Venice - Walking Distances and Trying to Find an Apartment

So I actually agree with both previous posts. I am returning again in mid April for yet another 3 nights in Venice and my previous trips have helped me to understand how to quickly get from one part to another, and how to avoid the masses of sheep on the main drags. But speed isn't what Venice is about. As far as I am concerned it is about getting lost and finding new views and just kicking back. We will be staying very near the Rialto Market (thanks Michael - I'll give Roberto and Piero your regards) which is the most central we have ever stayed. We can do that now that we know how to go. I can probably walk from the top of the Rialto bridge to the clock at San Marco in 10 minutes with a head of steam up and a clear shot. Rialto to Accademia? I've never tried to go in a straight line but not much over 15 I would have thought, probably less. At a leisurely pace not stopping for sights but with mandatory gelato and espresso intake along the way, looking at boats, looking at architecture going in nowhere near a straight line maybe 2 hours. What's "central"? How long is a piece of string? I dunno, in my mind (YMMV and probably will) when I get to the station, Ple Roma, the apartments between there and the cruise ship docks, in the westerly direction. In the easterly direction I stop when I get past the Arsenale or Bianelle (sp). The Islands of Murano, Burano, Torchello are not central. The other side of the Guidecca canal is not central. But it is all in the eye of the beholder. There are probably day trippers who think if they can't see the domes of S Marco they are not central. Anywhere in Dorsoduro does it for me. I hope you have a great time in the most unique most beautiful city I have ever seen.

Anita and Michael are right about walking distances. It is a small town. I was very worried about being in the "right" location our first trip and quickly found out there are many such locations. We stayed between Campo San Polo and the Rialto Bridge last trip in a neighborhood that was very much "real." We were probably 3 minutes from The bridge and market, as well as a vaporetto stop, but completely removed from other tourists. In Dorsodoro, be sure to visit Tonolo, a fabulous pasticceria. EDIT: Nigel is right, too.

Hank, walking distances are generally short in Venice. Walking between Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square is less than 10 minutes. But, Venice is confusing and so it takes a few days to find your way quickly from place to place. Expect to be confused and to feel a bit disoriented whenever you attempt to explore a new neighborhood. I think there are tourist accommodations in almost every part of the city. If you are intent on finding "real" neighborhood, you might explore the area near Saint Elena, but that will be a longer walk (or boat ride) from the main attractions. One thing to keep in mind is that many tourists leave in the evening, and the city has a distinctly different atmosphere then.

Dorsoduro around Santa Margherita would be an excellent location. It would fit the bill of good location and yet still very much a neighborhood. If you're wanting to avoid heavily touristed areas, you really should avoid both Rialto and San Marco. You might consider Cannaregio, but it's a little far away from the main sights, and the straight layout of the canals isn't as charming (to me) as the winding canals in Dorsoduro. Google maps will show you what I mean, I think. You can use Google Earth (and probably some other websites) to figure out distances. Happy travels.

We have stayed at several spots in Venice over the years. We are rather fond of the area in Castello around the campo Santa Maria Formosa, the area in Dorsoduro around the Accademia and up to Santa Maria della Salute, and San Polo just off the campo San Polo and had a great time there as well. Some things to remember for apartments. Most buildings don't have elevators. The first floor in Venice is most north Americans second floor. So that charming spot on the third floor is a fourth floor walkup. We have used these people in the past with good results: www.veniceapartments.org These folks also get good reviews: www.viewsonvenice.com Some also like www.vrbo.com

I've been to Venice 5 times, and it's a pretty compact place. I have stayed all over town, including close to the train station. Most of the town is pretty dumpy looking, because water often gets into the first floors during times of high tides. But, if you ride a vaporetto at night, look up into the second floor apartments. You've never seen such luxurious residences. I won't suggest the neighborhoods to stay in, as it's been a few years since I've been there. I would tell you to not get into Venice at night, as the back alleys are like a maze in the dark. If you go on Venere.com or Booking.com or other big booking websites, you can see by their maps of the hotels' locations.
TripAdvisor.com's customer recommendations will tell you about locations and positives of hotels. Rick Steves' Italy is another source of hotel information. You'll be bowled over by this city.

Yes, walking distances are short.....but you will get lost and that's half the fun......you'll walk for a bit down a narrow alley and come out into a big piazza with several options on which way to go......pick one and have fun......you'll eventually come out somewhere located on your map and be able to get back on track.

We loved wandering around Venice at night. It's 100% safe, so the only issue is getting a bit turned around. Study a map for awhile before you arrive. Take a compass with you and then you can orient yourself when you get to one of the piazzas. Or just use the signs that are all over the place directing you to either San Marco or the Rialto. Of course sometimes even they can be confusing: How do I get to San Marco or the Rialto?