Venice City Guide - World of Wanderlust

 1 THE WOW
Guide to Venice
“Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate
liqueurs in one go”.
– Truman Capote
CONTENTS:
Introduction
Before you go inspiration
Practical information
Neighbourhood guide
A brief history
Top 10 sights and attractions
Top 5 free
5 photos you can’t leave without
5 things unique to Venice
Where to stay
Where to eat
Nightlife
Disclaimer
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2 AN INTRODUCTION
Is there any other place in the world quite like Venice?
The answer is, unequivocally, no. There is no place in the
world quite like Venice. With its’ art, music, food, and of
course canals, Venice will transport you to another time.
Although, you will have to be prepared to share it with
huge crowds of tourists from around the globe who make
their way here each year to visit the infamously dubbed
“sinking city”.
Before you go inspiration
Song: Venezia, la luna e tu, by Luciano Tajoli
Book: In Search of Venice, by Antal Szerb, Henry James,
Petr Kral, Paul Monrad
Film: The Tourist (2010)
Practical information
Venice is the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, and
one of the most popular cities to visit in Italy.
Population: 260,000+
Time Zone: UTC +1
Telephone area code: +39 41
Language: Italian, though English is widely spoken
Currency: Euro (€)
Climate: Winters are cold and wet, while summers are
extremely hot. The best time of year to visit for both
climate and to avoid the massive influx of tourists is
during the shoulder season: from September to
November. Do beware of acqua alta (high water), when
the waterlines rise and flood the streets in the colder
months.
Get around: Walk! There really is no better way to see
Venice.
3 NEIGHBOURHOODS
Although all of Venice might seem to blend into one, there
are in fact six districts, as has historically been the case
since the 12th century. There are three districts on either
side of the Grand Canal, each with a unique flair:
[#1] San Marco
The centre of Venice is home to both the Piazza San
Marco and the Basilica di San Marco, making this a
neighbourhood not to be missed. The Rialto Bridge is
also located here, and, as a result, this is one of the most
touristy and most expensive neighbourhoods in Venice.
4 Many of the finest hotels are located here, with a price tag
to match the area.
[#2] Cannaregio
Cannaregio includes the train station, Jewish Ghetto, and
runs very near to Rialto Bridge. At least one third of the
population of Venice is said to live here, making it slightly
more residential in parts, but still very near to the hoards
of tourists that wander the narrow streets.
[#3] Castello
Another pricey area, Castello is home to many of the
cities’ luxury hotels, and begins just east of Piazza San
Marco.
[#4] San Polo
Heading northwest from Rialto Bridge, San Polo is one of
Venice’ least visited neighbourhoods, thus making it a
great option to escape the crowds.
[#5] Santa Croce
Santa Croce is a great neighbourhood to explore on foot
to observe local life, and mingle with the younger crowd
of students found in the area.
[#6] Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro is said to be Venice’ hippest area, filled with
students, creativity, and some great hidden boutiques/art
galleries. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection also resides
here.
5 A BRIEF HISTORY
Venice dates back to 827, when a Byzantine duke moved
his seat here and prospered on the trade of the area for
the following 970 years. In 1797 the city of Venice was
conquered by Napoleon, and it is still said today that the
city never quite recovered from such an invasion.
After this, the city has changed back and forth, falling into
the hands of Austria-Hungary and back to Italy.
Nowadays Venice is still considered to be a testament to
the Renaissance glory days.
6 TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
Saint Mark’s Basilica
There is no other attraction in the city of Venice quite as
grand, striking and mesmerising as Saint Mark’s Basilica.
This is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic
Archdiocese of Venice, northern Italy. The church is a
fantastic display of Italo-Byzantine architecture and is
open from 9:45am – 5:00pm daily.
(www.basilicasanmarco.it).
Grand Canal
The main water-traffic corridor is the Grand Canal,
whereby many visitors hop on board a water bus or
private water taxi to transport from one location to
another. This is a great way to see the city from another
perspective – on the water!
Rialto Bridge
Rialto Bridge is located on the Grand Canal and is the
oldest bring across the canal, as well as one of the most
picturesque. The bridge also serves as the dividing line
for San Marco and San Polo districts.
Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace displays another period of architecture
in Venice – that of Venetian Gothic style. It is also one of
the landmarks of the city and open for visitors 7 days a
week.
(www.palazzoducale.visitmuve.it).
7 Piazza San Marco
Typically referred to as the heart of the city, Piazza San
Marco, or commonly referred to simply as “The Piazza”, is
the principal public square of Venice. Here you can enjoy
typical renaissance architecture and endless people
watching from one of the overpriced cafes on the square.
Murano
Located around 1.5 kilometres north of Venice, Murano is
an intriguing neighbourhood known for its’ glass making
and colourful houses.
Dorsoduro
Another Venetian neighbourhood, a visit to Dorsoduro will
give a great insight into local Venetian life beyond the
touristy centre itself.
Gallerie dell’Accademia
This museum is home to pre-19th century art and is
considered one of the principal museums to visit in the
city.
Bridge of Sighs
Built in 1600, the Bridge of Sighs is another one of
Venice’ must see bridges, which connects the New Prison
(Prigioni Nuove) to the interrogation rooms of the Doge’s
Palace.
8 Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
This is one of the greatest churches of Venice and
certainly one of the most impressive, particularly when
viewed from the interior.
9 TOP 5 FREE THINGS TO DO
Casino Venier
Back in the 18th Century, at the time of Casanova, there
were in excess of 100 casinos throughout Venice. These
were establishments where the aristocracy met not only
to gamble, but to socialise, dance, and indulge. One of
the most well maintained and exquisite is open to visitors,
as it is now the premises of the French cultural centre
L’Alliance Francaise. Open Mon-Fri 9am-1pm and 3pm6pm.
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Dubbed the “snail staircase”, this would have to be one of
the best off the beaten path locations to visit whilst in
Venice. Here you find yourself lost in a maze of narrow
streets, almost convinced the place itself does not exist.
From the foot of the Rialto bridge, follow the yellow signs
for “Accademia” until you reach Campo Manin, where an
easily missed small panel points you in the direction of
Scala. After you zigzag your way through winding narrow
streets, you will suddenly come out at a small courtyard
where Scala resides.
Orsoni Colour Library
If you’re interested in artisan history, you’ll be interested
to visit the Orsoni Colour Library – the only working glass
furnace left in all of Venice. It is here where glass mosaics
are produced, as well as being home to gold leaf that has
been used in St Paul’s Cathedral, the Sacre Coeur in
Paris, and the Basilica of San Marco here in Venice. Call
in advance for a free tour of the workshop or visit
orsoni.com for further information.
10 Santa Maria della Salute
This is a favourite church of Catholic Venetians, which is
more commonly known as Salute, and sits at the entrance
to the Grand Canal. There is no fee to enter, and the
church is open daily from 9am-12pm; and 3pm-5.30pm.
I Gesuiti
Venice, much like the rest of Italy has no shortage of
churches to visit, however this grandiose baroque church
is one of the most impressive from the inside, as it is also
home to an important collection of paintings and
sculptures. Open daily from 10am-12pm; and 4pm-6pm.
11 5 PHOTOS YOU CAN’T LEAVE
WITHOUT
There’s just no part about Venice that isn’t picturesque.
But to truly capture the romance of a city that no other in
the world could ever emulate, here are the five photos
you cannot leave without:
12 St. Mark’s Square
Although it is a hassle to shoot, St Mark’s Square is
without a doubt one of the photographic hotspots of
Venice. The lighting is often the biggest challenge, so the
best time to shoot is during blue hour (after the sun has
set and the sky is blue, before turning dark).
Waterfront, Riva degli Schiavoni
Nearby to the square you will find a plethora of canala
filled with gondolas at any time of the day. You can shoot
these during blue hour, golden hour, sunrise, sunset,
literally any time of day!
Rialto Bridge
During the months of winter and spring, the Rialto bridge
is best to shoot during sunset. At other times during the
year blue hour is a great time to shoot; not just for the
light but for the lack of people as the sun has set and
crowds begin to make their way to nearby restaurants.
Pescheria, Fish & Vegetable Market
If you’re interested in capturing a taste of local life (both
literally and figuratively), then head to the renowned
Pescheria market from Monday to Saturday between 8am
and 12 noon. If you want to avoid peak hours, visit in the
first or last hours of opening time.
San Giorgio Maggiore
For the best shots, head here for sunrise or sunset. On
the island itself you won’t have many photographic
opportunities, however will get a great shot from San
Marco Vallaresso.
13 5 THINGS UNIQUE TO VENICE
Gondolas
Taking a gondola ride in Venice is a once in a lifetime
opportunity, but you will soon find out that it won’t come
cheap. Gondola fares have an official standard rate, but
these can be higher. Standard gondola rides are 40
minutes in length, so if you negotiate lower you can
expect a shorter ride.
Canals
The canals in Venice are truly what makes this city the
icon that it is and the best way to explore the city and its’
waterways is on foot.
14 Venetian Glass
Venetian glass is a quality souvenir to keep, reminding
yourself of your time in Venice. You will find the best
quality glass on the island of Murano, which is certainly
worth a visit throughout your time here.
Venetian Masks
Venetian masks are a staple of the Carnival of Venice,
however are commonly bought as souvenirs by visitors to
the city year-round.
Carnival of Venice
This masked carnival is one of the biggest calendar
events in Venice and takes place forty days before Easter
on shrove Tuesday, also known as the day before Ash
Wednesday.
WHERE TO STAY
BUDGET: Antico Fiore
From €65 per night
Venice isn’t an easy city to get by on a budget, however
to some extent it can be done. Antico Fiore is one of
many great guesthouses on offer in Venice, offering
reasonable rates to those on a budget. This particular
guesthouse is inside a restored 18th Century building and
is located close by to the vaporetto.
(www.anticofiore.com).
15 MEDIUM: Hotel All’Angelo Venice
From €150 per night
This incredibly comfortable hotel is reasonably priced for
a great hotel in a great location. The same family have
been running this hotel since 1924 and like all rooms in
Venice, it has quite a lot of character by way of ageing
signs.
(www.allangelo.it).
SPLURGE: Hotel Danieli
From €400 per night
Hotel Danieli is just steps away from Piazza San Marco
and is renowned the world over for being one of the
premier luxury properties in Venice.
(www.danielihotelvenice.com).
WHERE TO EAT
Budget:
1. Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta To Go
Starting at around €5, this small establishment sells
fantastic homemade pasta to go.
Location: Calle De La Casseleria 5324
2. Pizza al volo
For a big ‘ol slice of pizza for under €2 a slice, head to
this hidden gem.
Location: Dorsoduro, 30123
3. Pizzeria ae Oche
This pizzeria is located at several locations throughout the
city and offers a fairly dependable slab of pizza.
Location: Varies throughout city
16 A Romantic Evening:
1. Antico Martini
As a favourite among the stars (the Hollywood type, not
those in the sky), Antico Martini is one of the most
renowned high end restaurants in the business.
Location: Campiello della Fenice, S. Marco 2007
2. Osteria Boccadoro
If you and your date are into your seafood and pasta, then
look no further. Here you will be spoiled to handmade
pasta and fresh seafood, all in a glorious garden setting.
Location: Cannareggio 5405/a, Campo Widmann,
30131
3. Antiche Carampane
As a favourite among a long list of VIP guests, this is one
of the cities’ most sought after restaurants.
Location: San Polo, 1911, 30125
Pastries:
1. Pasticceria Tonolo
Although Paris might have the world covered on pastries,
this 120 year old Venetian Patisserie might just come
close!
Location: Calle S. Pantalon, 3764
2. Bar Pasticceria Gilda Vio
If you’re looking for a fantastic homemade tiramisu, look
no further.
Location: Rio Marin 784, Santa Croce
3. Bar Pasticceria Rosa Salva
Another classic patisserie shop specialising in sweets.
Location: Sestiere di San Marco, 950, 30124
17 NIGHTLIFE
With such a low local population and so many tourists
passing through the city year-round, there isn’t a great
deal of traditional bars and nightclubs on offer. However
there are a few worth mentioning:
Caffe Florian
Best For: Venetian Coffee Culture
If you’re looking to extend your evening with a hit of
coffee, head to this typical Venetian coffee house.
Location: San Marco 56, Piazza San Marco
18 Skyline Rooftop Bar
Best For: Views
As the name suggests, this is the bar to go to for
unrivalled views of Venice.
Location: Giudecca 810, Fondamenta San Biagio
Il Santo Bevitore
Best For: Beer Enthusiasts
While at first it might seem that Venetians only drink wine,
spritz and grappa, luckily there are still many
establishments where one can enjoy craft beer – you just
have to know where to go. Il Santo Bevitore in Campo
Santa Fosca is a great place to start.
Location: Cannaregio 2393a, Campo Santa Fosca
19 All you need is...
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