A surprise trip to Venice has arisen for Tuesday and Wednesday next week. I just found out 20 minutes ago and I have nothing planned!
I would be very grateful for any recommendations on where to stay, some cool bars and some not touristy must-dos (I'll be able to find St. Marks' Square all by myself). Has anyone got any Venetian gems that they would like to share with me?
Visit the fish market near Ponte Rialto early in the morning. (if you like fish)
Go to Burano and stay there during the day (unless you love crowds)
If you do get a vaporetto pass and go to Burano, also visit Torcello. And, on the other side of the city, you could visit San Giorgio Maggiore - wonderful views both from ground level and from up in the bell tower (there's an elevator).
I liked the historic Jewish quarter. There's a nice museum there. Quite neighborhood to get lost. I stumbled upon some nice churches to visit. One of my best meals was in that area.
Eat at the Black Cat in Burano (Trattoria al Gatto Nero). Also, stay in Castello and get up super early in the morning and walk everywhere. There are still lots of places most tourists don't get to. Many are day-trippers. As far as San Marco goes, we found the tops of the columns of the Doge's Palace far more interesting than the inside of the church. Don't let anyone tell you that there are no good places to eat in Venice --- just stay away from the heavily touristed areas and do your research. If I can find my notes, I'll be more specific!
Thanks Nancy, this is really helpful.
OK, I found some details. The times are what they were three years ago.
Scuola Dalmata di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni in Castello, best Carpaccio including St. George & the dragon, Mon 2:45pm-6pm, Tues-Sat 9:15am-1pm and 2:45pm-6pm, Sun 9:15am-1pm, on Calle dei Furlani. Take binoculars --- the huge paintings are quite high up on the walls.
Church of San Francesco della Vigna, 8am-12:30pm, 3pm-6:30pm daily, in Castello
San Giacomo dell’Orio, Must see ceiling of its church: wooden built with shipbuilder techniques, favorite campo (northern San Polo)
Skip the view from the very crowded Campanile and instead take the #82 vaporetto toward Giudecca and get off at the 1st stop, the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Ride the elevator to the top of the bell tower --- wonderful views of Venice and the lagoon.
Skip the gondola ride and take a topa boat tour: http://www.vivivenezia.org Almost two hours in a little motor boat on the back canals.
Too bad your not going Saturday. Festa Veneziana Sull'Acqua Saturday night on the Rio di Cannaregio. Sunday morning, free food for the boat parade on the Rio di Cannaregio.
Start of the Carnevale season.
http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/evento/festa-veneziana-on-the-water-first-part/?lang=en
Wander away from the tourist hot spots and get lost!
The area around the Main train station in Venice is best for hotels or B&Bs with modest prices. Also, it is convenient to the people mover and you can still walk to St. Mark's Square easily.
Further, the Jewish Quarter is nearby and very interesting.
Hello!
What a wonderful surprise. Lucky you, I have some friends in Venice, I really miss being there.
48 hours are enough to get around... Let's see!
Isola di San Michele
Isola della Certosa
A La Vecia Papussa
Scuola Grande di San Marco
Ponte de Chiodo
Libreria Acqua Alta
San Francesco della Vigna.
San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower
A good area choice for your stay might be Dorsoduro.
If you go to Burano (island in the Venetian Lagoon) go to eat at Gato Nero :)
