Venice, to put it in short, is a truly mesmerizing city. Unlike most other cities in Italy, is extremely safe for tourists, since almost 70% of the people here are tourists. This city has over 100,000 tourists flocking in and out on a daily basis. The history is as intriguing as the city is in its current state. A theatre of inspiration, an idyllic honeymoon destination, a place where passion meets madness meets magic. Marco Polo, the greatest traveler of all time was born here and started his 24 year long journey around the whole of Asia from this very city. Vivaldi, one of the greatest musicians of all time, performed in the Venetian courts. Similarly, various businessman, traders, writers and artists found a home in Venice. Cassanova the adventurer ,who requires no introduction lived in Venice too.
The Venice Experience:
This city is nothing like anything else. You can just keep walking around the narrow lanes and still not manage to get lost, but this does not mean you don't have a map in hand. You have artists showcasing their paintings, musicians playing out classical italian tunes, a bar/pizzeria round every corner, tons of shopping to do, be it fashion wear or local artifacts.
The famous Venice carnival that had started out as a victory celebration in the 12th century turned into something larger than life through the renaissance period. It became the place where people from all over Europe came and socialized wearing masks to conceal their real identities.
Tips to keep in mind:
i) Take the Marco PoloAirport Bus service to Venice. It costs Euro 7 per person and leaves every 30 minutes to Venice. This the cheapest way, some of those water taxis could end up being quiet expensive.
ii) If you are staying in proper Venice, make sure you choose a hotel close to a ferry terminal, else be ready for a long walk with all your luggage. There are NO cabs services that will drop you at the hotel's doorstep.
iii) If you budget a rather small, stay in Mestre. The hotels are cheaper and have accessibility by taxi as this is on mainland Italy. The real experience of Venice is definitely compromised in this case.
iv) Most restaurants are expensive. They have a cover charge everywhere. Try out the local pizzerias for take away Pizza at around 3-4 Euros per slice. Each slice is good enough for a light meal. Do try the gelatos too.
v) Water from local stores are quiet cheap compared to other cities in europe. Euro 1.5 for a 1.5 ltr bottle is as good as it gets.
Places to Visit:
i) San Marco Square - this is the most popular place in Venice. It houses the Tower, the Dodge's palaces, San Marco Church (make sure you cover your shoulder while entering) and the archeological Museum
ii) The Dodge' Palace - One of the most beautiful palaces in all of Europe with elaborate paintings and interiors. Try to take an audio guide, if you need information on the singficance of each room and also to dig in a bit into the Venetian history
iii) San Galo Theatre - There is a daily theatre performed in English at around 8:00 PM at the San Galo theatre. The theatre is the best introduction to Venice one can have. I would suggest you do this on the first day you arrive at Venice because it covers in details the glorious history of one of the wealthiest and most powerful empire in European history. You will also get an insight into some of the prominent buildings and people through history. The theatre costs Euro 39 per person.
iv) Day tour to Murrano and Burrano - although I did not cover this in my short 2 nights itinerary. It is a definite must go having traveled to Venice.
The Venice Experience:
This city is nothing like anything else. You can just keep walking around the narrow lanes and still not manage to get lost, but this does not mean you don't have a map in hand. You have artists showcasing their paintings, musicians playing out classical italian tunes, a bar/pizzeria round every corner, tons of shopping to do, be it fashion wear or local artifacts.
The famous Venice carnival that had started out as a victory celebration in the 12th century turned into something larger than life through the renaissance period. It became the place where people from all over Europe came and socialized wearing masks to conceal their real identities.
Tips to keep in mind:
i) Take the Marco PoloAirport Bus service to Venice. It costs Euro 7 per person and leaves every 30 minutes to Venice. This the cheapest way, some of those water taxis could end up being quiet expensive.
ii) If you are staying in proper Venice, make sure you choose a hotel close to a ferry terminal, else be ready for a long walk with all your luggage. There are NO cabs services that will drop you at the hotel's doorstep.
iii) If you budget a rather small, stay in Mestre. The hotels are cheaper and have accessibility by taxi as this is on mainland Italy. The real experience of Venice is definitely compromised in this case.
iv) Most restaurants are expensive. They have a cover charge everywhere. Try out the local pizzerias for take away Pizza at around 3-4 Euros per slice. Each slice is good enough for a light meal. Do try the gelatos too.
v) Water from local stores are quiet cheap compared to other cities in europe. Euro 1.5 for a 1.5 ltr bottle is as good as it gets.
Places to Visit:
i) San Marco Square - this is the most popular place in Venice. It houses the Tower, the Dodge's palaces, San Marco Church (make sure you cover your shoulder while entering) and the archeological Museum
ii) The Dodge' Palace - One of the most beautiful palaces in all of Europe with elaborate paintings and interiors. Try to take an audio guide, if you need information on the singficance of each room and also to dig in a bit into the Venetian history
iii) San Galo Theatre - There is a daily theatre performed in English at around 8:00 PM at the San Galo theatre. The theatre is the best introduction to Venice one can have. I would suggest you do this on the first day you arrive at Venice because it covers in details the glorious history of one of the wealthiest and most powerful empire in European history. You will also get an insight into some of the prominent buildings and people through history. The theatre costs Euro 39 per person.
iv) Day tour to Murrano and Burrano - although I did not cover this in my short 2 nights itinerary. It is a definite must go having traveled to Venice.
