The Venezian Daze
Venice (also known as Venezzia) is one of those cities that seem out of this world. The city is built on and around water and the only real means of transport is via water ways and canals. I bet more people here own boats than cars. In fact, apart from taxis, cars are a rare sight in Venice. The public bus is called the Vaporetto and takes people heading to work or tourists to major stops all over this island city. Then there are water taxi’s, a la limo service on water. These are private, more expensive mode of transport.
Some may argue that Venice is the most romantic city, even more so than Paris. I have to say, I agree. The people are friendly and life in Venice just seems to be in a daze.
The Rialto bridge marks the center of the city. It is also one of the historical landmarks of Vencie. If you are staying in Venice, it is a good idea to find something close to the Rialto Bridge. Local restaurants, the meat and produce market and shopping – all happens within a few minutes of each other, on and around Rialto.
Gondola rides may be cliche now, but worth every bit. In harsh times like today when tourism is declining due to the falling dollar and economic recession, gondoleers are willing to bargain down their prices from 100 euros to 60 euros to get patrons. If you’ve taken a gondola ride at the Venetian in Las Vegas, make no mistake; the real thing is completely different and out of this world. Gondoleers are friendly, smiling guys. looking to please. I still remember vividly, the melodic “Oye Oye” they call out before rounding a corner, to warn oncoming fellow gondoleers.
Old buildings, water ways, bridges, small streets and the smell of pizza and cheese add to Venice’s unique ambience. Dining by the water, while expensive, and compromising of food, is still a wonderful experience.
San Marcos square or Piazza San Marcos is a huge square which is famous for the San Marcos Basilica, Doges Palace, and pigeons. The basilica, with its golden dome interiors, frescos and the four bronze horse statues and view of the Piazza from the terrace is a rare one of its kind. Doge’s Palace, with its sprawling grounds, hundreds of large rooms with art for every taste, is typically Italian and memorable. While there, make sure you see the underground prisons and the Bridge of Sigh’s, named after the sighs that prisoners would let out as they saw their last view of the city before being marched to year’s of underground captivity.
Shopping in Venice is expensive and should be avoided. If that is your cup of tea, consider a day in Naples, where shopping is amazingly cheap. However, two things that you should definitely buy here are a mask, and something made from Murano glass. Venice is the authentic place to buy both these things.
For me, two days in Venice is the right amount of time, and the best way to enjoy Venice is to discover it by foot. The city is the most unique I have ever experienced and gives Paris a run for its money in terms of romance.
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Venice is one of the most amazing cities on the planet. I wish we had water limos in Los Angeles.
For some reason I wouldn’t be a big fan of Paris and I would have to say if someone asked me where I imagined the most romantic city is I would say Venice, the canals, the friendly locals, the laid back atmosphere, what more could you want?
Thanks
I agree the best way to experience Venice is by foot. Spring or fall is the best time to go there.