Venice is the place to go for a fairy tale vacation in Italy. This magical city is home to gondolas, canals, and one of the most beautiful palazzos in all of Europe. There are also lots of excursions services offered by local guides in Venice. Here's everything you need to know before traveling there yourself.
Why go to Venice?
Venice is a magical city. The canals, architecture and overall beauty make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It's also a great place to visit if you're looking for a romantic getaway or with kids--there are lots of fun things to do in Venice!
You'll find plenty of famous museums and art galleries here as well as shopping galore! There are wonderful restaurants and bars where you can sit back with some delicious food while enjoying the view from one of their outdoor tables overlooking one of their many canals (or take advantage of their indoor seating). If relaxing isn't your thing then perhaps visiting some nearby cities like Milan or Verona would suit your fancy better?
Regardless of where you decide to visit, Venice is an amazing place to spend some time. If you're planning a trip there then check out our flight and hotel deals below!
If you're looking for a romantic getaway or with kids--there are lots of fun things to do in Venice! You'll find plenty of famous museums and art galleries here as well as shopping galore! There are wonderful restaurants and bars where you can sit back with some delicious food while enjoying the view from one of their outdoor tables overlooking one of their many canals (or take advantage of their indoor seating). If you're planning a trip there then check out our flight and hotel deals below!
How long should I stay?
How long you stay in Venice depends on your interests. If you want to see the sights, then three days is a good minimum. If you're going for shopping, four days is probably enough time--but if you have more than one person in your group who loves shopping and wants to do it frequently, five days might be better!
If your goal is just to explore Venice itself (without seeing many of its famous attractions), five days would be sufficient. However: if this is your first trip there and/or if you're traveling alone or with only one other person who isn't interested in seeing much else besides Venice itself (and maybe some of its surrounding towns), two full days may not be enough time--especially since most hotels are located outside central Venezia; which means that getting around via public transportation can take longer than expected depending on traffic conditions during peak hours (7AM-9AM & 5PM-7PM).
Where to stay?
If you are traveling by train, it's best to stay near the station. The city is small and easy to walk around, but if you want your hotel room close by so that all of your luggage doesn't have to be carried far from the train station, then this is where you should stay.
If you are flying into Venice or driving in via car, there are several options for places to stay. Most people choose an airport hotel because it makes getting in and out easier; however, these hotels tend not only be more expensive than other options but also farther away from where most tourists want their vacation experience (Venice!). If this sounds like something that would appeal more than convenience then go ahead and book one now! Otherwise keep reading below before making any decisions.
What do I need to know about Venice?
Venice is a unique city, built on a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by bridges. The city has an extensive public transportation system, with boats running throughout the day and night. Venice's culture is also rich with history and tradition, dating back to its founding in A.D. 421 as an independent maritime republic ruled by elected officials known as "doge." Today it's known for its art museums, opera houses and theaters like La Fenice (the Phoenix), which reopened after being destroyed by fire in 1996 after four years of restoration work costing $40 million USD!
While there are plenty of things to do in this romantic destination--from taking romantic gondola rides through its maze-like streets or enjoying traditional Venetian cuisine at one of its many restaurants--there are also some things you should know before visiting Venice:
- The city is incredibly popular with tourists. If you don't mind crowds or like to be at the center of things, then this is not a problem. But if you're looking for some peace and quiet, Venice may not be the best choice for your next vacation destination.
- Venice is expensive! It's one of Europe's most expensive cities, and it can be difficult to find affordable accommodations that won't break the bank.
- The city is sinking! A combination of rising sea levels and excessive tourism has caused Venice to shrink at an estimated rate of 5mm per year. To combat this problem, the city has put protective barriers around some of its historic buildings.
- The city can be very romantic! If you're looking for a place where you'll feel like royalty, this is the place for you. The locals are friendly, but not overly so; there's no pressure to interact with them unless you want to do so. And the architecture is gorgeous!
We hope this guide has helped you decide if Venice is the right destination for your fairy tale vacation, and if so, how to plan it. We know that it can be a daunting process, but we're here to help!