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.
Venice is beautiful. But be warned it can be expensive and there is a limited amount of things to do. I wouldn't recommend staying more than 2 days. The St. Mark's area is super touristy and so the crowds are large, and prices high. Go there and then move on to other parts of the city (I personally enjoyed the area around the train station). Grocery stores, and cheap Pizzarias/bakeries/sandwhich shops are easy to find so buy your breakfast and lunch there to save on food costs.
We found the supermarket was the best place to get food. Fresh rocket and parma ham was cheap. Ended up making picnic lunches. My favourite thing was just getting lost in the back streets and finding hidden local shops, galleries, and pizzerias. Venice is magic.
Yes, yes -- you will get lost. But just enjoy yourself -- once you get lost, you'll see the best stuff. Really though, if you pick up a good map, it's not too difficult to navigate around. Do beware the mosquitos -- I got bit all over, about three weeks ago, and the bites were huge and scary looking. I still have red marks, although the swelling went away. The food prices are outrageous and the quality mediocre, and always ask how much something costs before ordering -- my husband ordered a beer, regular size, and it ended up costing eight Euro! Oh, and the "sarde en saor?" Skip it, unless you have an affinity for cold sardines. But you have to see Venice at least once in your lifetime! It is breathtakingly beautiful and one-of-a-kind. Definitely go, no matter the mosquitos or food costs.
