One of the jewels of Italy, Venice is known throughout the world for
its stunning architecture and miles of canals. Consisting of 117
separate islands linked by a series of historic bridges, canals and
pavements, Venice is visited each year by many thousands of tourists.
Home to some of the world most stunning buildings, impressive museums
and art galleries, and a large selection of top restaurants, Venice has
much to offer and rarely disappoints.
Central Venice consists of six main regions, Cannaregio, Castello,
Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, San Polo and San Marco, each full of local
charm and appeal. One of the most famous landmarks in the city, San
Marco Square is the only public square in Venice and offers a rich
heritage, with the magnificent buildings of Doge's Palace and the
Basilica San Marco nearby. Castello is the most historical area of the
city and is known for its Arsenale ship-building yard.
On the northern side of Venice, Cannaregio contains the Santa Lucia
Railway Station, with nearby Santa Croce linking the city to Italy's
mainland. The smallest area of the city is the San Polo district, which
offers many local eateries and inns. On Venice's southern side you will
find the district of Dorsoduro, which contains the notable 17th-century
Dogana da Mar.
Transport in Venice:
Central Venice is easy to traverse on food, being generally well
pedestrianized. Popular methods of transport include inexpensive water
buses and more pricey motorboat taxis, both of which offer a convenient
and extremely scenic way to travel around the canals. Connected by rail
to many large cities in both Italy and Europe, Venice stands on the A4
Autostrada.
The city is home to a large and busy airport, which is located around 8
miles / 13 km from the centre and caters for many international
airlines. Venice's Marco Polo International Airport is easy to reach by
a range of transportation, such as buses, cars, taxis, boats and rail.
Venice Tourism:
No trip to Venice would be complete without a trip in a traditional
gondola and the city is geared up towards the tourist trade, with many
must-see sights and attractions. Some of the most popular things to see
in Venice include the numerous palaces and historic structures, such as
the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), the Palazzo Mocenigo, the Palazzo
Ducale (Doge's Palace), the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and a host of
churches. The city is also home to countless trendy shopping areas,
which are lined with local boutiques and specialist shops, together
with a number of colourful markets.
Some of the most outstanding art galleries and museums in the city
include the Marciano Museum, the Archaeological Museum (Museo
Archeologico), the Accademia Gallery and the Contini Gallery. The
watery city of Venice is also home to a surprising number of green
spaces and parklands, such as the Royal Gardens (Giardinetti Reali) and
the Giardino Giusti. Nearby Venice you will find a many interesting and
appealing towns worth a visit, such as Burano, which is just a short
trip by ferry and is known for its lace making.
Throughout the year, many major events are held in the Venice area and
consist of religious festivals, cultural events and sports. Events not
to be missed include seasonal carnivals, the Festa di San Marco at the
end of April, the Festa Medioevale del Vino Soave Bianco Soave each
May, the Vogalonga rowing regatta in May, the Venice International Film
Festival at the end of August, and also the New Year's Eve masses in
the city's Catholic churches.
Venice Shopping:
Full of elegant and trendy boutiques, independent shops and vibrant
markets, the city could be called a 'shopper's paradise' and offers
plenty of genuine bargains. The best shopping areas in Venice are
around the San Marco region, the Mercerie and also close to the Calle
dei Fabbri. Also, regular fish markets are held alongside the Grand
Canal and are popular with both locals and visitors to the city.
Venice Restaurants:
With a vast selection of restaurants, cafes and eateries, Venice offers
many traditional Italian dishes, which include freshly made pizzas,
pastas, paninis, cheeses and salads. Many other types of cuisine are
also available aimed at tourists visiting the city, such as fast-food
outlets and bars. Al fresco dining is particularly popular in the city
and around the San Marco area, known locally as the 'Piazza San Marco'.
