Things to do in Venice

Did you visit any of the other islands? They are definitely worth an excursion. How long have you got?

We visted for the first time last year and apart from the 'obvious' we really enjoyed the Peggy Guggenheim Gallery. A lovely oasis of calm amidst the bustle if you like modern art.


Bruce

Due to a motorbike puncture, I once slept the night in Venice on a petrol station forecourt waiting for the tyre place to open in the morning. I slept in my leathers and helmet because I was being attacked by these bugs that looked like flying baked beans. After all that I didn't look like most of the other tourists. I didn't seem to fit in too well.

As Bruce say's The Guggenheim is great. You are also in luck if you are going this year as it is The Biennale. Again this year part of the Arsenale has been opened up for the Int. Art Exhibition (10th June - 21st Nov). Well worth the admission as it is part of Venice that is usually impossible to see.

A good guide book is Cadogan's Venice, excellent for art (if you are interested) and some good walks, particularly the Ghetto walk.

We always stay in an apartment in Dosoduro (there are plenty of good bars on Zattere and a wonderful ice cream shop (Da Nico) and although I know lots of decent restaurants it is almost impossible to describe how to find them (turn left walk 100m turn right etc!). A few I would recommend are:

Bacco Cannaregio 3054, fondamenta Capuzine, San Girolamo
Fiaschetteria Toscana Restaurant, Cannaregio 5719, salizada San Giovanni Grisostomo Tel - 041 5285281
Alla Madonna Restaurant, San Polo 594, Rialto-Venice Tel - 041 5223824
Casin dei Nobili, Calle del Casin, Dorsoduro 2765 Tel: +39 041 241 1841
Ristorante Riviera, Zattere (opposite Molino Stucky), Dorsoduro 1473
Trattoria al Ponte, Ponte del Megio (Calle Larga), Santa Croce 1666

For my money Venice is best when it is dark and most of the day visitors have left. Walking around in the semi dark seems to take you back centuries.

Finally if you have not already done it catch the vaporetto (http://www.actv.it/english/home.php) line 1 from P. le Roma (not the railway station go up to P Roma as you stand a better chance of getting a front seat) down to San Marco. From there head to Florians for a hot chocolate (via a cash machine!). Touristy but wonderful!

Enjoy yourself
Steve

Endorse visiting the islands, especially Moreno.
David

Another vote for Peggy G's gaff.
Otherwise, don't eat or drink within 1000m of San Marco and you should be ok. If going to Murano or Burano, I'd go early in the day.

All good advice. And wear comfortable shoes: you'll be walking a lot! have a great trip. It's a wonderful city.

Following on from Doc's advice, get up early so as to wander about and photograph the city before both the crowds and the hot midday sun arrive.

Another good point. I was there in early June and got up at to take some pics. San Marco devoid of people is lovely. Also seeing all the essential services, store deliveries etc. Best time of day I reckon.

well thanks to you all, and i'll be sure to check out the places mentioned. I'm visiting in July - i know it's warming up then but i'm still looking forward to it. I went once before in March - and it was wonderful - cool and quiet. This trip will be different! Looking forward all it has to offer.

Thanks

..early morning definitely the best. This about 6am