My husband made an impromptu stop in Verona on our way to Venice, and Verona turned out to be a highlight of our trip. Verona is beautiful! I love that city. Don't miss it if you are traveling in northern Italy.
Most accomodations are not near the train station, but that's a bonus. Since Venice is comprised of tons of little islands, if you want to stay in the heart of the city, then you would want to stay away from the train station anyway. The walk from the station to the first real bridge bringing you into Venice is great (you can't get lost, it is one winding road) but once you cross the bridge it can get confusing. Just be polite and ask a local for help (or point on a map) and you shoud have no problem. As touristy as it is, take a gondola. If you can find an open post in the middle of the day, go for it (most people try to do early morning or early evening) and because there wont be a long line, you may be able to negotiate the price. And of course, in the evening you must go to Piazza San Marco, one of the best piazzas in Italy to see the church, listen to live music, and have a good meal.
Truly a magical place! I found Venice to be like an artist's set of a stage. Everything so quaint and individual. Through the magical mazed streets, I will struggle to match this truly unique place!
We did not like Venice. If you must go, stay for a day or two -- that's all you'll need. People there don't know the word politness. If you have lunch at restaurant, check your bill very good because they like to add things that you haven't ordered.
referring to the hotel Al Gallo, 3 stars category: it's a pity the hotel would very nice, proper and well-located, nearby the railway station and in a delicious part of Venice, it wouldn't be for the service: the welcome was quite horrible, and during the evening the same man argued about the wasted water having the shower!! then spending 100euros he should be politer and permit a second round of coffee in the morning, if one would like, isn't it?
Venice is absolutely beautiful. The architecture is breathtaking. This is a must-see city. Go to St. Mark's, it is free to visit inside but photography is not allowed. But it is magnificent, breathtaking inside. The Piazza San Marco outside the basilica is also very nice. Just walking around is nice. Beware of water taxi drivers trying to get your fare - for a similar price you can get an all day ticket on the ferries. These guys will catch you as you enter the city and show you which way to go - to their taxi. Ignore them and get a ferry. It is worth catching a ferry and staying on it to see the city from the water. Everything else is very expensive. Beware of restaurants who display a price list out the front - they will charge heaps for drinks (even soft drinks) and for "services" and even for "complementary" food. Venice is absolutely amazing. Put it on your list.
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