La Serenissima Soon to Charge Entry Fee: Tips for Experiencing Venice Before 2024
La Serenissima Soon to Charge Entry Fee: Tips for Experiencing Venice Before 2024 - Ride the Vaporetto for Stunning Canal Views
One of the best ways to experience the magic of Venice is by riding the vaporetto, the city's public waterbus system. Gliding along the Grand Canal and smaller side canals on a vaporetto offers unparalleled views of La Serenissima's fabled palaces, churches, and bridges. It's the ideal way to get oriented in Venice and take in sights like the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, and Piazza San Marco.
Unlike a gondola ride, which can cost over 100 euros for just 30 minutes, the vaporetto is an affordable way to cruise the canals. A single ticket is just 7.50 euros, and you can hop on and off as you please. There are over 20 different vaporetto lines, but the #1 route along the Grand Canal is the most popular for sightseeing. As your vaporetto chugs along, you'll drift past marble palazzos where Venice's wealthy merchant families once lived. Look up to admire elaborate façades and waterside loggias. It's a constantly changing parade of Gothic, Byzantine, and Renaissance architecture.
The vaporetto is also the best way to appreciate the sheer ingenuity of a city built across 118 islands and 150 canals. Watch how the locals expertly hop on and off vaporetti at each stop with suitcases or shopping bags in tow. Marvel at the delivery boats bringing fresh fish and produce to waterfront restaurants and markets. Appreciate the aquatic urban ballet from the front of the vaporetto, where you'll get the most unobstructed canal views.
Don't just limit yourself to the Grand Canal, either. For a more intimate look at hidden Venice, hop aboard smaller vaporetti that navigate the city's back canals. Lines like the #4.1 and #5.1 take you into residential neighborhoods where flapping laundry hangs over the water and neighborhood kids play soccer in quiet campi. Here, the pace slows down as your vaporetto gently nudges through narrow canals overhung with vines.
La Serenissima Soon to Charge Entry Fee: Tips for Experiencing Venice Before 2024 - Wander and Get Lost in the Maze of Streets and Alleyways
Beyond its famous canals, Venice is a disorienting maze of narrow streets and alleys that beg to be explored on foot. Wandering aimlessly is one of the great joys of visiting La Serenissima. Armed with a good map, get intentionally lost in the city’s sestiere (districts) to uncover small wonders most tourists miss.
Each sestiere has its own unique appeal. Castello is dotted with churches, gardens, and historic shipyards. Cannaregio still retains its residential character with quiet canals and neighborhood cafes. San Polo juxtaposes famous sites like the Rialto Bridge and Frari Church with artisanal shops and hole-in-the-wall bacari. In Dorsoduro, meander past art galleries and creative boutiques near the Accademia before emerging onto sun-drenched Zattere promenade.
The mazelike streets follow no discernable urban planning. After just a few turns down narrow calli (streets) that suddenly end at a canal, you’ll soon lose your sense of direction. But that’s part of the fun. Follow your instincts and you’ll stumble upon tranquil campi (squares), markets ripe with fresh produce from the islands, and neighborhood churches adorned with masterpieces by Tintoretto and Titian.
Get purposely lost by veering away from congested thoroughfares around San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. In moments, the roar of crowds ebbs away as you delve into a quieter, lived-in Venice. Peer into open doorways to glimpse neighborhood life inside. Peek into hole-in-the-wall bacari to chat with the bartender over an ombra (glass of wine) and cicchetti (Venetian tapas).
Ditch the map and wander until hunger strikes. You’ll undoubtedly find yourself disoriented, but never fear -- food is always near. Follow your nose to a pocket-sized pizza al taglio joint, or choose fresh pasta, grilled seafood, or hearty fare from a chalkboard menù del giorno. Aimless wandering is bound to stir an appetite.
Getting lost also opens your eyes to Venice’s little delights: the temptation of pastries in tiny forno bakeries, kids playing football in empty campi, fishmongers hawking the catch of the day at floating markets. Don’t be afraid to stray far from the beaten path—out-of-the-way neighborhoods near Via Garibaldi or beyond Arsenale shipyard are full of local flavor.
La Serenissima Soon to Charge Entry Fee: Tips for Experiencing Venice Before 2024 - Admire the Byzantine Splendor of St. Mark's Basilica
No visit to Venice is complete without spending time admiring the resplendent Byzantine architecture and glittering mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica. As the most famous church in Venice, it stands as a testament to the city's historic ties to Constantinople.
Stepping inside almost feels like entering a dazzling golden jewel box. Every inch of the cavernous interior is encrusted with intricate mosaics depicting religious figures and scenes from the Bible. The ceilings dazzle with vivid lapis lazuli and gemstone-encrusted designs. As your eyes adjust to the dim lighting pierced by candles and lamps, take in the lavish use of marble, gilt, and semiprecious stones throughout.
Many of the basilica's glittering mosaics were crafted in the 11th and 12th centuries when Venice's maritime merchants actively traded with the Byzantine Empire. The medieval mosaics fuse Western and Eastern Christian iconography and ornate styles. Look for mosaics depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary, scenes from Genesis, and stories of St. Mark.
Don't miss the stunning Pala d'Oro gleaming high above the main altar. This gold and jewel-encrusted Gothic screen once adorned an imperial Byzantine throne. Facets of sapphires, emeralds, and enameled biblical figures scintillate under the lights.
Climb the steep steps up to the basilica's loggia, or balcony, for a sweeping perspective over the main nave that reveals the intricate patterns of the mosaic floors below. Get up close to study the remarkable craftsmanship of each tiny tessera that comprises the mosaics.
Many visitors are awed by the four bronze horses dating from Imperial Rome displayed on the balcony. These weathered equine statues once adorned the Hippodrome of Constantinople before being looted during the Fourth Crusade and installed here as trophies. They're a powerful reminder of Venice's conquests in the Byzantine east.
Ascend to the basilica's upper galleries using the narrow spiral staircase in the corner for stunning overhead views. From this height, the dazzling brilliance and immense scale of the mosaics and marblework is even more impressive. Don't forget to crane your neck up to see the great domes decorated with glittering mosaics of Jesus, Virgin Mary, and the Apostles.
As you leave, pause in the narthex or vestibule to admire the mosaic above the entryway depicting the Landing of St. Mark's Relics in Venice. This richly-colored mosaic commemorates the legendary arrival of St. Mark's remains, smuggled here after being stolen from Alexandria, Egypt in 828 AD.
La Serenissima Soon to Charge Entry Fee: Tips for Experiencing Venice Before 2024 - Cross the Bridge of Sighs to the Doge's Palace
Spanning the Rio di Palazzo, the enclosed Bridge of Sighs links the Doge’s Palace to the 16th-century Prigioni Nuove (New Prisons). As one of only four bridges in Venice never to span open water, crossing this iconic bridge offers a unique experience.
Unlike the Rialto Bridge or Ponte dell’Accademia swarming with selfie-snappers, the Bridge of Sighs provides an evocative glimpse into Venice’s shadowy past under the doges. According to popular legend, the bridge earned its mournful moniker from the “sighs” of prisoners crossing to the prison, catching their last glimpse of magical Venice through the stone-barred windows.
In reality, only a small number of prisoners likely crossed the bridge. Nonetheless, passing through this somber stone hallway prompts contemplation of the palace’s dual role as both the lavish seat of government and, through adjoining prisons, site of judgments and sentences handed down by the notorious Council of Ten.
Despite its association with imprisonment and punishment, experiencing the Bridge of Sighs still proves worthwhile for history lovers. Gazing through its windows framed with Istrian stone down onto the Rio di Palazzo delivers stirring canal views. Photographing the graceful S-shaped bridge from the Ponte della Paglia alongside Doge's Palace captures its elegant design and reflection shimmering on the water.
For the classic view, cross the bridge itself pausing inside its stone passages. Peer out through the ancient iron-barred windows as prisoners once did for your own last wistful glimpse of romantic Venice. Notice the bridge’s Baroque curves and carved stone reliefs etched with the emblem of Venice.
Standing within connects you to the melancholy fate of prisoners in centuries past, but also to famous visitors like Lord Byron who immortalized the bridge in poetry. Byron found solace and inspiration in Venice, eloquently capturing both its magical and menacing sides.
Crossing over to the Prigioni allows you to explore the connecting passageways and cells of this imposing historic prison. Visitors can eerily walk in the footsteps of condemned prisoners through old cells lined with graffiti carvings. The thick stone walls muffle modern sounds, evoking the grim isolation prisoners endured.
Poignant prisoner graffiti includes supplications for freedom and poignant dates marking days spent confined. One carving simply reads “Freedom is priceless.” Being immersed within these claustrophobic confines helps bring Venice’s often dark history to life.
La Serenissima Soon to Charge Entry Fee: Tips for Experiencing Venice Before 2024 - Take a Gondola Ride for a Romantic Float Down the Canal
Of all the quintessential Venetian experiences, few rival gliding through the city's winding canals in an elegant gondola. Though gondola rides have become touristy, their enduring popularity is no mystery. There's something undeniably romantic about reclining against plush cushions as your gondolier steers you on a private cruise past La Serenissima's marvels.
Drifting slowly down the Grand Canal or slipping through narrow back canals, you'll see Venice from a truly unique vantage point. Gondolas access slender waterways where vaporetti can't venture, bringing you an intimate look at hidden Venice. Pass centuries-old palazzi and slip under tiny bridges so close you can trail your fingers in the water. It's an immersion in Venice's aquatic cityscape you can't get walking.
As your gondolier gracefully leans into each stroke, you'll feel time momentarily stand still. The only sounds are the gentle lapping of water against stone walls and the soothing swish of the oar. Gone is the din of crowds and motors. Blissful silence cocoons you. Stress floats away as you're cradled in a boat christened with the romantic name like Sogno (Dream) or Cara Mia.
Though some avoid gondola rides as cheesy or overpriced, couples and honeymooners understand their enduring magic. There's nothing more romantic than cuddling close as your gondolier serenades you in Italian. His mellifluous voice echoes off ancient facades as you float lazily through postcard scenes.
You needn't be on a romantic rendezvous to appreciate a gondola ride. Gondolas are often rented out by groups of friends or families who split the cost. Sharing one with kids transforms it into an adventure, their eyes wide with wonder. Multi-generational trips enjoy the ride as a memory to cherish.
You can customize your gondola ride, too. Ask to cruise the quieter back canals for more intimacy. Seek out spots like the eerie empty Rio di San Boldo canal lined with dusty boathouses. Or float at dusk as the setting sun sets the Grand Canal ablaze in molten shades of pink and gold.
However you experience it, gliding in a sleek black gondola is a bucket-list Venice activity. As the adage goes, it's the ride - not the destination - that matters. Letting yourself be transported into the moment is everything. Ignore the price tag, avoid haggling, and simply savor a timeless Venetian tradition.
La Serenissima Soon to Charge Entry Fee: Tips for Experiencing Venice Before 2024 - Eat Cicchetti and Drink Wine Like a Local at a Bacaro
While Venice dazzles with iconic sights, some of the city's greatest pleasures are more low-key local experiences. Venturing into a bacaro – a tiny Venetian version of a wine bar – and sampling cicchetti with a glass of vino is a delicious way to take in the city like a true Venetian.
Cicchetti are bite-sized bar snacks, similar to Spanish tapas, that have long accompanied a glass of wine in Venice’s public establishments. In some ways, cicchetti culture parallels a happy hour vibe, providing an affordable and convivial way to unwind over snacks with friends.
At its essence, cicchetti culture embodies the Venetian flair for standing around, socializing, and noshing on small plates paired with a glass of wine or spritz. For visitors keen to discover authentic local venues in Venice, visiting a neighborhood bacaro to try cicchetti is a must.
You’ll find mom-and-pop bacari peppered across residential districts in Venice, though establishments around Cannaregio and Santa Croce brim with old-school charm. Look for a chalkboard menu touting cicchetti specials scrawled in Italian. Display cases showcase daily offerings like plump boiled shrimp, creamy cod and salt cod crostini, fried baby artichokes, stuffed olives, or anchovy rolls.
Cicchetti menus change with the seasons and shift throughout the day as ingredients sell out. An Italian word for “snack”, cicchetti can range from simple bruschetta with tomato and basil to sophisticated delicacies like seared scallops or velvety duck liver pâté.
Part of the joy lies in strolling between counters and pointing to whichever cicchetti look irresistible. The best strategy is to order a few varieties in each round along with a small glass of wine, shared among friends. Expect to pay 1-3 euros per cicchetti, offering an affordable way to sample Venetian flavors and mingle.
At All’Arco, a storied Cannaregio bacaro overflowing with locals, vibrant cicchetti like baccalà mantecato whipped salt cod spread and tender calf’s liver blanket the counters at lunch. In the evenings, Cannaregio bacari like Paradiso Perduto or Al Timon become chill wine bars where university students gather. At Cantinone Gia Schiavi in Dorsoduro, crowds spill out with glasses of straw-yellow Franciacorta sparkling wine and creatively stuffed crostini.
The beauty of cicchetti culture lies in its conviviality. With counters and communal tables ideal for mingling, a bacaro’s energy buzzes as patrons swap tales and joke in the Veneto dialect. Locals let loose, shouting cheeky comments at soccer matches on TV. Kids scamper underfoot as their parents uncork bottles of Veneto wines like Soave Classico or Amarone.
The relaxed, wine-fueled camaraderie entices visitors. Bringing small appetites and an adventurous spirit leads to delightful discoveries. Partake in the bacaro tradition of ombra e ombretta – an “little glass” of wine shared among friends – and cicchetti philosophy: a little bit of this, a little more of that.
La Serenissima Soon to Charge Entry Fee: Tips for Experiencing Venice Before 2024 - Explore the Islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello
Escaping the crowded streets of central Venice to explore the atmospheric islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello offers a delightful change of pace. These picturesque islands scattered across Venice's northern lagoon each have their own unique appeal for visitors.
On technicolor Burano, launder lines crisscrossing the canals flutter with brightly painted houses in eye-popping shades of tangerine, azure, and pink. Local lore claims the vivid facades helped fishermen identify their homes in dense fog. Burano's rainbow architecture now forms an artist's palette of Instagrammable scenes, especially along the canal-lined Via Galuppi. Between photos, don't miss stopping at renowned Pasticceria da Romano for decadent biscuits sandwiched with creamy buttercream.
The island of Murano has been renowned for centuries for its glass-blowing. At factories like Seguso and Salviati, visitors can watch over-heated furnaces transform globs of molten glass into exquisite works of art. Marvel at master craftsmen shaping delicate filigree animals, multicolored chandeliers, and ornate vases with effortless skill honed over generations. Of course, you'll find no shortage of stores selling hand-blown glass pieces, from jewelry to Christmas ornaments.
After the crowds, peaceful Torcello feels utterly remote, with just a handful of permanent residents. Wandering the church of Santa Maria Assunta transports you back centuries with dazzling Byzantine mosaics dating to the 11th and 12th centuries. The mosaic of the Last Judgment above the altar elicits gasps with its gilded depiction of the apostles flanking Christ the Redeemer. Meander through Torcello’s marshes and ponds to spot herons and egrets sailing silently through the reeds.
With no cars or chaos, Burano, Murano, and Torcello offer both scenic snapshots and cultural immersion. Ferries arriving at each island discharge swarms of tourists who quickly thin out. Venture down back alleys to encounter a quieter local lifestyle. Glimpse an elderly woman patiently repairing lace or fishermen mending nets in the shade. Stroll esplanades and bridges free of selfie sticks. Ditch maps and follow your senses to gelato shops, cozy trattorias, and lazy canalside cafés.