suntravler

I plan on doing a lot of walking in Venice and I am trying to compare maps. In my local bookstore I found maps by "Streetwise" and "Insight Guides."

But before I buy anything, I wanted to know if anyone has a recommendation for what would be the most detailed map. Should I wait until I get to Venice to buy one?

Thanks.

jbee

Suntravler-
We had 2 great maps in Venice. The first came with our Fodor's Venice pocket guide and came in handy for the major sites. The 2nd we got with our Venice Cards and was wonderful. My only complaint is that it wasn't laminated and was ripped by the end of the trip.

isabel

Actually I have a very detailed map that I got in Venice on my first trip there but I didn't find it all that useful on either of my trips. Being well oriented to the layout, knowing where the major sites are - this is useful. But to try to navigate by specific streets is more frustrating than useful. I just navigate by the big arrow signs on the sides of buildings (that say: this way to San Marco, etc). I use detailed maps to get around most cities when I travel (like London, Paris, etc) but I don't think it's worth while in Venice.

Lorac1127

We selected a National Geographic map because it had a larger print (which is easier to see when walking around) and it was also laminated.

However, the hotel gave us this little fold-up map which turned out to be the most helpful because they were able to write on the map to show us a route which you cannot do on laminted maps.

So the end result was that we used both maps since they are lightweight and take up so very little room.

flbronc

I totally agree with Isabel ! One tidbit I read before I went to Venice is "be prepared to get lost and just go with it". How true ! I am very good with a map and my husband an expert but we finally gave up and just wandered in the general direction we thought we needed to go ! For the popular sites it won't be a problem but if you try and find an out of the way spot be prepared ! BTW, I had one from the hotel and one from a pocket guide I bought.

Bailey

I've used them all.....but my favorite??
The ROUGH GUIDE Map
ISBN#1-84353-000-7
It's tearproof/waterproof & detailed.
Also includes Burano & Murano.

I've also heard about Illustrated Venice...but I've searched high & low....can't find a copy!

Michael

I agree with Bailey.

Margaretlb

The map that came with the Baedecker Venice guide was great. Three days of lots of walking and wandering and never got lost once! I found it to be absolutely accurate regardless of the neighborhood. Bless those German mapmakers.

delvino

Best Map I've found (thanks to NYCFoodSnob) is The Illustrated Venice Map by Magnetic North. I purchased mine via the following website:

http://www.travelguidewarehouse.com/

I'm thinking I saw it available at Amazon as well. The Streetwise map is ok for a 50,000 foot view, but I'm not about to get as lost this time!

elaine

On a few trips to Venice I have been very happy with my Streetwise, have not found anything lacking.

LoveItaly

Hi suntraveler, I just purchased a new map of Venice last week at Barnes and Nobles. It is the Berndstson City Streets map. All my old maps were wrinkled and torn etc.

Having been to Venice several times I felt after checking several maps that this was the best (at least for what Barnes and Nobles had in stock). It is laminated. So you cannot write on it which might be a problem for you.

You could also wait until you get to Venice, that is what I have done many times in Italy. Purchased their map there. Have a wonderful trip!

suntravler

Thanks to everyone for all this great advice about maps.

I am not concerned about finding the major attractions. And I don't mind getting lost while exploring this interesting city.

But I just don't want to get lost when I am looking for some of the special restaurants I've read about!!!

And a large print map will be especially appreciated. I usually carry a magnifying glass with me for such purposes.

I've heard the Rough Guide map is good. And Barnes & Noble is just down the street. I'll see what they have in stock. And I will also check out the website for the Illustrated Venice Map.
I know I will make good use of maps from the hotel as well.

Everyone has been very helpful. Thanks again for all the suggestions.

Bailey

Delvino.......
Many thanks for the link to purchase the Illustrated Venice!!
I had tried to order through Amazon...after 4 months on a "wait list", I was informed that the map was no longer available!!
I just placed an order through Travel Guide Warehouse!

mclaurie

One tip I got on this board was to have a compass. It did come in handy

mamc

I love the Streetwise maps. We have the Venice map and it has served us very well. Not only is the map sufficiently detailed but it is so handy to carry and fold and, because it is laminated, stays nice for years.

Travelnut

I don't care for the street index on the Streetwise, for Venice. It isn't a straight alpha list - it's categorized by all the little districts.

NYCFoodSnob

The word "best" means different things to different people, often evidenced on this board.

I come from a family of navigators (boaters) and my love and appreciation of a great map began at an early age. I have a terrific sense of direction but I like knowing street names and I love analyzing the how-I-got-lost path or that's-where-that-store-is-located destination (so I can easily and quickly return without getting lost).

For me, a map has to be easy to read while offering the most comprehensive listings. If the print and alleyways are too small, or if the color coding and color choices too disorienting, or if there's simply too much font clutter, I'll likely reject it.

I think a map should calm the reader, even if it gives the reader a false sense of confidence. When everything about the design is right, the sense of confidence is no longer false. You're welcome, delvino, The Illustrated Venice Map is almost perfection; my favorite way to analyze where I've been and where I'm going in Venice.

rheamarie

I am surprised no one else has mentioned "MapEasy" guidemap. We used their maps for Venice, Paris and Rome -- and even the hotel staff commented on how good those maps are.

1. they are very readable
2. have blow up's of major tourist areas
3. lists some hotels,shopping and eating sites -- lists all tourist sites
4. is water and tear proof

Venice is a tricky city with it's circular pattern -- once you have used one of their city map's -- you will use others. Good book stores carry the major cities -- or you can order direct - oneline -- type MapEasy into your search engine. Good Luck.

suntravler

DELVINO AND BAILEY:

I tried finding the Illustrated Venice map on that Travel Guide Warehouse website. But I couldn't find it. I found another map for Venice listed. But it had a slightly different name and was from a different company.

The only place I was able to find the Illustrated Venice by Magnetic North was from a website in the UK.

Can you please be more specific about finding the link for this map at Travel Guide Warehouse?

Thanks again.

suntravler

DELVINO AND BAILEY:

I FOUND IT!

I found the link to the map. I tried searching a different way and this time was more successful. Thanks again.