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Comfortable walking shoes, boots or sandals are essential. You’ll be on your feet for a good part of your visit and the stone paving can prove tiring. Bring a bag or case on wheels so that it is easy to get on and off boats and ferries.

A passport with a minimum five months validity is necessary for nationals of all countries entering Italy. For residents of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, visas are only required for stays exceeding three months or for those intending to work, but it is always advisable to check with your embassy before travelling. Students should bring an International Student Card (ISIC) for reduced admission fees.

If you plan on any out-of-Venice trips with a rented car, bring a valid driving licence and credit card. Residents from outside the EU will need an International Driver’s Licence. If driving your own car, bring vehicle registration papers and full insurance cover. Italians drive on the right.

Young children tire quickly and a fold-up stroller is essential. A backpack child carrier can be worth its weight in gold and can double as a high chair, which are rare in Venice restaurants.

There’s no such thing as a “bad” time to visit Venice. Every season has its attractions, whether that be hot summer days with balmy evenings; melancholic autumn with its fog; crisp winter with the snow-bound Alps as a backdrop, or mild spring with its photogenic sunsets.

In addition to those recognized throughout Italy (see Planning Your Trip), the Venice Salute festivity falls on 21 November (see Madonna della Salute) and St Mark’s Day on 25 April.

Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), meaning London is one hour behind Venice, the US Eastern Seaboard six hours behind, while most of Australia is nine hours ahead and Japan eight hours ahead. Italy changes to Daylight Saving Time +(ora legale ) from the last Sunday in March through to the last Sunday in October, moving the time difference to GMT plus two hours.

Sunglasses, protective cream and a hat are essential from spring to autumn for pale complexions. Don’t underestimate the strength of the sun and remember that there is added reflection from the water.

Mosquitoes and gnats are a nuisance in summer and few hotels or apartments have protective screening. Should you forget your own, pharmacies stock a wide range of repellents in liquid and electrical form.

Marco Polo Airport is located at Tessera, 8 km (5 miles) north of the city, on the edge of the lagoon, so arrivals and departures are scenic affairs. Many European airlines serve the airport including British Airways and low cost Easyjet. Visitors from outside Europe need to fly to Rome or Milan for connecting flights to Venice.

The most exciting way to reach Venice from the airport is by water – the frequent Alilaguna ferries charge about €10. A private water taxi, however, will set you back an vast amount (around €90), depending on time of day and the amount of baggage you have (see Water Taxis).

To go as far as Piazzale Roma, Venice’s car and bus terminal, the cheapest option is the orange ACTV bus No. 5 (see Street Signs), every 20 minutes during the day. Tickets are available from newsagents. Or there’s the direct ATVO blue bus (tickets available in the arrivals hall).

Ryanair flies into Treviso airport from the UK and a special bus transports passengers to and from Venice (45 minutes). The airport can also be reached by train from Venice to Treviso, then local bus No. 6, although this route does take longer.

Don’t make the mistake of many first-time visitors and get off at Venezia Mestre, but wait until the train has crossed the lagoon for Venezia Santa Lucia Station. The Orient Express is an expensive but memorable way to travel from London between March and November.

Whether you zoom in to the city via the motor-way (autostrada ) or on minor roads, you’ll need to follow signs for “Venezia”. Long-distance buses arrive in Venice at Piazzale Roma.

The Tronchetto island car park has bus and boat links to the rest of Venice, otherwise it’s Piazzale Roma for the exorbitant garages (parcheggio ). A more reasonable option is Serenissima opposite the railway station in Mestre. The car park and boat terminal at Fusina on the eastern edge of the lagoon is also handy. Despite the expense of car parks, never resort to roadside parking – car break-ins are all too common in the area.

Daily car and passenger ferries arrive from Greece across the Adriatic and dock at the San Basilio terminal in western Dorsoduro (see Places to Eat), equipped with an information office and catering facilities. It also acts as the jump-off point for week-long cruises to the Greek Islands.

Porters (portabagagli ) equipped with trolleys and broad shoulders can usually be found at the maritime passenger terminal, railway station, airport, bus terminal and car park, and at strategic points around town such as Rialto and Piazza San Marco. Rates start at around €16 per item.

There are numerous helpful tourist offices around the city (see Sources of Information).

Each of the main towns in the Veneto has a tourist information office (see Sources of Information).

For a modest fee, hotel bookings can be made at a number of AVA offices.

The efficient VeneziaSí booking service run by the Hoteliers’ Association can arrange accommodation on the spur of the moment, free of charge.

This excellent free magazine published every month in English (as Guest in Venice) and Italian by the Hoteliers’ Association is distributed at hotels. Crammed with practical details, boat timetables and info on exhibitions and concerts.

Many events in Venice are announced at the last minute by eye-catching posters along the main streets or small versions in shop windows. Get in the habit of reading them for all manner of fascinating local festivities and cultural events.

The Venice Tourist Board’s complimentary glossy three-monthly publication has a detachable pocket-sized programme of exhibitions, concerts and events. Request it for free at tourist offices.

Aimed at young visitors, this slim, brightly coloured booklet printed quarterly by the City Council contains listings of what’s on, live music, poetry readings, cheap places to eat and shop. You can pick up a copy in bars and shops.

Another useful free three-monthly bilingual magazine that lists exhibitions, not to mention bars and eateries all around town.

Whatever your request, a Venetian will nearly always answer “sempre diritto ” (“straight on”). The idea is that by following the main flow of pedestrians you’ll reach the main sights. A detailed map is always a good idea.

Yellow placards point visitors in the direction of the main landmarks such as San Marco, Rialto, Ferrovia (railway station) and Piazzale Roma (bus terminal and car park). But be aware that inconsistencies in spelling may be encountered between street signs and addresses in this guide due to the Venetian dialect applied to local names.

The ACTV runs a marvellous network of public ferries throughout Venice and the lagoon. Buy your ticket beforehand or, if the landing stage is unmanned, ask the crew for a ticket as soon as you board.

A one-way ticket can be expensive (around €5 along the Grand Canal). You can get better value from a 24-hour or 72-hour ticket (€10.50 and €22). Children under four years of age travel free on all public transport.

A laguna nord day ticket is a good deal for the panoramic circuit via Murano, Burano and its neighbours, as well as Punta Sabbioni (see The Northern Lagoon). An equivalent applies for the LidoChioggia route (see The Southern Lagoon and Venice Lido) via a combination of buses and ferries.

If you’re staying longer than a few weeks, it’s worth investing in an abbonamento (travel pass). A passport-sized photo is required. Apply to ACTV/Vela at Piazzale Roma.

Charges are around €73 for 50 minutes with a maximum of six passengers, although this increases after 8pm. The gondola traghetto ferry service across the Grand Canal is far cheaper if less romantic (see Gondola).

Not exactly a cheap transport option, but it’s undeniably stylish to cruise around in a varnished waterborne equivalent of a limousine if you can afford it (see Vaporetto).

The €15.50 Musei Civici ticket covers entrance to the Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr including the archaeological section and Libreria Sansovino, Ca’ Pesaro (see Ca’ Pesaro Galleria d’Arte Moderna), Palazzo Mocenigo, the Glass and Lace museums (see Museums and Galleries) and Ca’ Rezzonico. The pass is excellent value.

The city’s certified multi-lingual guides, catering for individuals and groups, cover every corner of Venice with in-depth history and history of art explanations in some 15 different languages.

An attractive range of walking and gondola sightseeing tours accompanied by qualified English-speaking guides takes place daily. They last for around two hours.

If you can’t afford a gondola all for yourself, then a group cruise along the romantic canals serenaded by a baritone singing “O sole mio!” is a must. Reservations can be made through travel agents around the city or ask at the gondoliers’ stands.

The outlying islands of Murano, Burano (see The Northern Lagoon) and Torcello (see Torcello) are visited on a four-hour trip in sleek motor launches with a multilingual guide (9:30am and 2:30pm Apr–Oct, 2pm Nov–Mar). Book your ticket at a travel agency or at kiosks in Piazza San Marco.

To get the most out of your visit, join a guided tour run by expert English-speaking staff in the city’s many superb museums. Particularly good recommendations are those at the Archaeological Museum and Sala Sansovino (see Libreria Sansoviniana Staircase). Most tours have no extra charge, although a small fee is payable at the Accademia Galleries (see Accademia Galleries) and the Doge’s Palace (see Doge’s Palace).

In addition to the official parts of the Doge’s Palace, these tours take you “behind the scenes”, and come complete with fascinating historical anecdotes. Advance booking recommended (see Doge’s Palace).

This leisurely if rather exorbitantly priced full-day ferry trip across the lagoon sails via the locks on the Brenta Canal to visit a selection of stately villas, once summer residences of the Venetian nobility. Return is by bus. It is run by Il Burchiello in Padua, but can also be booked via Venice travel agents.

The premises where the German romantic composer Richard Wagner wrote operas, and ultimately passed away, can be visited with an expert multilingual guide on Sat mornings at 10:30am.

Themed walking tours led by experts are an intriguing way to get to know Venice. Some of the possibilities include visiting the haunts of well-known ghosts, taking in the art and architecture of the city, or discovering some of Venice’s most beautiful gardens. Alternatively, take a flight over the lagoon or the Dolomites for a more expensive and less strenuous option.

A handy pass for 14–29-year-olds entailing holders to a boat/bus ticket that lasts 72 hours, and a range of discounts on hotels, restaurants and shops. It is available either from main ACTV/ Vela ticket offices (see Getting Around Venice), Tourist Info (see Sources of Information), or from the Rolling Venice office.

Sleep cheaply in Venice itself at one of several hostels, otherwise use the camp sites on the mainland or the beach areas – there are cabins or caravans if you don’t have a tent (see Hostels and Camp Sites). Crashing out at the railway station is often tolerated though not particularly safe.

You can save money by just walking everywhere, unless you’re staying at the Giudecca hostel or want to visit the islands. Rather than expensive singles, the boat passes (see Getting Around Venice) or Rolling Venice special deal are recommended.

There are wonderful produce markets at Rialto (see Rialto Market), Rio Terrà San Leonardo, Campo Santa Margherita and Via Garibaldi, while supermarkets Co- op, SU.VE and Billa are dotted all over town. Cheap wine is dispensed by the litre (vino sfuso) at the many Nave de Oro outlets – take a plastic bottle.

Italian-style fast food is on at Brek or hamburgers at Burger King (see Spizzico and Burger King) and McDonald’s. For more substantial fare seek out a tavola calda where hot meals are served at the counter and customers sit on stools. Another option is the set tourist menu (menu turistico ) in restaurants.

Children and students with an ISIC (International Students Card) are not the only ones eligible for entry concessions: senior citizens should always enquire at council and state-run museums.

Entrance to state-run museums and galleries is free of charge throughout Italy for the Settimana della cultura , usually in late February or March.

Several good-value rail fares may be on offer throughout the year. Enquire at the railway station or travel agencies bearing the FS logo. To travel cheaply avoid the ES and IC trains which entail hefty supplements, and go for the IR and R slower trains.

Venice’s suburb of Mestre is worth a visit for clothing, shoes and accessories at lower prices than in the city. It also has a huge market on Wednesday and Friday mornings.

Food shops open Monday to Saturday around 8–9am, take a long lunch break and then resume business 5–7:30pm, except for Wednesday afternoon when most are closed. In low season clothing and other shops usually close all day Sunday and Monday morning. Glass furnaces (see Glassmaking Demonstrations) do not often give demonstrations at weekends.

The official periods for sales (saldi ) are mid-January to mid-February then late July to late August. Retailers must show the item’s original cost alongside the sale price so customers know how much they’re saving. Vendita promozionale is another term for a sale.

Visitors from non-EU countries can claim a tax refund on purchases that exceed €155 from the one shop. Most shopkeepers will have the appropriate forms – check for the relevant window sticker first.

Centuries of commerce have shaped the Venetians into diehard traders, who feign offence when discounts (sconti ) are requested but it’s worth a try for cash transactions.

Delicatessens and specialist shops are clustered around the Rialto market (see Rialto Market), with fresh buffalo mozzarella from the south of Italy, unusual pasta and all manner of delectable ready-to-eat dishes. Supermarkets are also worth perusing for bottled treats.

As well as the Pavilion Bookshop (see Venice Pavilion Bookshop) and the Libreria di Demetra (see Libreria di Demetra), novels and guide books in English and other languages can also be found at Libreria Goldoni and Ca’ Foscarina.

It’s worth shopping around as many glass shops stock similar items and prices can vary wildly. Murano (see Murano) tends to be more expensive than Venice but you get a free demonstration as well.

Free shuttle buses leave the Piazzale Roma terminal at regular intervals for the huge mainland shopping centres of Panorama, located at Marghera, Carrefour at Marcon and Auchan on the outskirts of Mestre. They’re good for everything from groceries through to computers, clothing and sports gear.

Pavement trading is brisk in tourist bric-à-brac as well as imitation designer bags and accessories, with bargaining the name of the game. However foreign visitors should be warned that hefty fines are imposed for counterfeit goods (see Counterfeit Design Goods).

Venice street seller

Ask at tourist offices (see Tourist Offices Venice, Tourist Offices in the Veneto) for the special map of Venice which shows areas and bridges accessible for wheel-chairs clearly highlighted in yellow.

Cannaregio’s Ponte delle Guglie has been fitted with a low stepped if rather steep ramp, while four in the San Marco district have a mechanized stair-climber (Ponte Goldoni, Ponte Manin, Ponte del Teatro, Ponte dei Frati). The necessary key is available at tourist offices and must be returned.

Apart from the luxury chains, few hotels in Venice have wheelchair facilities let alone elevators, mainly due to renovation restrictions on historic buildings (which covers virtually everything in town). However a ground-floor room (camera a piano terra ) may be feasible. Addresses can be found in Tourism for all in the Veneto (see “Local Contact” below). The Venice tourist office has a brochure of suitable available accommodation.

Luckily the majority are located on the ground floor though they are not necessarily spacious. Outside dining usually offers easier access.

ACTV bus No. 5, which runs between Piazzale Roma and the airport, is fitted with a mobile platform for wheelchairs and a reserved space with safety straps.

The ACTV vaporetto has a spacious flat area and is easy to get on and off as the landing stages are on the same level as the passenger deck. The motoscafo is best avoided. The Alilaguna launch to and from the airport (see Venice Airport) is also wheelchair accessible.

Waterborne taxis are out of the question unless you can handle steps. However Sanitrans, an efficient private ambulance/taxi service can be booked. The Cooperativa San Marco also has special craft though at a higher rate.

The main public toilets in Venice are accessible to disabled users.

The helpful council-run Informahandicap in Mestre can answer enquiries and assist disabled visitors to Venice.

Firstly because it will be a hindrance in this carless city (you will have to carry it yourself) and secondly because you’ll want space for souvenirs.

If you veer away from the signposted – and crowded – triangle between Rialto, San Marco and Accademia, you will most likely find yourself on some deserted but charming canals and get a glimpse of real Venetian life.

People keep to the right here. This habit is of special importance in narrow crowded alleyways to ensure pedestrian flow, not to mention when you’re negotiating the raised walkways when the city is flooded.

By law, restaurants, offices and all public premises throughout Italy are all non-smoking indoors. This prohibition is taken seriously and fines are fairly hefty!

The Tronchetto Island car park is akin to a “jungle”. Don’t believe anyone who claims to be a parking attendant (there aren’t any) and don’t pre- pay a “return” boat ride to your hotel. In Venice itself, don’t fall for the “three boxes” betting trick which goes on illegally on bridges.

Whether ordering a meal or taking a taxi or gondola, it’s a good rule to verify all charges beforehand to avoid nasty surprises. Complaints can be addressed to the Tourist Board (041 529 8710 or complaint.apt@turismovenezia.it). Tipping (la mancia ) in restaurants is at your own discretion as a service charge (servizio ) is generally included.

Shopkeepers are obliged to provide customers with a receipt by law and it’s also needed if you later decide to exchange an item and for customs when you leave.

Catholic churches no longer require visitors to cover their head, but do still outlaw beachwear, shorts, T-shirts and photographs. Remember, they are still places of worship as well as art galleries.

It is important to remember that both the customer and the vendor can be fined up to €10,000 for dealing in fake designer items, such as the handbags which are readily available on the streets.

In January 2002 Italy joined 11 other European countries by converting its currency to the euro. As a result, the Italian lira was phased out from 1 July 2002. Euro banknotes, which can be used throughout 12 EC countries, have seven denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. There are also eight coin denominations: 2 euros and 1 euro, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Check on exchange rates against your own currency at the time of travel.

Cashpoints are plentiful all over Venice, usually outside bank premises, and allow you to withdraw money around the clock. The logos of the cards accepted are on display. Automatic currency exchange machines with multilingual instructions can also be found in key tourist points.

The most convenient way to carry money and a great help in an emergency. All the major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express) are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, hotels, and can also be used to obtain a cash advance. Diner’s Card is often quoted as the unwanted exception.

Choose a well-known company such as Visa or Thomas Cook, a major currency such as sterling or US dollars, and high denominations as a commission is payable for each transaction. You need to show identification to cash cheques. Keep the receipt and a note of serial numbers separate from the cheques in case of loss. Travellers’ cheques in euros are increasingly available.

Exchange offices are abundant and usually keep long hours, weekends and public holidays included. Compared to banks they demand a higher commission and give a slightly lower rate but they mean less paperwork and shorter queues. It’s worth shopping around to compare rates. Post offices also have exchange facilities.

The main Rialto GPO is open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am–6:30pm, the branch on Lista di Spagna, Monday to Friday 8:30am–2pm, Saturday 8:30am–1pm, as is the one off Piazza San Marco. Stamps are also sold at tobacconists displaying a black-and- white “T” sign. Air mail has been replaced with Posta Prioritaria for a faster service.

Internet points have mushroomed in Venice and range from cramped single-computer affairs to flashy modern premises such as Net House, open round-the-clock (winter 8am–2am). Budget hotels are now installing e-mail points as well.

There’s a public phone on every corner in Venice and pre-paid phonecards (scheda telefonica ) are sold at tobacconists; remove the dotted corner before use. Dial the zero of all area codes.

Newsstands at hot spots such as the railway station and Rialto sell Time magazine, several UK newspapers such as the Guardian, and the International Herald Tribune.

Two police forces operate in Italy. The blue-uniformed polizia answer freephone 113 emergency calls, while the military carabinieri in red-and-black gear respond to law and order problems on freephone 112. Thefts and serious problems can be reported to either force.

Street crime is relatively unusual in Venice but by no means lacking. Pickpockets prey on tourists in crowded places, notably Piazza San Marco and on waterbuses. Put valuables in the hotel safe if possible and don’t keep any on show.

Venice itself does not have major embassies in the city apart from the UK consulate, but the nearest Italian consulates and embassies will be able to assist (see Security & Health).

The minute you realize either are missing report it to the relevant number.

Dangerous situations are unusual in Venice as the main streets are rarely empty. However keep away from the Lido beaches at night and stick to busy areas. Chatting up foreign women continues to be a popular pastime for Venetian men.

Visitors from EU countries should be equipped with an E111 form to avoid emergency fees – procedure instructions are on the form. Australia also has a reciprocal health agreement with Italy so the appropriate paperwork is needed. All other nationalities should take out private health insurance.

Seek advice at a pharmacy (farmacia ) to treat a minor ailment – English is widely understood. Outside shop hours check the pharmacy’s door or the local paper Il Gazzettino for the night pharmacy roster.

Pronto soccorso is the round-the-clock casualty department in hospitals (ospedale ), whose staff are usually familiar with the main European languages. Venice’s main hospital is the Ospedale Civile.

Telephone 118 (free call) anywhere in Italy for an ambulance, including a waterborne ambulanza in Venice. Give the name of a prominent landmark nearby to help them locate you.

Atmospheric studio that offers tuition in sculpture, watercolours, printing techniques and drawing, both short and long term.

The Ca’ Foscari University’s language centre offers semi-intensive courses several times a year. Enrolment covers unlimited access to a multimedia lab with audio and video cassettes, DVDs, TV, books and magazines.

Group and individual courses in Italian language and culture are held year-round at the institute, and the school can also arrange family or private accommodation for students.

Spend an intensive week in the open air on a summer watercolour course, or drawing, fresco painting, self-portraiture and printmaking. The internationally known school can accommodate students in its apartments.

The Venice European Centre for the Trades and Professions of the Conservation of Architectural Heritage on the island of San Servolo (see San Servolo) runs courses in restoration of everything from stone and stucco work to wrought iron and mosaics.

Expert craftsmen run courses not only in glassblowing and beads, but also stucco, furniture restoration and artistic glass.

Small groups are instructed by Sybille Heller in the art of hand-moulded, wheel-turned pottery and a variety of decorative techniques. Courses commence in March and September, and are held two afternoons a week.

Qualified chef Fulvia starts her short-term and year-round cooking courses with a visit to the Rialto market (see Rialto Market) to familiarize food buffs with the ingredients they will be practising on in her marvellous home.

Starting with the clay mould, you learn to produce and decorate a papier-mâché mask at the short courses held in the Ca’ Macana workshop. For people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Courses are taught in various European languages.