I just looked at the photos provided by kappa from a trip to Venice last December. Now I have a clearer idea of what we might expect.

So, as I understand it, the Acqua Alta is a tidal phenomenon, and will ebb within an hour or two?

A few Fodorites have said that it is only the low-lying areas that get flooded. What sight-seeing to you recommend that will be away from the flooded areas?

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

Olive Oil

e.g. Cannaregio and Dorsoduro seem LESS affected.

> Acqua Alta is a tidal phenomenon, and will ebb within an hour or two?

Yes, it lasts like a few morning hours. e.g. the one I had last December started in the morning, not sure what time but anyway before I left the hotel at about 08:00 and was gone by 14.00 in San Marco area, the most affected part. Also since this was a serious one, I heard a siren around 6:00. I also had less serious ones, always in the morning for a few hours.

A bit more info about acqua alta.
http://www.veniceword.com/weather.html

and :

http://www.venicebanana.com/eng/maree.htm

Our expereince with the rising water actually turned out to be an adventure.
We were staying at La Calcina in Dorsoduro and were quite affected. We purchased ridiculous leg coverings from the hotel and waded through water that was above the knee to a store where we purchased rubber boats. These boots allowed us to wander about Piazza San Marco and take in the sites of various people trying to wait/wade out the water. You might consider hopping on a vaparetto and taking in the Guggenheim or spending time on the Rialto Bridge which although quite intesnsely touristed is WAY above the water.

We experienced this in January and you just need to go out and get some rubber boots and press on. Chances are that you will have to walk through some water. It honestly is not a big deal.