Guide to Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most famous and beautiful cities in the world. Nestled on a lagoon, this ancient city has hardly changed in over six centuries and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Top reasons to visit Venice

Lazily explore the wondrous waterways and canals in gondolas

Stroll along and gaze admiringly at the architecture of St Marks Square

Allow yourself to be swept away in the romantic air of this uniquely beautiful city

Main areas of Venice

Although the municipality (comune) of Venice comprises of several islands in the Venetian Lagoon, the historic city of Venice is the most famous and is divided into six districts (sestieri).

San Marco

San Marco is main tourist area of Venice, and where the main sights and monuments can be found.

Cannaregio

mostly quiet residential area

Castello

stretches from the tourist centre to the public gardens in the east

San Polo

a small area tucked into the top curve of the Grand Canal, and includes the busy Rialto markets

Santa Croce

includes the busy bus terminus and quiet lanes

Dorsoduro

arty and student area to the west

Neighbouring islands

Giudecca

narrow residential island with great views of Venice.

Sant’Elena

modern quarter on the eastern end of Venice, adjoining Castello.

The Lido

narrow island along the outer edge of the lagoon, great for beach lovers.

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When to go to Venice

The summer months of July and August can prove to be too hot and humid, and also occasionally prone to flies and mosquitoes. Venice is a VERY popular city for tourists, so Spring and Autumn can often prove to be quieter times to visit whilst also being a little cooler. Venice can be prone to fog in the winter months.

5 Venice experiences

1. Witness the world’s only true pedestrian city centre - cars are banned!
2. Marvel at the many forms of water transport, ranging from water buses (vaporetti), water taxis to more romantic gondolas.
3. Admire the stunning beauty of Saint Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
4. Explore the ancient history of this mesmeric city, such as tales of Casanova
5. Watch ships, gondolas and other water craft being crafted at Zattere

Top Attractions in Venice

• Saint Mark’s Basilica
• Rialto Bridge
• Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace)
• Bell Tower of St. Mark
• Scuola grande di San Rocco - guild house
• Jewish Ghetto of Venice
• Museums - Peggy Guggenheim, La Fenice Theater, Correr
• Galleria dell’Accademia di Venezia
• Monuments - Claudio Monteverdi, Paolo Veronese

Shopping in Venice

Shopping is a real treat in Venice, with many different markets such as Pescheria (fish market) and the Rialto Market.

Marvel at the talent of the amazing glass blowers, and take home unique examples of their work.

Indulge in haberdashery such as gloves and accessories from Fanny or Francis Model, or try the scarves and shawls of Venetia Studium.

Eating in Venice

No visit to Venice is complete without trying the local delicacies, such as:-

• legato all veneziana (liver and chopped onions)
• sarge in saur (fried sardines)

Take note that Venice is regarded as not having the best examples of Italian cuisine, perhaps due to the high ratio of tourists compared to residents.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Venice

Venice is not known for it’s nightlife, although Campo Santa Margherita and Erbaria are two of the more lively areas.

• Venice History Show - Teatro San Gallo
• Opera - Gran Teatro La Fenice, Chiesa San Vidal, Suola Grande di San Teodoro
• Cooking Classes at Mama Isa’s Cooking School

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