Things to avoid in Venice ~ Places a train ride away..
Discussion
We`re off to Venice for the first time - hoping to have a relaxing time with lots of walking & visits to art works. I have heard not to have a coffee in St Mark`s square, or order a Gondola with music at 8pm but what else is a must to avoid?
Secondly, if we get Veniced out, how about a day trip to somewhere which is a contrast?
Any ideas welcome.
Secondly, if we get Veniced out, how about a day trip to somewhere which is a contrast?
Any ideas welcome.
I lived in nearby Padua for a year, and I found the railway system pretty good. Verona, Vicenza and Padua are all a train-ride away, and well worth a look (especially Verona for the Roman stadium). Bologna is also doable for a day trip, which opens up the possibility of popping up the road to the Ferrari museum...
I am in venice about 10 times a year - I can see why people will tell you not to bother having a coffee in St Marks Sq and the gondola thing... however if you're only there on holiday and don't expect to be returning anytime soon then i think these are MUST DO things... yes very touristy and yes very(relatively) expensive but it's part of the fun.
Haggle with the gondoliers, if they ain't budging ask them when in the day they can do it cheaper etc etc... There is always deals to be had.
It's worth taking a walk away from St Marks up the water and have a look at the superyachts if you're into that kind of thing.
Outside of Venice - take a day and head to Florence on the train, easy and cheap. Lovely city with lots to see.
Haggle with the gondoliers, if they ain't budging ask them when in the day they can do it cheaper etc etc... There is always deals to be had.
It's worth taking a walk away from St Marks up the water and have a look at the superyachts if you're into that kind of thing.
Outside of Venice - take a day and head to Florence on the train, easy and cheap. Lovely city with lots to see.
More ideas:
- Have dinner at Paradiso Perduto. It's a lively place, and popular with locals - my Italian teacher introduced me to it. The fish soup is amazing, and is based on whatever was caught that day.
- As it's a special trip, treat yourselves to airport lounge access. It's about £20 each, but a very nice way to start your holiday.
- Make sure you take a water bus (vaporetto) for the fun of it
Edited for spelling of Paradiso
- Have dinner at Paradiso Perduto. It's a lively place, and popular with locals - my Italian teacher introduced me to it. The fish soup is amazing, and is based on whatever was caught that day.
- As it's a special trip, treat yourselves to airport lounge access. It's about £20 each, but a very nice way to start your holiday.
- Make sure you take a water bus (vaporetto) for the fun of it
Edited for spelling of Paradiso
Edited by NNH on Friday 7th March 11:23
Water bus is a good call, quite good fun.
I also enjoyed the free trip to a glass factory in Murano. Basically they take you over in a boat with some other people then you go into a factory, they show you some glass blowing, then you look around at their very very expensive show room.
Normally I'd recoil at being directed into a showroom, but it was genuinely interesting to look around and they didn't seem to care too much if we bought something or not.
I also enjoyed the free trip to a glass factory in Murano. Basically they take you over in a boat with some other people then you go into a factory, they show you some glass blowing, then you look around at their very very expensive show room.
Normally I'd recoil at being directed into a showroom, but it was genuinely interesting to look around and they didn't seem to care too much if we bought something or not.
Had a further look at a few books & also films - there is a selection on youtube & found this which is interesting : http://www.fictionalcities.co.uk/venicefilms.htm
Venetian Bird (aka The Assassin) 1952 is on youtube & includes shots inside the glassworks, possibly pretty much the same though it`s from the 50`s!
If you`ve got 10 mins to waste the last scenes in it are interesting & a rooftop chase ends up above St Mark`s square. You also get to see Sid James playing an italian undertaker!
Venetian Bird (aka The Assassin) 1952 is on youtube & includes shots inside the glassworks, possibly pretty much the same though it`s from the 50`s!
If you`ve got 10 mins to waste the last scenes in it are interesting & a rooftop chase ends up above St Mark`s square. You also get to see Sid James playing an italian undertaker!
Gassing Station | Italy | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff