Continuing to get acquainted with Venice after our previous post What to see in Venice: TOP-8 ideas. Part I, today BlogoItaliano will focus on the most interesting (from our point of view) activities that should be puzzled when visiting a city. A big plus of the places that will be discussed today is their locality: everything, or almost everything, is very close to each other. Therefore, the proposed plan is suitable even for those travelers who have only a few hours to explore the city.
# 4 Take a ride on Vaporetto # 1 on the Grand Canal
The easiest and most pleasant way to get to know Venice is to just walk along it. But there is also an exclusively local alternative - use the Vaporetto, which is the Venetian analogue of the water bus.
To visit Venice and not ride the Vaporetto is akin to a trip to Athens without visiting the Acropolis. The most successful vaporetto route that you can recommend for exploring the city is, of course, No. 1, going from Piazzale Roma to St. Mark's Square (and further) on the Grand Canal.
Grand Canal in Venice
Stops of route No. 1 are scattered along the entire Grand Canal. Another plus of it is that the boat alternately sticks to one or the other of its banks, allowing you to switch to the pedestrian option virtually anywhere.
And even if you don’t have any reference in your hands in order to get behind the scenes of the history of the palazzo that you drive through, then there is nothing to worry about. Just relax and have fun - a walk to this is very convenient.
No. 3 Look at St. Mark's Square when it is empty
Many believe that Piazza San Marco is the place that you should see in Venice first. Perhaps they are right. At least, most tourists first of all go here and therefore, in the daytime, it is really very crowded here.
Most tourists go to St. Mark's Square first.
But if you want to fill the chalice of impressions to the maximum, then try to visit St. Mark's Square when no one is there. Of course, this task is somewhat complicated, but quite solvable. Venice, with the exception of certain periods, does not have a vibrant nightlife, and therefore it is very possible to see the square without "tourist scenery". Late night or early morning. It is unlikely that she will be able to find it completely empty, but you will see that this is a completely different sensation.
No. 2 St. Mark's Cathedral
Even if you are not a fan of visiting cathedrals, the Basilica of St. Mark must certainly replenish the list of exceptions. Many famous travelers consider it perhaps the most beautiful cathedral of the Middle Ages. At least, this is precisely the goal that Doge Cantarini set for himself in 1063, who is credited with the idea of building it.
St. Mark's Cathedral It amazes with a huge number of mosaics and other objects, evoking vague memories. If they begin to cause you a deja vu effect, then perhaps you have recently visited Istanbul. The idea of mosaic decoration in the cathedral was borrowed by the Venetians just from the Byzantines, and part of the decoration was taken from Constantinople and used to decorate the Basilica after the Fourth Crusade.
St. Mark's Cathedral amazes with a huge number of mosaics
Once inside, be sure to go up to the Loggia dei Cavalli (Loggia of the Horses) in order to capture the magnificent view that opens from here to St. Mark's Square.
As for the horses themselves, before you copy - the originals are exhibited in Marciano Galleryadjacent to the cathedral. The latter also deserve attention, being a magnificent example of ancient sculpture. By the way, once Napoleon himself laid his eyes on the horses, through the fault of which Quadriga spent some time also in Paris.
No. 1 Just get lost in Venice
You may find this idea a little strange, but it's really worth it. If you only have a few hours to explore the city, then the best way to do this is to get lost in it. Taking a walk without work, you will discover that the popularity of Venice does not prevent it from staying very comfortable, imbue it with the special charm of the city and feel its inner essence ...
Best to “get lost” in Venice during the fog season
Arriving in Venice on a short visit, do not rush to “tear your claws” to the nearest museum. Better take a breath and stroll through the narrow streets along the numerous canals and churches. Try to forget that in the back pocket of your trousers you have a card that is prudently “borrowed” at the airport. This will allow you to "get lost" as realistic as possible. And do not worry about the fact that the road back is not being found. Venice is not as great as one might wish.
If it seems boring to wander on your own in Venice, you can always turn to a local guide for this purpose - for example, Katya, with whom BlogoItaliano has been friends since 2014. Feedback about this acquaintance and Katya's contact we left here.
Update as of June 14, 2018: In 2018, together with Katya, we shot a useful video in Venice for everyone who is going to the city on the water. We recommend you to watch it before your trip. By the way, subscribe to our Youtube channel, where useful videos for travelers regularly appear.
