Venice
This page may contain affiliate links; please note I only recommend places I feel are of value and all information shared is my own thoughts and opinions.
Logistics
Getting There
If you are traveling from outside of Italy, Venice has its own international airport (VCE). It has flights from many European countries as well as flights from the US among other destinations.
This is a great day trip from Florence. The fast train from Santa Maria Novella station in Florence to Venice takes 2 hours and operates typically under Trenitalia. The main train station in Venice is Santa Lucia. The trip costs 70 euro round trip, but make sure to buy tickets in advance as trips do sell out. To maximize your time in Venice, take the earliest train departing from Florence and the last train back to Florence. The first train tends to be around 8:30 and the last around 17:30.
Getting Around
Different than many other cities, in Venice you will depend on boats. The city is built around canals and can only access certain areas by water taxi or small boat. Purchase a water taxi pass for the day if you are planning on visiting more than one of the islands. A day pass costs about 20 euros. Otherwise, while just exploring Venice, plan to walk most places if not crossing the water.
Accommodations
Staying in the San Marco area will put you within close proximity to many of the main areas in Venice. Other neighborhoods to consider as options include Cannaregio, Santa Croce, San Polo, Dorsoduro, and Castello.
Things to do and see
Murano
Located a boat ride away from the center of Venice, this is a group of islands that is known for excellent glass making. The islands are linked by bridges and Murano has a completely different vibe and atmosphere than the tourist filled areas in Venice like St. Mark’s Square. The shops in Murano are beautiful with extensive glass products. You will find you do not need too much time here, but provides a lovely change of pace. If you want to spend longer on this Venetian island, there is a factory you can go in to see how some of the glassware is made. You can also watch some glass blowing.
Burano
Burano is another island that is part of Venice and most commonly known for the colorful houses that spread across the island. Similar to Murano, it is much less touristy than the mainland area of Venice. Getting to Burano takes more commitment, and therefore draws less tourist crowds as it takes about 40 minutes by water taxi. Consider visiting Burano and Murano together on the same day. First make a stop in Murano, then head over to Burano and when you wrap up visiting both areas, head back to San Marco to explore for the rest of the day. The seafood is very good as well.
San Marco
Main area of Venice
Piazza San Marco & St. Mark’s Basilica
Main public square in Venice where St. Mark’s Basilica can be found
Rialto Bridge
Modern bridge found in Venice and often controversial
Bridge of Sighs
White limestone bridge located behind St. Mark’s basilica
Gondola
Take a gondola ride through the canals with up to 6 people. The average price is around 80 euros for 30 minutes, but provides a unique Venice experience
Food and Drinks
Gelato di Natura
Gelato
San Marco
Delicious gelato shop in the main area of San Marco worth stopping in for an ice cream on a warm, sunny day
Muretto
Drinks
San Marco
Great spot for a pre-dinner drink or aperitivo
Muro San Stae
Dinner
San marco
Delicious Italian restaurant outside of the central area on San Marco, which means it is a bit quieter and less touristy. The restaurant offers delicious Italian food and a variety of options.
Other Notes
Duration
Venice is a small city that can be visited in a day or you can easily spend a weekend here. If you like to take your time and want to be able to take advantage of all Venice has to offer, consider visiting for a few nights. Alternatively, if you prefer a faster pace of travel or only need to see some of the highlights in Venice, one-night or a day-trip is feasible.
Time of year
Like many other destinations, tourists flock to visit Venice in the warm summer months. Although this may be a great time to enjoy the city, if you have flexibility and prefer to avoid crowds, consider going between the months of September and November. The weather will still be nice and the city will be less crowded. Due to its small size, the city can quickly feel overpowered by tourists and can take away from the experience.