Venice is definitely one of my favorite cities in Italy, my country. Every time I have been there I have always been so fascinated by the charm of this city: the historical palaces, the canals, the boats. It seems to live in another dimension, like a movie!
HOW TO GET AROUND VENICE
Venice is a particular city in the North-East of Italy, situated across a group of 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon. To get around you need to catch water-buses, in Italian called “vaporetti”, or taking boat-taxis and walking across bridges in the famous narrow Venetian streets. Line 1 and 2 of the public transports (vaporetti) are the most used ones.
A single ride on a vaporetto costs 7.50 euros, so it is definitely worth to buy a daily ticket. I normally get the 72H ticket, as I always stay more than 2-3 days.
Despite it might seem difficult to get around Venice for the ones who have never been there, I can guarantee you that the public transports are very efficient and easy to catch. Also the stops are very close to most of the places you need to reach.
From the airport: there is a water-bus 3 times per hour, it costs 6 euros per person and it brings you to Piazzale Roma. From there you can catch a vaporetto or hire a private water-taxi to get to your hotel or apartment.
The main train station is called Venezia Santa Lucia and its water-bus stop is called “Ferrovia”.
WHERE TO STAY IN VENICE
There are so many options for hotels, b&b and apartments to rent in Venice, for every taste and every budget. I would like to recommend to stay close to the Gran Canal as it is easier to get around and to catch the boats. Especially for the Biennale, I would suggest to stay in San Marco area or Castello area, as it is really convenient to get around and also easy to get to the main train station Venezia Santa Lucia.
Here you can find my favorite hotels in Venice:
- Hotel Danieli – luxury
- Palazzo Gritti – luxury
- Metropole – luxury
- Cipriani – luxury (not in the city center, but there is a private boat which brings you there all day long from San Marco)
- Palazzo Bembo – small and nice b&b, perfectly located, with Art exhibitions over the first two floors
If you are looking for something else, on booking.com you can find a wide range of options even in the city center near San Marco area (the best) and Castello area.
For great shopping in Venice go to Fondaco dei Tedeschi Palace, next to Rialto Bridge.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN VENICE
Every time I go to Venice, I love eating local food as it is seriously delicious! This is my list:
- Terrazza Danieli @ Hotel Danieli: very fancy, with the best view
- Club del Doge @ Palazzo Gritti: very fancy, with a fabulous view of the canal and the Basilica della Salute in front of you
- Trattoria La Madonna: very famous Venetian restaurant, food is extremely good, you can’t miss it!
- Taverna al Remer: very romantic atmosphere, candle lights, live soft music and the food is great!
- At Fondamenta delle Zattere area you can find several cool sea-view restaurants!
These are the places that I would highly recommend. Also keep in mind that in Venice the seafood is beyond delicious, so don’t forget to try several dishes among pasta and risotto!
At the same time I would suggest to “get lost” in the narrow streets and try the small and casual restaurants called “trattoria” or “osteria” on the way, you will always find great food! Also, don’t forget to get a “gelato” (ice-cream) every time you can! 🙂
ART INSTITUTIONS TO VISIT IN VENICE
Alongside the Biennale, Venice has very beautiful museums and foundations. Remember that on Tuesdays most of these places are closed. I would suggest not to miss the following:
- Peggy Guggenheim Museum
- Fondazione Prada
- Gallerie dell’Accademia
- Palazzo Ducale
- Punta della Dogana
- Palazzo Grassi
- Ca’ Rezzonico
- Palazzo Bembo
- Ca’ d’Oro (Galleria Giorgio Franchetti)
- Ca’ Pesaro
In order to have the chance to see them all, you need to have a wise plan related to the locations: it is possible to visit them all in few days but with a strategic plan and a map in your hand.
A DAY TRIP TO MURANO & BURANO ISLANDS
Furthermore, when you are in Venice you should get the chance to visit Murano and Burano Islands. CLICK HERE to read my post about how to get there and what to see!
Hope this post is helpful to organize your trip to Venice.
And you… Are you lusting for the sublime?
Always,
Carlotta