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Guide to Venice, Italy
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VeniceOne of the most tourist-ed, photographed, and historically significant cities in the world, Venice is a feast for the eyes where many can be fooled into thinking the city is nothing but charm. Though the views are picturesque, youll have a hard time taking a panorama without getting a few backpackers heads in the photograph. It is a place that can be both enjoyed and dreaded, though most of the dreading comes from locals who stopped enjoying the company of visitors a long time ago. However, if you ditch the main roads and you take it upon yourself to purposely get lost, youll find the city is full of secrets and treasures that are normally overlooked. Walk the thin alleyways, interact with a few locals, and look a bit famished and you may even score yourself an authentic Italian meal right from a residents kitchen! Anything is possible in Venice if you know to think outside the box, and while it can get pushy in the main squares, you still learn to love the city for what it is; the great Italian Gondola ride.
When to go:
Venice experiences some of the most ideal weather in all of Italy, and the interaction of city and water just makes it more appealing to visitors. It is most-crowded in summertime, but the reason why you should avoid the high-season altogether is not because the streets are packed; the city is just about baking. It can get so hot you may find yourself jumping into the nearest canal or ordering extra ice with your already-iced coffee. Though spring and autumn can also see quite a bit of foot-traffic, its not as intense as that of summer. Add to that perfectly warm days and you have yourself two perfect seasons to choose
Getting there and around:
Unless you fly via chartered plane, youll be arriving at Marco Polo Airport, where youll be served with a whole host ofwellservices. Lines here are usually shorter in the evening, though your choices of transportation somewhat decrease if not in frequency, then appeal. However, if you happen to arrive during the day, as most do, youll have the choice of traveling to Venice via bus, taxi, water taxi, or hydrofoil. For the most scenic method, hire a water taxi. They are they most expensive of the four, but are well worth it (think of the ride as an appetizer to the full-course). For those on tight budgets, buses are the best way to go, while taxis run a close second.
The best way of getting around the city is to walk, but if you feel like doing the touristy thing, make your way over to one of the canals where youre sure to find a gondola or water taxi waiting to take you wherever you may need/want to go.
Attractions:
For an artistic whirlwind, look no place else than Ca dOro. Inside the beautiful Gothic architecture youll find a great collection of 15- to 16^th -century art, mostly done by the renowned Titian. On the buildings upper floors you will see a more diverse gallery, with frescoes and pieces by Italian greats such as Tintoretto, Carpaccio, Vivarini, and Signorelli.
A gallery more prized for its historic relics than anything else, is the Gallerie dellAccademia. Venetian art is its forte, and pieces here range from the 14^th to 18^th centuries. Highlights are: Paolo Venezianos /Madonna and Child with Two Donors/ and Giovanni Bellinis /Madonna with Child between Saints Catherine and Mary Magdelene/, among others.
Venices most famous church, St Marks Basilica, is probably one of the most visited sites in the world. Though you will have to dress up a bit to gain entry to the chapels inside, it is well worth the effort. Among the items you will find inside are the amazing Pala dOro altarpiece and the Tesoro, or Treasury. Many do not realize that most of the items found inside St Marks were indeed plundered from foreign lands. Take a ride on the life of the campanile outside the church for a great view of the citys rooftops.
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