VENICE
TIP
Like any major city, especially one so dependent on tourism, Venice has its share of traps. Avoid buying shirts and trinkets anywhere near major attractions or places such as the train station. They’ll cost twice as much. The same holds true for cafes and restaurants. There are plenty of great places to sit and eat, just be mindful of where you are.
OTHER DAY TRIPS
Aquileia
Gorizia
Miramare
Palmanova
Trieste
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Overview
Venice is a place like no other. With no cars, hundreds of bridges and tight, winding alleyways, the city is a walkable maze of art, history, romance and intrigue. The Grand Canale is the city’s major artery, but it is away from the wide waterway that you’ll find the true treasures of the city. One tip any tourist can’t function without: get a map. The city’s unpredictable alleys will turn you around in a heartbeat.
The big attractions
If it’s your first time in Venice, you'll want to see Piazza San Marco, the 13th century Cathedral and at least the exterior of Palazzo Ducale (the interior is beautiful, but lines are often long). The Ponte dei Sospiri is right around the corner. Ponte di Rialto is also very characteristic and the open market at the foot of it is picturesque. A "vaporetto" is less romantic than a gondola, but a lot cheaper and allows you to see the Grand Canal, the main artery of the city. No two buildings are alike, yet the Venetian Gothic style gives the houses and palaces a sense of continuity.
Off the beaten path
Those who've been to Venice before can visit the Accademia, where centuries of Venetian art are on display. It's right off the Accademia bridge, the only wooden bridge on the Grand Canal. Not far from there is the Basilica della Salute, with a white dome, with Titian's works. Cafes and restaurants are cheaper there than in the San Marco area and are pretty good. (If you look at a map, this area is across from the basin of San Marco and it's just a short walk away).
Other islands
Another option is to take a motorboat to one of the small islands nearby: Murano (famous for its glass,) or Torcello, one of the oldest settlements, later abandoned. Then there is the little island of San Giorgio: the boat ride is very short, you can see this island very well from San Marco.
The unexpected
Venice has a historic Jewish settlement with a long history. The Jewish Ghetto is truly an island within an island. It's located near the train station (do not cross the bridge, stay on this side of the canal). There are synagogues, a Jewish Museum and Jewish shops with signs in Hebrew. Houses are higher here than anywhere else in Venice, because space was limited.
Getting there
The best way of getting there is by train. Both SAF and APT buses leave from the bus station and stop at the Cervignano train station ("ferrovia"). You can buy train tickets at the bus station, at the travel agency on the same square or at the Cervignano train station. Ask for roundtrip —"andata e ritorno" — and make sure you get off in Venezia Santa Lucia (or S.L.) and not in Mestre. Do not board a train without a ticket — there is a fine.
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