There is no other place in the world like Venice. She is the most charming and unique of Italian cities. With over 400 bridges, a series of twisting canals, incredible architecture & the history of one of the richest trading powers in the world one thing is for sure, you will fall in love with this enchanting place the moment you leave Piazza Roma and step on your first vaporetto/water-bus.
Having been two years in a row, I have gathered useful information which I hope will help you plan your trip and get the most out of this experience:
- Venice
- Gondola Experience
- Where to Stay
- Where to Eat & Drink
- Carnival
- Murano & Burano
Venice
Tip N.1…don’t expect to see the whole of Venice in a weekend. Give yourself at least a 4-day break to take in all her beauty. You will be spoiled by choice. Day 1, I would concentrate on all the city’s landmarks. Make the Rialto Bridge your first stop. It is at the heart of the city and from there you can visit all the other major landmarks. The bridge itself is impressive, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night when you are not surrounded by an avalanche of tourists. However, keep an eye out for the bars on each side of the scalinata and while you are there don’t forget to visit the fish and fruit market, mingle with the locals and try out some delicious food.
Next, follow the yellow signs to Piazza San Marco. The only piazza in Venice (the rest are all campo), it’s a magical place whether crowded with people in the height of summer, flooded by the acqua alta, or completely silent in the still of the night. There’s so much you can see in the square. Depending on the queues I would climb up the Campanile to admire Venice’s rooftops or visit the Basilica, and marvel at the glittering mosaics and its grandeur.
From Piazza San Marco there are two options, you could turn left at the end of the Basilica and visit the Ponte dei Sospiri and L’Arsenale or go through the square towards Ponte dell’Accademia and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Either direction you take, be camera ready…you won’t be disappointed!
Tip N.2…when in Venice do not attempt to follow a map. It doesn’t work and you will spend more time getting frustrated rather than looking at what’s all around you. Leave the map in your hotel room and start walking. You will soon get lost in the wonderful labyrinth that is Venice. But fret not, all the major landmarks are signposted and eventually you will find your way back to the Rialto Bridge or Piazza San Marco! I would spend Day 2 walking through all the streets and canals of Venice. There is so much that traveling books don’t mention and sometimes you just have to see where the road takes you. Don’t forget to stop and refuel on your way. Venice is well known for its incredible local delicacies! See the section on ‘where to eat and drink’
If you are not too scared of heights…near the Rialto Bridge you will find the T Fondaco dei Tedeschi shopping centre. The building itself is spectacular, but the 360° view from the rooftop terrace will leave you speechless. And here’s my Tip N.3…on the ground floor of the shopping centre buy a bottle of water. With the receipt from this purchase go to the rooftop and show the guard your receipt. This will allow you to skip the queue an pay a fraction of the ticket. Try and time it so that you are going on the rooftop with a new group giving you plenty of time to take loads of pictures and take in the spectacular views of the Canal Grande.
Gondola Experience
You really can’t go home without having experienced un giro in gondola on the Canal Grande. A gondola ride can vary between €80 to €240 depending on the length of time, what you want to see and if you would like to be serenaded while admiring la Serenissima. If you ask me is it worth it!? My answer will always be yes, you will regret it if you don’t! We were very fortunate as for two years running, we got the same gondolier Lorenzo, who, a part from being absolutely adorable was also incredibly knowledgeable on Venice’s history and culture. If you are thinking about a memorable gondola experience give me a shout!
It’s no secret…I am in love with Venice! I love her history, her traditions and her romantic spirit. I can’t wait to see what amazing adventure this city will offer us in 2020! Have you booked yet!?
♥Dani♥
Dani ♥ Hearts 