400 bridges connecting 118 little islands to form the beautiful city of Venice. No wonder it’s known as the city of bridges! Every step, every turn leads to another bridge. How long do you think it would take to cross them all?
Venice was one of our last stops on our month-long road trip across Italy last year. It’s as if Venice knew and it welcomed us with the darkest of storms. We hid in a nearby cafe and almost gave up. People were running trying to find shelter; street vendors replaced selfie sticks with umbrellas and the plastic ponchos were out in full force. This was not your typical storm… just as quickly as it had started it disappeared and with that most of the tourists as well!
There are so many beautiful places to see and I will list them below, but the most important thing when visiting Venice is to wander. Forget about maps and itineraries for an hour or two and just wander the streets of Venice. I recently came across a quote by Ella Maillart that says ‘One travels to run away from routine, that dreadful routine that kills all imagination and all our capacity for enthusiasm’. Enjoy getting lost for a little while.
Now, if you are limited on time and only have a day to explore the city, here are my top places to visit.
Piazza San Marco
This is the heart of Venice and where you will find some of the most famous buildings in the city.
Campanile di San Marco
First stop, Campanile di San Marco. The views from the top are incredible and can be reached via the lift.
Basilica di San Marco
Next stop is St. Mark’s Basilica. This is probably one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. More than 8000 square metres of mosaic cover the walls, vaults and cupolas of the Basilica. The extensive use of gold in the background of the mosaics and the ever changing light that streams through the windows of the Basilica make it an incredible sight. Make sure to head up to the balcony for a brilliant view of the Piazza San Marco and to see the stunning sculptures that decorate the Basilica.
Doge’s Palace
Once you’re done at the Basilica head over to the Doge’s Palace but be warned the queues to enter are quite something so get there early.
Bridge of Sighs
Next to the Doge’s Palace you will find the Bridge of Sighs which got its name from the cries and lamentations of prisoners who were transported from the Doge’s Palaces’ criminal courts to the prison just over the bridge.
Stroll along Riva degli Schiavoni and enjoy some lunch or a ‘spuntino’ whilst you enjoy the view of the waterfront.
Ponte di Rialto
Now let’s head over to Rialto Bridge, grab a gelato on your way there at Gelatoteca Suso. Ice cream here is delicious! The Rialto Bridge is especially beautiful at sunset so you might want to come back later but be prepared for large crowds.
If you like visiting churches you came to the right city, there are so many to choose from and you will find dozens along your way.
Murano and Burano
If you still have time or have more than one day, make sure to visit the islands of Murano and Burano. You can access them via water bus from Piazza San Marco as well as from Fondamente Nove.
The island of Murano, is best known for its glass and you can take a tour of one of the factories as well as go to the Museo del Vetro (glass museum). When buying glass items in Venice make sure it has the official ‘Vetro Murano Artistico’ trademark, always try to support local businesses.
Next is Burano which you will have probably seen a million times on social media and for good reason. The colourful fishing village of Burano is famous for its beautiful lace but more than anything you will have heard about Burano due to its incredibly colourful houses. The origin of the colourful houses is unknown but some say it was to help fishermen returning from the sea. Due to the heavy fog, fishermen had trouble recognising their homes and so they decided to paint them with different colours which I guess makes sense but I’m not sure how true this is. Either way, enjoy this colourful and cheerful island and make sure to eat at one of the local fish restaurants.
Getting around Venice
Venice is small enough for you to be able to walk to all the main attractions and if you’re tired you can take a Vaporetto (water bus) which is always fun.
Where to buy tickets
AVM/Actv tickets can be purchased from the following sales channels:
• Venezia Unica point of sale throughout the historic center of Venice and on the mainland
• authorized retailers
• automatic ticketing machines at the main AVM/Actv public transport arrival terminals and waterbus stops
• AVM Venezia Official App
• on line on www.veneziaunica.it
• on board waterborne services
If the weather is bad or your time in Venice is very limited, then you can buy a ticket valid for 75 minutes for €7,50 or a time-based travel card which allows free circulation on all the ACTV vaporetto lines around the city and to the lagoon islands, as well as free circulation on the urban Mestre and Lido land-bus and tram lines (except for travel with origin or destination at Marco Polo airport – see the official ACTV fares for full details) and use of the People Mover:
- 20,00 € – 1 DAY TRAVELCARD
- 30,00 € – 2 DAYS TRAVELCARD
- 40,00 € – 3 DAYS TRAVELCARD
- 60,00 € – 7 DAYS TRAVELCARD
Where to store your luggage
There are luggage facilities at the three main transport hubs in Venice. You’ll see the sign Deposito Bagagli which are the luggage storage offices. Piazzale Roma – across from the ACTV office and next to the People Mover station.
Enjoy your trip to Venice!
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Have an amazing day!
Amparo's Travels & Musings 