Venice. Not much time there, what should I head for or make sure I see?

Question

Venice. Not much time there, what should I head for or make sure I see?

Answer 1

One place that stuck with me in Venice is called la Scuola Grande di San Rocco. It used to be sort of a 'private' social club. It was established back in 1478 - so it is pretty interesting to see. I loved the decor! The place appears in the new Casanova movie that came out few years ago. It is right on Campo S. Rocco.

(oh and Venice transportation is EXPENSIVE - gondola ride is about 70 EURO one trip on a 'bus' is 5 EURO)

here is a picture I found of the interior of place:

http://www.nexaweb.it/common/foto/EFFICE...

(though you probably won't find people sitting like that in there)

Answer 2

I would tour San Marks basilica and The Doge's Palace. Shopping is expensive and the people are a bit gruff so do not get your feelings hurt if they seem abrasive. They do not mean anything by it, they are of a merchant mentality and heritage. The mosaics in the Basilica are awesome and The Doges palace has some of the most amazing art. Taking a gondola ride is very expensive but very entertaining and fun. It was about 120 euros and we made sure we had 6 people in the boat to get the price per person down to 20 euros each, which was still a bit steep for a half hour ride. We loved it though. LORI

Answer 3

Venice is all about the atmosphere.  It also has the added bonus of not having to worry about getting run over by erratic drivers (like in Rome or Florence).  

Definately go on a gondola ride, as that makes all the difference.

As for sites, the only main areas are the Point de Rialto, which is the large bridge that crosses the main canal.  you'll get a great view of the city.  The other is the Piazza San Marco, which is a city square and beautiful cathedral in the heart of the city.  It's also famous for having so many pidgeons.  

Those are the main points, and water tours do exist, so that's an idea.  But otherwise, just sit down and enjoy the atmosphere of the city and enjoy yourself at one of the many wine bars.

Answer 4

it is true that public transportation is expensive but you should not miss a one-way tour (5 euro per person) on the vaporetto (boat) line number 1 along the Grand Canal to see the most beautiful waterway of Venice: the Grand Canal.

Also, do not miss St. Mark's square and a visit to the top of the bell tower (elevator) to see all Venice lagoon: it's enchanting.

Then, at least, Rialto bridge and the fish market in the morning with a view to the canal.

Answer 5

Just buy a ticket for the water bus. Get off at each stop and explore; that's the best way to do Venice. You can easily do it in a day! Don't forget to have a gondola ride and buy yourself a handmade venetian mask as a momento.

Answer 6

Get a book on Venice, either by Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, or Time Out.  Read up on the city before you go.

Everyone will tell you to see the Doges Palace and the San Marco church and piazza, of course, but also go to the old and new Jewish ghettos.  You'll want to walk across the Rialto Bridge and the Accademia Bridge and see the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs).  Try to see the Guggenheim and  the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

Venice is the most expensive city in Italy, so be prepared.  Eat at St. Stephen's Square or back in the residential quarters.  If you have time and $$$, stop at the Caffe Florian for a coffee just to see the interior.

Most of all -- walk, walk, walk.  Get the feel of this city, which is like no other in the world.  Personally, I would skip the Doges, even with its great art and architecture, if going meant I'd have no time to take a walking tour or two.

Answer 7

´Don´t worry you´ll see it, Venice ís not very big, I went last summer and I saw the whole island almost twice in a day. And... even had a ride on the "gondola" and..... even had a drink in a bar in "Piazza San Marco"......and visit the "Basilica"... and more and more.

Answer 8

If you plan to visit Venice in  Sunday, 27 May 2007 you will be one of thousands spectators in the Vogalonga (The Venice regatta or naval review). I found information about this amazing traditional event in site namde carnifest online (Link below).

Enjoy your stay in Italy,

japo