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.
Venice is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I wanted to stay forever, and I was so sad when I had to leave. The best thing about Venice is that it is a walking city, so you can feel free to explore the entire area. Look at everything and take it all in.
Venice is a beautiful lady. But Venice is as well robbing people's money. They charge 6 to 8 Euro an hour for internet, 9 to 12 Euro for a washing a load and drying, and up to 35 Euro for a hostel bed. Be prepared to pay more than in other expensive cities. Tip, if you crave a cappuccino, drink it standing at the cafe's counter -- costs between 1.20 and 1.40 Euro instead 2.50 Euro sitting down. Look in the side streets for cheap bars and restaurants. That way, you have a cheap stay and save money for more travels.
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.
Please reread history and you will realize that you need to stay in Venice not two days but two years to appreciate what the town has to offer! Venice is not Disneyland! Every stone is a piece of true history here. If you don't like culture and art and architecture, stay at home. Please pay respect to Venice, bow to Venice and all that Venice offered to the world, from Vivaldi to Tiziano to Casanova and learn to appreciate Italy. Italy is history.
Venice is cool and you can do anything there... but there are a lot of pigeons!
Venice is beautiful, but very expensive. Don't waste your money on water taxis, and if you really need to try a gondola, use one of the traghettos which take you from one side of the Grand Canal to the other - only 50E! And for cheap food, check out the Cafe dei Frari right across from the Santa Maria dei Frari church. There's no pricelist outside so you know it's cheap - I got a panini and drink for 5E, and the cafe has super nice baristas and great character. A must see.
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?
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!
When you arrive in Venice go to the tourist info booth and get a "Rolling Venice" card. It's worth the price just for the money you save on vaporetto passes alone.
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.
I have visited Venice six times, as I think it is the most beautiful and unique place I have ever seen. I have been to every continent in the world and I still get drawn back to Venice. The history, art, culture, and romance of this city is truly remarkable. The food is superb, but the food in all of Italy is superb anyway. My favourite city, my favourite country -- if you appreciate the best go see for yourself.
Hostelz.com is the only hostel guide with complete information and reviews on all youth hostels and backpackers worldwide.
