Venice Trip Advices

 A visit to Venice is unforgettable at any time of the year – although the crowds during the summer months can be as stifling as the heat. Try visiting the city in fall or winter when the canals take on a mysterious atmosphere all their own and you may almost have the place to yourself.

Getting to Venice is easy; the city has its own international airport about 4 miles from Venice, named after one of its most famous residents, Marco Polo. There are direct flights from many European cities, including London, Paris and Zurich. From the airport, buses run to the railway station – or you can splurge on a private water taxi to your hotel for around $100.

Many people arrive by train at the city’s main railway station where the water literally laps at the steps. There are direct, fast and frequent trains from many Italian cities, including Rome, Milan and Florence. If you arrive in Venice without a place to stay – not recommended – the hotel reservations booth in the train station will try to find you a room.

But for some, the only way to arrive is by water from the mainland – the sight of the city shimmering above the Adriatic is an unforgettable sight. It’s a fitting way to arrive in the city that has literally been reclaimed from the sea and was built by a great sea trading empire.

Hotels in Venice are among the most expensive in Italy and some of the cheaper hotels lack air conditioning and other basic amenities. You can save money by staying in one of the suburbs, but still within easy reach of the main sights. Many visitors stay in the area near the train station, known as Cannaregio, with its many budget hotels.

Venice is compact enough to be explored easily on foot. There are no cars in the city center – even the emergency services travel by boat. If you don’t want to walk, you can take one of the inexpensive water taxis that ply the Grand Canal. A gondola ride with that special someone is overpriced, but a memorable experience.

Venice is a city of neighborhoods. One of the joys of the city is to stray off the beaten track and explore – in a few minutes you can find yourself in neighborhoods where most visitors don't bother to venture. Little squares or campielli are hidden all over the city, where the paint peels from faded houses and washing lines are strung criss-crossed from the apartment windows.

There are several passes and discount cards available that make sightseeing in Venice a little easier. The Museum pass costs around $20 and includes admission to all city museums including the museums around St. Marks Square, the Archaeological Museum, the Costume Museum and Glass Museum. Be warned that many places in Venice are closed on Sunday and all restaurants are closed one day a week, often Monday.

And if you tire of the crowds of Venice, there are several other islands in the lagoon that are worth a visit. Murano is famous for its many glass factories and Burano is well known for its lace industry and the brightly colored homes of the local fishermen. The island of Torcello makes a quiet escape from Venice as the island is virtually uninhabited. Torcello contains the oldest church in Venice – the Cathedral which dates from the 7th century.

Its fair to say that Venice is not a contender for nightlife capital of Europe, and much evening entertainment here often consists of strolling the quiet streets, or a late dinner or of course, one of the delicious Italian ice-creams.

Without a doubt, Venice is one of the most romantic and loveliest cities in the world. The city is also one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and can be overcrowded and overpriced. With a little planning, a trip here can be a wonderful experience.