FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO VENICE

Venice is a bucket list destination. I recently had the opportunity to visit the magical city to experience LivItaly’s night tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica. In addition to the tour, I had two short days to explore the city. Although it was my second time in Venice, I definitely got a better feel for all that the city has to offer. If you’re thinking about a trip to Italy’s famous water city, below is my first timer’s guide to Venice!

THE BASICS

• The closest airport is the Marco Polo International Airport or VCE. But it is also easily accessible from many other cities by train.
• There are no cars on the island. the narrow roads, canals and bridges make it impossible for cars to pass, so prepare to do a lot of walking, or take a water taxi!
• The easiest transportation option from the airport to the island is the ATVO or #5 bus to the Piazzale Roma station. From there you can walk to just about anywhere on the island’s west side! If you’re staying on the east side, a water taxi is the better option!
• You’ll have to pay a tourist tax directly to your hotel ranging from 1-5 euro depending on where you stay.
• You’ll find the standard 2 pronged European outlets throughout Italy.
• Flooding is common, so check the tide report before you’re trip and don’t forget your rain boots if flooding is predicted!
• I have now visited in both the spring and fall and found the temperature to be quite chilly both times of year! Definitely throw a warm sweater or jacket in your bag for chilly days and nights spend sightseeing!

EAT

You definitely won’t go hungry in Venice! There are so many great restaurants and cafes to choose from! Here are a few that are on the top of my list!

Osteria Sepa

A perfect spot for happy hour ciccetti (small bites) and drinks. My favorite was the fried gorgonzola followed by a sip of champagne! If you want to experience the culture and flavors of Venice, don’t miss Osteria Sepa!

Pizzeria Ristorante da Sara

You can’t visit the birthplace of pizza without trying a slice, or if you’re like me a whole pie! This little eatery serves up a variety of wood fired pizzas and wine that are sure to hit the spot and the wait staff could not have been nicer!

Grand Canal Café – for upscale dining option with a view, book a table at the Grand Canal Restaurant located in the beautiful Hotel Monaco. Enjoy fresh fish or pasta and watch the gondolas pass by along the Grand Canal.

Bigoi

If you’re looking for a place to grab a quick bite, head to Bigoi. They serve one type of pasta, which I would describe as oversized spaghetti. Choose from a variety of sauces and top with a bit of parmesan and red pepper flakes and enjoy!

Estro

For a glass of wine in a cozy atmosphere, head to Estro. They have a variety of vinos and yummy bites. It’s the perfect place to stop after a long day of sightseeing!

Gelatoteca SuSo

If you’ve searched for photos of Venice, chances are you’ve seen a one of a hand holding gelato from Gelatoteca Suso. Known for their heaping servings, mouthwatering flavors and decorative presentation, this is the place to go if you’re in need of something sweet…or you just want some content for the ‘gram!

STAY

I stayed on the west side of the island about a 5 minute walk from train station and main bus terminal. It made for easy transportation to and from the airport. – just a 20 minute bus ride each way! As I mentioned above, if you stay further out on the island, you’ll need to take a water taxi.

I booked a room at the Ca’Riza, an adorable bed and breakfast. The owner, Romano, could not have been more helpful! He reached out in advance to assist with directions and told me about all the main points of interest as well as some local exhibits happening that weekend. I started each day with a light breakfast of sliced meats, cheese, yogurt, pastries, fresh juices and cappuccino, which Ramona added a cute little smiley face to! It wasn’t fancy, but it was oozed with charm and was perfect for my short 2 day stay. I highly recommend!

DO

Of course you’ll want to at the Basilica, a gondola ride and the Rialto Bridge to your list, but those are a given and I wanted to highlight some stops that you might not have known about! Here are my top recs.

Mercato di Rialto fish market

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30am to noon, this bustling market is where you’ll find local produce and the fresh catch of the day. Even if you’re not planning purchasing food, it’s worth visiting for the experience alone!

Acqua Alta Book Store

You’ll feel as though you’re stepping back in time at this incredible vintage book store. There are vintage booked stacked from floor to ceiling, inside and out!

T Fondaco dei Tedeschi

For panoramic views of Venice, head to the terrace of the T Fondaco dei Tedeschi shopping mall. It’s free to go up, but you’ll need to reserve a spot in advance to enter. And you’ll only get 15 minutes at a time, so you’ll have to be quick if you want to snap any pics! I suggest going as close to sunset as possible!

Night tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica

The main reason for my trip was to experience the newly launched night tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica. During the day, this famous landmark is swarming with visitors, but with the LivItaly night tour, you’ll get to experience the basilica in a small group of no more than 6 and even get access to areas that are typically off limits to the public!

Day trip to Murano & Burano

There is so much to see and do in Venice, but I highly recommend spending at least a half a day exploring the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is known as the glass island because it famous for its glass making. All the blown glass figurines you see in the Venice shops were made in Murano. Burano is known for its handmade lacework and colorful buildings. For 20€ you can enjoy a 4 hour tour of these two iconic islands!

I hope this post helps with planning your getaway to Venezia! I have no doubt you’ll find that it truly is a magical city!

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Have you visited Venice before? If so, what are some other travel tips for first time travelers? If you’ve never been to Venice, what would most like to see or do there?

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