Venice on my birthday, where should I go??

Question

I am going to Europe in May and I will be in Venice on my birthday. Can anyone recommend something fun to do to celebrate?? something not too expensive. Either a nice restaurant, sights, boat ride? I have no idea what could make the day special.

And I'm looking for a nice hotel to spend the night in the city- under $100/night?

Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Venice is a very special place and it will be worth whatever you spend, which will be far more than $100 per night. I recently stayed at a simple little hotel on the mainland and rode the bus every day over onto the island (15 minutes) That hotel was stil $160 per night.  Take the Vaporettes (large water taxies) around the canals, you can buy a day pass for them real cheap. Spend the dough for the canal ride in the evening, It is sooo beautiful and romantic at night. Dinner at one of the little restaurants by the Rialto Bridge is really nice and won't cost as much as some of the highly advertised places.

Answer 2

go take a swim in the grande canal...

hahahaha.a.

Answer 3

For a really memorable birthday treat, why not take yourself on a gondola ride down the Grand Canal at night? It'll cost you a fortune (maybe around $120 for an hour) but you'll remember it for the rest of your life, and you'll tell it to your grandkids every year on your birthday when you're a sweet old lady.

Just negotiate the price before going on your ride. Haggle with them ... ask them the price, say 'That's too much, thanks' and walk away. They'll come running after you and offer you a cheaper rate! (Watch the way it works in San Marco. Its quite amusing!) And of course if you're a pretty girl, you'll get a really cheap rate. They'll want the prestige of taking a pretty young girl around with them.

Answer 4

check out www.eurocheapo.com & www.trav.com - there are some hostels and cheaper digs in Venice - you may have to stay outside the city in Mestere though...

Venice is magical - I'll be there myself in May also celebrating my birthday - and I do plan to take the gondola ride - but you can also take the "cheap version" ride the tragetto stand-up gondola to cross the Grand Canal - it only costs a euro.  

San Marco is lovely and just seeing the city - especially at night - is wonderful.  See the museums. Get a gelato and wander around.  Taverna San Trovaso in the Dorsoduro is my favorite affordable eatery.  

Have fun & a happy birthday!

Answer 5

Inexpensive hotel? I doubt you will find one in Venice, unless you can find a good penzione(sp?). Absolutely , take the gondola ride on your birthday; you won't regret it. Also, dont miss Piazza San Marco(very hard to miss anyway)

Answer 6

Venice is quite expensive to stay in. some of the smaller islands are a lot cheaper and just a taxi boat ride from the main island, and minutes away. Night time the main restaurants can become expensive if they have live music as they may have a music surcharge as my daughter found out, a glass of wine was cheaper than the surcharge. Venice is beautiful and just to be there is breathtaking have fun, go to the top of the bell tower and look at the surrounding islands, go on a gondola, buy a Murano glass necklace as a keepsake, enjoy.Gondola rides are cheaper before 7pm (ithink thats the right time) we paid 70 euros.just before 7pm.

Answer 7

Take a boat ride to the small fishing village of Burano. They are noted for making things from lace. It's a small village surrounded by water so very colorful. The homes are painted crayon colors. The food is so good. I loved this village, it's very special. A very fun day. Bring your camera.

Enjoy your time in Venice and Happy Birthday early.