Visit Venice - introduction to the greatest Italian city
Share
From the romance of a sunset gondola trip to the glory of eating an ice cream at an alfresco café in a beautiful piazza, visiting Venice provides one of the world's great tourist experiences.
Venice's visitors endure painfully large crowds, infuriating service, and ridiculously expensive food and accommodation. But most holidaymakers and sight-seers think it's worth it - for Venice is a unique destination. There's a special romantic atmosphere for couples, masses of history and art for guide-book followers and great shopping, eating and drinking opportunities for even the most casual visitors.
Best of all Venice is a city that you can just wander round on foot at your own pace. These islands grew wildly rich and colourful as the commercial crossroads and cultural melting pot for the medieval world. What has been left behind is like a living museum, a theme park of 1000 years of history and culture. Every building seems like a fabulous historic monument - and it probably is.
That's why more than 20 million visitors come to north eastern Italy to see some of Europe's most exotic architecture every year. They find an extraordinary compact grid of historic buildings, canals, alleyways and bridges, apparently floating in the middle of the sea. They never forget that first glimpse of Venice.
Planning Your Visit
The city's huge popularity means it's worth planning ahead. Venice is busier and much more awkward than a normal city. For example, access by road is virtually impossible. Venice's medieval design means there are no cars in most areas, parking is limited even on the outskirts and the bridge linking it to the mainland is often a stationary traffic jam. It's best to not even try to drive to Venice.
Flying is easier. And check out the possibility of a water taxi from the airport across the Lagoon to the city - it's pricier than a transfer bus but a memorable way to arrive.
There are at least 200 hotels but hoteliers know they don't need to try hard to fill their rooms. Many are in buildings little changed for hundreds of years - don't expect uniform rooms and facilities here. And, whenever tourists visit, it's wise to book in advance. Hotel rates are among Europe's highest and guests will probably be charged extra for breakfast and air-conditioning. A room with a view will cost more again - but may be worth it. After all, those views are what they come to Venice for.
Many visitors opt to stay in one of the cities nearby, like Padua, Treviso or Verona and take day trips to Venice on Italy's excellent rail service. Venice's main station is handily placed alongside the Grand Canal. From there it's a memorable half-hour walk to the tourist honeypot of St Mark's Square.
Those neighbouring cities are wonderful historic places in their own right and good bases to explore the Veneto area - but note that visitors lose the chance to explore Venice at night, when it is at its quietest and, sometimes, it's most atmospheric.
For more information start any research at the official Venice Tourism site. It's a bit dry but at least visitors can trust its content. After that try the independent site Visit Venice. It's a bit chaotic and colourful - rather like Venice itself.
Useful links
Venice Tourism
Visit Venice
Average customer rating
awaiting 5 vote(s)...
Email
Why Register?
