Venice

[sissimarissa]

I'm planning a short (4 day) trip to Venice just to see the main sites of interest, and wonder if anybody else has been recently and how they got on. Is it difficult to get from the airport to the centre? (the two of us both have limited walking ability due to legs giving up). Can one really get around easily on the water buses? Any general tips for getting around easily? All comments will be most appreciated.

[dzug]

It's easy to get from the airport to the centre - but be aware there are two airports.

The one used by Ryanair is a long bus ride away, the other a short bus or taxi ride then for both water bus from the mainland to the island. The main airport also has a through water bus staright to St Marks Square. (Don't get a water taxi unless you have money to burn.)

Really the only way of getting around is by water bus on the canal or walking the streets - there are no vehicles in Venice itself. Porters will take luggage on a trolley (for a fee) if you can't manage it yourself. You can get a travelcard type thing for unlimited water bus rides.

[drinki]

Hi Sissimarissa,
I travel quite regular to Venice. If you are flying in to Marco Polo airport. I would recommend that you take the waterbus. They run very regular times and are quite cheap. Whatever you do DO NOT take a water taxi, you can be paying up to �50 for a trip to the centre. Get yourself a decent street map to make sure you can locate your hotel, then just wander the streets and waterways. Part of the unique pleasure of Venice is just walking round the island don�t be afraid to wander off the tourist routes, you will see some beautiful architecture and hopefully how the real venation�s live. If possible don�t eat around the St. Marks Square area. The cafes & restaurants are very expensive, but don�t believe the �20 for a can of coke stories! You can find some very good places to eat away from the centre. Some of the best art galleries are located to the south of the island. If you have time I would recommend a visit to Lido. This is a strip of land (on the water bus route) where the rich Italians used to have there luxury holiday locations I normally stay there and it is truly beautiful. I will be going back in February for the Carnevale, now very tourist focused but fantastic. I hope you enjoy your visit to this beautiful City.

GD

[sissimarissa]

Thank you very much for the replies. Much appreciated.

[dicky113]

I would suggest that you go to Venice from the airport by water bus but finish off your time in Venice in style on a water taxi back to the airport. They are more expensive but between the 2 of you I reckon its worth it to do it in style, much more comfortable and fast, VERY fast! ( You dont go to Venice for a cheap weekend anyway) and its so exhilarating !

If you order anything in a cafe in St Marks Square while there is live music playing you will be hit with a charge for a few euros each for the pleasure of listening, whether you hear the whole routine or just the last few notes.

I recommend a trip to the Island of Murano to visit the glassmaking factories and factory shops. Its a small island, easy to get to on regular water bus and world renowned for its handmade glass.

Do not go to Venice without having lunch upstairs at Harry's Bar. Very expensive but it will be one of the highlights of your stay - dont just have a bellini downstairs with the mob!

Have fun.