6 Things to Know Before Visiting Venice
Venice. I mean, what an incredible place. It's packed with all of the history, architecture, food and wine you could possibly want. It's no wonder you have a trip planned or have it on your travel bucket list. But what should you know before you go?
We went in October last year, and it was an amazing holiday. But we definitely learnt a few things while we were there that, looking back, I wish we'd have known before we went. So, I thought I'd relay those points to you so that you know what to expect before your big trip!
1. You'll be doing a lot of walking
You won't find any cars in Venice. The best you'll find when it comes to taking the weight off your feet is a bicycle, and even then, it's mostly the locals that will have them. This means you'll be doing a whole lot of walking, whether you like it or not.
But it's totally worth it. Also, if you feel like you need a break, there's always a bar or a coffee shop you can nip into and sit out on the waterfront for a refresh before venturing onto your next destination. My advice? Plan your trip before you go so you can dictate the amount of walking you do.
2. There won't be any cars
Venice is an island, so there's no way onto it from the mainland other than via boats. This is the sole reason why you won't find any cars in Venice. The second is that the rule is in place to protect the history of the place, including its cobbled streets and the wood used to hold the city up. It's additional weight that the old wooden structure underneath simply cannot tolerate. No matter the main reason, you simply won't find cars in Venice.
3. Gondolas & Vaporettos are different things
You might have only heard of Gondolas, ad you may well know what they are, but what about Vaporettos? If you want to make the most of your visit to Venice, then part of the fun is knowing what the differences are between then two.
If you want a private, romantic venture through the canals, that will also set you back around 100 Euros, then a Gondola is the one to choose. These are big, black wooden boats that are typical of what comes to mind when you think of Venice, with fells wearing white and black stripy t-shirts.
If you asked a local about the Gondolas, then they'd point you to the tourist areas, most likely. If, however, you want a public water bus that's a fraction of the price, then the word to use, or look out for, is a Vaporetto.
If you asked a local where the Vaporettos go from, then they'd point you towards the public docks and piers where you'd hop on a public water bus with everyone else. So, Gondola = private and costly, Vaporetto = water bus with the public - sorted.
4. It can get very busy
Of course, any major city is going to be busy. We went in October and it was heaving, so goodness knows what it would be like in the height of tourist season. Either way, make sure you're always aware of your surroundings and watch out for pick pockets in tight spaces.
5. Seeing everything in one day is unrealistic
Venice may look small, but there's a lot more to it than just St Mark's Square. We spent about three days there, mainly because we ventured over to Murano, which is a separate Venetian island and famous for its glass. If you really want to make the most of your time there, then give yourself more than just 24 hours, trust me.
6. Acqua Alta can be possible
You might be wondering what I'm talking about here, but Acqua Alta is essentially the term locals use for high water. It happens when tidal conditions cause part of Venice to flood. This is way more likely in autumn and winter, but unusually high rainfall, even in the summer, can cause it.
Venice has installed a flood barrier system, called MOSE, but you should be prepared for changing conditions when it comes to flooding. The best thing to do is to book your visit outside of autumn and winter seasons, just to be on the safe side.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post and that you found it useful for your upcoming trip to Venice. Let me know in the comments if I've missed anything and I'll see you all again soon with some brand new content!
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