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What could be more romantic than a slow tour of the canals of Venice with an Italian gondolier singing traditional Italian songs... or walking across the Bridge of Sighs as the canals reflect the golden orange sunset in the sky... or watching the bustle in Piazza San Marco as tourists are covered with friendly pigeons looking for a treat?

Venice is perhaps the most beautiful and romantic city in Europe. For many years the Venitian experience included a strange odor coming from the canals, but that is in the past. The clean waters that wash the feet of the building are a pleasure to walk along or enjoy from a gondola or vaporetto.

Getting around

Residents of Venice don't travel by car and neither do the tourists. There are no vehicles, except occasional bicycles, on the streets of Venice. Once you leave the train or your tour bus, you'll be wandering afoot through the colorful tangle of narrow streets that make Venice so beloved... and so easy to get lost in!

The traghetto ferry crosses the Grand Canal – don't sit down on this ferry. The tradition is that the passengers remain standing. Fairly large passenger boats, called vaporetto, are the main means of transportation. Smaller, private motor boats are the Venetian version of taxis.

The gondola, a pitch black, narrow boat propelled by a gondolier with a pole, is mainly used for romantic tours around Venice which cost about 80 euros for a 45 minute ride and a bit more if you start your ride at San Marco's Square... that's a high price for the average person to pay for getting around town on a regular basis. The boat is literally "pitch" covered. The tar pitch used to make it waterproof gives it the well known black color.

Venice Tourist Attractions

The vaporetto and taxis are a great way to see Venice. Most provide open air seating that allows clear views to photograph the scenery. Ferries to other nearby towns and beaches run on regular schedules.

Piazza San Marco, San Marco's Square, is one of the main spots that draws visitors to this city. In Napoleon's time, the Piazza was such a central gathering place for the locals, artists and other travelers that he called it, “ ... Europe’s most elegant salon.”

Aside from the multitude of cameras, that description is still accurate. Framed by classical architecture and the bay, this is a wonderful spot to sit for a break at the famed Cafe Florian, visit the Basilica of San Marco or have a go at hand feeding the flock of pigeons that entertain tourists as they pose for photos. If you are staying overnight in Venice, enjoy the dueling bands as they play in the Piazza San Marco after dark.

The Doges Palace (Palazzo Ducale), the Rialto Bridge (Ponte Rialto) and the Bridge of Sighs, are also required stops on any tour of Venice.

Don't miss a chance to have a gondolier escort you on the Grand Canal or into the smaller canals that wind through the city. It may be very touristy, but it is an excellent way to relax and enjoy Venice.

Food and drink

The food is not what draws crowds of visitors to Venice. There is not much variety in restaurant offerings. The tourist menus offers mostly pasta variations that are acceptable, but not special. You'll find several fast food chains, MacDonald’s, Burger King and Spizzico, where the food is just as edible as the tiny restaurants.

In the city center, Italian sandwiches – panini, are served to customers standing at the counters. Sitting doubles the price, so join the locals and stand while you eat. Another option for later in the day are osteries – wine bars where drinks and appetizers are served.

More about Venice tourism & travel around the Web

The Tourist Board of Venice - The English language portion of this site is filled with ideas for things to do, places to visit and more. With a daily calendar of what's going on, info on the nearby areas and beaches, handicapped travel resources and a gastronomy section that includes recipes, this is a must visit site if you are planning a trip to Venice.

Durant & Cheryl Imboden's Venice for Visitors - From the Europe for Visitors site, this section on Venice provides the in depth 'gotta know' details that you're looking for if you're planning a trip. If you're an armchair traveler, the pictures and descriptions are a great way to tour Venice online.

Venice Travel Tips - The picture galleries, that include a couple of celebrities at the Venice Film Festival and two whole picture galleries devoted to Venice carnival masks, would make this site worth a visit.

Venice City Guide - Restaurants - A decent selection of restaurant reviews to steer you to the few exceptions to Venice's tourist trap restaurants.

Italy Guides - Venice - The 360° virtual tours of the sights of Venice are well worth a visit. The controls are a bit sensitive, so don't get seasick as you get used to them.

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also see -> Venice Film Festival | Christmas in Italy | Milan Tourist Attractions

Italy Tourist Attractions | Rome Tourist Attractions

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