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The Must Do’s in Venice
Like no other place on earth, Venice. Narrow streets, a grand piazza with music, lights and dancing, world-renowned seafood, and no cars, the Grand Canal with only water-buses (vaporettos) and gondolas instead. Your mind will be numb with all there is to do and see, but slow down, get your bearings and get ready for the time of your life!
What do we do in Venice?
#1. Wander and get lost.
Unless you have a specific place to be, enjoy getting lost. Explore. See what you can find. Sightsee, window shop, sit for a moment with a favorite drink. Almost everywhere you go, you can look up and see two signs, leading you to either “San Marco” (Saint Mark’s Square) or “Rialto” (The Rialto Bridge). Get your bearings from these two places and wander. Take your time, relax and enjoy! (more on how to get around in Venice)
#2. Ride the entire Grand Canal.
Since all the major areas of Venice and the islands beyond are connected by canals, experience this unique opportunity. We suggest you budget the money for a water taxi from the airport and take the tour of the entire Grand Canal.
Personally, we enjoy this more than the gondola ride, but of course, you need to see Venice at least once from a gondola. The vaporetto system allows your weary feet to rest and makes travel easier and affordable but be sure to spend an evening riding the canal and seeing all the lights. The lights glistening on the water as you ride along is magical.
#3. Take time to visit Murano and Burano.
Take time to visit Murano and Burano. Murano is the island of glass factories and the most highly-crafted glassware in the world, but my favorite is Burano, an ancient fishing village with multi-colored homes, wash hanging from windows, lace shops, and great food. Both islands can be reached by taking vaporetto #12 from Fondamente Nove, on the north shore of Venice.
The trip takes about 45 minutes one way, stopping at Murano 1st (15 minutes) and then 30 minutes to Burano from there. Vaporettos depart every 20-30 minutes. Hint: Go early in the day before the tourists arrive from the cruise ships and tours, have lunch and return. Details below.
If you’d rather take a tour. Here are a few that get great reviews:
Venice: Burano and Murano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit
From Venice: Murano & Burano Islands Boat Tour
Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat
Murano: Here is where the world’s greatest glass craftsmen reside, and it is a pleasure to see them in action.
You may reach Murano from the Fondamente Nove vaporetto stop on the north side of Venice, and from there take the #12 vaporetto headed to Murano. (See our post on how to get around in Venice.) Wander through the glass shops and the factories on the island. The fine glass featured there will have the artist’s signature on the glass itself and they will offer to ship it home for you for free. Just be sure to have it insured. Also ask for a Certificate of Authenticity. Real Murano glass is expensive, so be prepared.
NOTE: You may be given a chance to ride a water taxi “free” to Murano. Beware that although the ride is free and convenient and features a visit to a glass factory to see the masters at work, a high-pressure sales pitch is attached. We mistakenly did this, and escaped only when one of our fellow travelers bought something at the factory. Whew!
Burano: I love Burano. Why? The lace, the colored houses, the food. Definitely worth the 45- minute trip to get there. Go early before all the tourists arrive and leave right after lunch.
If you are a photographer, Burano is for not to be missed, as it features multi-colored houses with wash hanging from the windows, and technicolor fishing boats as well. You will be astonished at the picturesque sights at every turn. Here are a few:
Bepi’s House: Bepi was a local legend who loved embellishing his house with geometric shapes in various colors. It is easy to find his house by turning right onto Calle del Pistor from via Baldassare Galuppi.
The Leaning Tower: Just about from every vantage point on the island, you can see the tower that is attached to the Church of San Martino. The “lean” is similar in angle to that of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Lace shops and the Lace Museum.
If you want to know about the history of Burano and the lace made there, the Lace Museum is the place to visit, located on the main square, Piazza Baldassare Galuppi.
Idea: Buy monogrammed lace handkerchiefs for your daughters or granddaughters for their wedding days. (I am so glad I did this!)
Hint: If you watched the Wedding Veil series on Hallmark, the lace shop featured is Emelia Burano in Piazza Galuppi.
Food in Burano. Cookies. Be sure to pick up some Bussolá di Burano: Venetian Cookies, an “O” or “S”- shaped buttery treat with a hint of lemon. Burano is famous for them.
Lunch. We recommend Trattoria al Gatto Nero. (Michelin Recommended). Everything here is authentic Italian and homemade. Reserve in advance from home (at least a month or two ahead) by at: info@gattonero.com
#4. Visit the main Attractions:
St. Mark’s Cathedral is unforgettable, as is the Doge’s Palace. Please buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid waiting in long, long lines. We love the Campanile for the views of the city as well, and don’t forget to view the Bridge of Sighs (so named for the the prisoners on their way to their cells sighing at the last view of the sun) from the outside, behind the Doge’s Palace.
St. Mark’s Basilica.
From the inside and the outside, St. Mark’s Cathedral is worth your time (Even if you’re not a museum fan.) The current structure was built in 1071, after the first structure burned in 928.
Featuring architecture of both Italian and Byzantine artists, it is also known as “The Golden Church” because of the spectacular golden mosaics (covered in gold leaf, encased in glass) that line the ceiling and walls.
It became a cathedral in 1807, after serving as a place of worship for the Doge, the ruler of Venice. The relics of St. Mark are housed there, having been stolen from Egypt by Venetian merchants in 828.
Ticket options: Unless you want to spend at least an hour in line, book your tickets or tour ahead. Here are a few to consider:
You can book directly from the Basilica itself online for as little as 6 Euros a ticket, or add the museum for 20 Euros, which includes the four bronze horses and the terrace for a great photo op of St. Mark’s Square and the Bell Tower. You will be given an option of date and time to visit. Do this at least a month ahead if you can. You may also book tickets for the Bell Tower as well.
Take a tour. This is the only way to see the Basilica illuminated at night. Here are a few tour suggestions: Option 1. – Option 2.
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale).
A beautiful mix of Gothic and Byzantine architecture, the Doge’s Palace is a reminder of the opulence of Venice’s early rulers in a time when Venice was the seat of the government.
Housing numerous Renaissance art pieces, a tour will be a wise choice. Do not forget the prisons where prisoners were taken from the palace across the Bridge of Sighs (so-named as these prisoners sighed at their last glimpse of the sun) to their place of incarceration.
Ticket options: You can book directly from the Doge’s Palace website online for as little as 25 Euros. Several options are available, including the addition of an audioguide (5 more Euros), or a Secret Itinerary Tour for 32 Euros, or the Hidden Doge’s Treasure Tour for 32 Euros. Reduced prices are available for students, children, and seniors.
Take a guided tour: Guided Tour #1. – Guided Tour #2.
For a guided tour of both St. Mark’s and the Doge’s Palace: Guided Tour #1. – Guided Tour #2. – Guided Tour #3.
The Campanile.
In St. Mark’s Square is the tallest building in Venice, the Campanile di San Marco.
Standing at 323 ft. (98.6 m.), it offers some of the best views of Venice, and is worth the trek to the top, especially because there is an elevator. Interesting facts: The Campanile was first constructed to be a lighthouse in the 16th century, then collapsed in 1902, and was rebuilt to reopen in 1915.
Open Daily: 8:30AM to 9:00PM April 16 to October
9:00AM to 5:00PM April 1 to April 15
9:30AM to 5:30PM November to March
Note: Last entry is usually fifteen minutes before closing time.
Tickets: 12 Euros for the lift (elevator). Booking in advance is advised.
#5. Take a cicchetti tour.
This is an absolute must on your first day. Cicchetti is Venice’s version of Spanish tapas, with the beverage of your choice.
Taking a tour not only acquaints you with establishments you may want to revisit during your stay, but also lets you know the protocols needed to navigate ordering and enjoying cicchetti on your own later.
Here are a few we recommend:
Venice Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings.
Local Secrets of Venice Tapas & Wine Walking Tour.
#6. Take a Moment to Enjoy the Ambiance of St. Mark’s Square.
Night or day, this is where to people-watch and just enjoy the view. During the day, take a seat and order a coffee or a soft drink.
You can use the restroom as you relax and enjoy the live music. (We love the lemon slushies.) At night, splurge on a table to have a beverage, while listening to the musicians play. You might even wish to dance in the moonlight. It is memorable.
#7. Explore neighborhoods away from the tourist tangle.
We suggest Dorsoduro and Canneregio
#8. Eat well in Venice.
Make reservations for at least one night’s meal before you leave home.
Don’t be one of those who return home and say, “I should have eaten at better restaurants, or I just ate whatever was available” while others rave about the food in Italy.
HINT: Use The Fork app for making reservations. Also use Google Maps to print out a map from your hotel to the dining establishment…It will tell you exactly what vaporetto stop to take and give you details how to walk to the restaurant and how long it will take you as well. You can’t always rely on GPS unless you want to pay roaming charges.
Hints: Always check the menu to see if the place has affordable items for you. Also remember that Italians usually eat later than we do in America (8 PM or so), so if you want to eat with locals plan accordingly. Eat where the locals eat…ask your hotel to send you their recommendations.
Where are we eating in Venice on our next trip in May ’23?:
1. A cicchetti tour for the first night.
2. Delicious hand-made pizza in Venice for the 2nd night.
3. And, On the Grand Canal for our Final night.
Tipping:
You will hear, “There’s no reason to tip in Italy”, but that is not always true. If you have experienced superb service, recognize it. Here are a few hints:
1. Don’t add your tip to your credit card. Leave it on the table or with the person in cash.
2. Check your bill in a restaurant for the words, “servisio incluso”, which means you have already been billed a service charge.
Who to tip:
1. Your waiter in a restaurant for exceptional service (A few Euros or round up to the nearest 5 or 10.)
2. A barista or bartender or café attendant (Round up to nearest Euro or simply say, “Keep the change”.)
3. Your taxi driver (Round up 1-2 Euros)
4. Your tour guide (5-10 Euros)
5. Your housekeeper (1 Euro per night…daily or at end of stay)
6. Bellhop (1 Euro per bag as you do at home.)
Where are we eating in Venice 2023:
1. A cicchetti tour for the first night (See suggestions above).
2. Pastries at Rosa Salva (Castello) or Pasticceria Tonolo (Dorsoduro).
3. Delicious hand-made pizza in Venice.
Hint: Most pizza served in Venice is frozen and not authentic. For fantastic pizza in Venice, try Birraria La Corte in the San Polo neighborhood. Just look at the reviews. It’s a place recommended by locals.
In Burano, at Trattoria al Gatto Nero (Mentioned above).
On the Grand Canal (Al Porta del Acqua).
Where we are staying in Venice 2023 and other recommendations:
Right by the Rialto Bridge with a terrace on the Grand Canal, this gem will not disappoint. The delicious breakfasts, the responsive staff, and the 14th Century palace setting are worth the splurge. Our fave!
2. Rosa Salva Hotel. Breakfasts at the famed pastry shop.
4. Hotel Abbazia. Very near the train station.
#9. Shopping in Venice –
My confession: I love to shop! So, what is shopping like in Venice?
You will find souvenir shops in abundance in Venice. Beware, most items are imported and not Venetian at all. As long as you know that, there may be some things of interest anyway. For the grandkids, I picked up playing cards and for my friends, fake Venetian masks just for fun.
Here are a few suggestions for lasting and worthwhile souvenirs:
Leather. You’ll find leather around every corner in Venice, but many are made elsewhere and only finished in Italy and may be sporting the “Made in Italy” tag anyway. (A $15 purse will last $15 worth of time. I know this firsthand.) A question to ask yourself—Is a true craftsman minding the shop?
For authentic hand-crafted leather goods, I recommend two places.
The one place that gets the most positive reviews is a small shop in Dorsoduro, Il Grifone. For artisan leather goods, such as wallets, belts and purses, come to the workshop itself and enjoy the smells and artistry displayed there by the man who has created all you see, “from his heart”. Truly an experience worth your time. High quality workmanship at fair prices. Located at Fondamente del Gaffaro in Dorsoduro.
I have bought two items from Raggio Veneziano Leather Design–a wallet and a small crossbody envelope purse that is embellished with Murano glass. (My most beautiful purse ever and with the addition of Murano glass, the very best souvenir of this spectacular place).
Their leather bags are 100% cowhide and are all vegetable-dyed in breathtakingly bright colors. They boast that their bags are 100% Italian made, meaning they were not imported and then only finished in Italy.
Even if you don’t buy anything, visit their shop to see the sampling of beautiful bags and leather. Truly works of art. You will find them in Campo San Stefano, right by the Accademia Bridge in the San Marco neighborhood.
Murano Glass. Beware! Not all the glass labeled “Murano Glass” is actually Murano Glass. To be sure, you can buy your glass on Murano itself.
Signs that Murano Glass is real:
1. It’s not perfect. Glass that is hand-blown may be asymmetrical and may have a mark where it was released from the glassblower’s stick or pliers.
2. It’s not inexpensive. Even the shop where it is sold should be high end.
3. Is there a Certificate of Authenticity? You should expect this with real Murano glass. Sometimes you will even see the master’s signature or a label from the Murano workshop.
4. Often there are vibrant colors and even little gold flecks.
Burano Lace. The sad thing is that much of the lace you find even on Burano is made in China and only finished in Italy.
Look for “100% Made in Italy” and expect to pay premium prices.
Some respected shops are Merletti d’Arte dalla Lidia and Emilia Burano (famous from the Hallmark Wedding Veil series)
Glass Beads and Jewelry. You will find many places to buy inexpensive beads and jewelry, but for quality, try:
1. Marisa Convento. Venetian Dreams. Dorsoduro 862.
2. Rialto 79. At the foot of the Rialto Bridge, San Polo 79.
3. La Compagnia delle Perle. Cannaregio 408.
Paper Goods. Venice specializes in beautiful marbled paper. This makes a terrific gift and a souvenir that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. On a Sunday afternoon, one craftsman invited me into the back of her shop and showed me how the paper is created. What a treat! Here are three places not to miss:
1. Arzanart Marbled Paper Studio. Marbled paper, books, journals, and even jewelry. Barbaria de le Tole, in Castello, between Campo San Giovanni e Paolo and San Francesco della Vigna.
2. Plum Plum Creations. Printmaking as it was done in the 15th Century. Etchings, paintings, and reproductions that are breathtaking, and a great souvenir of Venice. Postcards even. Fondamenta dei Ormesini 2681. Cannaregio.
3. Il Scriba. Handmade marble paper and journals. Known for its inks and calligraphy sets as well. A beautiful shop with top-notch service. Salizada San Lio 5328. Castello.
Masks. Of course, masks are a symbol of Venice and here is where you can find masks of all shapes and sizes. Look for plastic ones to take the kiddos at souvenir stands, or quality, hand-crafted masterpieces by Viennese artisans.
If you are looking for the work of artisans, try:
1. Ca’Macana. One of the oldest and best-known mask makers in Venice, offering decorative handmade face and eye masks, some embellished with feathers, some historical, and some for the masquerade. Prices range from 40 Euros up to 400 Euros. They even offer family workshops where kids as young as four can make their own masks. Calle Cappeller 3215. Dorsoduro.
2. LaBauta. Paper mache’ masks and costumes completely handmade. A wide assortment at very affordable prices. Workshops are also offered. Great service. Great reviews. Campo San Toma 2867. San Polo.
Two more suggestions:
1. Fondaco dei Tedeschi. A high-end department store near the Rialto Bridge (on the San Marco side). It is a designer shopping mall, but its real lure is the view from its rooftop. A great place for photos, but the visit to the top must be booked ahead online, about a month ahead. Visits are limited to 15 minutes but offer a panoramic view of Venice. Access is free.
2. Liberia Acqua Alta. A unique and funky used bookstore, where the owner prepares for flooding by displaying books in such items as gondolas and bathtubs. Enjoy, take photos and don’t miss the book stairs in the back garden. Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, Castello 5176. Near Campo Santa Maria Formosa. Best to go early as this site gets very crowded.
#10. Take a Gondola Ride.
For the romance and the experience, you have to do it at least once.
Gondolas are regulated in Venice and cost a set price, determined by the city of Venice. At this writing, it costs 80 Euros for a 40-minute ride, increasing after dark. Do not expect singing unless the gondolier has specifically offered it to you. You may share a ride, but only two “love seats” are available.
Fun Fact. Only gondolas with front ornaments displaying six iron bars which represent the six sestieri-or neighborhoods of Venice– feature trained and licensed gondoliers.
I have crammed a lot of information into this post. I hope it was of value to you. If you have any questions please send me an email at: ronksystems@gmail.com
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