Before go to VeniceThere are a few things you need to know.
Venice is one of those must-visit cities.
The city is world-famous, steeped in history and brimming with romance.
Its charm and elegance are sure to take your breath away.
Today I'm talking about what you need to know before going to Venice.
Follow the guide!
Going to Venice: article summary
Venice: avoid the crowds
Venice is packed with things to see and do, and is considered one of the world's most romantic destinations. However, the city is also known for being packed with tourists. Around the must-see sites, such as the Rialto bridge or the place Saint-MarcThere's simply no escaping the crowd.
To avoid the crowds, I recommend getting up early and staying up late. The best time to visit Venice is before 7 a.m. and after midnight. There are no crowds yet, and the city is peaceful and quiet. Night is also ideal for taking photos.
Spring and summer are the seasons with more tourists and higher temperatures. Autumn is a better time to visit Venice, although there is a risk of flooding. Be sure to bring rubber boots with you and don't panic, it's like that in Venice.
Winter can also be a fantastic time to explore Venice, if you don't mind the bitter cold and chilly winds.
Don't be fooled by the gondolas
One of the best things to do in Venice is to go for a ride on a gondola along the canals. However, you'll need to negotiate before boarding one of these charming little boats.
The official rate is 80 euros for 40 minutes. After 7pm, it gets even more expensive, costing 100 euros for 40 minutes.
These are the official rates and many gondoliers raise the price whenever they like. And don't expect a free serenade - you'll have to pay extra for this little musical service. I strongly advise you to agree on the price before getting into this traditional boat.
For a less expensive trip on the calm waters of Venice, you can take the vaporetti. This public ferry service along the canals of Venice operates like a bus network. Admittedly, it's not a gondola, but the views from the water are the same. A standard ticket costs 7 euros, much cheaper than a gondola trip.
Get ready to enjoy the real taste of Venice
If you've got the budget, I recommend you try the famous Café Florian. However, you'll have to be careful, you'll get better food and drink in less touristy areas.
A bacaro or osteria is a small bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine and a snack. These places are very economical, offer subtle flavors and are frequented by locals.
If you just want a small cappuccino, drink it standing up at the bar. Sitting will be charged extra!
Venice: get ready to get lost!
Venice is a pedestrian city, so be prepared to walk. You'll be walking for hours, even if you don't want to, because you'll get lost, I guarantee it. The narrow streets will take you places you hadn't planned to go. And that's no bad thing! Getting lost in Venice is the best way to discover the beauty of the city.
Invest in a good city map and plan where you want to go. Mark the location of your hotel: this can be useful if you need to ask for directions on the way home.
Forget your smartphone's GPS, it's unlikely to help you in Venice. Just relax and enjoy the trip. You'll have no shortage of discover the most charming little streets and squares.
Prepare to bring back memories
A typical souvenir to bring back from your trip to Venice is a Venetian mask. There's no shortage of stores and vendors trying to convince you to buy one. Just make sure it's a genuine Venetian mask, not a mask labeled "made in China".
You'll find stores all over the street, and it won't be hard to make your choice. The hardest part will be figuring out which Comedia dal'Arte character suits you best. However, you can always ask the sales clerks for advice - they'll be able to point you in the right direction!
A trip to Venice is an experience you should have at least once in your life. While you're there, you'll discover places you'd never imagined. You'll also be able to try out new experiences, such as a gondola ride. In all cases, I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit to the city!
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