Venice is a magical city by day, and even more so by night. From its quaint narrow streets with twists and turns, to little bridges over the shadowy canals, the huge and popular St Mark’s Square, and all the boats on the Grand Canal, Venice is enchanting. Venice is famous for its canals, architecture, culture, shopping, and food. This city is one of our favorites! Here are our quick travel info tips for planning a visit to Venice.
Travel Info: Venice
Why Visit
Venice, a fascinating city built on water, where the roads are canals
A photogenic city, a new picturesque scene around every corner, with a certain natural lighting that enhances everything
Italian cuisine and wines!
Treasures of Murano glass, Italian leather, Burano lace, Carnival masks
History and Architecture, incredibly, Venice is built on over 100 islands and water laps at foundations
No cars! Pedestrian-only through narrow ancients streets and over small curving bridges
Recommendations
Stay in the San Marco district; both of these hotels are perfect for staying close to all the action but also tucked away from the crowds: Hotel La Fenice et des Artistes and Duodo Palace Hotel
The Castello district is close enough to walk to Piazza San Marco and offers a quiet neighborhood feel, a great hotel here is Hotel Al Piave
Taking a water taxi to and from the airport is more expensive (~€100-ish) than the vaporetto (~€15/person) but also a much better experience and arrival into Venice
For an authentic Italian restaurant experience, eat at Trattoria alla Madonna, with the best Seafood Risotto
What to Know
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: Central European (CET), +6 hours from New York City (EST)
Plug-in Adaptor: Standard EU plug-in
Language: Italian, and many people also speak English
Weather: Summers are hot and humid, spring and fall are temperate, and winter is cold; you may see rain any time of year
Good to Know: House wines are amazing in Italy!
What to See
St. Mark’s Square, tour the Basilica and the Doges Palace, see the Bridge of Sighs
The Grand Canal, lined with palaces, grand homes, shopping, and café restaurants
Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge to span the Grand Canal, so much shopping and cafés in this area
Take a vaporetto or water taxi to see Murano and Burano Islands, Murano for glass and Burano for lace, both for amazing photos of colorful buildings on canals
Take a vaporetto to one of the beaches, Lido de Venezia is a 20-minute ride from Venice
What to Do
Visit St. Mark’s Square for a drink (warning, expensive!) and people watching (free!)
Shop for Murano glass, leather purses, shoes and boots, journals, inkwell pens, and so many more unique treasures in the many small shops in quaint narrow streets around St Mark’s Square
Take a gondola ride around the small canals for a unique experience, you’ll hear fascinating stories about Venice’s history
Eat all the gelato, pizza, and cannoli
Visit the quirky bookshop Libreria Acqua Alta, with very unique displays and vintage books
Key Phrases
Hello: Ciao
[chow]
Please: Per favore
[pair fav-or-ay]
Thank You: Grazie
[grah-tsee-eh]
You’re Welcome / After You / Don’t Mention It: Prego
[pray-go]
Yes: Si
[see]
No: No
[no]
Two Pints of Guinness, please: Due pinte di Guinness, per favore
Cheers: Salute!
[sah-loot-eh]
Salute!
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