This is my first trip to Venice. I arrive in Venice at 3:35pm on October 17 (Monday) and will spend 10/17, 18, and 10/19 in Venice. I fly out of Venice on 10/20 at 2:30pm. I'm looking for advice of things to see. I might follow Rick Steves' recommendations for the 2 full days but I'm not sure about how to spend the time on the two partial days (after I arrive on 10/17 and before I leave on 10/20). Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
Posted by
Indiana
524 posts
I think following an established itenarary like RS is a good place to start. My recommendation for the first day is to check into your hotel and just go strolling and taking in Venice. Stop and have a drink if you see someplace you like. I don't know how crowded Venice is that time of year, but we followed advice from a message board. Walk away from the crowds during the day. It was amazing, just 1 minute of walking "outwards" and it was like a different Venice. Since you are arriving so late, I wouldn't plan anything but sightseeing, perhaps a Vappareto ride.
I would also suggest one morning you get up early and go to St. marks Square by 8. It's just beautiful in Venice that time of morning. We stopped at little cafes along the way for cappuccinos. St. marks is quiet, such a nice beautiful feel to it. So much different than 2 hours later.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I can't improve on Lulu's reply - just follow her advice!
Remember that getting in from the Venice airport to Venice proper takes time. So, on your first day, you'll have time to check in, walk around, get away from the throngs, get dinner, maybe wander Piazza San Marco or take a night vaporetto #1 along the Grand Canal, and go to bed. It will still be a great day - it's impossible to overstate the impact of seeing Venice live for the first time. And a good part of your last day will be taken up with getting to the airport. Assuming it's a flight within Europe, you still want to be there 2 hours before departure, so 12:30 PM. That means leaving 11 AM or earlier, unless you spring for a water taxi.
I will quote Rick, to show what Lulu is talking about: "While 80 percent of Venice is, in fact, not touristy, 80 percent of the tourists never notice. Hit the back streets." So, just do that on your first afternoon/evening and last morning. What are the back streets? Anything that is not the train station, the Rialto, Piazza San Marco, and the most direct paths between them.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
Here are some suggestions that aren't on the normal tours:
Go up to the balcony level in San Marco and watch the sun highlight the gold mosaics. It is pretty incredible. Then go outside to the see the horses and overlook the piazza.
Go out to San Giorgio Maggiore and go up the campanile (it has a lift). Great views of the city, the laguna, and Guidecca.
Going out early and watching the city come to life is an experience (6am or so) is a treat. The way the commercial vendors deliver their wares is interesting. Boats and carts that move up over the bridges. Fascinating.
We walked out around Dorsoduro and watching the locals fish in the laguna. That was fun. It happened to be during a light acqua alta and most were in very high boots. Some actually caught fish!