October 31, 2013

Venice, Italy

Venice is the capital of Italy’s northern Veneto region, build on more than 100 small islands. Do note that there are no roads in Venice, just canals. Need a taxi? They have got water taxis instead.

In Venice, getting lost is normal. Just stay calm and find your way out by following through the sign boards attached to the walls. I would however, advise to follow white boards leading to iconic places, as information may be more reliable that way.

You may just need an entire day or two, in order to discover Venice (depending on your pace of travel).

PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGS TO DO IN VENICE

Walking by the Canals

It is always good to walk along the canals, to smell how Venice is like, and very much experience the gondola ride. The canal may be narrow or wide, depending on its route.

Don’t be surprised if you are lost in Venice. This is due to its geographical route that may be confusing at times. To do this, you may need to follow the route attached to the wall, by taking Rialto Bridge as a reference before moving further.

Walking your way in and out will bring you to many souvenir shops. Do be careful of pick pockets too!

Grand Canal

Upon having to arrive the Grand Canal, you will find a variety of restaurants and gondolas parked at the side. The Grand Canal also forms a major water-traffic corridors within the city.

Rialto Bridge

A view from Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal

Taking the path of the Grand Canal will lead you to the Rialto Bridge which connects both districts of San Marco and San Polo. The Rialto Bridge is also known to be the oldest bridge across the canals in which the construction began in year 1588.

From the above of Rialto Bridge, it gives you a sneak peak of its Grand Canal too.

Saint Mark’s Basilica

This is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic that was opened in year 1092. You will not miss a building like this as it stands at an opening area prior to entering the public square (St. Mark’s Square).

St. Mark’s Campanile (San Marco Campanile)

This is a bell tower located at St. Mark’s Square and it is one of the most recognizable symbol of the city. You may also access the bell tower which was well-worth it, giving you a panoramic view from the top.

An adult ticket may costs about EUR11 (subject to changes) or you may visit St. Mark’s Bell Tower – Ticket Website for your reservation or to find out more information.

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)

This is how the public square looks like, packed with human beings. It may be difficult to grab a good spot to take really good pictures of yourself (alone in it). Well, worth the try!

Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace is located just next to Saint Mark’s Basilica, stretching to the other side of the Grand Canal. Doge’s Palace has a Venetian Gothic style, also known as the main landmark of the city of Venice.

Just opposite of the Doge’s Palace is a row of romantic restaurants, where you will normally see them in the movies. I bet that dining in can be more expensive than usual. Otherwise, a gondola service is available by the canal just next to the Doge’s Palace, if you fancy a night ride.

OTHER OPTIONAL PLACES WORTH VISITING

Church of Saint Roch

This church is a Roman Catholic church that is built between year 1489 and 1508. Walking by the canals will bring you here!

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

This is known to be one of the greatest churches in Venice, standing in the middle of the district.

RECOMMENDED MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

By Foot

The only best way of getting around in Venice is by foot. You will normally get lost at times, but trust me, it’s fun.

By Water Taxis

Water taxis is an expensive method of transport within Venice which may range between EUR40 – EUR70 if you are travelling within the historic centers, but still depends on location. These water taxis however, may hold up to 10 people and therefore may cost even more.

Do be careful as they may marked its fares outrageously high, aimed at tourist/visitors.

TYPICAL COSTS AND MONEY SAVING TIPS

Hotel Prices

Hotel rooms: Starts about EUR45 per night but a room at a 3-star hotel could possibly be about EUR65 – EUR70 at average per night for 2 persons.

Food & Drinks

Typical restaurant: An average meal could cost about EUR10 and
Good restaurant: Could start as high as EUR25 for an average meal.

Transportation

From Rome (train): You may travel to Venice by train, arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia railway station. By doing this, you may choose to take ItaliaRail that costs about EUR50 – EUR55 for an adult (single journey). The journey however, takes about 3 hours 45 minutes ride (depending on the date/time of your visit); and
From Florence (train): You may travel to Venice by train, arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia railway station. By doing this, you may choose to take ItaliaRail that costs about EUR30 – EUR35, for an adult (single journey). The journey however, takes about 2 hours of ride (depending on the date/time of your visit).

You may visit ItalianRail – Website for more information.

Disclaimer: All the information and prices (as at October 2013) provided on this website are based solely on experience and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own discretion and will.