MURANO BOATS -- Along the... and other Venice, Italy Tourist Trap Tips

MURANO BOATS -- Along the grand canal around Saint Mark's, you'll be offered a free boat ride over to Murano (the glassmaking island). They are not offering this to you because they think you're cute ... it is a sales gimmick. Feel free to take the offer; however, be sure you have your vaporetto ticket handy for a way back (assuming you're not in the market to lay down major bucks for some glass). These folks are earning an honest living and the are offering you a service; but, if you don't intend of buying some major glass, just take a vaporetto when you want to visit Murano and leave the hawkers to the tourists who plan on laying out 1,000 Euro or more. (BUT DO GET TO MURANO, IF YOU HAVE THE TIME)

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Harry's Bar -- You might think that you absolutely need to go to Harry's to have a bellini. Hemmingway or no Hemmingway, it isn't worth it! You pay 12.75 Euro for about six ounces of watered down peach juice and some fizzy liquid (supposedly champagne). Put your money back into your wallet and just walk away.

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At Least Do This: Go into it knowing that it is expensive and that the service is marginal. Some people have to go to all the most famous places, and Harry's is certainly famous.
Alternative: You can buy a bottle of this stuff just about anywhere for 6-7 Euro. If you have to have some, take a bottle back to your hotel room ... at least you'll have a drain to pour the rest down.

San Marco -- Okay, okay ... everyone has to go to San Marco but, unless you are there first thing in the morning, you'll spend your day standing in line. It is best to pick on thing a day and be there when they open ... do Saint Mark's or the Doge's Palace one day and the other then next. The view from the tower is wonderful, but again, be there early.

Once you are done with seeing the sight (or sights, if you fail to heed the above warning), leave the square! DO NOT ... I REPEAT ... DO NOT sit down at a cafe and order anything. Two cappacinos and a small bottle of water ... pricetag was nearly 30 Euro!

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At Least Do This: Buy something to drink and walk through the plaza ... you can still hear the music and see sights.
Alternative: The is no alternative to San Marco ... just know what things cost.

MENUS -- You don't have to get caught up in the primi/secondo menu way if you go to the right restaurants. You'll find that you'll be much happier just getting what you want and that the bill will be for those things that you like. Once you've eaten a primi and a secondo, where is the room for the dessert?

Some restaurants won't let you order just a primi or a secondo; they insist you order both courses. If that happens, take your coat and hat and leave with your money in your pocket.

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