Avoid Sticker Shock--Plan Ahead!
After my first neophyte trip to Venice quite a few years ago, I have visited a couple of other times and learned how to navigate more efficiently and wiser. I hope the rest of these website pages tips will give you information that will help you to "cut to the chase," by squeezing in the most pleasure for the least amount of cash as you enjoy this marvelous and historical city.
"To Do" Things in Venice
Be prepared to pay higher prices for purchases in Venice whether it be dining, entertainment or souvenirs. Make a list of the "must do" and "must see" things before you leave home. Then enjoy your activity when you get here-- even if the price is high. This may be your once-in-a-lifetime visit to Venice. Those photos of you and your partner in St. Mark's Square sipping a glass of
Prosecco ($10 per glass) while dancing to beautiful orchestras playing in the piazza during the evening will be priceless!. (Tip: Don't sit down... order a glass to go and then stand and/or dance behind the seated crowds in the square. No additional charge! When you sit down at any restaurant or bar in Venice they will charge as much for the seat as they do the drink!)During the day, visit the most famous coffee house in the world, the Florian, in the square. Take a seat in fabulous old cafe, pay the 8 - 20 Euros for a cup of coffee, then sit back with your coffee and enjoy the ambiance as you soak up Venice. It doesn't get much better than this! (Tip: Then grab a panino (sandwich) or pasta (pastry) at any curb-side shop on the way back to your hotel. Most are made fresh daily and are cheaper than springing for a full meal in the square. Or order a "Pizza Margherita." Italians don't make bad pizzas!)
Although, we know it's hugely over-priced and the ambiance is .. well, none, the famous Harry's Bar, just off the Palazzo San Marco, has played host to such literary luminaries as Truman Capote and Ernest Hemingway, cinema heavyweights the likes of Orson Welles, and rich and powerful guests such as the Aga Khan. A Bellini here will set you back 13 Euros (plus cover charge!).. but you HAVE to try a Bellini! A Bellini is white peach nectar and prosecco. It is simply delicious! At 13 Euro a piece it is an expensive treat but well worth it. (Tip: Do not dine here unless you are prepared to mortgage the home when you get back.)
A 45-50 minutes daytime gondola ride will cost you from 80-120 Euros. This will be your most difficult call. Me? I've already added it to my "Bucket List" - a photo of me and my friend sitting in that gondola inhaling the real sights of Venice...relaxed...excited ..and feeling so special! Gondoliers row on the quiet, back canals rather than on the crowded Grand Canal. The gondolier doesn't even have to sing to us (extra!).. For your information, a nighttime 90-minute ride costs an extra 50 Euros. (Tip: Don't take a gondolier ride at the San Marco pier: they are very expensive. Arm yourself with a map and go to the more secluded canals, off the tourist track. Negotiate with the gondeliers there and you will get a fair price.)
Know that t
he elevator (lift) to the Bell Tower will cost 8 Euros, but you will never have a better view of Italy than this. (Tip: The lines may be long at the Campanile (Bell Tower) unless you get up early--before 9 am. so this cost might be crossed off your budget. The same goes for the Basilica, long lines)."To See" Things in Venice:
Your Itinerary: Venice's main attraction is Venice.. there is so much to see.
What you'll want to see will probably depend on how much time you have to spend in Italy. The Grand Canal also divides the city, in a way; the east side contains most of the best-known tourist attractions (San Marco Square, etc.), while the western part is generally more residential (with wonderful trattorias and local shops). Pedestrians can cross over the canal in just three places: Rialto Bridge, Accademia Bridge and Scalzi Bridge.Put first on your list St. Mark's Square. You will probably use up a whole day here, with all of its interesting features and attractions: The Bell Tower, The Clock Tower, the Basilica, Doges' Palace, the arcades and shops, and the square itself.
Next, plan to take a water bus ride on the Grand Canal. VAPORETTO (water buses) tickets cost about 6.50 Euro (good for one hour from the time it's stamped) per trip down the Grand Canal. The Number 1, the slow boat runs up and down the Grand Canal, stopping in each of the six sestiere or neighborhoods, so if you want to take it easy and photograph the palaces and buildings, this is is the bus for you. The Grand Canal cuts through Venice like an upside-down shaped "S". On its 3.8 kilometers path through the city it is flanked by churches, old palaces and huge houses built centuries ago by the Venetian patricians. The Canale Grande is the biggest waterway of the city. With an average width of 50 meters and a depth of five meters the canal is the main "street" of Venice with lots of boat traffic.
Depending on the time you have left, walk to the Rialto Bridge and do some souvenir shopping.
(Tip: Actually. you might find the same souvenir less expensive away from the Rialto and St. Mark's Square, but time might also be a consideration.) Take a water taxi or bus to the other islands. Murano is well known for its glass factories and glass-blowing demonstrations. (Tip: Do not accept the "free boat ride" to Murano or you will be forced to visit a certain factory and have to find a way to escape their high pressure sales spiel and find your own way home. Better to pay for the ride over and shop independently.)So, at the end of a couple of days in Venice you may have spent around $150 - 180 (double this for a couple) for an experience of a lifetime! You've seen all the sights in St. Mark's Square during the day and captured the magical Venice romance at night. You taken tons of photos of buildings, museums, and the lifestyles of the Venetians during your long Grand Canal boat trip. You've sampled their renown food and drinks. You've done what everybody dreams of doing in Venice--a ride in a gondola. You may have even been able to squeeze in glass making demonstrations at the outer islands.
The secret is to plan, budget, prioritize and then appreciate your experiences. Others may call Venice an over-priced "rip off"--but you'll take home some of the most precious experiences life can offer--memories--without regrets!
On the following pages I will highlight some of the important "don't miss" sites.