What to do in Venice?
Discussion
You'll cover all of it just wandering around. Don't bother with "Harrys Bar", stuck up tossers and expensive is an understatement, and they don't serve beer. You'll be sick of the sight of masks after one day, they're bloody everywhere!. If your going on a Gondola do it later in the evening, more romantic and you can barter the rip-off prices. Great place tho, I'm sure you'll both love it
Doofus said:
We're not into museums or old churches, but other than that, all suggestions welcomed.
Ah, I was going to suggest that the Doge's Palace was worth a look-see.Maybe not..
Whilst you can see most of Venice on foot, take a few trips on the Vaporetto (water buses) and you'll get a different perspective.
Edited by SS2. on Sunday 17th January 19:45
Thanks both.
We'll be taking a water bus from the railway station (or thereabouts) to the hotel, for that essential arrival by water.
Of course, we'll look at the Doges palace and that, but don't want a whole day of looking at old buildings.
Ideally I'd like to stay away form too many handbag shops, so if that means finding some beer, I'd even be prepared to pay Venetian prices for it...
The advice about Gondolas is interesting, becasue I'd already said they were out because they're a rip off, but if I can haggle, then I'll feel like I've got a bargain, and Mrs Doofus will get her canoe ride.
We'll be taking a water bus from the railway station (or thereabouts) to the hotel, for that essential arrival by water.
Of course, we'll look at the Doges palace and that, but don't want a whole day of looking at old buildings.
Ideally I'd like to stay away form too many handbag shops, so if that means finding some beer, I'd even be prepared to pay Venetian prices for it...
The advice about Gondolas is interesting, becasue I'd already said they were out because they're a rip off, but if I can haggle, then I'll feel like I've got a bargain, and Mrs Doofus will get her canoe ride.
Bill said:
Doofus said:
We'll be taking a water bus from the railway station (or thereabouts) to the hotel, for that essential arrival by water.
Get a water taxi. The water bus is just that - slow, cramped, uncomfortable and smelly. The taxis, on the other hand, are ace.
Also, do the Gondola thing, just don't forget to shout "Just One Cornetto"
Could you give me a rough idea what the costs if the trip is?
Edited by Tonto on Monday 18th January 18:48
Your hotel will offer you a complimentary water taxi to Murano for a tour of a glass factory. If you accept, you will get a 3-minute tour of the factory followed by an hour or so of very hard sell, bordering on threatening, culminating in (should you politely decline to purchase anything) being ejected via the rear exit into what is akin to a housing estate in South Beirut.
My advice - go there on a water bus instead!
The southern island (Lido) is also quite pleasant and less crowded.
The restuarants around the Rialto bridge are overpriced s
te. The grotty looking restaurants in dark alleys tend to be superb and cheap.
I thought the maritime museum was interesting, Mrs Miniman less so.
My advice - go there on a water bus instead!
The southern island (Lido) is also quite pleasant and less crowded.
The restuarants around the Rialto bridge are overpriced s
te. The grotty looking restaurants in dark alleys tend to be superb and cheap. I thought the maritime museum was interesting, Mrs Miniman less so.
Pothole said:
begs the question why did you book 3 nights there if you know nothing about it?
I didn't say I knew nothing about it; I was merely asking for any first-hand advice people who have been there may have. Which I seem to be getting. Beside, my wife wanted to go for three nights, so that's what she's getting.I'd echo what miniman says. Also, when your heading towards the Rialto Bridge (from the sq) there's the tiniest of shop fronts making and selling pizza, on the right hand side just before the bridge, its the best I've ever tasted and never tasted anything like it since. Just have your whits about you because it is a bit of a rip-off destination.
Buy nothing and eat nothing in the main tourist squares. Everything is better and cheaper (relatively) if you walk in a bit before choosing a place to sit. Use the water bus. One ticket goes everywhere and you'll see more and spend less than using taxis. Forget the Lido. Dullest bit. Don't try to go directly to any point on the main island, you'll fail. Just wander aimlessly.
Enjoy. I love the place. If you get the bug and want to go back again, I can recommend hiring what they call a "houseboat" for a week. Actually a very large and grossly underpowered ex Norfolk broads cruiser, but what a laugh (in a highly dangerous, hopelessly unseaworthy and losing the dining table/chairs over the side sort of way).
Enjoy. I love the place. If you get the bug and want to go back again, I can recommend hiring what they call a "houseboat" for a week. Actually a very large and grossly underpowered ex Norfolk broads cruiser, but what a laugh (in a highly dangerous, hopelessly unseaworthy and losing the dining table/chairs over the side sort of way).
You don't say when you're going, but you might encounter the acqua alta:
We went in December (above) and March (pics below). Out of season it's not too manic, but at any time I'd agree that the busy areas are better in the evenings or as here, in the early morning:
We spent the days wandering around the other areas, soaking up the atmosphere:
The cemetery on San Michele is interesting too:
You can walk the length of the city and back in a day, but a water bus pass is a good investment. It's a great place.
We went in December (above) and March (pics below). Out of season it's not too manic, but at any time I'd agree that the busy areas are better in the evenings or as here, in the early morning:
We spent the days wandering around the other areas, soaking up the atmosphere:
The cemetery on San Michele is interesting too:
You can walk the length of the city and back in a day, but a water bus pass is a good investment. It's a great place.
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