Venice is a city that keeps drawing me back for more. Each visit is a visual feast, despite some comments about its waters being green and surroundings dirty. A significant portion of these opinions can be attributed to weather conditions. When the weather is good, the entire city is bathed in a pink glow from the sunset, creating a truly beautiful spectacle.
Accommodation: I strongly recommend staying near Mestre train station. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, our hotel was just across from the train station, a convenient and safe one-minute walk with reasonable prices. Secondly, after a brief stroll around the main island, you’ll realize how cumbersome it can be to lug your luggage into the main island to find a hotel. If you opt for a boat, you’ll need to carry your luggage up and down, navigating uneven cobblestone paths.
Getting Around:
- Train Stations: Venice has two train stations: Mestre (outside the island) and Santa Lucia (on the main island). A 10-minute train ride connects the two. Tickets cost 1.45 Euros per person for a one-way journey. I recommend purchasing tickets at the self-service machines inside the station, avoiding fees and allowing you to have a physical ticket.
- Local Transportation: Only two modes of transport are necessary – water buses (vaporetto) and gondolas. Water buses are akin to public buses and are convenient for longer distances, while gondolas are perfect for capturing picturesque moments.
Water Buses (Vaporetto): As shown in image 10, there is a ticket booth right across from Santa Lucia station. Tickets cost 8 Euros for a single journey, or you can opt for a 25 Euro unlimited 24-hour pass. We purchased the latter but only used it once. Exploring the island on foot, experiencing a boat ride, and taking in the unique shops can be quite enjoyable. If you find yourself unwilling to walk further, the water bus is a great option.
Gondolas: A must-do experience in Venice! The standard rate is typically 80 Euros for half an hour. However, two tips can help you secure a ride for 60 Euros. First, go early in the day, around opening time, when businesses might offer discounts. Second, head to the gondola stand next to the shop shown in the third image. The gondoliers here are often more flexible, and you can negotiate the price directly. We chose a gondola from the fourth image – truly a picturesque experience.
Sighing Bridge (Rialto Bridge): The beauty of the Rialto Bridge is a sight to behold, especially during sunset.
Dining: While we tried several popular eateries recommended online, we found that randomly selecting a place that looked appetizing and smelled delicious worked just as well. We even stumbled upon a take-away pasta joint that outshone some of the famous ones. Italian cuisine rarely disappoints, so feel free to explore and try new dishes.
Shopping: Venice offers a unique shopping experience with a variety of souvenirs, jewelry, and fridge magnets. I recommend exploring these shops as we did – I happily splurged over 100 pounds, filling a large bag with memories to bring back home.