transport in Venice

[ehyouwhat]

Hi all,

I'm about to book a weekend break to Venice for myself and the missus for August. The thing is, I know absolutely nothing about Venice. I take it that transfers between the airport and the hotel would take the form of a boat trip to a drop-off point, followed by a walk to the exact destination? Are these things easily bookable in Venice itself, or is it best/cheaper to book them at the same time as the trip?

Following on from this, is there anything we should/shouldn't do whilst in Venice? Any top tips or good recommendations? My other half has been to Venice before but only as a child, and I don't really want to ask her advice as the trip is a bit of a suprise.

Any help, thoughts or suggestions would be most welcome.

Cheers,

EYW

[fatboy b]

Ryanair drop you off about 1.5 hours bus ride away IIRC. Bus didn't cost much. Once at Venice, then a water-taxi is probably best if you don't know where you're going first time. After that you're best walking about, or a gondola if you're feeling romantic.

ETA - avoid buying any food/drink in St. Marks square.

Edited by fatboy b on Monday 2nd March 12:12

[cjs]

Use the Water bus service to get around. Buy a day/week pass and hop on off at will. One route goes up the Grand Canal and around in a big circle, great at night. Try and sit at the front for the best views.

http://www.actv.it/english/navigazione.php?pagina=...

Edited by cjs on Monday 2nd March 12:13

[cjs]

Loads of info in this thread

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[JonSpiderMan]

EYW, I've PM'd you but my other half's dad is venetian (no blind jokes please) and he's got a guide that he's put together with a list of places to see / avoid and eaterie's etc.. if anyone wants it PM me.

[ehyouwhat]

JonSpiderMan said:

EYW, I've PM'd you but my other half's dad is venetian (no blind jokes please) and he's got a guide that he's put together with a list of places to see / avoid and eaterie's etc.. if anyone wants it PM me.

I've PM'd you back - many thanks for that (any help would be more than welcome).

cjs said:

Loads of info in this thread

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Ah thanks for that. A search for "Venice" using the search tool didn't work the first time I used it, although trying again now it did work. Cheers for that.

[audidoody]

Exit the airport (Marco Polo) and it's a five minute walk to the Vaporeto (Water Bus). It's pretty easy to work out which one will drop you nearest to your hotel. The journey takes about an hour.Don't get a water taxi unless you want to spend £90.


Stay well away from the tourist trap restaurants around Sn Marco and Rialto (crap food, expensive prices). Search out the little trattorias away from he tourist area.

Don't accept any offers from hustlers offering a "free water taxi" to Murano. They'll take you to a glass factory and you'll have to make your own way back unless you spend a shed-load on glass stuff you won't like and don't need.

If you need to impress her take her to Harry's Bar. She'll be impressed. But it's £16 for a small bellini!

Edited by audidoody on Monday 2nd March 13:03