No matter where you are staying, Venice is most definitely made to be toured on foot. If you like to walk, you can get to St.Mark's Square through the narrow alleys called calle. That way, you really get to see the heart and soul of the city. You'll discover small squares where the locals hang out with their children and pets, and the small shops and cafes that give so much life to this unique city. Remember that Venice is basically sitting on the lagoon so wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk up and down many small bridges. Go to the Rialto Bridge, either on foot or by vaporetto. This is the largest and most popular bridge in Venice, lined with shops on each side and also allowing for some great snapshots of the Grand Canal. However, most of the shops on and around the Rialto tend to have overpriced and lower quality merchandise. It's easy to get lost in Venice, but that is part of the whole experience. Just follow the directional arrows to the main landmarks and you will be fine.
Water buses (vaporetti)
If the weather is bad and your time in Venice is limited, then buy a a ticket valid for 60 minutes and costing 6.50 euros or a period travel card -
- 14,00 € - 12-HOUR TRAVELCARD
- 16,00 € - 24-HOUR TRAVELCARD
- 21,00 € - 36-HOUR TRAVELCARD
- 26,00 € - 48-HOUR TRAVELCARD
- 31,00 € - 72-HOUR TRAVELCARD
and visit this unique place by vaporetto (public water bus). Vaporetti are useful for getting around Venice and essential for travel out to the Lido or the northern islands - S. Michele, Murano, Mazzorbo, Burano and Torcello. Check this link for more details on routes and fares or this website.
Click here for a map of Vaporetto routes.
If you have an appointment, the fastest way to get to places in Venice is by private water taxi. Beware: the sleek, wood-trimmed water taxis are not cheap, with extra fees for radio-dispatched service, trips after 10 p.m., and Sunday travel. Also, aquatic cabs have meters, but drivers have a tendency not to activate them and bargain fares. Official fares of water taxis and gondolas are posted on the City of Venice website. Find out what you should pay before the skipper casts off! However they are very convenient , especially when travelling from Marco Polo airportto your Hotel. They avoid having to carry your luggage from a water bus landing stage through crowded narrow streets to your Hotel.
Alilaguna
The cheap alternative, when travelling to and from Marco Polo, to a private water taxi. Marco Polo is. NOT served by the vaporetti lines but only by Alilaguna. They are reasonably priced - 12 euros to travel to San Marco but very slow, taking over the hour for a journey which takes 20/25 minutes by private water taxi. Their other drawback is they only serve a limited number of landing stages on Murano, the Lido and in Venice.. See www.alilaguna.it for details of routes and timetables.
The gondolas of Venice are beautiful but expensive. Gondoliers often demand more money for less time, so strike a deal in advance or book a gondola excursion through Viator or a Venice travel agency. A gondola ride is particularly enchanting just before sunset. Be sure to take your camera!
