Janepie33 Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 We are thinking of booking a very last minute Venice city break and can't decide whether to stay in Venice town or on one of the island bits. I have found a very good deal if we stay on Lido. Has anyone been to Venice and can offer some advice? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 one of my favourite places in the world. I'd stay somewhere central if you can - makes it easier to get to all the places you'll want to see. However I've never stayed outside the centre. A visit to Venice involves a lot of walking, so maybe there's no disadvantage to being a bit further out, you can get the vaporetto to a different destination each day. I hope you have a fabulous time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 I'm not being very helpful, but I'm the same as Olly - I've only ever stayed centrally which is a bonus as you do do a lot of walking, but on the other hand you might get some excitement using the boats more, and also as Venice can be very pricey, if you've got a good deal, then its probably worth having. Have fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 I spent 6 months in Venice when I was 17 (quite some time ago now ) and we returned for our honeymoon; its a magical city and you will love it! Personally I would stay in the city itself as travelling to and fro can eat into the time you have there. However, there are always deals to be had on the vaporetti and the tourist info people will be able to help you on that. I guess it depends on how good a deal the Lido stay is; you can usually get pretty good 3 star pensione in the city for a reasonable cost. And, if you are just going into a bar for a quick drink/coffee...don't sit down as they will charge you extra (or at least they did when I was there!) Let us know what you decide and how it all goes.....with pics too, of course!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janepie33 Posted March 30, 2016 Author Share Posted March 30, 2016 Thanks everyone. I have never been before and have no idea what to go and see, apart for Murano Island and the Rialto Bridge. Any advice greatly appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Just walk....wherever takes your fancy! You can head down tiny alleyways that open out into beautiful squares with amazing churches or come across quiet little bridges with washing hung up over the canals. Most churches in these little squares are open and don't seem to mind visitors as long as you are respectful. Its good to get off the beaten track as far as the 'traditional' tourist trail goes and you will see 'real' Venetian life as you head further away from St Marks etc. When I took OH back on our honeymoon we covered miles and miles just wandering and found some lovely eateries as well as small shops. Having said that, the fish market by The Rialto (which actually means 'market') is an experience tho I suspect thats a bit more touristy than it was!!!! The islands (Murano, Burano and the wonderfully tranquil Torcello) are a must see and you can get there by public transport from St Mark's Square (or any main stop along the Grand Canal.) There is also a gondola ferry that crosses the Grand Canal where you stand up (yes, really ) and it get crammed with locals who don't turn a hair. Can't recall where it goes from but is def worth a go if you are feeling brave. Hope that helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janepie33 Posted March 30, 2016 Author Share Posted March 30, 2016 Thanks Soapdragon. That's really helpful. All booked now. Fingers crossed for nice weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 I endorse everything Soapdragon says (and the traghetto, which is the standing-up gondola ferry, is quite an experience!). Just walking about is fabulous. St Mark's is a must if you've never been before but it's very touristy and not my favourite part. If you like art then you're spoilt for choice, as well as the museums I recommend a visit to I Frari, a fascinating church with Titian paintings amongst many others. The islands, on the vaporetto as Soapdragon says, are really worth a visit especially if the crowds in central Venice get a bit much, but they take the best part of a day so it depends how much time you've got. You can always save them for your next visit (you're going to want to go back you know!) Ooh you're going to have such a great time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted March 31, 2016 Share Posted March 31, 2016 Always reminds of that film "Don't look now." Interested in where you stay as OH and I might do city break. Do post where you stay. Also I hear gondolas are pricey. If you find any good offers please post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted April 1, 2016 Share Posted April 1, 2016 Last time we were there we booked a gondola ride via the tourist office as, if you just pick up a gondola by the canal, they can be extortionate. I think that hotels sometimes offer this service too. Equally, if finances allow, the very best way to enter Venice is by private launch from the airport. Also worth remembering that, if you pop into a cafe for a drink (coffee or otherwise!) you will be charged more if you sit at a table rather than propping up the bar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted April 1, 2016 Share Posted April 1, 2016 travelman channel 4 now with Jo brand in Venice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janepie33 Posted April 3, 2016 Author Share Posted April 3, 2016 travelman channel 4 now with Jo brand in Venice Don'[t think we'll be eating that very expensive standing up meal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 When are you going, Janepie? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janepie33 Posted April 4, 2016 Author Share Posted April 4, 2016 We are here now! Walked for miles today. Gave the gondola ride a miss as we thought 80 euros was a bit steep but had lots of fun watching other people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted April 4, 2016 Share Posted April 4, 2016 Glad you are having a lovely time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted April 5, 2016 Share Posted April 5, 2016 Just soak up the atmosphere. And have a caffe corretto for me .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janepie33 Posted April 7, 2016 Author Share Posted April 7, 2016 Just soak up the atmosphere. And have a caffe corretto for me .... With sambuca Olly! Two rather large pictures. Sorry mods. Technology defeated me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 Hope you had a wonderful time What did you do and what did you enjoy most/least? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janepie33 Posted April 9, 2016 Author Share Posted April 9, 2016 Hope you had a wonderful time What did you do and what did you enjoy most/least? Loved jumping on the first vaporetto that arrived at our island and seeing where it took us - only 15 minutes to St Mark's square! Loved the people and the atmosphere. Loved just wandering about and seeing what was around the next corner or over the next bridge. Loved eating pasta and pizza and drinking delicious coffee in proper Italian bars and restaurants. Loved Burano island with it's multi coloured buildings. Just loved the whole experience of being there and marvelling at the famous sights. Didn't love ....... The men trying to sell us selfie sticks when they could see we already had and were using one!! The women who bandaged various parts of their body (one a single toe and another an entire calf) and sorrowfully shook plastic cups of change at me. Buying stamps for our postcards that couldn't be posted in the red postboxes, but at specific sites, none of which we could find, despite having a map, so we brought the post cards home, put another stamp on them and posted them here! A rather special trip. The hotel room was rather small, but very clean. We weren't expecting breakfast, but when we arrived, we found that it was included - bonus! And all for the grand price of £257 for 3 nights, flights included, for 2 of us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janepie33 Posted April 9, 2016 Author Share Posted April 9, 2016 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted April 9, 2016 Share Posted April 9, 2016 Burano is so tranquil - people seem to focus on Murano and Torcello and so Burano gets a bit of a poor 'press' but makes it that bit more peaceful! The selfie stick thing didn't happen when I lived there...way, way .before mobiles Also the women 'beggars' tho suspect that is now endemic...last time I went into Oxford there were similar. You both look as though you had a wonderful time so glad that you enjoyed it - I certainy can't wait to take my boys there!!! PS Have noted some red underlined but can't find my reading glasses which usually sit net to comp so srry for any errora! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhotchick Posted April 10, 2016 Share Posted April 10, 2016 Hello Janiepie, glad you had a great time in Venice. I stayed on Murano, quite a few years ago now! I had a lovely time and it was a great location. I'd love to go back to Venice, where did you book your excellent value trip? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janepie33 Posted April 10, 2016 Author Share Posted April 10, 2016 Hi Redhotchick We booked it through British Airways city breaks. It is the 3rd city break we have done with them and they have all been excellent! I think one of the reasons it was so cheap was because we had late night flights (arriving in Venice just before midnight and back to Gatwick at about the same time). BA give you the opportunity to choose different flights and you pay more or less depending on the flight times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted April 10, 2016 Share Posted April 10, 2016 So glad that you had a lovely time. I would like to expand OH's horizons and now that YD is 17 we can escape from time to time, will take a look at BA . We may get the chance when DS is back from uni for the summer, should be just before high season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
