My Fiancee and I are traveling to Venice. Suggestions?

Question

We will be going for vacation in June. I've traveled quite a bit and know that it is good to know some of the little secrets that can help you get around a little better without getting ripped off. Is it crazy expensive? We have a place to stay but other then that? Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

MOST IMPORTANT: Take very comfortable shoes for hours of walking. Pace yourself, so you savor the places, (i.e., don't rush). Ignore prices. ENJOY. You are literally creating the sweetest memories of a lifetime.

Italy is proof that man was worth the experiment.

We're ALL envious of you!

.

Answer 2

Beautiful place to visit. I went in September and had no complaints about smelly canals even though the weather was hot. Watch out for pick pockets in busy places, almost had a my camera stolen until a kind stranger scared him off.

Answer 3

You might consider buying a Venice card to save you some money (especially on travel)

http://www.venicecard.it/aq_pre_eng.jsp

Answer 4

Oh you poor poor man. I've travled all over the world and yes Venice was one of them . I travel by myself, and out of all places Venice stuck out in my mind as nice but some horrible issues that you should consider before you go. What I am about to share is what I would have told myself before I went,"Don't go in June, I know you had your heart set for june but ry and off season like september, If you paid for everything already well then suck it up and take the gas. Becaus ethe place is packed with tourists. I MEAN PACKED WITH AMERICANS!  You'll see the Carnival ship pull with thousands of people looking to step off in the already slammed city and all you'll want to do is find somewhere else to go. During this time the italians all leave for vacation. It is super hot! Not super stinky as the rumors have stated. So the street vendors jack up the water prices for the bottles. AS I remember it was somewhere between 3.75 to 6 euros a bottle and there small and you go through them quickly. They do have public water "spigots" But they break the handles so you have to buy from the vendors. I think the best way to describe the people that go to Venice is like Mister and Mrs. Howell for gillians island and whole city swarming with them being loud and obnoxious. The italians if you visit other places are pretty low key. Its no wonder we get such a bad name over there. There rude to the waiters and the locals. If your looking to take picture sof the street performers you're looking about 1 euro just for a single shot. Buy plenty of film before you go and put it with the check in luggage no through the carry on. I had a lot of film ruined. Don't let them say,"Oh...what speed is it? Yeah...it'll be fine. " d**n them! and the film is so expensive over there! Incredible. Some of the nice things to bring back are the venician masks. But they range about 65 to over $250 plus! Simple thing is don't plan on buy expensive items there you'll notice your money leaving your pocket faster then a hooker leaves Salt Lake City just on food and wine alone.

Answer 5

All I can say is, fabulous choice. Venice is beatutiful, I have never been but my parents have many times. I am also going in June. And I suggest eating in places that are smaller or not so touristy, like the small whole in the wall classic bakery rather then the big name pastry factory. And take alot of pictures. Oh, and don't forget, the ugly sandals may be the comfiest.

Also-

Try to learn some basic Italian as it makes bargaining and ordering much easier.

Ciao!

Answer 6

If cost is no issue for you then Venice is paradise.  If it is then watch your budget, Venice is VERY expensive.

However someone commented not to visit in June.  I am afraid that I must agree with him/her.  You will be surrounded by americans(unless this does not bother you) and will hear more English than Italian.  I visited in July and there were so many tourists then.  

I liked Venice, very great city to wander around.  I only visited one day and wish I could have stayed longer.  I will going back to Italy this summer and will definitely be going there for at least a few days.

Answer 7

this message is NOT spam!

visit www.couchsurfing.com and meet interesting, good, fun, easy-going people who are willing to show you the place around and maybe let you and your Fiancee stay at their place for a few days.

Good luck!

"se feliz, es gratis!"

Answer 8

if you find yourself near the railway station, have lunch at "Brek", address: Lista di Spagna. It is a self service restaurant where you get freshly made food, very cheap.

Take a ride on line #1 boat (vaporetto) from Railway station to St. mark's or viceversa to see main palaces along the Grand Canal.

Go to the top of St. Mark's bell tower (but not around every sharp hour, 'cause bells hit too loudly) to see all venice from the top and the whole Lagoon.

See the Guggenheim museum if you like Contemporary art or the Academy galleries if you prefer modern art, Venetian painters.

Try to buy "Secret itineraries of Doges' Palace", you visit the most hidden places of the House of Parliament of Former Venetian Republic.

Have "gelato" (icecream) at Nico's along the Zattere riverfront, very nice walking bank.

Have a drink at Campo Santa Margherita in the evenings; it is a place for the young people.

Cheap shopping at Mestre open air daily market on Wed and Fri mornings (take bus #7 from Piazzale Roma bus station; ticket 1 euro per person).

what else...

if you badly want to ride on a gondola, buy a city tour: it will be less romantic (as there is other people with you) but much cheaper. If you want music on the gondola do not forget to ask for it, as it is additional...

Answer 9

I hear from many sources the canal is very smelly stay away from rooms overlooking the canal no matter how scenic unless you have permanently blocked sinus's.

Answer 10

You'll find some tips in our Venice travelogue:

http://www.thetravelzine.com/it_w2004_6....

Have a great time!

Answer 11

Personally I absolutely loved Venice. It was the only place I have ever been to that totally met up to my expectations. I do agree that June is probably not the best time to go. Winter is best as there are so few tourists. We went in September and it rained till our hotel flooded but we still had a wonderful time. I would definitely suggest going to Florians in St. Marks Square. Its a very old coffee house. Quite pricey but worth it for the experience. My husband and I went and loved it. Before I left for Italy I went onto www.virtualtourist.com and was able to find some nice little hidden gems. I was able to save the tips others gave me as well on the site. And another given is look up www.tripadvisor.com

Hope you love it as much as we did! :)

Answer 12

I can only comment on your budget, so make sure you get the best accommodation for the least price through one of these websites :

Venice Hotels :

Cheaperthanhotels - http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/Italy...

Hotelsitaliano - http://www.hotelsitaliano.com/Italy/Veni...

Venere - http://www.venere.com

Usually you can save around 50% on some regular rates which gives you more funds for doing other things.

Hope this helps

Answer 13

Don't pee in the gondola!