So here are my Memories of Venice… I remember coming here back in 1977 and left with a completely different impression. Back then, I remember how beautiful it was. It had a charm that no other City in Europe possessed. The canals, the architecture and the people all combined for an amazing experience. However, today Venice is different, mostly due to the crowds of tourists but also in the decay of the buildings and walkways. Venice was ridiculous over crowded. The drivers have to weave in and out of the onslaught of boats. Buses have to wait in line to dock and tourists wait in line for everything. The prices have skyrocketed too. I would compare the pricing to that of the Scandinavian counties which have been the highest by far for me. One still needs to go and the beauty and history are still there. You just have to look for it, past all the junk gift shops and clothing stores.
My favorites were the islands of Murano and Burano. Both are an easy ferry ride away and the perfect way to get away from the masses and have an almost relaxing day. Also the Castello area, specifically Via Garibaldi, is great for meeting new friends, having a drink, something to eat and getting back to what I remember Venice to be of old.
There are two airports & two train stations, be sure you know which is yours, they are not close together. The Water buses are everywhere, cost is 7.50€ for 1 trip or 20€ for 23hr (what I recommend). They are very efficient & on time even with high tourist traffic. Be sure to validate your ticket.
Be sure to search out and wander the back paths to discover wonderful restaurants & hidden gems, they are everywhere. The closer to the Grand Canal the more expensive whatever it is that you are buying will be. Also note most Restaurants add a cover charge & gratuity, so beware.
Be sure to do a day trip to Murano – the Island of Glass. While I only found 2 working factories & 3 small ones, is so worth the trip. It doesn’t cost more because you have a “day pass” on the ferry system. There are dozens of shops & restaurants. Be sure to only buy Official “Stamped” Glass items. But note, other than the museum & glass galleries/shops there’s not much else to see/do, which is also what I loved about it. Also there are fewer people so you can actually walk and think.
Cemetery Island via the 4.1 bus is also worth a stop, but be sure to check with the attendant on the schedule, it is very sporadic.
Finally you must go to Burano via the 12 bus. It is absolutely beautiful, smaller island so easy to navigate with no worries of getting lost. Buy lace here & take a ton of photos. All the houses are painted in bright solid colors – it’s quite dramatic. I recommend going via the 8am ferry from Arsenic – takes an hour to get there. It is completely un-crowded at that time & cooler. I had the whole island to myself for almost two hours before others started to arrive. Still it never got that crowded, it was so nice…
Be sure to check out my “Visions of Venice”, “Visions of Murano” & “Visions of Burano” for all my photos, which will give more specificity with captions and write ups on all there is to do in Venice, Murano & Burano… Plus my TripAdvisor reviews will give even more detailed insight…
