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What to do in Venice?
We're returning to Europe in May 2005. This time we'll be spending two nights in Venice. Has anyone taken the train from Naples to Venice? What is the duration of the trip?
What are the "don't miss" sights in Venice, as well as some "off the beaten track"-type activities or sights? Any hot tips or things to avoid? |
Hi F,
Train schedules are at www.trenitalia.com/en Air schedules are at www.volareweb.com There is a miniguide to Venice at www.fodors.com |
Just took that train last month. There are several and there are different routes, but it takes all day. For example, we took the Eurostar 9440, which left Naples at 11:30 a.m. It arrived in Bologna at 16:11 (4:11 p.m.). We then caught the next train, which departed Bologna at 16:55 (the IR 2240), and arrived in Venice S. Lucia at 18:56.
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I think the Guggenheim modern art museum in Venice is spectacular. It's in a very scenic area, too.
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Hi
For me, Venice is a very 'personal' city. I am usually a compulsive sightseer, and yet in Venice I can honestly say that if I don't go into one museum or church I am thrilled to just stroll around, have lunch, and stroll some more, ending up wherever I end up. Wherever that is, there's something to see. Take ira's advice and look up Fodor's miniguide, and/or search on Venice right here in the little box above, and/or buy a good general guidebook. Fodors is good for general info, Michelin Green is great if you like a lot of detail on art, architecture,and history. A good map is Streetwise Venice, and trust me, you will need a map. Venice's main industry is tourism, so it helps to do some research on places to eat. Prices are high, and there are plenty of traps, especially in the area around San Marco Piazza. Here are my favorite sights and activities, in no order Doge's Palace San Marco Basilica having an overpriced drink or gelato at the outdoor cafes on the piazza, such as Florian or Quadri Correr Museum, on the Piazza Guggenheim Collection--modern art,not really my cup of tea, but it's a great building on the Grand Canal, it has a terrace and a decent cafe Frari Church Miracoli Church Giovanni e Paolo church San Giorgio degli Schiavoni San Giorgio dei Greci Rialto Bridge Old Jewish Ghetto--take the tour Campo Santa Margherita--for lunch or a snack Scuola San Rocco--not really one of my favorites, but Tintoretto fans recommend it view of the Venice waterfront from San Giorgio Maggiore's bell tower, a five minute ride into the lagoon |
You should also look under the destinations section of this site as well as old posts in this forum.
Here are some ideas you can look further into. 1) Take a romantic Gondola Ride 2) St. Mark's Basillica - can go to the top for great views - reservations at www.alata.it 3)Palazzo Ducale - take a tour (look into having your hotel book the Secret Itinerary Tour) 4)Rialto Bridge - browse the Rialto Market 5)Listen to the Orchestra in Piazza San Marco after dinner 6)day trip out to one of the Lagoon Islands - Burano (known for lace making and colorful houses), Murano (known for glass blowing), Torcells, and others |
In my opinion the don't miss site in Venice IS Venice. With only two nights I would not even consider going into a museum. As far as I'm concerned there is nothing in any museum on earth that can compare with the city of Venice itself. Just wander around and soak it up.
Being in Piazza San Marco as the sun goes down on that beautiful facade and at least a couple of Vaporetto rides on the grand canal are not to be missed. Other than that just leave plenty of time to "get lost" wandering side canals. |
For me, having a drink at Cafe Florian under the stars and listening to the wonderful orchestra is one of my favorite things to do. I dream about it!
Other thoughts: the Secret Itinerary tour of the Doge's Palace, the Peggy Guggenheim museum, and wandering, wandering, wandering............then wandering some more. Also: the Rialto Market early in the morning, and sitting at a cafe along the Grand Canal in the evening, watching the "rush hour traffic". I love shopping for glass jewelry and beads, too. Can you tell I LOVE Venice???? |
Unless you fly around like a whirling dervish, the "don't miss" sights in Venice can't be done in 2 or 3 days let alone adding "off the beaten track" stuff. I had 5 days and didn't manage to see many of the things others would consider sacrilege to miss. You must decide what's important to <i>you</i>. The Guggenheim that Strass calls "spectacular" is, to others who don't like modern art,very missable.
Read up on what's there and then come back here and ask for opinions on A vs B. Or say whether you have particular interests. My tips would be >give yourself some time to just stroll and "get lost" in a non-toursity area. You'll see a different side of Venice. Things you discover "by accident" are often the most exciting. >Wear comfortable rubber sole shoes (lots of cobblestone). >consider taking a compass (for when you get lost :) >Have explicit instructions and how to get to your hotel so you're not roaming aimlessly with luggage or splurge for a water taxi. >Try to get a hotel room with a water view. >If you have a choice, try to pick week days for being in Venice. It's much more crowded on weekends. |
Yes, if you don't like modern art, of course skip the museum! But if you <i>do</i> like modern art, I do think it's spectacular.
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Just spent 10 days in Venice and I didn't even see the "big" sites. 2 nights is too short, especially considering you will be spending a whole day on the train to get there! If you can only spend 2 nights, which I would assume would give you one full day, see San Marco, the Rialto, take a ride on the ferry on the Grand Canal and then wander back by foot. Have fun!
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You are getting good advice on Venice. Don't plan anything...just wander around and you will enjoy the city.
Daytime in Venice is hectic with all the daytrippers. The evening is much better as the crowds depart. We have enjoyed just getting on a vaparetto and staying on. You can eventually work yourself to a front bow seat as people depart and just enjoy the ride. Get off when you want to. A trip to Murano is fun also. See the glass blowers and listen to their sales pitches. My wife bought a lot of the small candies made out of glass. They look great in a bowl at home. We also have some more expensive items from another trip and they look fantastic. We also liked the store MAX'S. The bag from there has a dog on it. The store has nice handcrafted things. It is near the famous HARRYS BAR. Just walk out of Harry's, turn right and follow that street. You will soon see Max's on the right. You gotta have the overpriced drink in St Marks. Plus, time permitting, the gondola ride. I always tell friends that the #1 question for anyone that has been to Venice is "did you take a gondola ride?". Try to get one in. Otherwise....enjoy the town. One of a kind. |
Our favorite thing to do in Venice was to wander around and sort of get lost. We found a tiny store that sold ship models in all sizes and our son bought a goldola kit. I am sure I would never be able to find that store again, but it was so fun to find something like that. We found so many areas that we could sit at a cafe with locals and just take it all in.
Cafe Florian and the orchestra though...that is still etched in my mind! Elaine--Glad we are not the only ones that bypass the museums in Venice. Not sure why really...but probably we just enjoy everything else. |
I agree with Strass. If you love modern art then don't miss the Guggenhiem. It was a highlight of my time in Vienna. I loved all of Vienna and look forward to returning.
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