EXPERIENCE VENICE

IT’S TIME TO

A DELICATE ITALIAN GEM

Venice is situated in northeastern Italy and comprises over 100 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. Founded over 1,500 years ago, Venice was a major maritime power during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It played a crucial role in commerce, art, and architecture. It is a relatively expensive city to visit, but offers some unique city activities!

Cost of living score: 65

avg price restaurant meal

€€€€

€17

avg hotel price

€125

FUN THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND VENICE

A typical gondola ride lasts around 30 to 40 minutes, gliding through both the grand and lesser-known canals. The ride usually starts from one of the many gondola stations scattered throughout the city, such as near the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, or in the quieter districts like Dorsoduro and Cannaregio. Gondoliers are an integral part of the experience. Traditionally dressed in striped shirts and straw hats, some gondoliers might even serenade you, and many of them can share fascinating stories and history about Venice. As of 2024, a daytime ride typically costs around €80 for up to 40 minutes, while evening rides, which are even more enchanting, can cost up to €120. These prices are per gondola, which can accommodate up to six people. It’s advisable to agree on the price and duration before starting your ride.

See the canals from a gondola

Take a vaporetto (water bus) across the Grand Canal

The vaporetto, Venice's waterbus, is a popular and efficient way to navigate the city's canals and reach various islands. Here's an overview of the routes and costs for taking a vaporetto in Venice:

Line 1: Travels along the Grand Canal, from Piazzale Roma to Lido. Includes key stops like Rialto, San Marco, and Santa Lucia Railway Station.

Line 2: Circular route with stops along the Grand Canal and Giudecca Canal, also reaching San Marco and the railway station.

Line 4.1/4.2: Circular routes around Venice and Murano.

Line 12: Connects Venice to Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

A single trip ticket costs around €9,50, but there are also 24-72 hour options.

Burano is famous for its brightly colored fishermen's houses and intricate lacework. The vivid hues of the houses were historically chosen by the fishermen to help them see their homes from the sea. From Venice, take the vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamente Nove. The journey takes about 45 minutes, passing through scenic lagoons. Consider visiting both islands on the same day as they are relatively close to each other. From Murano, take Line 12 to Burano. Wander through the colorful houses and learn about lace-making traditions at the Lace Museum. Burano is the place to buy exquisite lace products. Local shops offer a variety of lace items, from delicate handkerchiefs to intricate tablecloths.

Visit the Burano Island (The Colorful Island)

Visit the Murano Island (Island of Glass)

The Island of Glass, renowned worldwide for its exquisite glassmaking, a tradition that dates back to the 13th century. The island became the epicenter of glass production after the Venetian Republic ordered all glassmakers to move their furnaces to Murano to prevent fires in Venice. Murano is easily accessible by vaporetto from Venice. Line 3 from Piazzale Roma or Line 7 from St. Mark’s Square are popular routes, and the journey takes about 10-15 minutes. Visit renowned glass factories like the Murano Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro) to learn about the history of glassmaking and see incredible glass art. Many workshops offer live demonstrations.

St. Mark's Basilica, also known as Basilica di San Marco, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice. Located in the famous Piazza San Marco, it is a stunning example of Italo-Byzantine architecture and a testament to Venice's historical wealth and power. The basilica was originally constructed in 828 to house the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist, which were purportedly smuggled out of Egypt by Venetian merchants. Basilica Entry is free, but there is a fee for certain areas. Museum and Terrace: Approximately €5. Pala d'Oro: Approximately €2. Treasury: Approximately €3.

Admire St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

Enjoy a classical music performance in a historic venue

Enjoy a classical music performance in a historic venue, such as a church or a palazzo. Venice has a rich musical heritage, particularly of Vivaldi’s compositions. La Fenice, or "The Phoenix," is Venice's renowned opera house, famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural significance. La Fenice hosts operas, ballets, and other musical performances. You can also just take a tour around the facility.

La fenice

Nestled in the Veneto region of northern Italy, the Prosecco Hills offer a stunning landscape of rolling vineyards, charming villages, and historic wineries. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this area is the heart of Prosecco production. Group Tours: Join a group for a guided tour of the Prosecco Hills, including visits to two or three wineries with tastings. Duration: 5-8 hours. Cost: €90-€150 per person. Includes: Transport from Venice, winery visits, wine tastings, and sometimes a light lunch or snacks. Private Tours: Customized tour experience with a private guide. Ideal for small groups or couples seeking a personalized touch. Duration: 6-8 hours. Cost: €250-€500 per group (2-4 people). Includes: Private transport, tailored itinerary, exclusive winery visits, tastings, and optional meals. Luxury Tours: Description: High-end tour with additional amenities like gourmet meals, more exclusive winery visits, and additional cultural experiences. Duration: Full day. Cost: €300-€700 per person. Includes: Luxury transport, top-tier wineries, gourmet dining, and possibly other activities like hot air balloon rides or cooking classes.

Visit the nearby Prosecco hills for a wine tasting tour

Attend a Venetian Mask-Making Workshop

During a mask-making workshop, participants typically learn about the history and significance of Venetian masks, the techniques used to create them, and then get hands-on experience in designing and decorating their own masks. For places and costs:

Ca' Macana, Short Workshop: €60 per person for 1.5 hours. Extended Workshop: €110 per person for 2.5 hours. Venice Mask Studio, Basic Workshop: €55 per person for 1.5 hours. Comprehensive Workshop: €130 per person for 3 hours. Atelier Marega, Standard Workshop: €75 per person for 2 hours. Deluxe Workshop: €150 per person for 3.5 hours.

Libreria Acqua Alta, meaning "High Water Bookstore," is one of the most unique and charming bookstores in the world, renowned for its quirky and imaginative approach to dealing with the frequent flooding ("acqua alta") that Venice experiences. Explore this quirky bookstore where books are stored in bathtubs, boats, and waterproof bins to protect them from flooding. The unique setup and friendly cats make it a must-visit. It is close to St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, situated in the Castello district. Consider purchasing a book or a souvenir to support this unique local business.