Everything You Need to Know About Venice

Venice is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, with its winding canals, ornate gondolas, picturesque streets and small piazzas. It is famous for its unique architecture and its many cultural treasures, which includes the spectacular Santa Margherita Basilica. But what exactly is it that makes Venice so special? In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about this incredible Italian city.

Where is Venice?

Venice is a city in northeastern Italy on the Adriatic Sea, located in the north of the country in the Veneto Region. It is centered in a lagoon near the northern part of the Po River Delta. Its population was 270,098 as of May 2016 (the total population of Venice plus settlements around the lagoon is counted as 553,036). Venice is divided into six sestieri or districts – San Marco, Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, San Polo and Santa Croce.

What makes Venice so Unique?

What makes Venice such an extraordinary place to visit is its unique geography and architecture. It is the only major city on earth that does not use cars or bicycles – transportation is mostly done by boat on the countless canals of the city. Venice is built up on an archipelago of 118 tiny islands and canals linked together by more than 400 bridges. The city also has its own government and administration system, different from the rest of Italy.
The other remarkable feature of Venice are its buildings. The ancient buildings, palaces, churches and large public squares that make up the core of the city are wonderful feat of engineering and creativity. All of them are made of local stone called “Seregge” and decorated with plaster, which has developed a unique patina from generation to generation since the Renaissance period.
One of Venice’s most famous landmarks is the Piazza San Marco, a large public square with a wealth of historical monuments around it. Among them is the famous bell tower of St Mark’s Basilica and its lovely arcade. Other important monuments can be found all throughout the city, such as the Doge’s Palace (Salone dei Dogi), with its imposing Gothic façade and marvelous porticos; or the Academy Bridge (Ponte dell’Accademia), a wooden bridge that connects two sides of the Grand Canal in front of the Academia Gallery.

What can I do in Venice?

There are countless activities to do in Venice. Start exploring the city by a walk around St Mark’s square or take a cruise along the Grand Canal. Enjoy a traditional gondola ride along the canals or explore some of the local shops and restaurants in quieter areas. There are also many museums, such as Museo Correr, Libreria Acqua Alta or the famous Peggy Guggenheim Collection, as well as exhibitions, festivals and performances throughout the year.
For those who want to learn about Venetian history and culture, there are many guided tours available, such as those offered by La Serenissima Visite Guide which take visitors crossing centuries of history combining guided tours with audio-visual shows; or art walking tours exploring modern and contemporary art throughout ancient sites and galleries.

Is it easy to get to Venice?

Yes, it is fairly easy to get to Venice from other parts of Europe by train or plane. The main airport in Venice is “Marco Polo” airport, but there are also several smaller regional airports close by. You can use public transport buses to get from the airport to any part of Venice, and there are regular ferry connections between major cities in Italy, such as Milan or Rome, and Venice.
If you are coming from overseas, you may also use public transportation to get to Venice from many foreign cities such as London, Paris or Munich; however, it can be very time-consuming, so using air transport will be more convenient in this case.

Where to stay in Venice?

When it comes to accommodation in Venice, you can find many options depending on your preferences and budget. Hotels in Venice range from basic budget options like Hotel La Meridiana, located close to San Marco square, to modern luxury 5-star hotels like The Gritti Palace or Hotel Metropole near Rialto Bridge.
Hostels are also a good option for more budget-conscious travelers; one example is Ostello Venezia Hostel close to Biennale Gardens. Finally, private rentals through sites like AirBnb are also an increasingly popular option and they offer great value for money if you book in advance.

Conclusion

So now you know everything you need to know about Venice: where it is located, what makes it so special, and what you can do there! With its unique beauty and stunning architecture, as well as its rich cultural heritage, Venice is a great destination for visitors looking for a place that stands out from other cities around Europe. Whether you are looking for art and culture or simply a romantic getaway with your partner, Venice will definitely be a great choice.
For more useful information about visiting one of Europe’s most romantic cities check Travel Italy Magazine – Vencie Guide, where you’ll find everything from must-see sights to unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.