Venice is a city of its kind where magic floats in the air like gondolas on the canals.

Venice is first and foremost a canal whose main one is the Canal Grande which runs through the whole city and whose other canals leave to serve homes, hotels and restaurants. The fact that it’s a floating city ranks it among the most incredible cities in the world.

This legendary city is a dream destination for travellers from all over the world because of its incredible architecture where different styles and eras blend harmoniously.

How to get from the airport to Venice

From Marco polo to Venice: two choices are possible, a taxi-boat for 100 € for 4 people or the ATVO bus which costs €15 for a two-way trip which is 25 minutes long.

From Treviso to Venice: here also two choices for you, the train or as for Marco Polo the bus ATVO which costs €22 for a two-way trip wich is 75 minutes long.

I made my trip by bus which is the most economical way and just as fast as the other choices. It will drop you off at Piazzale Roma, which is just outside Venice.

What’s the best time to visit?

Needless to say, avoid summer, the opening week of the Biennial, the Mostra and above all the carnival period (which is by the way considered as the most beautiful and famous carnival with the Rio one).

April in Venice seems to be the good period, no nauseating smell or crowd of tourists. Just locals and a few people strolling calmly.

In any case, it’s quite easy to avoid the crowds by moving away from tourist attractions. Take the narrow streets and you will discover the true charm of the city to meet the authentic Venice.

Getting around Venice

Here are two solutions, the walk or the vaporetto. It’s a boat that serves the islands as buses do in cities. It is the most common mean of transport used in Venice and to me the best one.

A ticket for one hour costs €7. So it’s more advantageous to buy a daily ticket to have unlimited access. It costs €20 for 24h – €30 for 48h and €40 for 72h.

Visit the city of Venice isn’t more expensive than anywhere else in Europe. You just have to know the different options. For those who don’t want to pay the Vaporetto, you can go through the city by foot.

The Gondola in Venice

The city decided the price of a ride in Gondola. It costs 80 € for half an hour and the negotiations isn’t accepted. The only way to reduce the cost is to share it with foreigners and to divide the price of the gondola that can accept up to 8 people.

Another way to make a cheap gondola trip is to cross the Long Canal using collective gondolas which cost only €2 per person and which provides a glimpse of this experience.

To me, not doing gondola in Venice is like not eating in the restaurant. This is what makes Venice Venice! Sailing on narrow canals with friends, family or lovers is a great experience that you shouldn’t miss!

What to do in Venice?

Between the proposed activities, museums to visit, monuments to contemplate, new dances and finally stories to tell, Venice will surprise you. Here is my top 4 activities:

The saint Mark place is the emblematic place of Venice. Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Campanille but also the Doge’s Palace meet here to form a timeless place. It’s located in the heart of the island and is unfortunately very affected by mass tourism.

The Bridge of Sighs used to be crossed by the convicts who joined their cell or torture room after being in court. The inhabitants imagined that they sighed while passing on this bridge. You can admire it from outside.

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest in Venice and one of the most famous, connecting the districts of San Marco and San Polo. During the Middle Age traders used to settle there. This explains the numerous shops integrated in the architecture, similar to the Ponte Vecchio of Firenze.

The Basilica of Santa Maria is located along the Long Canal and almost at the tip of the island. Its imposing white mass is visible from afar and makes it a landmark. It’s one of the most majestic churches in the city thanks to its architecture, its decoration but also the many paintings it contains.

About Restaurant

In Venice some restaurants increase their price during the evening service so it’s better to choose restaurants on lunch time.

The price of the restaurants often increases with the addition of the table setting (about €2), the service (about 12%), the water (in Italy ask for a decanter shouldn’t be doe) and the bread which is charged even if it’s offered with a big smile. Don’t be surprised when you see the bill. Just be aware that the price will be a bit higher than what you read on the menu.

I don’t really have restaurants to advise you because I think it depends on the time you go to Venice, the time you go there (lunch or dinner) and the price you are willing to pay. Eating in St Mark’s Square can be a good experience but I preferred to walk around the streets in search for small local restaurants.

I hope this article will help you plan your next trip to Venice! If you want to see more pictures and stories about my trip to Venice, I invite you to join me on Instagram.

I also wrote an article about the neighboring islands of Venice : Burano & Murano!

Enjoy your visit !

Love,

Sandinourhands