Located in Northern Italy on the Adriatic Sea and spread across 100 small islands, Venice, the water logged city is an iconic travel destination for everyone across the globe. Here’s why October is the best time to visit Venice.

Venice is a city you can visit all times of the year and each season having its own pull but our favourite time is October. Leaving the summer packed touristy season behind (extremely pricey time of year too) and the weather at an average of 22 degrees not even a jacket needed when walking around the city, it is perfect for the discerning traveler to explore this magical city.

We opted to have our base in S. Marco area staying at the 4 star Duodo Palace (www.duodopalacehotel.com), minutes to the spectacular San Marco Square and the Bridge of Sighs. Venice is without a doubt an expensive place to stay but opting for an authentic 4 star in a decent location slightly out of the summer season is your best bet not to spend an extortionate amount. Overall transport time from Marco Polo airport took no longer than 40 minutes.

This included a private pick up with driver waiting promptly with a sign at the airport who then drove us for 20 minutes where we were then escorted onto our own private speedboat (glossy wood work, cream seating interior and topped off with an Italian flag waving in the wind as you cruise to your hotel drop off). There is something marvelously romantic sailing down the windy canals, surprisingly clear water and then being dropped off at the jetty of your hotel. (https://www.shuttledirect.com/en/airport/vce.html). Couldn’t recommend this company enough, on time, luxurious, friendly and knowledgeable and most importantly prices compared to booking through the hotel were slightly better.

Whilst strolling round Venice and people watching ensure you see:

• Piazza San Marco (eateries, live music and MAGNIFICENT architecture that leaves your mind blown that they were created all those years ago)

• Bridge of Sighs- One of the most famous bridges in the world, known in Italian as Ponte dei Sospiri. In the 16th century it was what joined to the prisons. Legend has it that prisoners were heard to sigh as they went over the bridge and caught a glimpse of Venice.

• Go watch the Italian artists painting in the streets. Even if you don’t want to part with your money just watching them paint and soaking in the atmosphere is wonderful.

• Take a walk on the Canal Grande, people watch, walk along the promenade with the sea air in your hair or catch a gondola ride!

• All the churches (Chiesa’s) are worth stopping in if you can, humbling and peaceful (1 Euro to light a candle)

If on a budget here is a great little lunch spot in the San Marco area that is not ridiculously expensive and tasty - Conca d Oro - try the arinccini!

Also table wine in most squares is about 5 euros each for a large glass (and as its Italian wine it’s delightful and cheaper than at home).

If you’re going to Venice for a special occasion and fancy splashing out a bit more we would highly recommend trying to get a table at Restaurant De Ivo. It has been made even more famous by celebrity guests that frequent such as George Clooney, Elton John and Matt Damon to name a few. You will definitely have to book in advance, it is a tiny traditional restaurant with no more than 6/7 tables. The wine list is extensive and prices dramatically vary but you can get a delightful bottle of Valpolicella for 60 Euros and you will certainly not be let down by the food! The menu is of course seasonal but can recommend the courgette flowers, cuttlefish in black ink and the baby octopus! Everything we ate was spectacular and looking at food on other people’s table there is defiantly a reason to go back and try more of their extensive menu! https://www.ristorantedaivo.it/exclusive/

Gritti Palace (hotel) - A 5-star hotel with impeccable views! The presidential suite is supposed to be in excess of 10,000 euros a night! But instead of staying there (as most normal people could never dream of this) why not pop for a drink on their terraced bar, greeted by a gentleman with a hawk, views of the Duomo across from it and people watch the rich and famous departing in their private boats from the private hotel jetty as you enjoy an Aperol Spritz or glass of red wine! (Website)

There is no getting away from the fact that even trying to do Venice on some form of budget is difficult however try going at our favourite time on October, enjoy the city for more an authentic local vibe and slightly reduced rates compared to high season. If you have never been to Venice and imagined what it is like it is exactly how you thought, taken back in time to a different way of water island life, real coffee lovers paradise, a foodies dream and probably one of the romantic places in Italy we have been.