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Venice Area
In one word: charming. Venice (Venezia) is an enchanted, watery city built on 118 islands, joined to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Founded in the 11th century, this mystic, hedonistic, awe-inspiring city has been a center of trade, art and architecture and a treasure to tourists from all over the world. A word of warning: do not expect such enchantment to come cheap. Venice can be on the expensive side, so plan ahead to save some Euros.
Highlights of Venice
- Piazza San Marco
- Rialto Bridge
- Bridge of Sighs
- Doge's Palace
Historical Sites
Piazza San Marco
The only true piazza in Venice, San Marco was originally built to house government offices. San Marco is dominated by Basilica San Marco, and at the northeast corner, a clock tower, completed in 1506, with a Latin inscription that translates to "I number only peaceful hours." Join the throngs of tourists feeing pigeons, but leave your sack lunch behind. Eating on the Piazza is strictly prohibited. The Piazza San Marco is the lowest point in Venice, and as a result during the Acqua Alta ("high water") from Adriatic storms, or even heavy rain, it is the first to flood. Surrounding the Piazza are the Museo Civic Correr, the Museo Archeologico and the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, a trio of museums holding a wealth of the cities art and historical artifacts.
Rialto Bridge
While the boutiques that line it are quite pricey, a stroll across this beautiful stone bridge, will cost you nothing. And the views are picture-perfect. The bridge has three walkways: two along the outer balustrades, and a wider central walkway leading between two rows of small shops that sell jewelry, linens, Murano glass, and other items for the tourist trade. (NOTE: The bridge consists primarily of steps, making it a challenge for tourists with strollers or wheelchairs.)
Bridge of Sighs
The "Bridge of Sighs" leads from The Doge's Palace into the prison on the opposite bank of the Rio del Palazzo. The bridge, constructed around 1600, only acquired its world famous name during the late 18th century when Lord Byron romanticized the sound of condemned prisoner's sighs.
Campanile
For an aerial view of the city, head to the campanile. At 325 ft. high, this bell tower is the tallest structure in the Venice. In peak season, arrive at 9AM sharp to avoid waiting in line for the elevator.
Activities
The Canals
Get lost! Venice is the perfect city for wandering without a map. You're surrounded by water, so you can't get too far. And if you start to feel a little disoriented, look up! Buildings are often marked with the names of city landmarks. Just follow the arrows to your San Marco, the Rialto Bridge or the Santa Lucia train station ("Ferrovia"), and reset your internal compass.
Basilica San Marco
Easily the largest tourist attraction in Venice, the Basilica holds a wealth of art, architecture and history. Particular beauties include the Cavalli di San Marco (bronze horses), which can also be seen from the Piazza, and the golden mosaic ceilings - a must-see! Entrance is free, but please remember to dress modestly.
Doge's Palace
Palazzo Ducale di Venezia, a stunning gothic palace, was the residence of the Doge of Venice. It will no doubt cost you a few Euros to visit, but the experience is well worth the price of admission. The highlight for many is the breathtaking climb up the Scala d'Oro (Golden Staircase). Many of the palace's interior rooms are richly stuccoed; their upper walls and ceilings are also decorated with magnificent works of art. The basement of the Doge's Palace prison cells which housed prisoners, such as the (in)famous Casanova, who, escaped in 1756.
Places to Stay
Hostels
There are a handful of hostels in Venice within walking distance of the train station. To search for hostels online with full descriptions, photos and availability information, please access the following link: http://reservations.bookhostels.com/isecard.com. The $2 reservation fee will be waived when booking through this site.
Places to Eat
For a true taste of Venice, you must wander off the beaten path. Areas around the Grand Canal will most certainly offer tourist fare (high prices, low quality). If you're visiting Venice on a budget, don't hesitate to pop in to any of the smaller osteria for a panini and some house wine. You won't be disappointed.
Getting Around
Walking
Venice is a small city, so it's fairly easy to walk from one end to the other in about an hour. With its traffic-free streets, quaint alleyways, and charming bridges, simply taking a stroll through Venice can be one of its greatest pleasures. And for the practical among you, walking is also the cheapest and fastest way to get around the city.
Waterbus
Vaporetto or waterbuses are the next most preferred method to getting around in Venice. Tickets are available at ticket offices at some stops, tobacco shops, newsstands and bars. If you board a waterbus without a ticket, you can purchase one from a crew member. Warning: if caught traveling without a ticket, you'll have to pay a fine. And it won't be cheap.
Tip! Save money on visit to Venice by purchasing an unlimited travel tourist ticket.
Water Taxi
While much more pricey than a waterbus, water taxis are certainly faster, more comfortable and convenient. They've been called the most expensive taxis in the world - but for an alternative view of the city, and door-to-door service, they can't be beat.
Gondola
For romance and not a shred of practicality, hop aboard a gondola. They are rather expensive, but a very Venetian experience.
Moving On
Airport
Aeroporto Marco Polo is about 10 kilometers north of the city and is reachable by the ATVO shuttle bus. The shuttle runs every hour from 8AM to midnight and will take you about 30 minutes to reach the Piazzale Roma.
Train
Stazione Santa Lucia, Venice's train station (or, Ferrovia) is located in the northwestern corner of the city. If arriving by train, be sure to disembark at St. Lucia, not Mestre – which is Venice's mainland stop. Ticket offices are open daily beginning at 6AM, until 9PM.
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