3 of 7

Write now Article Tools

We just came back from short holidays in Venice. I did not realise how much I missed this city all these years. When I was living in Trieste - which was a long time ago - I used to go to Venice almost every other weekend. To meet a friend in the airport, to see off a friend, any excuse to see this place. It took about two hours by regional train one-way. I used to take a bottle of water and a good book with me. My first visit to this beautiful city was during the Venice Carnival, in February 1994. It was gloomy, bitterly cold and I did not see much because it was so crowded. I fell in love with the place instantly.

Enough sentiments, time for practicalities. This time, we were flying from London Stansted. There are cheap Ryanair flights to Treviso airport, which is about 30 km from Venice. From the airport, take the ATVO bus to Venice (return ticket costs 10 euro). Venice itself is fantastically expensive place in almost every respect (I never bought such expensive euros for my pounds before!), so consider staying in one of suburbs. We booked a hotel in Mestre, which is well connected to Venice by bus and rail. Normally it takes about 10 minutes by bus from centre of Mestre to Piazzale Roma - unless you travel during the Venice Marathon, as it happened to us on Sunday, when it took 40 minutes or so. Don't even think of travelling to Venice by car.

Piazzale Roma is the place where the four-wheel traffic stops and you have to start exploring the city by different means. The best way to see Venice is by walking, so don't forget to take your favourite walking shoes. Venice is well sign-posted, you always see a direction to the major point of reference such as rail station, Piazza San Marco or Rialto. What you don't see is free public conveniences. Carry some coins on you and prepare to pay up to 1.50 euro for a little more than a hole in the ground. Alternatively, have a coffee or a beer in one of city's countless cafes and use their facilities for "free". However, if you travel with children, don't bother with coffee: just walk into a cafe (with a child) and ask where is a toilet.

Speaking of food: you won't starve in Venice, but it is worth to look for something more authentic than all those touristy pizza and pasta places. In Mestre, I can recommend Osteria del Lupo Nero (Via Ferro, 21) where I had fegato alla veneziana, a Venetian speciality dish of calf's liver.

If you are tired of all the walking, consider using a vaporetto (water bus). As with any public

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Travel experiences: Venice, Italy?
We want to hear your view. Write now!