Venice tourist traps: Cafe' Florian, Harry's Bar and Gondola ride....would you or won't you? Did you?
Sep 18th, 2007, 12:19 PM
#21
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I was there last week for the first time - struggling to be back at work...
1) yes - cool experience for the first trip. cost is a little silly though including cover charge and 8E to listen to the music...
2) yes - was ok - roughly the same price as Florian (a little less) and the martini was not as good, my girlfriend drank the belini
3) didn't do it - saved the money we would have spend and went to Cipriani for dinner instead, not an equivalent cost i know (we did pizza at our b&b the night before to even it out)- Cipriani is an experience full of pomp and circumstance (along the same lines as the 3 questions). the food was great, service great and the private mahogany boat ride across the canal was our substitute for a gondola.
the gondola's looked like fun though for a first trip... maybe next time.
have fun!
1) yes - cool experience for the first trip. cost is a little silly though including cover charge and 8E to listen to the music...
2) yes - was ok - roughly the same price as Florian (a little less) and the martini was not as good, my girlfriend drank the belini
3) didn't do it - saved the money we would have spend and went to Cipriani for dinner instead, not an equivalent cost i know (we did pizza at our b&b the night before to even it out)- Cipriani is an experience full of pomp and circumstance (along the same lines as the 3 questions). the food was great, service great and the private mahogany boat ride across the canal was our substitute for a gondola.
the gondola's looked like fun though for a first trip... maybe next time.
have fun!
Sep 18th, 2007, 12:19 PM
#22
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Yes
No
Yes, twice.
Background. A family member who was a paraplegic traveled the world for 2 years almost 40 years ago. The one place that she could not go because of her physical limitations was Venice. So when we went, she said she would have loved to go to Cafe Florian. So obviously that was a must for us, with pictures for her. Even without that nudge, we enjoyed it and would do it again.
The goldola ride we did our first and last evenings.
You only live once, and if you enjoy something then do it. We don't regret either of these even though they were expensive. And yes, sharing the pictures was priceless, as the commercials say.
No
Yes, twice.
Background. A family member who was a paraplegic traveled the world for 2 years almost 40 years ago. The one place that she could not go because of her physical limitations was Venice. So when we went, she said she would have loved to go to Cafe Florian. So obviously that was a must for us, with pictures for her. Even without that nudge, we enjoyed it and would do it again.
The goldola ride we did our first and last evenings.
You only live once, and if you enjoy something then do it. We don't regret either of these even though they were expensive. And yes, sharing the pictures was priceless, as the commercials say.
Sep 18th, 2007, 12:21 PM
#23
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We had a drink inside Cafe Florian. It's like sitting inside of a jewel box. Very cool. Well worth the cost.
Unless you hire a water taxi, you should take a gondola road on the small interior canals. Otherwise, there is a whole aspect of Venice that you won't see. The rear of the buildings face the streets.
Unless you hire a water taxi, you should take a gondola road on the small interior canals. Otherwise, there is a whole aspect of Venice that you won't see. The rear of the buildings face the streets.
Sep 18th, 2007, 12:30 PM
#26
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I have never gone to Florian or Harry's.
We bought bottled Bellinis and took them on our gondola ride. My husband (boyfriend at the time) and I loved the gondola ride. We caught one just as the sun was starting to go down and the misty darkening atmosphere in the little canals added to Venice's allure.
Our guide gave us some commentary, restaurant recommendations and had a great sense of humor. He actually even sang several opera songs, but I understand that most don't sing. Enjoy your trip!
We bought bottled Bellinis and took them on our gondola ride. My husband (boyfriend at the time) and I loved the gondola ride. We caught one just as the sun was starting to go down and the misty darkening atmosphere in the little canals added to Venice's allure.
Our guide gave us some commentary, restaurant recommendations and had a great sense of humor. He actually even sang several opera songs, but I understand that most don't sing. Enjoy your trip!
Sep 18th, 2007, 01:11 PM
#27
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No, three times-that's not my thing!
Speaking of Venice, I feel kinda chipper, my friends in Venice have just invited me to come over-any time after November -and stay in their darling one bedroom apartment (has everything, dishwasher, washer, cute pine rafted slanting bedroom with views out the window to San Marco (hard to the left), and in front, Gesuati near Fondamenta Nove- GRATIS.
Such a dilemma! One bedroom apartment in Venice, all to myself, get to see my friends, sit out on the Campo San Polo with our spritz and talk about politics (Parisian/Venetians-much to talk about!) oh no, I don't think that's so great...
Speaking of Venice, I feel kinda chipper, my friends in Venice have just invited me to come over-any time after November -and stay in their darling one bedroom apartment (has everything, dishwasher, washer, cute pine rafted slanting bedroom with views out the window to San Marco (hard to the left), and in front, Gesuati near Fondamenta Nove- GRATIS.
Such a dilemma! One bedroom apartment in Venice, all to myself, get to see my friends, sit out on the Campo San Polo with our spritz and talk about politics (Parisian/Venetians-much to talk about!) oh no, I don't think that's so great...
Sep 18th, 2007, 01:13 PM
#28
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I've been to Venice three times now, and am leaving later this week for a fourth visit (husband's first trip to Venice). I've never been to Cafe Florian or Harry's Bar. I wanted to go the first time, but didn't because it was too expensive. The second and third times -- eh. As others have said, I have better ways to spend my money.
I did take a gondola ride once, and I totally forgot I'd done it! My husband asked if we were going to ride "in one of those boats" and I told him, sure, that I'd never done it. Then I thought some more about it and remembered that I had done it. Shows you how memorable an experience it was for me.
I did take a gondola ride once, and I totally forgot I'd done it! My husband asked if we were going to ride "in one of those boats" and I told him, sure, that I'd never done it. Then I thought some more about it and remembered that I had done it. Shows you how memorable an experience it was for me.
Sep 18th, 2007, 01:22 PM
#29
Over 5 visits to Venice, have done all three and would do again.
Florian (have sat inside during the day, outside at night) was, yes, expensive, but you can sit for hours if you want. I LOVE sitting outside at night, nursing along a drink or cafe and listening to the music.
The gondola ride we have now done 3 times, so yes, have done it and would do it again. Being on it and riding along the small canals is a very different experience from observing it, day or night.
Harry's is small, without views, and yet worth doing at least once IMO -- the Bellinis were tasty and the service outstanding and it's one of those spots I always wanted to see.
Florian (have sat inside during the day, outside at night) was, yes, expensive, but you can sit for hours if you want. I LOVE sitting outside at night, nursing along a drink or cafe and listening to the music.
The gondola ride we have now done 3 times, so yes, have done it and would do it again. Being on it and riding along the small canals is a very different experience from observing it, day or night.
Harry's is small, without views, and yet worth doing at least once IMO -- the Bellinis were tasty and the service outstanding and it's one of those spots I always wanted to see.
Sep 18th, 2007, 01:33 PM
#31
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Florian--no but we will try it in November.
Harry's--yes and the Bellini is very small and expensive but we thought it was a fun place--raining so we sat inside.
Gondola--yes and it was worth it--you do see the backsides( and interiors ) of buildings you otherwise do not see. We may do the ride again but caravan style.
I bought a gold gondola charm for my bracelet at a Rialto Bridge shop and it cost less than the gondola ride.
Harry's--yes and the Bellini is very small and expensive but we thought it was a fun place--raining so we sat inside.
Gondola--yes and it was worth it--you do see the backsides( and interiors ) of buildings you otherwise do not see. We may do the ride again but caravan style.
I bought a gold gondola charm for my bracelet at a Rialto Bridge shop and it cost less than the gondola ride.
Sep 18th, 2007, 01:33 PM
#32
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Gee it may be considered a tourist trap, but NOT sitting in St Marks under the moonlight listening to the music would seem like a big part of a stay in Venice was missing. It is worth the huge price for a drink (and yes all 3 to 4 of the places seem to charge pretty much the same) in my opinion. I find it hard to think of another setting in the world where you can enjoy that particular experience.
There are some things that it just becomes silly to avoid because the locals wouldn't do it. What a dumb reason NOT to do something -- unless you're a local, and even then I think it would be a silly excuse ("we don't do it because no one else does"?)
And while I've never gone for the gondola ride, again I totally understand the splurge. You're in Venice, for God's sake, why worry about whether locals would do this? Where else can you take a gondola ride like that? And please don't tell me in Las Vegas.
There are some things that it just becomes silly to avoid because the locals wouldn't do it. What a dumb reason NOT to do something -- unless you're a local, and even then I think it would be a silly excuse ("we don't do it because no one else does"?)
And while I've never gone for the gondola ride, again I totally understand the splurge. You're in Venice, for God's sake, why worry about whether locals would do this? Where else can you take a gondola ride like that? And please don't tell me in Las Vegas.
Sep 18th, 2007, 02:21 PM
#33
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1) Didn't sit at Cafe Florian. personally I found the San Marco cafe scene very depressing since the cafes were so empty. For local flavor, try Campo Santa Margherita. It was a hopping place and great for people watching.
2) Did not do Harry's Bar
3) I was debating the gondola ride til the last day, and I am very glad we chose to do it. Very relaxing and a unique perspective on Venice. We left from Santa Maria del Giglio and had a lovely ride through back canals, finishing up on the Grand Canal. Perfect.
2) Did not do Harry's Bar
3) I was debating the gondola ride til the last day, and I am very glad we chose to do it. Very relaxing and a unique perspective on Venice. We left from Santa Maria del Giglio and had a lovely ride through back canals, finishing up on the Grand Canal. Perfect.
Sep 18th, 2007, 02:49 PM
#34
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Wow.....great responses.
Here's my verdict on the poll:
1) yes, yes and yes. We planned to sit outdoors, but the description of a "jewel box" and Casanova indoors is intriguing.
2) We'll scratch the Bellini at HB(Sorry Harry or Mr. Cipriani!)
3) Gondola ride on the smaller canals....a must.
Neopatrick, you get my vote for such a FABULOUS post. I wholeheartedly agree with every word....eloquently put.
"Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder" It never ceases to amaze me how the same experiences affect people so differently.
Here's my verdict on the poll:
1) yes, yes and yes. We planned to sit outdoors, but the description of a "jewel box" and Casanova indoors is intriguing.
2) We'll scratch the Bellini at HB(Sorry Harry or Mr. Cipriani!)
3) Gondola ride on the smaller canals....a must.
Neopatrick, you get my vote for such a FABULOUS post. I wholeheartedly agree with every word....eloquently put.
"Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder" It never ceases to amaze me how the same experiences affect people so differently.
Sep 18th, 2007, 03:18 PM
#35
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yes, totally agree, neopatrick. Trying not to be a tourist in Venice would be counter productive I would think.
I have been to the Florian numerous times. Once during Carnivale which was so exciting. Sipping a drink while sitting next to Casanova and Marie Antonette was quite fun. It is the best setting for a cafe on earth.
Harry's did nothing for me, very noisy and full of loud drunk people. I would like to go back when it is quieter and romantic.
Absolutely loved the gondola rides. I have been on a few romantic ones and one where we went down and across the Grand Canal in a storm. Quite interesting.
I have been to the Florian numerous times. Once during Carnivale which was so exciting. Sipping a drink while sitting next to Casanova and Marie Antonette was quite fun. It is the best setting for a cafe on earth.
Harry's did nothing for me, very noisy and full of loud drunk people. I would like to go back when it is quieter and romantic.
Absolutely loved the gondola rides. I have been on a few romantic ones and one where we went down and across the Grand Canal in a storm. Quite interesting.
Sep 18th, 2007, 03:32 PM
#36
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SeaUrchin wrote: "Trying not to be a tourist in Venice would be counter productive I would think."
I doubt if many people would suggest otherwise. But that does not mean that one has to like Café Florian or Harry's Bar or rowboat rides -- or like paying the excessive prices they charge.
I doubt if many people would suggest otherwise. But that does not mean that one has to like Café Florian or Harry's Bar or rowboat rides -- or like paying the excessive prices they charge.
Sep 18th, 2007, 03:45 PM
#37
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These places/experience are simply icons. Cafe' Florian affected some posters in a certain way that was worth it to them. Based on their description....that is the "quintessential" Venetian experience that I'm looking for. One that moves and inspires me.
And if "quintessential" is too touristy or overrated, than so be it. ....I only need to please myself and myself alone (oh....and my DH. But if I'm happy, he's happy!).
The excessive charge may be worth it (or not) if it gives one a lifetime of memories. It all depends if it was worth it to you. And it would be worth it to me. Remember that "it's not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away".
....Hence, eye of the beholder. And I'm a diehard romantic. Watch out Venice!
And if "quintessential" is too touristy or overrated, than so be it. ....I only need to please myself and myself alone (oh....and my DH. But if I'm happy, he's happy!).
The excessive charge may be worth it (or not) if it gives one a lifetime of memories. It all depends if it was worth it to you. And it would be worth it to me. Remember that "it's not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away".
....Hence, eye of the beholder. And I'm a diehard romantic. Watch out Venice!
Sep 18th, 2007, 03:51 PM
#38
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I'm one of those who have never been particularly enamored with Piazza San Marco due to those damn pigeons (which are going to be controlled soon via some sort of birth control and ceasing of the selling of corn)and the throngs of tourists-I prefer the smaller campos in San Polo and Cannaregio. I've gone over a week in Venice and maybe walked through San Marco once on my way to somewhere else.
Sep 18th, 2007, 03:51 PM
#39
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1. Yes. About five of us shared a bottle of Prosecco and it was marvelous!
2. Yes. I took my 2 college age children. I know it will be my last trip to Europe with both of them. They will remember.
3. Yes. Are you kidding? I'd do this even if I were backpacking through Europe. Our ride was just before sunset and it was magic.
2. Yes. I took my 2 college age children. I know it will be my last trip to Europe with both of them. They will remember.
3. Yes. Are you kidding? I'd do this even if I were backpacking through Europe. Our ride was just before sunset and it was magic.
Sep 18th, 2007, 04:02 PM
#40
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Girlspytravel,
I have bookmarked so much advice from you about recommendations in both Venice and Florence which I truly appreciate.
It seems that you have either lived or spent blocks of time in both places so I can completely understand your reply. I, too, would be tired of the throngs of people after being a "local". (And quite frankly I probably will be too in our short 4 days in Venice)
My question to you....how did Venice affect you the very first time you laid eyes on her? Wasn't the Piazza San Marco magical at that very moment?
I have bookmarked so much advice from you about recommendations in both Venice and Florence which I truly appreciate.
It seems that you have either lived or spent blocks of time in both places so I can completely understand your reply. I, too, would be tired of the throngs of people after being a "local". (And quite frankly I probably will be too in our short 4 days in Venice)
My question to you....how did Venice affect you the very first time you laid eyes on her? Wasn't the Piazza San Marco magical at that very moment?
