I'll be in Venice for 2 and a half days. I'm taking the train from Rome early on a Friday morning, I arrive around 1PM. I have all day Saturday and Sunday. I know I want to see the Accademia, St. Mark's and the Doges Palace. I also want to go out to the Islands (Murano, Burano). Anything else that is a must-see and are some things better to do on certain days. Also, can you recommend restaurants...I'm not very fond of seafood so I'm a little concerned being in a port city. Thanks.

To avoid the tourist mob that come from cruise ships and day trippers, visit the major sites such as San Marco, Palazzo Ducale first thing in the morning, or late in the day (check closing times at TI). Then spend the rest of the day exploring other sites such as Guggenheim, Chiesa dei Frari, Murano.<BR><BR>Here are some Venice tidbits from my recent trip report:<BR><BR>When taking the vaporetto, make sure it is going in the right direction. It is easy to use, make sure you buy the tickets that are infrequently checked once on board, but if they catch you without a ticket, the fine is E20. If carrying luggage, you should pay extra. For the most part, take the #82 and avoid the #1. DO NOT take #12 to Murano, it will take FOREVER. Take the #41/42, which takes 40 minutes from San Marco. <BR><BR>Avoid buying glass souvenirs anywhere but Murano if possible. There are a lot of crappy glass goods in Rome, Florence and Venice at tourist sites. Especially avoid glass stores near San Marco. The same crappy glass on Murano is usually much cheaper, often 50% less. Murano would be where you find the nice glass goods, some galleries are by appointment.<BR><BR>For your simple glass souvenirs, we found the best details and quality on Murano at Silvy Vetri d’Arte on the street leading to the Faro vaporetto stop. <BR><BR>For masks, we found the best quality, selection and prices at Marega, in San Polo, near Chiesa dei Frari. Widest and most creative selection of masks we saw was at Il Canovaccio, which has a website www.ilcanovaccio.com. Be careful not to trample the little one-eyed dog when browsing around, he kept bumping into people and boxes. They have nontraditional masks in dragons, animals and dinos that kids may enjoy. <BR><BR>If romance is part of the trip, gondola ride at night or dusk (better view) is great to do. Ask your hotel concierge to arrange it for you if you are not comfortable bargaining with the gondolatier. A ride at night for 2 would be E75 to E100, more if you want music on board. <BR><BR>No foul smell at all from the rio in May, but I am told there is a smell by August.<BR><BR>Hotel: we stayed at Luna Baglioni, really enjoyed stay there. Superior Double room is 5 star, bigger than equivalent priced rooms at Park Plaza or the like in New York or Boston. Our room on the corner with porch had view of Chiesa della Salute, Chiesa della Giogio and is next door to San Marco. Gritti Palace would give you better view of Grand Canal, priced higher than Luna Baglioni. <BR><BR>Palazzo Ducale has the best audioguide of all the museums we visited in Italy. Chiesa dei Frari was enjoyable without the mass of crowds from cruises that mob San Marco. We ventured to the more touristy sites only very early or late to avoid the mob. <BR><BR>Caffe Florian lost the battle of the band every night we were there, to the caf&eacute; across the square (forgot the name). Dessert selection was mediocre. <BR><BR>Locals recommended restaurants Sempione (near San Zulian) and Remigio (near Museo Guidi). Remigio needed reservation on the night we visited. Sempione can usually accommodate without reservation. For a party of 6, Sempione has a table by the canal. Always ask for fresh fish to avoid the frozen stuff. Spider crabs have never disappointed.<BR><BR>Restaurant da Raphaele near Palazzo Gritti was pricey but very nice, impeccable service, can arrive for romantic meal by gondola, again reservation required, 041/5232317. Ask for seating by the rio when making reservation.

Hi Judy<BR>In most guide books, and in fact I think elsewhere on this Fodor's website under the destination of Venice, there are suggestions for short itineraries.<BR><BR>I would go to Murano, even though it's the shortest ride, only if interested in doing some serious shopping for more expensive glass. If all you want is a souvenir or one item, you can find it in a shop in Venice easily.<BR><BR>I suggest Burano and Torcello because Burano is so picturesque with its painted houses, and Torcello is so deserted and wild-looking. Torcello doesn't have much sightseeing to offer, you visit the cathedral (breathtaking mosaics) and the church, and perhaps have a wonderful and expensive lunch at Locanda Cipriani. If that doesn't appeal, skip it.<BR><BR>I respectfully disagree with newt's assessment of the desserts at Florian's. I thought the gelati were very expensive but very very good. The place across the square is Quadri, plus there's at least one more. The food and drink in any of those are overpriced,but if you sit outside on the Piazza you will always remember the hour you spend there. <BR><BR>You will want to plan seeing St Mark's Basilica on Friday or Saturday since for a good part of Sunday it is open only for services. Get into the sightseeing line early, or else go to early morning mass first and then stay for sightseeing. From there go to the Doge's Palace, then take your trip about noon or 1pm to one of the islands.<BR><BR><BR>I have a file on Venice; if you'd like to see it, email me.<BR><BR>

Thanks alot guys! It's really helpful having tips from people who have been there recently. And yes Elaine, I will email you for your Venice file. Thanks for the offer.<BR>

One of the best things you can do in Venice is just walk around the alleys and small canals and get lost. No joke! That's one of the great joys about visiting Venice!<BR>Perhaps, the great thrill of all will occur when you get off the train, walk out of the station and see the Grand Canal in all its glory....truly a memorable sight!

I agree with Howard. Forget the islands and the "crappy" glass stuff. You'll spend at least half a precious day seeing really horrid blown glass objects that you'll not want to lug home anyway. (Kudos if you can fend off the sales pressures to buy something.)<BR><BR>Venice is far too special to do anything other than to merely appreciate what a unique treasure it is. Get a map (or not) and walk, walk, walk. At first you'll just be enchanted, but as the day wears on you'll enter a state of Zen bliss filled with great joy that you have had this opportunity to embrace one of the planet's truly special places.<BR><BR>You're welcome.

Agree with Howard and Boo. The most fun to be had in Venice is the "controlled, sustained directional mishap". Bring a good map, but don't use it very often.<BR><BR>Venice is unique. The city itself is the main attraction, not the churches, museums, etc.

On the first days I would experience the Grand Canal and some of the neighborhoods. Save the big sights for a full day. You will see fewer people on the piazza first thing in the morning. However, my experience was that the lines were worse for the Doge's Palace and the basilica first thing. They died down some within an hour. Of course, this was in October, and busier times of year may differ. <BR><BR>If you catch an early boat, you can easily do Burano and Torcello in half a day. Allow at least 2-3 hours from Burano and 1-2 for Torcello.<BR><BR>Unless you have a great interest in art, you can see the Accademia within two hours.<BR><BR>Don't forget to climb to the basilica's balcony for a wonderful view of the piazza and of course the campanile.<BR><BR>Other top things to see and do:<BR><BR>Night and day rides on the canal - #1 and 82 are the best<BR><BR>Frari Church<BR><BR>Walks in Dorsoduro and Cannaregio; San Polo also is nice<BR><BR>Rialto and Accademia bridges for views of the canal<BR><BR>

What was the most memorable time was when we got up real early one morning to find the Museum of Modern Art. We got lost and ended up way away from the tourist areas in little back canals. It was heaven on earth.<BR> Jackie

Hi Judy. The Basilica of San Marco and Burano are both excellent choices. As Dan said, climb to the Basilica's balcony (a small extra charge) for a wonderful view of the piazza, as well as a great view of the famous two columns. While you're in that area, I'd also highly recommend going to the top of the Campanile for a spectacular 360 degree view. <BR><BR>A ride down the Grand Canal on a vaporetto is, IMO, a must-do. Gondola rides are expensive but there's nothing quite like smoothly gliding through small rios. An alternative, if you don't want to pay for a gondola ride, would be to take one of the traghettos, older gondolas which cross the Grand Canal at six or seven different points. It's traditional to stand up in them (though you don't have to unless it's crowded) and we found that to be a lot of fun. <BR><BR>I'd second recommendations for the massive brick Chiesa dei Frari and, if you make it there and want to see a wonderful neighborhood campo that's fairly close by, walk south of the Frari to the Campo Santa Margherita. <BR><BR>A couple other possibilities: the squero (gondola workshop) on the Rio di San Trovaso (a short walk southwest of the Accademia) and the Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli, a gorgeous small marble church set next to a picturesqeue rio, the Rio di Miracoli. You'll find this to the northeast of the Rialto Bridge. See the photo at: <BR><BR>http://www.savevenice.org/Monumentpages/micracolipages/

Get lost!<BR>I agree with some of the last lost above. Sights are in general very overrated. Most Fodorites are obsessed with ticking of sights from their lists. Will this comment get me banned from this board?

Yes, getting lost is good in Venice.<BR><BR>I disagree with one poster about sticking to Murano when buying glass.<BR><BR>We found some very nice shops in Venice selling Italian-made glass at better prices than at Murano. Besides, many of the factories on Murano are high-pressure, where a salesman badgers you to buy the most expensive items.<BR><BR>In my view, a half-day on Murano is a big waste. (I prefer to get lost in the alleys of Venice.)

i've been to venice twice...the best times have been just wandering around. it is an amazing city, just walk around and explore. it's all beautiful. i don't eat seafood either, you won't have a problem finding other things to eat. in my opinion, the food in venice was not as good as the rest of italy. but venice itself is WONDERFUL!!!! i also recommend st marks place at night, great atmosphere. have a bellini and enjoy!

Thanks everyone! You have whole-heartedly convinced me to "get lost!"

Here are some of our memories from three trips in as many years.<BR><BR>Ride down the Grand Canal on either #1 or #82. (looking out from train station, get on the one traveling to the left, not the right). If you get one of the older vaporetto with seats up front, grab one.<BR><BR>Pizza at the outdoor cafe at the foot of the Accademia Bridge, try to get a table right up front next to the Grand Canal.<BR><BR>Ashes and Snow exhibit at the Arsenale. The photo exhibit is pretty cool if you like animals but better yet you get to go inside the Arsenale which is normally closed. I think it closes sometime in July.<BR><BR>Evening stroll on the Via Garibaldi, not many tourists, lots of locals out and about. There's a great glass shop on the right just as you enter Via Garibaldi, it's called Alice in Wonderland Gallery. <BR><BR>Il Nuovo Galeon on Via Garibaldi, we had a fabulous "tasting menu" meal here our last night.<BR><BR>Palazzo Contarini del Bololo - worth the effort to find the place.<BR><BR>Late afternoon or early evening drinks at Cafe Florian. Expensive but you won't forget it.<BR><BR>San Giorgio Maggiore - the view from the Campanile on a clear day is amazing<BR><BR>Burano - go early and then have lunch at either Trattoria al Gato Nero or Da Forner, both with outdoor seating on canals. <BR><BR>Walk on the Riva degli Schiavoni either really early or really late, when all the tourists are gone. Same with Piazza San Marco.<BR><BR>Fish Market early in the morning, I think they are closed Sun/Mon and holidays, check your guidebook<BR><BR>At the foot of the Rialto bridge is a little cafe, get one of the tables that backs up to it, sit, drink and watch Venice go by. Again, you'll pay premium pricing for your drinks but you won't forget it.<BR><BR>Tramezzini - we went crazy over these last month. They are little sandwiches you can buy at various places throughout the city, lots of different varieties and very inexpensive. <BR><BR>Drink lots of Prosecco, Spritzes and Bellini's<BR><BR>Gelato, as much and as often as possible. The best we had this trip was La Boutique del Gelato<BR><BR>Traghetto - cross the Grand Canal like the locals<BR><BR>Before you leave, buy a book by Donna Leon, she's British and writes murder mysteries set in Venice. They don't sell them in the U.S.<BR><BR>Walk, walk, walk and have fun getting lost!

ttt

Be flexible. You can't always do everything you want to. We were in Venice a few weeks ago and it rained (heavy rain) 2 of the three days we were there. As a result, we didn't make it to the islands, but we had one beautiful day and we made the most of it and used one rainy afternoon to shop. We never went to St. Mark's at night, because of course, it was usually cold and raining. We did eat at Da Fiori and it was wonderful. I really enjoyed riding the Vaporettos. I did manage to buy what I think is a lovely glass piece and bought glass at a shop recommended here called Genninger's. I found a bracelet I liked and she made a necklace to match while I waited. They had lots of simple earrings for about 18 Euro that make great gifts. Since I had been to St. Mark's on a day trip once before, I admired it from the exterior and visited the Frari Church which was incredible. I also got that tip here on Fodors. In fact, all information I used from this site was reliable. Have a great trip.

I was in Venice for 2 days last weekend. Now I'm back in good 'ol Massachusetts. sigh.<BR><BR>Anyways, the magic of Venice is just wandering preferably away from the San Marco area during the daytime. At night though San Marco has nice classical music live outside and its really pleasant sitting around and having an after dinner drink.<BR><BR>Check out Paggy Gug. museum and take a gondola ride. Also be prepared to spend a lot of money. Venice is wonderful but thye take you for evry penny.

Hi Judy!<BR><BR>Yes, getting lost in Venice is wonderful! So is seeing the Grand Canal via vaporetto at sunset, & the views from the Basilica & the Campanille.<BR><BR>4 of my favorites that are somewhat less visited: Frari church, La Scuola de San Rocco, Ca d'Oro, Burano for photography.<BR><BR>The Guggenheim was just OK IMHO, but I'm not a huge fan of modern art. The villa boat dock/terrace on the canal is wonderful though! Take a moment to fantasize that it's your terrace & enjoy the view!<BR><BR>Buon viaggio...

I know you are only in Venice for a few days, but have you considered visiting Verona? It is a short train ride away and you could spend half a day there with time to still see more of Venice.<BR>I had only a few days in Venice when I was there and so went to San Marco square in the morning (good idea, not too many people about yet)saw the basilica and the museum there, then backtracked to the train station and took the high speed to Verona. Wondered around the old town saw some of the 'must sees' and had dinner. I was back in Venice by about 9pm. It was a busy but doable day.