Venice guide
It's a phrase used all too loosely when describing so many cities around the world, but there really is nowhere else on earth like Venice. Built on 117 small islands, 150 canals flow through the city centre and each and every one will have you grabbing for your camera. While its streets can be incessantly busy, something will urge you to propel yourself through as many of them as possible. It can be unashamedly expensive, but eat and drink where the locals do and a visit there won't be as costly as you think.
Latest reviews of Venice
Venice is a city to visit if you like walking about randomly. Don\'t visit if you\'re not prepared to get lost regularly. My review says shopping is good, but that\'s a bit misleading - shopping is good if you\'re into glass, gelato, wine and designer gear. The first three I...more Venice is a city to visit if you like walking about randomly. Don\'t visit if you\'re not prepared to get lost regularly. My review says shopping is good, but that\'s a bit misleading - shopping is good if you\'re into glass, gelato, wine and designer gear. The first three I was fine with! There wasn\'t a lot to see in Venice unless you\'re into churches, but you can occupy yourself for days just wandering about, which is equally interesting from my point of view. I definitely wouldn\'t say it\'s a city for \'chilling out\'. There\'s nowhere to chill, for one thing! But as a city to find a nice ristorante, overlooking a canal, for a glass of wine and some good food in the early evening... it can\'t be beaten!close
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by kat6980
– posted on May 9, 2008
Not the best hostel i\'ve stayed in. On each level there\'s 6 dorms/2 baths and no ceilings so you can hear EVERYTHING! It\'s a fun hotspot for school trips as well, there was at least 4 schools while i was there so you felt like you were at camp. The breakfast was literally a...more Not the best hostel i\'ve stayed in. On each level there\'s 6 dorms/2 baths and no ceilings so you can hear EVERYTHING! It\'s a fun hotspot for school trips as well, there was at least 4 schools while i was there so you felt like you were at camp. The breakfast was literally a roll and a drink and if you wanted more you had to pay extra! You also weren\'t told anything for example you\'re kicked out of the hostel between 0930-1330 everyday! Is a great location though and is ok for a few days in venice.close
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by lilsmituk2195
– posted on May 5, 2008
Venice is really beautiful, it\'s like your dream come true, unfortunately it\'s very expensive (7eur 1hr of internet). Get on the vaporetto and travel around the Gran Canal. Enjoy St. Marcos Church and St. Rocco School where you can see lots of Tintoretto paintings. Go around and get...more Venice is really beautiful, it\'s like your dream come true, unfortunately it\'s very expensive (7eur 1hr of internet). Get on the vaporetto and travel around the Gran Canal. Enjoy St. Marcos Church and St. Rocco School where you can see lots of Tintoretto paintings. Go around and get lost in the small streets between the water canals. See the sunrising and sunset in both sides of the Island. Admire Murano-glass-art-pieces and visit the local market close to Rialto bridge. Once you taste Venice you\'ll be back. close
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by coolcasti
– posted on Feb 8, 2008
Venice doesn't have much to do as far as sightseeing goes. But mainly what you have to do is walk around and just enjoy the city -- the cafes, the pizzaerias, the gondola rides and beautiful nooks and crannies of the city. It rained and was cold when we were there in late Jan. There isn't much...more Venice doesn't have much to do as far as sightseeing goes. But mainly what you have to do is walk around and just enjoy the city -- the cafes, the pizzaerias, the gondola rides and beautiful nooks and crannies of the city. It rained and was cold when we were there in late Jan. There isn't much of a night life save a few clubs and not many pubs. It's all right, but you don't go to Venice for the night life. You go to enjoy Italian culture and the beauty of the city.close
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by Hopesfr
– posted on Feb 1, 2008
Venice Fish is a lot of fun. Because of the free nightly dinner the travelers stick around in the evenings, and it\'s easy to meet people. I wound up getting two travel companions and learning a Persian suction massage here. Mimo takes people out dancing and drinking whenever there\'s...more Venice Fish is a lot of fun. Because of the free nightly dinner the travelers stick around in the evenings, and it\'s easy to meet people. I wound up getting two travel companions and learning a Persian suction massage here. Mimo takes people out dancing and drinking whenever there\'s interest. He shows movies on the computer. The place is a bit expensive, but unless you\'re traveling with a few people and want to split a hotel room, you won\'t beat the price. And the facilities were great. Clean, spacious, safe. Great location, close to the train station and, if you can find your way, a short walk from most places.close
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by shmvii5497
– posted on Dec 21, 2007
some cafeteria out to con tourist. Be careful on the cover charge, service charge and on top of that, a more expensive meal charges. Lots of constructions going on now in the winter. Some of the water buses does not have the number written, you have to ask the driver. They don\'t tell you...more some cafeteria out to con tourist. Be careful on the cover charge, service charge and on top of that, a more expensive meal charges. Lots of constructions going on now in the winter. Some of the water buses does not have the number written, you have to ask the driver. They don\'t tell you what stop so on a rainy day, you can\'t see the stop name, you have to count the stops or ask by pressing through the crowd. close
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by koocc2
– posted on Nov 21, 2007
Cold, rainy time of year. Floods with high tide and rain. Dreary weather. Not the usual crowds, however. Still, a busy place. Shopping was good, but all the stores started to look the same. Recommend a visit to Murano. Three days long enough to know Venice. No bicycles - thought that...more Cold, rainy time of year. Floods with high tide and rain. Dreary weather. Not the usual crowds, however. Still, a busy place. Shopping was good, but all the stores started to look the same. Recommend a visit to Murano. Three days long enough to know Venice. No bicycles - thought that interesting. Allleys too narrow; too crowded. Walking around is not difficult - everything is a lot closer than it seems on a map. close
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by dilfj20042193
– posted on Nov 21, 2007
with no cars or roads this city is made for walkers (and boats!!!!). be prepared to and just walk ... you willl never get TOO lost, it is an island after all!!! and some of the most amazing sights are to be found off the tourist track (areas recognised by the lack of mask/glass shops, no yellow...more with no cars or roads this city is made for walkers (and boats!!!!). be prepared to and just walk ... you willl never get TOO lost, it is an island after all!!! and some of the most amazing sights are to be found off the tourist track (areas recognised by the lack of mask/glass shops, no yellow signs pointing towards s. marco or p.rialto, and the locals hanging out thier washing or gathering in groups to chat). keep your eyes open and look in all directions at every corner, you never know what treasure or photo op might be lurking!!! close
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by brookeann7535
– posted on Nov 17, 2007
If you\'re in the mood for a lot of walking and seeing a city like no other, Venice is the right place. Although there\'s not much to do, you could spend hours getting lost in the alleyways and in the beauty of the canals. You always manage to find your way back to the Rialto Bridge...more If you\'re in the mood for a lot of walking and seeing a city like no other, Venice is the right place. Although there\'s not much to do, you could spend hours getting lost in the alleyways and in the beauty of the canals. You always manage to find your way back to the Rialto Bridge or San Marco Square. It\'s a great getaway.close
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by melissad833965
– posted on Nov 12, 2007
The most pictoresque city I've ever been...Venezia is unique! Always crowded of tourists, very hot in summer, so cold in winter, a lot of humidity, famous to be very expensive, and not so good food. But than we have San Marco, Canal Grande and all the little channels, Murano, everywhere in...more The most pictoresque city I've ever been...Venezia is unique! Always crowded of tourists, very hot in summer, so cold in winter, a lot of humidity, famous to be very expensive, and not so good food. But than we have San Marco, Canal Grande and all the little channels, Murano, everywhere in Venice is art and history. You have to go there to understand what I mean.close
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by saracarolina81
– posted on Aug 21, 2007
Top Rated Venice Places to Stay
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Ca' del Campo 94%
Ca' del Campo is in an excellent location to visit all of the sites in Venice, and is quiet relative to some of the hotels on the Grand Canal. Service was good - we had no hot water both mornings but when we mentioned it to the front desk it was fixed within 15 minutes. One caution - when we...
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by kolsen
– posted on Jun 2005
1Excellent hotel, would definately stay again if in Venice. Have recommended it to all my friends.
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by ninsua
– posted on Nov 2004
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Hotel Casa Verardo 92%
My first two nights I stayed in Casa Kirsh, which is part of Casa Verardo. My only problem was the security door.I found it difficult to open from the outside and inside. My last two nights was at Casa Verardo. There rooms are clean, great location and easy to find and little or no street noise....
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by cpereira468609
– posted on Apr 2008
4An excellent hotel in a really nice location. Very close to Piazza San Marco yet in a quiet, little street overlooking a little canal. On arrival, as it was off season, we were upgraded to a canal view room with bath - breakfast was included which we did not realise and the hotel staff showed...
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by davedeane12947
– posted on Feb 2008
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Top Rated Venice Restaurants
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Al Graspo de Ua100%
What?
Italian CuisineWhere?
Beside Rialto BridgeAnything Else?
Sopen since the 19th Century the restaurant is just a few steps from the Rialto Bridge. Today it is frequented by the wealthy Italians from the surrounding area. The interior is full of candlelight and painting against the stucco and brick walls.
This restaurant is attached to a hotel (which I cannot review, never having stayed there) in a side street that is so small it's easy to miss, so watch out carefully for it. Its name means "The bunch of grapes" in Venetian dialect and the restaurant itself specialises in local dishes from around Venice and along the Adriatic coast. The risotto here is the best...
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by Donal
– posted on May 1998
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Pensione Accademia100%
The Pensione Accademia used to be the Russian consulate a few hundred years back. This lovely villa is on a side canal just off the Canal Grande. The rooms are well appointed, the furnitue is antique, the place is elegant and classy and is unusual in Venice in having a front and back garden, the back one being especially lovely. The front is where you...
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by Donal
– posted on May 1998
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Antiche Cantine Ardenghi100%
We met a local couple at a bar in the city one night and they told us that this was the best place to eat that they had ever been to. We checked in our travel guide and found that eating there was, "a leap of local faith and an excellent splurge…” needless to say we where intrigued! You have to ring and book in advance as it’s only a small place, in fact...
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by MrWhite
– posted on Jul 2005
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Antica Fiaschetteria Toscana100%
What?
Italian CuisineWhere?
Located in front of the church of San Giovanni Crisostomo
Absolutely a great restaurant, really fresh fish coooked in Venician style; is quite expensive but it's worth it. Have a taste also of their cheese selection, served in a really professional manner by their "cheese-expert-maitre". The place is nice, really close to Rialto bridge.
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by sz1976
– posted on Aug 2006
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Restaurant80%
This is an excellent restaurant on Murano, run by Lele - a big red-headed man with a booming voice and a love of life - you can just tell. I recommend in particular the antipasti del doge and the fish dishes here are also excellent, especially the mixed grill. Prices are quite reasonable - for Venice - and it's a lovely place to spend lunch before or after...
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by Donal
– posted on May 1998
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Top Rated Venice Attractions
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Academy Gallery100%
What?
Museum and GalleryWhere?
Located at the foot of Accademia BridgeAnything Else?
Holding works of art from many of the artists that called Venice home through the years. The museum chronicles the history of art in Venice from the 15th century to the 18th. There can be very long queues so arrive early.
The Galleria dell'Accademia is impressive for the amount of great painting inside, it can be recognized as the Venice's Louvre. There is always a huge queue so book in advance in order to avoit it.
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by sz1976
– posted on Jul 2006
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Doge's Palace100%
What?
Famous PalaceWhere?
Locate in the Piazza San MarcoAnything Else?
The palace housed the Doge's and political institutions of the former republic of Venice. Also contained in the building is the bridge of Sighs which connects the palace to the old prisons. The architecture is a mix of Byzantine and Gothic.
Initially built as a castle in the 9th century, 'Palazzo Ducale' is a Venetian Gothic building that was home to the Doge (Duke), the highest political figure in Venice. It was also the city's political hub for centuries. Today it's Venice's most popular attraction. I learned a lot about Venice when i went here, and there are great views to be had. Well worth a...
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by Emmet
– posted on Nov 2006
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Guggenheim Museum100%
What?
Art GalleryAnything Else?
One of the most important art galleries in Europe for European and American art of the first half of the 20th century. It is located in Peggy Guggenheim's former home, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, on the Grand Canal.
I found this to be a really enjoyable museum it has a great range of both paintings and sculptures without being overwhelming. The layout of the gallery makes the whole collection accessible although it was quite busy the day we visited. Well worth a visit, the whole collection can be covered easily without having to give up loads of time.
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by Emmet
– posted on Nov 2006
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St. Marks Square90%
What?
Famous SquareAnything Else?
One of the worlds most famous squares and an instantly recognisable symbol of Venice. The Palace of Doges, St.Marks Basillica and St.Marks Clocktower are all located on the square, there are also many cafés and shop around it.
Venice's most famous square and home to St Mark's Cathedral. Home to Café Florian and St Mark's Cathedral.
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by colm
– posted on Mar 2004
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Rialto Bridge80%
What?
Famous BridgeWhere?
Located over the Grand CanalAnything Else?
The most famous of bridges in Venice and also one of only three that cross the Grand Canal, the Rialto bridge was built in 1591. There are shops located in the centre of the bridge that are orientated towards the tourists that pass over the bridge.
Rialto Bridge can be considered the centre of Venice; it can be crowded but from there you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Grand Canal; I suggest you also to admire it from the botton side of the Market.
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by sz1976
– posted on Nov 2006
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Top Rated Venice Bars
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Cafe Florian100%
What?
CaféWhere?
Located in the famous Piazza San MarcoAnything Else?
This is a great place for people watching and you can sit in the square and try the gourmet coffee on offer from here. You can also buy the coffee wholesale or purchase some of the perfumes, accessories and porcelains etc. that are on offer.
Ok the prices are quite crazy but the experience of drinking something seating in San Marco Square in front of the Basilica listening to classical music is incredible...expensive but great!
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by sz1976
– posted on Jun 2006
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Il Paradiso Perduto100%
What?
TavernAnything Else?
A typical Venetian tavern with it large wooden chairs and tables, serving filled roles, some hot food and wine. This is the ideal place to go for late night drinks. There are also art exhibitions shows and live jazz and piano music shows.
Venice isn't exactly the liveliest city in the world but this bar on Fondamenta della Misericordia really gets going at night time. Once the wine starts flowing and the live music starts there's a really good atmosphere.
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by colm
– posted on Mar 2004
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Il Buccintoro100%
A bar for the locals in the early evening. It scores best in the mornings as a place for coffee and Gino's fantastic house made pastries. His cakes are all made in his adjoining bakery.
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by billyb8
– posted on Nov 2007
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Gelateria Nico100%
This place is great, take a seat outside and have a coffee or even better an homemade icecream and enjoy the sun and the view over the Giudecca Island, it's absolutely a great experience.
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by sz1976
– posted on Apr 2006
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Al Marca100%
What?
BarWhere?
Near Rialto Fish MarketAnything Else?
A small bar where you buy your drink and then stand out in the square and drink it.
It's a really small bar, only standing, but they have really good wine and small sandwiches for incredible cheap price; drink here a spritz with aperol a local aperitif really good
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by sz1976
– posted on Aug 2006
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