Why visit Venice?
Venice is a truly must visit destination as it is unlike any other city in the world. There are not many places left where you can feel like you are stepping back in time to a place before cars roads and traffic. Once you step foot on the island you are transported into a giant maze of winding alleyways and narrow streets separated by canals and bridges. Add to this the usual high quality of Italian food and architecture and the city makes for a perfect weekend away.
What to do in Venice
- See St Marks cathedral and square – these are the most famous attractions in Venice and for good reason. The cathedral is a magnificent building inside and out and opens to a vast square where the Doges of old could address the city and hold huge masquerade parties at carnival
- Cross the Rialto Bridge – this is certainly the center of Venice and a hub of activity surrounded by restaurants, gondolas and high end shopping
- Visit Murano and Burano – a short vaparetto ride away are two picturesque towns in the image of Venice. Murano famous for its incredible glass industry and Burano for its flamboyant colorful houses
- Take Gondola ride through the canals – go back in time and imagine how the locals would have gotten around hundred of years ago and see the city from a whole new perspective from the water
- Wander the streets – the best way to see the city is to to wander down side streets, cross the canals and come across the lesser known churches, monuments and shops
How to get around
There really is only one way to get around the main city and that is to walk. There are no roads and water taxis and vaparettos are pretty expensive so unless you’re ready to open your wallet every other hour bring some comfortable shoes. With that said the island is tiny in comparison to most cities at just a 40 minute walk from end to end so it really isn’t an issue.
Where to stay
The best cathedrals, restaurants and museums are in San Marco right in the center of the city just to the east of the grand canal so here is definitely the place to stay to save some time walking. If you’re on a bit ore of a budget there are some great hotels for far cheaper if you stay closer to the train station on the west of the island; just bear in mind this puts you a bit further from the grand canal and St Mark’s Square
Is Venice Expensive
In short – yes. There is a cost to enter most churches and cathedrals ranging from 3-5 euros for the smaller ones up to 15 for St Marks. Although a lot of these places provide great value the costs soon add up. Then include the city tax for every night of your stay and the service charges added to most restaurants and your cheap city break is looking a bit more expensive – flights can be as cheap as £20 per person though which does make up for this a little.
How long should I stay
For me Venice has the perfect amount to see for a weekend away provided you get good enough flight times. One day exploring the main island, wandering the grand Canal and going inside the bigger cathedrals and one day island hopping to Murano, Burano and Torcello. While this may not allow you to fit absolutely everything in, if you’re anything like me then there’s a limit to the amount of cathedrals and art you can look at in one holiday before starting to lose interest. This is the main cause for my impromptu trip to the mountains to break things up a little.
Final top tips
- Pay for the museum in St Mark’s Cathedral; this only costs a couple euros and allows you to go up to the balconies both inside and outside
- Skip the Doge’s palace if your not really into art and history; while the building is very impressive the contents inside and the museums associated don’t make up for the 30 euro entrance fee
- Look or ask for the service charge of a restaurant before sitting down, especially near St Mark’s square, as these can be extortionate in some areas
- If you’re adamant on going on a gondola and don’t mind sharing pre book a shared journey in advance – this will save you 40-50 euros
