Suggestions for a walking tour of Venice?

Question

Will be arriving in Venice to catch a cruise ship in Sep.

Before boarding, what sights are there I shouldn't miss seeing?

(Arriving day before departure.)

Also, is riding a gondola in the Grand Canal a "rip off" as I have been reading?

Answer 1

yes its a rip off and everything is overpriced in venice.  It takes 15 minutes to walk around it, you can't get lost.  I do love Venice as it is charming and beautiful.  no cars are aloud on it which you probably already know.  Have fun! Bon voyage.

Answer 2

The gondolas are very expensive for a 50 minute ride. I wouldn't say they're a "rip off", but whether it's worth it or not depends a lot on your expectations.

You'll definitely want to make it to St Mark's Square to see the Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Both are worth going inside. If you go upstairs in the Basilica there's a nice, small museum and you can go out onto the balcony overlooking the piazza. The Bridge of Sighs is just around the corner. There are good views of the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge and you can get some fresh fruit at the market. The Accademia Museum is worth visiting and the Guggenheim.

If you're interested in the Murano glass, you can take the vaporetto to that island and see an exhibition of glass making at one of the factories. Burano is also worth a visit if you've got the time.

I like to go by the Arsenale to see the lions when I'm in Venice. Unfortunately, the Biennale only runs every other year, but the garden at the end of the island is still a nice place to sit and relax when the art exhibition isn't going on.

The church of Saints Giovanni and Paolo is interesting inside.



Just wandering around the canals is a good way to see the city. In September, it shouldn't be either so crowded or hot - you'll have a great time.