GRAND CANAL & A GONDOLA RIDE
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A Gondola ride in the grand canal appears to be the main attraction for many tourists. As appealing as this is, gondola rates are high. Each gondola ride will cost you €80, however, you can share a ride with other people, a maximum of six people in each gondola. The rates are set by the city’s officials, therefore, it is almost impossible to find a cheaper gondola. If you just want a cruise in the canal, bigger boats and ferries are available and cost must less.
SAN GIACOMO DI RIALTO
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This gothic looking church was built in the 15th century and attracts tourists as they pass through the narrow streets of Venice. When you enter the church, you will be met with beautifully painted walls; you are allowed to take a seat and join the congregation for prayers.
BASILICA DEI FRARI
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Basilica dei Frari is a church located in San Polo’s Campo dei Frari. The bell tower of Frari is a beauty and adds ambiance to the church. Visiting hours are 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and festive days, the church is open from 1 pm to 6 pm.
CHIESA DEI SANTI APOSTOLI
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Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli is a Roman Catholic church in Venezia with a beautiful bell tower which was originally constructed in the year 600. Over the years it has been fixed and remodeled after being destroyed by natural elements, at some point a hurricane.
SAN GIOVANNI CRISOSTOMO CHURCH
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This bright orange church is located in the Cannaregio neighborhood. Built in 1080, the church as been rebuilt a few times over the years mainly because of fire. It attracts a good number of people who visit Venice.
SAN GEREMIA CHURCH
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The church of San Geremia is another attraction of Venice, but most importantly a sanctuary for people seeking to pray. The church is perfectly positioned—it faces the beautiful grand canal.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE IN VENICE
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DAY TRIPS FROM VENICE
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Where to Shop in Venice, Italy
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LE MERCERIE
Basically, there is a spot between Piazza San Marco and Ponte di Rialto which is made up of shopping streets—this popular spot is Le Mercerie. The area is mainly occupied with well-known designer shops such as Gucci, etc, however, local boutiques are also located here.
SALIZADA SAN MOISÈ
Salizada San Moisè is another shopping street very close to Piazza San Marco. Again, top brands, as well as local small brands share the shopping space.
T FONDACO DEI TEDESCHI
This shopping mall has all kinds of shops—both high end and reasonably priced shops. Cafes and restaurants are also placed well to offer you Italian food and drinks—it’s a good Italian experience.
CALLE LARGA XXII MARZO
This street is filled with high-end boutiques. The big fashion household names are located here; as well as all sorts of local fashion boutiques.
SAN SAMUELE
San Samuele is known for its crafts and textiles shops. One would love the unique Italian fabric. You will also find jewelry and accessories shops that are unique.
MERCATO DI RIALTO
This market near the Rialto bridge is over a thousand years old. Popular for its fresh fish and other local food ingredients. The market is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 7:30 am to noon. Monday and Sunday the market is closed.
5 Star: Palazzo Veneziano ($260 a night)
4 Star: Hotel Bellini Venezia ($175 a night)
3 Star: B&B San Giacomo Venezia ($110 a night)
Restaurants & Traditional Food in Venice, Italy
VENICE RESTAURANTS SERVING TRADITIONAL FOOD
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Cantina do Spade: A restaurant on the Rialto bridge and opened in 1448. They serve perfect Cicchetti among other delicious foods.
Poste Vecie: Venice’s oldest restaurant near the Rialto market. It used to be a post office way back before it was turned to this traditional old restaurant. They serve a good spider crab meat meal here.
Ai Mercanti: A lot of casual and late night food is served here. Located at Calle Fuseri 4346/a it remains one of the popular casual food spots.
VENICE LOCAL FOOD
Pasta Alla Granseola: Spider crab meat and long noodles, olive oil, white wine, brandy, etc.
Cicchetti: Finger foods of different kinds. Some are made of fish—sardines, crow fish, flour, onions, and vinegar; another kind of Cicchetti is made of meatballs salami, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Cicchetti is usually paired with a glass of wine.
Beef Carpaccio: Invented in Venice in the 1950’s. Raw paper thin sliced beef is served with a few leaves, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. Deer or fish can be used instead of beef.
Tiramisu: A dessert made of ladyfingers biscuits dipped in espresso coffee for a few seconds, creamy cheese, egg white, and cocoa.
Transportation in Venice, Italy
Water Taxi: Water taxis are not cheap but can get you from one point to another quicker than ferries and gondolas. You would want to use a licensed water taxi with a visibly displayed license number. A yellow strip is visible on the licensed taxis. Charges start at €15 but if you call for a pick up from your hotel or wherever you are, you will pay a surcharge. Before booking one, ask first how much they charge per minute, and other additional fees. Water taxi ranks can be found at the train station, airport, Tronchetto, and Piazzale Roma.
Ferries: Actv offers a cheap way to travel, in Venice. Small ferries called vaporetti will take you around Venice; there are also buses that will take you to areas outside Venice. You can get a Tourist Travel Card that will allow you to take unlimited trips. €20 will get you a 24-hour card.
A gondola: A gondola ride is an expensive way to travel; a short ride costs €80. After dark, it costs €100.
Airport: Marco Polo Airport serves the Venice area. The cheapest way to travel from the airport to Venice is to take a bus and the airport water shuttle. Actv’s Line 5 is a cheap shuttle bus that runs every 25 minutes. Click here for their timetable.
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