Visiting Venice Venezia
Venice Venezia Travel guide
By Giuseppe Baldassarri Italian travel blogger
Venice, often referred to as the "Floating City," is a unique and enchanting destination in northeastern Italy. Known for its intricate network of canals, beautiful architecture, and rich cultural heritage, Venice offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Here are some of the highlights and things for which Venice is famous:
1. Canals and Gondolas: Venice is famous for its canals, which serve as the city's roads. Exploring the city by gondola is a popular activity, allowing visitors to glide through the picturesque waterways and under charming bridges.
2. St. Mark's Square and Basilica: Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) is the main public square in Venice. It is surrounded by stunning architecture, including St. Mark's Basilica, a remarkable example of Byzantine architecture adorned with intricate mosaics.
3. Doge's Palace: Located adjacent to St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace is a magnificent Gothic palace that once served as the seat of government for the Venetian Republic. It is now a museum showcasing the city's history and art.
4. Rialto Bridge: The Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice. Spanning the Grand Canal, it is a bustling area lined with shops, cafes, and markets. It offers fantastic views of the city.
5. Venetian Gothic Architecture: Venice is renowned for its unique architectural style known as Venetian Gothic. The city features numerous palaces, churches, and buildings with ornate details, pointed arches, and delicate tracery.
6. Murano Glass: Venice is famous for its exquisite Murano glass. Visitors can explore the island of Murano, located near Venice, to witness glassblowing demonstrations and browse the many glass shops offering intricate glassware and art pieces.
7. Venice Biennale: The Venice Biennale is one of the world's most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions. Held every two years, it showcases a wide range of art forms, including visual arts, architecture, film, and more.
8. Carnival of Venice: The Carnival of Venice is an annual festival that dates back to the 13th century. It is known for its elaborate masks and costumes, attracting visitors from around the world. The carnival features parades, masquerade balls, and street performances.
9. Venetian Cuisine: Venice offers a unique culinary scene influenced by its maritime location. Traditional dishes include seafood, such as sarde in saor (marinated sardines), risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto), and fritto misto (mixed fried seafood). Don't forget to try Veneto wines, like Prosecco and Amarone.
Venice's beauty, history, and distinctive atmosphere make it a captivating destination. Whether you're exploring its winding streets, admiring its architecture, or immersing yourself in its cultural events, Venice offers an unforgettable experience.
Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:
Venice Venezia: where to stay?
Venice offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. When choosing where to stay in Venice, it's important to consider factors like location, budget, and the type of experience you're seeking. Here are some popular areas and types of accommodations to consider:
1. **San Marco**: This is the heart of Venice and home to famous landmarks like St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Doge's Palace. Staying in San Marco puts you at the center of the city's attractions, but it can be expensive. Luxury hotels and boutique inns are prevalent here.
2. **Cannaregio**: This is a quieter district just north of the train station. It's a good choice if you prefer a more local atmosphere and easy access to the train station. Accommodations here range from mid-range to luxury.
3. **Dorsoduro**: This area is known for its artistic and cultural attractions, including the Gallerie dell'Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. It offers a mix of upscale hotels, boutique guesthouses, and budget options.
4. **Castello**: The Castello district is home to the Arsenale and the Biennale Gardens. It's a quieter area with fewer tourists. Accommodation options vary from luxury to mid-range.
5. **Giudecca**: Giudecca is a peaceful island just south of Venice. It offers fantastic views of the city and the Grand Canal. It's a great option for those seeking a more tranquil experience. Accommodations include upscale hotels and boutique guesthouses.
6. **Murano and Burano**: These islands in the Venetian Lagoon are known for their colorful buildings and Murano glass. Staying on these islands provides a unique experience. Murano has some boutique hotels, while Burano has limited accommodation options.
7. **Lido**: The Lido island is known for its beaches and is a popular choice during the summer. You can find a range of hotels here, and it's just a short Vaporetto (water bus) ride from central Venice.
8. **Budget Accommodation**: If you're on a tight budget, consider staying in the Mestre district on the mainland, just a short train ride or bus journey from Venice. You'll find more affordable options there.
When choosing your accommodation, consider the following:
- Proximity to major attractions.
- Your budget and preferred level of comfort.
- Whether you want a canal view or a quieter location.
- Access to public transportation, as Venice primarily relies on boats for transportation.
Keep in mind that Venice can be crowded and expensive, especially during peak tourist seasons. It's a good idea to book your accommodation well in advance, and also be prepared to pay a premium for the convenience of staying in the heart of the city.
Booking.com7 Days in Italy: Last Updated Itinerary Ideas.
7-day itinerary for visiting Venice Venezia and its surroundings, along with some local food and wine specialties to try:
Here's a suggested 7-day itinerary for visiting Venice and its surroundings:
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Venice
- Arrive in Venice and settle into your accommodation.
- Begin your exploration of Venice by taking a walk through the winding streets and canals. Visit St. Mark's Square and Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
- Enjoy a traditional Venetian dinner at a local trattoria, trying dishes like sarde in saor (marinated sardines), spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), and tiramisu for dessert. Pair your meal with a glass of Prosecco, a sparkling wine from the Veneto region.
Day 2: Venetian Islands Tour
- Take a boat tour to explore the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
- In Murano, visit a glassblowing factory and witness the artistry of Murano glass.
- In Burano, admire the colorful houses and lace-making traditions. Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant.
- Visit the island of Torcello to see its ancient cathedral and peaceful atmosphere.
Day 3: Day Trip to Padua and Vicenza
- Take a day trip to the nearby cities of Padua and Vicenza.
- In Padua, visit the Scrovegni Chapel to see its stunning frescoes by Giotto. Explore the historic center and the Basilica of Saint Anthony.
- In Vicenza, admire the architectural masterpieces of Andrea Palladio, including the Villa Rotonda and the Teatro Olimpico.
Day 4: Venetian Lagoon Excursion
- Embark on a boat excursion to explore the Venetian Lagoon.
- Visit the islands of Lido di Venezia and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.
- Explore the island of San Michele, the historic cemetery of Venice.
- In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
Day 5: Venetian Cuisine and Market Tour
- Take a food and market tour to experience the vibrant local food scene.
- Visit the Rialto Market and taste fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties.
- Learn about Venetian cuisine and try your hand at making traditional dishes during a cooking class.
- Enjoy a dinner at a bacaro, a traditional Venetian wine bar, where you can sample cicchetti (small tapas-style dishes) and regional wines.
Day 6: Cultural Exploration and Gondola Ride
- Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to view modern art in a beautiful setting along the Grand Canal.
- Explore the Accademia Galleries to see masterpieces of Venetian art from the 14th to 18th centuries.
- Take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice, enjoying the unique perspective of the city.
- Indulge in a romantic dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring dishes like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) and fritto misto (mixed fried seafood).
Day 7: Farewell to Venice
- Spend your last day in Venice exploring the lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden corners of the city.
- Visit the Arsenal, a historic shipyard that played a crucial role in Venice's maritime power.
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a trattoria or a picnic in one of Venice's picturesque squares.
- Take in the final views of the canals and bid farewell to Venice.
Please note that this itinerary is a suggestion, and you can customize it based on your preferences and the specific attractions and restaurants you wish to visit. Venice and its surroundings offer a wealth of history, culture, and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable experience.
How to get to Venice Venezia, and view the map in real-time.
Getting to Venice, Italy, typically involves arriving by train, car, or plane. To view a map of Venice in real-time, you can use various mapping and navigation apps or websites such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, or a GPS device. Here's how to get to Venice and view the map in real time:
**1. By Plane**:
- **Arriving at Marco Polo Airport (VCE)**: This is the main airport serving Venice and is located on the mainland. You can take a taxi, a bus, or the Alilaguna water bus from the airport to Venice. You can use a navigation app to find directions from the airport to your specific destination in Venice.
- **Arriving at Treviso Airport (TSF)**: This airport is located further from Venice and is primarily served by low-cost airlines. You can take a bus or taxi from the airport to Venice.
**2. By Train**:
- If you are traveling within Italy or from nearby countries, Venice is well-connected by train. The main train station in Venice is Santa Lucia (Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia). You can use train station maps or a navigation app to find your way from the train station to your accommodation or desired location in Venice.
**3. By Car**:
- If you're driving to Venice, you can reach the city by car. However, note that you'll need to park your car on the mainland and take a Vaporetto (water bus) or other water transportation to reach Venice, as the city is not accessible by car. There are parking areas and garages on the mainland for this purpose.
**To view a map in real-time**:
- Use a smartphone or tablet with a mapping app like Google Maps or Apple Maps installed.
- Ensure that your device has a working internet connection, either through mobile data or Wi-Fi.
- Open the mapping app and enter "Venice" as your destination.
- The app will provide you with real-time directions, including walking, driving, or public transportation options, depending on your mode of arrival and preferred method of transport.
- You can use GPS navigation to guide you to your specific location in Venice.
Please remember that while using mapping apps in real-time can be very helpful for navigation, be mindful of your surroundings, and follow local signs and regulations. Also, Venice's layout with its many canals and narrow streets can sometimes be a bit tricky, so it's a good idea to have a map or GPS guidance handy, especially if it's your first visit to the city.
