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The uniquely romantic city of Venice was built entirely on water and has managed to survive into the 21st century without cars. Narrow alleyways and canals pass between sumptuous palaces and magnificent churches, colourful neighbourhood markets and quiet backwaters, unchanged for centuries. Few cities possess such an awesome line-up of sights for visitors.
For guided tours around Venice (see Guided Tours)-
This “pub” sports a real red London phonebox, draught beers and ales, light meals served until midnight and even a dartboard and live music.
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Right by Piazza San Marco, frequented by business people and politicians. Customers enter an imitation Orient Express dining car to be greeted by displays of glistening seafood. Book ahead.
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The odd tourist miscalculates the distance between the quayside and a waiting water taxi and takes the plunge – inevitably saved by timely intervention from a bystander. Be wary of moss-covered steps when taking a photograph or a rest and, of course, don’t let young children out of your sight near water.
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On summer Sundays you would be forgiven for thinking that is the case, as families pack small craft with picnic supplies, sunshades, fishing or stereo gear and row, sail, punt or speed out across the lagoon. Many, of course, need boats for work. On average, one in two families possess a pleasure boat.
Getting around on the water
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The Doge's Palace, Venice, has facades which date from 1309-1424, designed by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Buon. The palace, started in the ninth century, several times rebuilt, and completed in the Renaissance period, forms part of that great scheme of town-planning which was carried out through successive centuries. The facades, with a total length of nearly 152 m (500 ft), have open arcades in the two lower storeys, and the third storey was rebuilt after a fire in the sixteenth century, so as to extend over the arcades. This upper storey is faced with white and rose-coloured marble, resembling ornate windows and finished with a lace-like parapet of oriental cresting.
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(see Doge’s Palace).
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This was the powerhouse of the city’s rulers for nearly 900 years. Passing through a maze of rooms gives visitors an insight into the sumptuous lifestyle that so often accompanied state affairs (see Doge’s Palace).
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Children are thrilled by the spooky labyrinth of narrow passageways through the palace’s erstwhile prisons, and it’s fun deciphering the graffiti scratched on the walls by inmates over the centuries. In the armoury, hunt out the unusual child-sized suit from the 16th century, along with the protection for horses (see Doge’s Palace).
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By law dogs in Venice must be muzzled, kept on a leash and cleaned up after at all times.
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These university rooms are available in the summer months (Jul–Sep). Discounts for students and Rolling Venice participants (see Rolling Venice). No meals, but plenty of cafés in the vicinity.
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Hotel price categories
For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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