We loved getting lost in the quiet alleys, wandering without cars or motorcycles, seeing the canals, the lovely views and the boats, and the amazing handmade masks.  We did not love the tourists (I can absolutely not imaging going there and enjoying myself with the mobs of tourists during non-covid times), the busy section at St. Mark’s square, and the terrible and overpriced restaurants.  We thought of it as being in the Disneyworld of Italy; not at all a real version of Italy.  But it was worth checking out and I am glad we did it.  Also our apartment was really nice in a suburb right outside of Venice proper, with an easy 10-minute bus ride to town.