Venice is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in history, culture and art. If you are planning to visit Venice, you might be wondering how to make the most of your trip. In this blog post, I will share with you some tips and recommendations on how to enjoy Venice like a local.
How to get to Venice
Venice is located in the northeast of Italy, on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. The main island, where most of the attractions are, is called Venezia. You can get to Venice by plane, train, bus or car.
If you fly to Venice, you have two options: Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Treviso Airport (TSF). Marco Polo Airport is closer to the city center and has more connections. You can take a bus, a taxi or a water taxi from the airport to Venice. Treviso Airport is farther away and mainly serves low-cost airlines. You can take a bus or a taxi from the airport to the train station in Treviso, and then take a train to Venice.
If you travel by train, you will arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia station, which is located on the main island. From there, you can walk, take a water bus (vaporetto) or a water taxi to your destination.
If you travel by bus, you will arrive at Piazzale Roma, which is also on the main island. From there, you can walk, take a vaporetto or a water taxi to your destination.
If you travel by car, you will have to park it at one of the parking lots in Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, which are the only places where cars are allowed in Venice. Parking can be expensive and hard to find, so it is better to book it in advance. From there, you can walk, take a vaporetto or a water taxi to your destination.
How to get around Venice
The best way to explore Venice is on foot. You will discover hidden alleys, charming squares and stunning views along the way. Walking in Venice can be confusing at first, as the streets are not well marked and often change names. You might also encounter dead ends or bridges that lead nowhere. But don’t worry, getting lost in Venice is part of the fun. Just follow the signs that point to the main landmarks, such as San Marco, Rialto or Ferrovia (train station). You can also use a map or a navigation app on your phone.
Another way to get around Venice is by water. You can take a vaporetto, which is a public water bus that runs along the main canals and connects different parts of the city. A single ticket costs 7.50 euros and is valid for 75 minutes. You can also buy a travel card for 24 hours (20 euros), 48 hours (30 euros), 72 hours (40 euros) or 7 days (60 euros). You have to validate your ticket before boarding and keep it with you until you get off.
You can also take a water taxi, which is a private boat that can take you anywhere in Venice. However, water taxis are very expensive and not very eco-friendly. A ride from the airport to San Marco can cost up to 120 euros.
Finally, you can take a gondola, which is a traditional Venetian boat that is steered by a gondolier. A gondola ride is a must-do experience in Venice, as it offers a unique perspective on the city and its canals. However, gondolas are also very expensive and touristy. A standard ride lasts 30 minutes and costs 80 euros during the day and 100 euros at night. You can share a gondola with up to 6 people to split the cost. You can also book a gondola ride online or through your hotel.
What to see and do in Venice
Venice has so many attractions that it is impossible to see them all in one trip. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
- St Mark’s Square: This is the main square of Venice and one of the most famous in the world. It is surrounded by magnificent buildings such as St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Campanile, Doge’s Palace and Museo Correr.
- St Mark’s Basilica: This is the most important church in Venice and one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture. It is decorated with mosaics, sculptures and paintings that depict scenes from the Bible and the history of Venice.
- St Mark’s Campanile: This is the bell tower of St Mark’s Basilica and one of the symbols of Venice. It offers a panoramic view of the city and the lagoon from its top. You can take an elevator to reach it for 8 euros.
- Doge’s Palace: This is the former residence of the doge, the ruler of Venice, and the seat of the government. It is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and art, with lavish rooms, courtyards and paintings. You can also visit the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the prison, where the prisoners used to sigh before their execution.
- Museo Correr: This is a museum that showcases the history, culture and art of Venice. It displays paintings, sculptures, maps, coins, costumes and other objects that illustrate the life and achievements of the Venetians.
- Rialto Bridge: This is the oldest and most famous bridge in Venice, spanning the Grand Canal. It is a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the view of the canal and its boats. It is also a lively area with shops, markets and restaurants.
- Grand Canal: This is the main waterway of Venice, running through the heart of the city. It is lined with palaces, churches and other buildings that reflect the wealth and power of Venice over the centuries. You can admire it from a vaporetto, a water taxi or a gondola.
- San Giorgio Maggiore: This is an island in front of St Mark’s Square, where you can find a church designed by Palladio and a monastery. You can also climb up the bell tower for another stunning view of Venice.
- Murano: This is an island famous for its glass-making tradition. You can visit glass factories, museums and shops that showcase the art and craft of glass-blowing. You can also see glass demonstrations and buy glass souvenirs.
- Burano: This is an island known for its lace-making and its colorful houses. You can visit lace workshops, museums and shops that display the delicate and intricate work of lace-making. You can also admire the rainbow of colors that brighten up the island.
- Lido: This is an island that offers a beach resort atmosphere, away from the crowds and noise of Venice. You can relax on the sandy beach, swim in the sea or rent a bike to explore the island.
What to eat and drink in Venice
Venice has a rich and varied cuisine that reflects its maritime heritage and its influences from different regions and countries. Here are some of the typical dishes and drinks that you should try in Venice:
- Cicchetti: These are small snacks or appetizers that are served in bars or taverns called bacari. They are usually eaten standing up or sitting on stools, accompanied by a glass of wine or spritz. Cicchetti can be made of cheese, meat, fish, vegetables or bread, with different sauces and toppings.
- Risotto: This is a rice dish cooked with broth and various ingredients such as seafood, meat, vegetables or cheese. Risotto is creamy and flavorful, and often served as a main course.
- Pasta: This is another staple of Italian cuisine that comes in different shapes and sizes. Some of the typical pasta dishes in Venice are bigoli (thick spaghetti) with anchovies or duck sauce, gnocchi (potato dumplings) with cheese or tomato sauce or ravioli (stuffed pasta) with meat or cheese filling.
- Polenta: This is a cornmeal porridge that is cooked until thick and firm. Polenta can be eaten plain or with cheese, butter or sauce. It can also be grilled, fried or baked with different toppings.
- Fritto misto: This is a mix of fried seafood such as shrimp, squid, fish or clams. Fritto misto is crispy and juicy, and usually served with lemon wedges or tartar sauce.
- Baccalà mantecato: This is a dish made of dried codfish that is soaked, boiled and mashed with olive oil, garlic and parsley. Baccalà mantecato is creamy and savory, and usually spread on bread or polenta.
- Sarde in saor: This is a dish made of sardines that are fried and marinated with onions, vinegar, raisins and pine nuts. Sarde in saor is sweet and sour, and often eaten cold as an appetizer or snack.
- Tiramisu: This is a dessert made of layers of sponge cake soaked in coffee and liqueur, mascarpone cheese cream and cocoa powder. Tiramisu is soft and moist, with a rich coffee flavor.
- Gelato: This is a frozen dessert made of milk, cream, sugar and various flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, fruit or nuts. Gelato is smooth and creamy, with a lower fat content than ice cream.
- Spritz: This is a cocktail made of prosecco (sparkling wine), Aperol (bitter orange liqueur) and soda water. Spritz is refreshing and bubbly, with
