DK Travel : Venice

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)

Il Ceppo

A gourmet’s paradise with mouth-watering take-away dishes, pickles and preserves. Buy a catered picnic with wine or simply a crusty roll filled with Asiago cheese or sopressa sausage.
Il Gelatone

Try ice cream maestro Michele’s bacio (kiss) of hazelnut and chocolate.
Il Lato Azzurro

Great-value lodgings on this garden island where sea breezes are ensured. They arrange canoe trips, bicycles, picnic lunches and half board, entailing mainly vegetarian meals with locally grown produce.
Il Mondo in Miniatura

Miniatures of Venice’s palaces and bridges modelled by the craftsman who has produced a 6 x 4m (20 x 13 ft) model of the entire city.
Il Papiro

Tempting gifts in the shape of marbled paper-covered boxes, greeting cards and writing paper with artistic letterheads.
Il Réfolo

Non-smoking gourmet pizzeria in a beautiful setting alongside a church and canal.
In-line Skating

There is a small rink at Sant’Elena in Castello, otherwise stick to the Lido pavements (see Lido: beach side).
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Hero Harrison Ford heaves up the floor in the church of San Barnaba.
Instituto Canossiano

A modernized, converted convent with vast courtyards to wander around. Automatic distributing machines for snacks and drinks, otherwise it’s not far to the Zattere. There’s a midnight curfew.
Is the sea safe for swimming?

Yes. Periodic controls for bacterial counts are carried out and the upper Adriatic normally emerges with a clean slate. Venice’s closest beach is at the Lido, where the city’s families go en masse during the steamy summer months (see Lido: beach side).

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €100
- €100-€150
- €150-€250
- €250-€350
- over €350
Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €30
- €30-€40
- €40-€50
- €50-€60
- over €60