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Original poster

Anyone been to Venice?

86 replies

RebeccaMillet · 09/07/2023 20:08

My son has told me he wants to go in a Gondola. I’ve never been to Venice although think I may fancy it? Is it a great place, expensive, worth it?

OP posts:
Toucanfusingforme · 09/07/2023 20:10

Expensive, yes. Fabulous, yes. Went in early spring, tourist areas busy but so many other parts to explore. Loved it.

Florissante · 09/07/2023 20:12

I've been to Venice multiple times. Yes, it's expensive but it's definitely worth it.

LubaLuca · 09/07/2023 20:13

Yes it's worth it and it's expensive. I've been a couple of times and enjoyed it a lot. There's nowhere else like Venice.

Changingplace · 09/07/2023 20:13

Not cheap but I absolutely loved it, beautiful and unique, well worth visiting.

Lessonsinbiology · 09/07/2023 20:13

One of my favourite cities. For me it exceeds expectation and was even better than you can imagine from the photos.
I love it, explore beyond the few very touristy streets, take a boat to one of the Islands. I've been several times and it has never disappointed. Some people say it smells I've never experienced that and have been 3 times in the summer.

LessonsInPhysics · 09/07/2023 20:15

Not like anywhere else in the world.
Doesn't have to be expensive if you plan well.
Gondola a must.

CoffeeCantata · 09/07/2023 20:17

Venice is an incredible place but -oh my, it's packed with people nearly all the time. My advice is to get a map and explore away from St Mark's Square - so many little alleys (calles), squares, churches etc etc

Have a boat trip to the islands too. The Doge's Palace is amazing but queues are long, as for all the main attractions.

And don't watch 'Don't Look Now' before you go. When you get back - fine!

CecilyP · 09/07/2023 20:17

Absolutely fantastic! Don’t go in July; it’s unbearably hot. May is good!

ohtowinthelottery · 09/07/2023 20:18

You can cross the Grand Canal on a gondola for €2 each. You have to stand up though! It's not quite the same as touring the 'streets' on your own gondola but it's a much cheaper way to go on a gondola.

mangochops · 09/07/2023 20:19

Its not cheap but its one of the most wonderful, magical places I've ever been. A beautiful city on water and a gondola ride is something I am really glad I've experienced

cakeorwine · 09/07/2023 20:19

I think it was 80 Euros for half an hour last time we went - but I am not sure. And I am not sure if that's per person or per gondola.

We were in Venice last year

Pocketfullofdogtreats · 09/07/2023 20:19

It's fabulous. I flew, and got a water bus (boat) from the pier next to the airport into the centre. You go across open water and past islands, and it gradually gets more impressive until you turn into the Grand Canal, and that's when I found myself in tears! Imagine a city with the main roads as canals instead of roads... It's unreal. If I were to go back I would book a private transfer by speedboat from the airport - expensive, but wow! So worth it! Watch The Tourist with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp - terrible film, but Venice is the star.

Original poster
RebeccaMillet · 09/07/2023 20:21

Sounds wonderful. I better start saving. Is everything expensive? I’m assuming eating out and the hotels will cost a lot.

OP posts:
BlueKaftan · 09/07/2023 20:22

It’s expensive but as others have said it’s worth it. Lots of walking and stairs. You can’t take a bad picture. Go to Resturant Cherubino for a divine experience.

Hottytotty · 09/07/2023 20:22

ohtowinthelottery · 09/07/2023 20:18

You can cross the Grand Canal on a gondola for €2 each. You have to stand up though! It's not quite the same as touring the 'streets' on your own gondola but it's a much cheaper way to go on a gondola.

This - the traghetti are ferries that go back and forth across the Grand Canal at various points. You don’t have to stand up but all the locals do Grin

Hottytotty · 09/07/2023 20:23

Hottytotty · 09/07/2023 20:22

This - the traghetti are ferries that go back and forth across the Grand Canal at various points. You don’t have to stand up but all the locals do Grin

Show quote history

Gondola acting as ferries I mean…

UtterlyUnimaginativeUsername · 09/07/2023 20:23

We went in January when it was quiet and very atmospheric. Absolutely glorious place, everyone should go there once (except the crowds would ruin it!). It's expensive but there are budget options, you don't have to break the bank.

We didn't bother with a gondola ride; instead we had a private rowing lesson through the canals, which was extremely memorable Grin It's harder than it looks! It was an hour and a half for less than the price of a half hour's gondola ride (at daytime prices).

ARareKindaBear · 09/07/2023 20:25

Yeah Venice is lovely, definitely do a gondola

Also take a trip to Poveglia, it’s a beautiful island, very quiet and away from the tourists

HawdMeBack · 09/07/2023 20:27

It's overrated IMO. Nothing wrong with it but I was underwhelmed.

Pigstrotter · 09/07/2023 20:28

Expensive, stinks, & overrated.

EsmeSusanOgg · 09/07/2023 20:29

Love Venice - not cheap - but then you can do it on a reasonable budget and splurge on the things you really want to do.

Been multiple times, including with DS when he was a baby.

Look out for deals if you have children/ young adults in your group as some museums and sites are cheaper/ free for under 25s..

Divebar2021 · 09/07/2023 20:32

I went last year and booked a private walking tour for my friend and me for her birthday present. Went to some out of the way places and our guide was able to give us a list of restaurants he recommended which were “local” and not expensive. Favourites spots visited were the viewing platform at T Fondaco del Tedeschi, the Peggy Guggenheim & Acqua Alta bookshop. Had a gondolier ride and it was totally worth it. For me it was too hot though so I’d love to go back in Winter or Spring.

EsmeSusanOgg · 09/07/2023 20:32

RebeccaMillet · 09/07/2023 20:21

Sounds wonderful. I better start saving. Is everything expensive? I’m assuming eating out and the hotels will cost a lot.

Similar to London/ Paris/ other big cities. There are cheaper places though - if you go back a few streets from the main drag.

I've not done a gondola in my three visits. They can be pricey, though prices fluctuate depending on when you are there. But if it is a bucket list item, make sure you budget for it. Again, cheaper to get if you move off the main grand canal area.

Flyingkiwi8 · 09/07/2023 20:34

Loved Venice. Also went on a gondola and loved that too. I would recommend getting up early - like 7am - to go to the touristy parts - we did this and came back to our air bnb between 1-3/4pm when it was sooo hot (and when it was busiest!) but that was in mid July.

WoollyRosebud · 09/07/2023 20:35

Venice is awesome, I have been several times. Get a day vaporetti pass and you can travel everywhere, islands, lido, the lot. I think it is the number 1 goes the length of the Grand Canal. I’ve not done the gondola ride but they do look fun. It is as expensive as you want it to be. There are good budget hotels or you could rent a self catering apartment near the station and lots of good places to eat. Leave room for plenty of gelatos!

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