million tourists in 2019 in 2021 it was only 2.1 million.

  • 2022: Tourism Is Still Below Pre-pandemic
  • Tourists: 5.5 Million Annually

The size of Venice means that one can easily escape the crowds and tourists. There is the main island, but also numerous smaller (and incredibly cute) islands to explore. Many of these islands have few tourists.

  • Tip: Visit The Lesser Islands Of Venice
  • Atmosphere: Not Spoiled By Over Tourism

The feel of the streets of Venice is somewhat rustic, many of the buildings are a little shabby and in need of renovation and a fresh coat of paint. But this just adds to the charm and feel of Venice - it doesn't feel like the city has lost its soul to masses of tourism.

In short, Venice is a very touristic city. But it has not been ruined by tourism and does not feel too touristic.