5 (+1) suggestions to visit Venice prepared
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Following my weekend in this beautiful city, here are my practical tips for visiting Venice without a hitch, or at least I hope. Transportation, baggage and clothes: Simply following my advice you will avoid some problems and difficulties.
In December, I spent a beautiful weekend discovering Venice. On this occasion the weather was not mild: it was raining, it was very cold and on Sunday it also snowed. Despite everything, it remains unique and mysterious. I loved it. For my staying in Venice we chose a cute apartment on Airbnb: you can find all the information here Sleeping in Venice in an Airbnb apartment.
5 tips for visiting Venice
Below you will not find what to visit or where to go: in internet you can find many articles about it. Just a tip about it: wander aimlessly through its alleyways, let go of the main points of interest and lose yourself in its wonder, explore the streets less traveled by tourists. You will find beautiful corners and unforgettable views. This is my gift for you: practical tips to avoid headaches!
Getting to Venice by train
I will say something obvious, but it is always better to remember it: in Venice cars do not circulate. If you want to reach the city by car (I do not recommend it), you will have to leave it in a paid parking lot that is in Mestre or out of town. For this reason, reaching Venice by train is certainly the most convenient and cheaper solution. Venezia Santa Lucia station is located in the city and in front of it you will find the ferry stop. Isn’t it easy?
No trolley, yes backpack
During my Venetian weekend I saw absurd scenes of foreign tourists dragging huge suitcases through the bridges of the city. If you choose to visit Venice, a backpack is the best choice. Dragging the trolley for the little bridges, the cobbled streets and slalom among the tourists, I do not even wish it to my worst enemy.
Move to Venice
The center you can visit on foot: all the main attractions can be reached just walking. However, consider that the city is big: if you choose this option, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes.
For some places (fundamental) you must move by ferry. For example, Murano, Burano and Giudecca can only be reached by ferry. Furthermore moving around the center by ferry is certainly faster and allows you to amdire the city from an unusual observation point. It’s an experience you have to try.
Venice is expensive. Please note that a single 75-minute ticket costs €7.50. I suggest you make a subscription. You can choose between different types (for example only for ferries or ferries and transfer from Marco Polo airport) and with different durations (1, 2, 3 or 7 days). To get an idea of the cost: the 3-day ferry pass only costs €40 per person (purchased in December 2017).
IMPORTANT: the ticket must be validated every time you get on the ferry. Often there are ticket controls and the fines, for those without a ticket, are expensive.
You can buy your subscription online and collect it in one of the automatic machines that you find at the ferry stop in front of the station. On the official website of Venezia Unica you can find all the information you need.
Venezia Unica Pass for Museums and Tours
As for public transportation, there are also season tickets that allow you to save time and money. Always at the site Venezia Unica {Unique Venice
} find all the proposals. We have opted for the subscription to the Museums of Piazza San Marco: it includes the entrance to the Ducal Palace, the Correr Museum, the National Archaeological Museum and the Monumental Halls of the Marciana National Library for €20 per person.
If you buy a transport pass and a museum pass, you have everything loaded onto a single card. With the Pass you skip queues at the entrance and you have a good economic saving.
Appropriate clothes
Venice is synonymous with high tide. When we were there, luckily we didn’t find it. Walking through the city there were all the walkways ready to be mounted in case of high tide. Always check forecasts for high tide and consider to bring rubber boots with you. Venice is also a very humid city: dress consequently. I suggest you bring at least 1 complete change of clothes and rubber boots if high tide is present. Hat, gloves and scarf if you want to visit Venice in winter. Summer hat and protective cream in summertime.
Last tip
As for every trip, I had my beloved Marco Polo Guide of Venice new release of October 2017 (read here for more Ready for the new marco Polo guides?). To always have with you all the essential information to visit Venice, I suggest you buy it directly online on the official website of Marco Polo Guides.
I hope my practical advice will help you visit Venice. If you have any suggestion, leave a comment below!