Venice is absolutely stunning and when I was told that everything runs on water I didn’t think this was possible. In this day and age, how could there be a city that survives without cars but this city really does…
From food and drink supplies to DPD package deliveries, most arrive via boats. There is a large train station and bus station on the mainland but once you cross over the bridge walking and going by boat is the only option. You’ll see numerous delivery individuals pushing crates throughout the city and it’s amazing to watch how they carry them over the bridges and streets, as Venice is made up of more than 100 small islands and over 450 bridges!
Picture: Unsplash
Things to do:
Pasta Making Class
I booked a group pasta making class which was great considering I am not the best chef and after tasting the finished product I now believe I could make this at home myself. Previously I have done a more intimate class in Milan and I would suggest this if budget is not a problem. The class we took had around 12 people which meant we didn’t get to make the sauce to go with the pasta. However, it was cheaper and we got to meet some really nice tourists and talk about life/travels etc.
Gondala Ride
You cannot visit Venice without taking a Gondala ride. They are the same price wherever you take them from but I suggest starting at the Grand Canal where you can see the Rialto bridge and a lot of other major landmarks. There are options to have the evening Gondala ride but I feel that you don’t get to see as much in the dark and you pay more.
Market Shopping
I headed down to check out the fish market in Venice and stumbled across a market selling fruits, veg and all the spices for risottos and pasta. It was cheaper than in the shops with much more variety and you can find this as you walk towards Campo della Pescaria.
Places to visit
St Marks Basilica
I absolutely adore Cathedrals and whenever I am visiting another country I look to visit a church or a Cathedral and admire the architecture, most of which are centuries old. St Marks Basilica stands high in the Piazza San Marco and it would be difficult not to bump into this magnificent building, which is situated right next to the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs. It is open from 9.30am to 5.15pm and there is a dress code, so please do check beforehand. You can buy skip the line tickets but I would only recommend this if you plan to go at very busy times, otherwise the line to enter moves pretty quickly. Once inside, there are additional tickets you can purchase. One of the tickets that I highly recommend is the Museo di San Marco which can be accessed from inside the Basilica, here you will get to see Persian carpets, fragments of mosaics, the Horses of San Marco with views of the Square and the inside of the Basilica from a balcony which is stunning.
Rialto Bridge
The Rialto bridge is the oldest standing over the Grand Canal and again, much like most places in Venice the architecture is picturesque. However the bridge gets very busy and sometimes it can be difficult to get a good picture.
I would recommend taking a Gondala tour that passes through the Grand Canal so that you are able to take a picture of the bridge from another angle and as you walk down the steps of the bridge there are a few look out points where you’re able to capture pictures of yourself in front of it aswell.
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice convicts saw before imprisonment, as it connects the New Prison with the interrogation rooms. To get a good picture of the Bridge, head down the stairs of the bridge opposite and under the building where you will find the perfect spot.
Burano and Murano
This was on my must see list when heading to Venice. The islands are a short boat ride away from central Venice and you can hop on a tour that takes you over there. However, this does restrict your time on the islands so I would actually suggest buying a day pass for the water taxi. It costs 25 Euros and you can hop on and off wherever you like. It’s much like the London underground – you will just need to check where the water taxi is stopping and which number you need to be on depending on the destination. This way you can have a bite to eat or a coffee whilst on the islands, or stop to take pictures. Burano’s multi coloured houses are gorgeous, visiting a glass blowing session in Murano is fun especially when the final product is a glass horse. The church on San Giorgio Maggiore island is also extremely striking.
Where to Stay
There are many hotels in Venice and I would highly suggest staying in the centre. It makes it easier to get a round as you will have to walk everywhere. If you want to stay out to have drinks in the evening, you want to be closer to your hotel so it’s stress-free to walk back at night.
There are small 3 star hotels all over the city such as Residenza Rivo Alto where I stayed close to St Marks Square and the Rialto Bridge, but I warn you these are not your usual hotels – they are small and old, some do not even have a proper reception area, however they are very central and affordable. Depending on your requirements and budget there are nicer hotels in the City which are still within walking distance to all the main tourist areas.
Food and Drink
Venice is full of restaurants. If you want to dine canal side then book in advance, otherwise there may not be a seat at the table. Some of my top suggestions are:
Ristorante Sempione – The pasta and Risotto dishes were delicious; my choices would be the Squid Ink Pasta and the Prawn Risotto.
Café Florida – With an outside table next to the canal. If you order a pizza and you love your spice, then make sure you mix the chilli oil with parmesan cheese and it will blow you mind.
Suso – This ice cream parlour always had a line outside, even at 10.30am. We were lucky as it happened to be right outside our hotel but it is worth every bite. There are 2 close by to each other so pop it into maps on your phone to work out which is closest to you.
Last thoughts
Venice can get flooded if it rains, which it did when I was there, so wear good trainers and walk like the locals by taking them off in flooded areas. You can buy shoe wellies if needed, but depending on weather, carry a light jacket and small umbrella. It can get cold near the water at night.
3/4 days in Venice is more then enough unless you are going to add the tour to the Dolomite Mountains then you would need an extra day for that, and be prepared to walk more steps then anywhere else you have ever travelled to!
By Vallisa Chauhan
