Getting around Venice

Walking: There are a few ways to get around Venice but the most common is going to be walking. There are a lot of small busy alleyways and staircases so walking with luggage can be a bit of a hassle when making your way to your hotel. If you’re just looking to explore the shops or get food walking to your destination will be the easiest.

Water Taxi: If you’re looking to go somewhere a bit further or have heavy bags that you don’t want to carry you can take a water taxi. Water taxi’s can be rather expensive.

Water Buses: Water buses, known as Vaporetto’s, are another option for getting around. These buses are frequent and regular. Tickets can be purchased from the manned kiosks or from the ticket machines. I found the whole bus timetable quite confusing but discovered that the RED LINE – route 2 was the best for crossing from Venice to the outer islands.

Gondolas: Lastly, there are the gondolas. It costs close to €100 (GB£85) for 30 minutes so it’s not really worth it just for getting from place to place. That said there are services from the main island to the Basilica di Santa Maria for €2 (GB£1.75).

Vaporetto (Water Bus)

What does Venice Offer?

Venice is definitely best enjoyed and explored on foot. Wander the colourful streets and bridges of all sizes, the eateries, taverns and shops. Did you know there are over 400 bridges in Venice?

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge spans the Grand Canal and was built in three years between 1588 and 1591 and is the true heart of Venice. It has quickly become another extremely popular tourist destination. It has three walkways that lead between two rows of shops. The bridge becomes so busy with tourists if you want that photo with minimal of fuss be sure to visit very early.

The Rialto Bridge is a main water bus hub and has several pontoon’s along its bank.

Rialto Vaporetto Stop

Rialto Market

Be sure to hit Rialto market early to catch the best deals. It sells all manners of fruit, vegetables and meats.

Bridge of Sighs

In Italian known as Ponte dei Sospiri this is one of the most famous bridges in Italy. It was originally connected to the prison so prisoners had to cross the bridge causing them to *sigh* as they entered jail. 

Piazza San Marco

Also known as St. Mark’s Square this is considered one of the finest squares in the world and is definitely Venice’s prime tourist attraction.

Here you’ll find the Basilica di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Campanile (the bell tower), restaurants, shops, and museums.

Travel Tip: St. Mark’s Square is a little underwhelming. Take what photographs you need then move on. It’s best to avoid eating or drinking there (even a coffee), or buying any souvenirs. Things tend to be more expensive due to high volumes of tourists.

Doges Palace

The gothic palace was formerly home to the Doge and the seat of the Venetian government. It opened as a museum in 1923 and features exhibits like ‘Secret Itineraries of the Doge’s Palace’ and ‘the hidden treasures of the Doge.’ If you’re interested in history it’s a must-see.

Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is a huge ‘S-Shaped’ canal that splits the city into two sides. In fact, all of the noble palaces were built right on the water and there is no pedestrian access. One of the best ways to see the canal is to take a gondola ride (expensive) or a water bus.

San Giorgio Island

Want the best view of the city without the crowds? This church is your answer. While tourists line up for hours to see the Bell Tower of Saint Mark you can get to the top of the church in no time and have sweeping views of Venice.

To get to San Giorgio catch the Vaparetto from Pontoon B located at the waterfront outside Doges Palace using the red number 2 line. A ticket costs €9 (GB£7.90) giving you 75 minutes of unlimited travel. After this time you will need to purchase another ticket. I caught a water bus to the island and stopped for a coffee at San Giorgio Cafe before heading back to catch the next water bus to the adjacent island.

Contarini del Bovolo Staircase

Built in the 15th Century this multi arch spiral staircase is located near the Rialto Bridge. In fact, if you stay at the Centuro hotel it’s about 20 yards away.

The flooded Crypt of St. Zaccaria

Established in the 15th Century San Zaccaria church is a beautifully ornate church whose crypt has filled with the waters of the surrounding canals. The burial basement features columns and vaulted ceilings indicative of that time. To access the crypt enter San Zaccaria church were you will find a small ticket kiosk. Tickets are €3 (GB2.60).

Squero San Trovaso

Located near to the Accademia bridge Squaero San Trovoso is the oldest boatyard in Venice where gondolas are built and repaired. It makes a lovely reprieve from the architecture.

Aqua Alta Book shop

Hidden along Venice’s side streets this unique bookstore is home to a treasure trove of new and used books creatively housed in gondolas and bathtubs. Climb the staircase made out of damaged books at the rear of the bookstore to enjoy a view of the neighbouring canal.

Bridge of Accademia

Located in the Accademia district to the South of Venice it is one of four that spans the Grand Canal. Totally made of wood it comprises of 50 steps up and 50 steps down that offers beautiful views of the Grand Canal.

Indiana Jones Church (San Barnaba Church)

Who hasn’t seen Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? The Campo San Barnaba and the Church of St. Barnabas are shot in the scene where Indy meets Elsa when he descends from the vaporetto were she takes him to the library where his father disappeared. The library’s facade is the exterior of the church.

Food and Drink

Venice has numerous places to eat and drink. I could create a list of places to visit but here are the venues I tried.

Fluffy Brunch Cafe

Located at 1586 Calle del Capeler near the centre of the city it offers a tasty breakfast and lunch menu all wrapped in a cool and relaxed atmosphere. The pancake stack is to die for.

Bacaro Al Ravano

Located at Rugheta Ravano San Polo 1046, 30125 just 150 yards from the Grand Canal is a great relaxed place to stop for a beer and some bar snacks. It’s not terribly big inside so can become pretty crowded.

Cafe Cave

Located on the Grand Canal is a small patisserie that offers an assortment of pastries and sandwiches. Another great little place to stop and recharge and people watch before carrying on.

Ristorante OJ SAS

Again Located along the Grand Canal opposite the Rialto Bridge offers a great little place to grab a beer or the Aperol Spritz. Prices are a little expensive but it’s definitely worth a visit as a treat with great views of the canal.

Ristorante al Vaporetto

Located at 3726 S. Marco, 30124 is a lovely little restaurant with red and white chequered table cloths that offers typical Italian cuisine. Ensure you arrive early for evening dinner as it becomes extremely busy.

Pizzeria Ristorante Da Gianni

Located at Strada Nova, 4378, 30121 opposite the Zattere Vaparetto (water bus) stop offers views out towards San Giorgio island. It’s a great little place to grab lunch with a beer or Aperol Spritzer watching the world pass by.

TO CONCULDE

Venice is architecturally beautiful! The buildings are brimming with charm and the winding canals and ornate bridges just add to this charm. Venice is busy! Get away from the tourist areas and you can enjoy it more. A two or three night stay is perfect.

Brasilica di Santa Maria