Venice for four days in Early Dec

Probably 99.9% of your questions are answered within the pages of Rick's Venice or Italy guidebook.

Also, wear layers and bring an umbrella.

We were in Venice last June when it was hot, muggy and crowded. Our first time there (20 yrs ago) was over Christmas when it was cold and empty. You’ve picked a good time to go!

Last trip we stayed on Giudecca in a 2 br/2 ba apt with a/c, a kitchen and a washer. It worked great for us (2adults, 2 teens). It’s an easy ride from the train station or parking garage, only one bridge to cross with luggage. And it’s away from the crowds. 15 minute vaporetto ride to St. Marks, and less than 200€/nt. Found it on air B&b: Stella Marina #3.

Our first trip we stayed at Hotel Ala, which is a great location near Giglio stop and very close to St. Marks. Personally, I don’t like the idea of hauling luggage over tons of bridges, so proximity to a vaporetto stop is important to me!

Our favorite meal was at Taverna Scalinetto. Not super fancy, but very good and lots of variety. Favorite gelato was from Suso Gelatotecca. We had great pizza at Conca d’Oro. We ate there 20 yrs ago and it’s still run by the same family. We really enjoyed hanging out in St. Marks square listening to the orchestras in the evening. Not sure if they do that in the winter though!

We’ve been to Venice 3 times now, and we’ve done a gondola ride each time, so I guess that’s a “must” for us! Our favorite things are just wandering the streets, stopping wherever looks interesting, riding the vaporetto along the grand canal and just being there!

Depending on what days you are there & given that it's the midwinter holiday season, even though I'm not religious at all, I'd seek out what's happening in the churches & the synagogues. I was in Venice during the lighting of the Grand Menorah in the Ghetto, and it was joyful & a great feeling of community, even though I'm not personally Jewish. Churches compete to get the best singers as guests, though, frankly, the choir at St. Marks is so good, no celebrity opera singers are required. Just be respectful and, if you can't participate in a service, quiet. On the plus side, there's no chance you'll be too skimpily dressed in December.

By the way, if you visit the Ghetto during Channukah, I had one of the best pastries of my life from the kosher bakery, Panificio Volpe Giovanni. As I recall, it was like an orange flavored doughnut studded with chopped dates & ground almond. The Venetian Jewish community has recipes that are unique to them, & worth seeking out (not dissing the Chabad community growing in Venice, but they're recent arrivals & eastern European kosher cookery can be found many other places).

Have a great trip!

Thanks for sharing everyone. Yes, I get great info from the RS organization but I am soliciting for personal favs. I don’t need amazing descriptions if that’s holding anyone back from replying, although I love love reading your narratives. Thanks for your input.