Sign in with Facebook"A day in Venice" Venice by GentleSpirit
Venice Travel Guide: 8,142 reviews and 21,399 photos
The one day I chose to visit Venice started nicely enough, a comfortable train ride from Bolzano/Bozen. But surprise! I got into Venice and found out that local transport was on strike. No vaporetto! My hotel was in Dorsoduro, so I ended up seeing Venice on foot before I got to the hotel. I wanted to throw the receptionist into the canal when she tried to tell me she couldn't find my reservation.
Venice is unique, a city on the water. It really is difficult to imagine until you actually see it..no buses, no cars etc. Though some of the sights were excellent, the Doges palace and San Marco especially, I was put off by the blatant price gouging and attitude towards visitors.
Venice has this mystique of romance about it..I wish I could say I found it as captivating as others do.
Definitely a place to see once in a lifetime though.
Venice was quite wealthy throughout its history and outrageously wealthy during the Renaissance. It was a major maritime power starting with the Crusades and Renaissance and a major center of commerce until about the 17th century. Its major trade links with the Byzantine Empire are obvious in some of its buildings, St Marks Basilica being the best example.
- Pros:St Marks Basilica, Doge's Palace
- Cons:outrageous prices, hordes of tourists
- In a nutshell:a city on the water! really!
Reviews (15)
Staircase of the Giants
Things to Do
(8)
The Giant's Staircase (Scalinata dei Giganti) stands in the Courtyard leading to the Doge's Palace. The two huge statues... more travel advice
The Grand Canal
Things to Do
(8)
This is the big "avenue" going through Venice. Actually, it cuts through the various neighborhoods in an S shape. The... more travel advice
Chiesa degli Scalzi
Off The Beaten Path
(2)
On the same side of the canal as the Train station, this church has a real pretty rococo facade. The photo shows detail... more travel advice
San Simeone Piccolo
Off The Beaten Path
(2)
Does this church look familiar? Well if you have arrived at Venice Santa Lucia train station, its directly across the... more travel advice
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Comments (10)
What a nice job you've done in one day! Thanks Val for the tour. Even if you didn't see the charm yourself, I could see it from your photos! What's with that?
Love the staircase of the giants, but don't like the exorbitant prices they charge in Venice!
I wonder if the austerity has caused a bit of a moderation in prices? anyone know?
I visited venice looooong ago (in 1969). I do have vague memories of it, but you know what, I do not have a desire to return there. A 9 Euro cup of coffee is just insane as is 100 Euro for a gondelier ride.
We visited Venice last August. We enjoyed a lot, the city is unique, but I agree with you, everything is extremely expensive!
Ooooh you went to Verona! Beautiful pictures btw, makes me want to go back :(!! Seriously, gorgeous well done :)! Hope you had a great time! By the looks of it, you did!
9 euros for a coffee!!!!!!
An interesting "take" on Venice. I'd think I would like to visit if I had a friend who lived there. It wouldn't have to be a grand palazzo - any old dump would do. I agree with you about the pigeons - it's not as if Venice is the only city in the world that has them!
Hi, Val!~ I would like to experience the mystique of romance in Venice and would have found it captivating I'm sure...
Beautiful photos of Venice. And good reviews.
I have been to Venice 3 times, both in 40 degrees C and in winter time. I liked going there in winter time, it was less touristy. Yes, it is so expensive, but so beautiful.