Contributed by Carolyn Malone.

There are two things that I take into consideration when traveling solo as a female: safety and walkability. In a previous post I mentioned travel to Cape May, New Jersey. For those who wish to venture outside the United States, I recommend touring Venice, Italy.

Unlike what some movies and novels might suggest, Venice has a low crime rate, much lower than Rome and Milan, and it is considered to be one of the safest cities in Italy. The best times of the year to visit are spring and fall. It tends to be hot and crowded in July and August.

Where to Stay

Historical Venice is comprised of six neighborhoods: Castello, Cannaregio, Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, San Marco, and San Polo. The latter two neighborhoods are touristy and crowded, filled with overpriced restaurants and lodgings. For cheaper accommodations and a more local feel, I recommend staying in Santa Croce, which is much quieter and slower paced. Here, you can get a sense of how the natives live. You’ll have to take a short walk or ride on the Grand Canal to get to the main tourist attractions, but it’s worth it to get lost in the charming alleyways and winding streets along the way.

Getting Around Venice

There are only two modes of transport within Venice Proper: water and foot. On the water, most people (tourists and locals, alike) use the vaporetto (a water bus) to reach stops along the Grand Canal, the city’s main waterway. The “side streets” or waterways that run perpendicular to the Grand Canal are only accessible by gondola or water taxi. Some people say not to bother taking a gondola, as it is a tad expensive, at around 100 euros a ride for up to six people. To me, not taking a gondola ride in Venice is like going to a winery and not tasting the wine. You must try this experience once. Believe me, it’s worth the price of admission.

Luckily, Venice is compact enough to navigate by foot. Don’t be afraid to get lost. Even if you are directionally challenged like me, you’ll eventually end up where you want to be. Aside from famous St. Mark’s Square, there are dozens of smaller squares and winding streets where you’ll run into charming cafes, gelato shops, museums, and small shops selling carnival masks, Murano glass, and other artworks.

Unusual Things to Do/See While in Venice

• Pay attention to the array of boats on the water. There are police boats, ambulance boats, fire boats, garbage boats, house-moving boats, and yes, even hearse boats. A boat for every purpose under the sun.
• Get up early. Dawn and dusk are the best times to see the “real life” of a city’s inhabitants. One morning I woke up to see garbage collectors on land, going from building to building, collecting garbage by wheelbarrow.
• Take the Venice Ghost and Walking Legends Tour. In addition to ghost stories, you’ll learn about the history of Venice and the real purpose of wearing those masks.
• Visit a Venetian Squero, a boatyard in Dorsoduro. Here you can watch master craftsmen build and repair gondolas while learning the history behind these iconic boats.
• Go on a Venetian mask-making tour. Visit the Ca’Macana Workshop in Dorsoduro and learn about the different types and meanings behind the city’s masks. You can make your own mask as well.

Venice is filled with things to see and do if you are willing to look beyond the usual tourist trappings. I hope someday you get to experience the magic of this unique city and all that it has to offer.