With its colourful buildings, gorgeous canals and romantic charm it is no wonder Venice is one of the most popular European destinations. The following article will be looking at how to get to Venice, where to stay, what to do and where to eat during your time in this spectacular city!
Things to keep in mind before visiting Venice –
- Being such a popular city it is of course inundated with tourists so you should prepare for large crowds. (Especially in summer at around midday!)
- Because of it’s popularity the price of accommodation, restaurants, and activities is higher than in most European cities.
- If someone walks up to you and tries to give you a rose, put a bracelet on you or a scarf around your neck – be very stern in saying no and keep walking. As soon as you accept one of these items they will insist you pay 20 euros. Venice was the only place in Italy I had this happen.
How to get to Venice
I visited Venice with Busabout on their South Loop. However, It is just as easy to travel to Venice independently! There is a train station in Venice that this is connected to major European cities. It is also possible to fly to Venice via the Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Where to stay in Venice
What might come as a surprise is that most people visit Venice as a day trip, consequently it is absolutely packed between 11am -7pm. Because of this, I would really recommend staying in Venice as opposed to basing yourself on mainland Italy. While it is more expensive to stay in Venice, I was able to find a reasonably priced hotel and for me, getting a chance to explore the streets and take photos without the bustle of tourists in the early morning and the late evening was absolutely worth the extra money! If this is not a priority of yours then it is really simple to catch a bus into Venice and will cost you about 6 euros each way.
While in Venice I stayed at Hotel Falier. This was a really simple, clean and well-located accommodation option.
Where to eat in Venice
There is an unwritten rule that when in Italy you must eat pizza, pasta or gelato at least once a day… or if you are me, all three every day 😛
Some places I really enjoyed during my stay were:
- Al Bottegon
- Cocaeta
- Gelateria lo Squero
What to do in Venice
1. Free Walking Tour
I particularly enjoyed doing a Free Walking Tour in Venice because it is a city that has a rich history. It was really interesting hearing about the culture of the region and how it has developed over the centuries. Remember that free walking tours rely on tips so budget this into your costs if you are planning on participating 🙂
2. Piazza San Marco
Extremely busy but very stunning, Piazza San Marco is the principal public square of Venice.
3. Rialto Bridge
Unfortunately, Rialto Bridge was under construction when I was in Venice last year but even with the construction, I could still see how beautiful it was! It is also the oldest bridge across The Grand Canal.
4. Saint Mark’s Basilica
Saint Mark’s Basilica is the most famous church in Venice. It is known for its opulent design, gold ground mosaics, and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power.
5. Grand Canal
Stretching from the lagoon near the Santa Lucia Railway Station all the way to the Saint Mark Basin, The Grand Canal is a major water-traffic corridor and is one of the most recognizable areas of Venice.
6. Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is a 16th century enclosed bridge made of limestone. It passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) to the former interrogation rooms in Doge’s Palace. Interestingly fact! The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment…
Overall…
Venice is a classic destination that is an essential addition to your European itinerary. Not only is it a picturesque city but a place with a fascinating history and rich culture.
If you have any questions feel free to comment below 🙂
Interested in other European City Breaks? Why not check out: