Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Italy / Veneto / Venice
 |  | Destination Guide : Venice |
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| | | City on the water |  | Why go on holiday to Venice?
Most travellers are dazzled by this unique and amazing city. With historic buildings, stunning architecture and miles of waterways, it's definitely a place to marvel at.
Where else in the world can you immerse yourself in a city without having your ears assaulted by the sounds of motorcars?
How much does it cost?
It's an expensive city whenever you go. A three-night city break stay in a two-star hotel will cost from £300 per person. Flights only can be as low as £50 return with budget airlines but reckon on paying an average of around £100.
It's also advisable to book a hotel room well in advance as prices fluctuate dramatically between seasons. Small, family-run hotels start at £20 but you must book early.
When should I go?
Avoid midsummer as it gets very hot (up to 81F/27C) and is unbearably crowded. Winter can be a disaster if flooding occurs. The best times are spring and autumn, before the crowds appear.
Venice's famous carnival takes over the city over the ten days running up to Ash Wednesday. Revellers dress in fantastic costumes and elaborate masks; the city is packed and accommodation must again be booked well in advance.
The Venice film festival, which rivals that of Cannes, is held in September.
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| | | Bridge of Sighs |  | What should I do when I'm there?
The secret to really seeing and discovering the beauty of Venice is to walk. Start in stunning St Mark's Square, check out the mosaics in the Basilica di San Marco and explore the magnificent Doges' Palace (Palazzo Ducale).
Get lost in the narrow streets and when your feet have had enough, splash out on a gondola ride - it's well worth it once you get off the main canal and into the quiet backwaters.
Or hop on a vaporetto (water taxi) along the Canal Grande to visit the islands of Murano and Burano.
How on earth did they build a city on water?
It's hard to understand how the city was ever built. The Grand Canal has been described as the finest street in the world, weaving its way around the city for more than three kilometres - seeing the buildings from the water is awesome.
There are only three bridges over the Grand Canal but the city is built on 117 small islands with 150 canals and 409 bridges. Sadly, floods - and pollution - have contributed to the degeneration of Venice's monuments and artwork.
What else should I see?
The 16th-century Rialto Bridge, surrounded by a bustling produce market is a must-see. In fact there's been a market here for 1,000 years. Don't miss the moving Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), which prisoners crossed to reach the dungeons.
Venice has some 200 churches - aside from St Mark's, check out Chiesa di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, where the artist Titian is buried. This huge Gothic church is packed with art treasures.
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| | | Watch the world float by | | Where's good for nightlife?
The cafes in and around St Mark's Square, like the famous Harry's Bar, have charming orchestras - but pricey drinks.
Fortunately, there are cheaper locandas and trattorias in virtually every square. After dinner, treat yourself to a drink in one of the grand hotels overlooking the lagoon and watch the world float by.
What's the food like?
One of Venice's best-known contributions to the Italian table is tiramisu, a rich dessert of mascarpone cheese. Polenta served with a tomato sauce and risi e bisi (risotto with fresh peas and bacon) are traditional favourites. Brodo di pesce is a classic Venetian fish soup. Traditional pasta and pizza restaurants are everywhere; the best places are found along the back streets of Canareggio and San Polo.
What should I buy?
Wherever you go, carnival masks are on sale. Prices vary, so it's best to look around first. Glass is a good buy. Take a ferry to Murano to see the glass being made - and be prepared to haggle over prices.
To mingle with the fashionable Italians, head to the narrow streets between San Marco and the Rialto. Artists are everywhere in Venice and you can pick up some beautiful, memorable and often quite reasonably priced souvenirs of your visit.
What is there for children to do?
Kids will enjoy a trip down the canals on a vaporetto, as much fun as a gondola and less expensive. Take them to watch the big ships pass along the Canale della Giudecca, and the Mori strike the hour on the Law Courts' clock tower in Piazza San Marco.
Tourist office
Italian State Tourist Board, 1 Princes St, London W1R 8AY. Tel 020 7408 1254. Brochure line: 09001 600 280 (calls cost 60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Venice |
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| |  | | Cà Rielo Apartment
...let Venice become your home for a few days...
Alessandro and Marina Zavagno will be happy to welcome you to Ca' Rielo
|  | | Des Artistes Apartment
Cozy apartment completely restored and fully equipped in the heart of Venice, 1 min from the airport shuttle stop and from boat stop to all directions
|  | | S.Polo Apartment
Luxury 75mq apartment un the heart of Venice.Fireplace, beams,old furniture and plasters.Calm with view.
|  | | Camping Village Cavallino
The Park; Park annex camping site situated by the Adriatic Sea, along a wide sandy beach between Lido di Jesolo and Punta Sabbioni. Situated i
|  | | Trivignano
This semi-detached, ground and first floor holiday home (circa 170m2) stands next to a typical 19th century Venetian building, 15 km from the centre o
| | Click here for more properties... |
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