I recently returned from Venice with my son, and I’m still thinking about our mornings by the water. An Americano, a chocolate croissant, the most beautiful plate of fruit, and the sun warming us up. Very little on the agenda. Plenty to talk about.

We’ve been lucky enough to visit Venice before, so this trip was about slowing down and spending time together. We wandered, browsed little shops, stopped when we were hungry, and let the day unfold. Having that time to connect was my favorite part.

If Venice is on your list, here are a few things I’d love to share—and a loose itinerary for enjoying it at your own pace.

Stay Somewhere You’re Happy to Come Back To

We chose Hotel Cipriani for a change of pace from staying in the middle of the city, and I loved it. The property is gorgeous, private, and quiet enough to feel like a resort, with St. Mark’s Square and the bustle of Venice just a quick boat ride away. For us, it was the best of both worlds.

Being able to go out and explore, then return somewhere peaceful, made the whole trip feel easier.

My biggest arrival tip: have the hotel coordinate your pickup from Venice Marco Polo Airport. We did, and someone met us right at the gate. It was such a seamless start to the trip—and one of those arrangements I was very happy to have made ahead of time.

Start Slowly, Then Wander

Breakfast deserves its own place on the itinerary. That coffee, chocolate croissant, and fruit by the canal? I would happily repeat it every morning.

From there, we headed into the city and wandered. We popped into small, family-owned leather shops, bookstores, stationery stores, and jewelers. There was so much pleasure in seeing what caught our attention and having the time to look.

Whenever a café looked inviting, we sat down. We watched locals and tourists pass by, chatted, and took a break without feeling like we needed to hurry somewhere else.

That would be my suggestion for an afternoon in Venice: leave it open. Pick a direction, browse a little, and give yourself permission to stop.

Make Time for a Good Meal

Cip’s at the hotel was a highlight. It’s right on the water, and the food was wonderful—the kind of setting that makes you want to linger.

We also went to Harry’s Bar. Yes, it’s a tourist spot, and yes, it’s right in the middle of everything. We thought it was worth it. Fun, delicious, and a lovely part of our trip.

And honestly, we were very happy eating at the hotel. Every restaurant we tried was fantastic, and room service had its moment, too. Some evenings, staying in was exactly what we wanted.

A Few Notes From My Suitcase

Packing win: a silk skirt. I felt like I wore it the entire trip. Not quite, but it was so versatile that it more than earned its space in my bag.

Packing miss: jeans. Somehow, I forgot to pack a pair. Such a wardrobe staple, and absolutely something I wished I’d brought.

We flew American Airlines there and Delta home. Sometimes you have to pivot—a little flexibility belongs on every packing list.

What I’ll Remember

The moments I keep coming back to are simple: breakfast in the sunshine, little shops we happened upon, and time with my son without much competing for our attention.

If you’re heading to Venice soon, I hope these notes give you a starting point. Book a few things that matter to you, then leave room for a long lunch, another coffee, or a street you’re curious about.

Those were some of the best parts of our trip.