In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[QUOTE=tuscanhills]We're off to Venice for the first time this weekend & would value some advice. I'm happy to read all the guide books in the world, but I'd much rather hear some good, honest advice from my chums on the forum, so:
[list]
[*]Any do's?
[*]Any [b]really, must[/b] do's?
[*]Any don'ts?
[*]As we're there for Valentines, any suggestions for a romantic evening?
[/list]
Garzie![/QUOTE]
To read: Jan Morris - VENICE & J.G. Links Venice for Pleasure
Don't think you have to go everywhere by boat - walking is often more rewarding.
Very easy to get off the tourist track to see how Venice functions for those who live there.
I have always been dissapointed by the swanky restaurants and prefer their tapas type establishments or small out of the way trattorie. There are a couple of good restaurants by the fish market that look no more than working men's cafs but do very good fish dishes.
If it is cold and misty go to Florins in St Marks Square, get a corner window seat and order hot chocolate - the best you will ever have - if they forget the biscuits prompt them as they are special too.
Tea can be taken at Harry's Bar but avoid it in the evening. To see how the other half lives you could have an apperativo at The Danielle - if it is masked ball time you could hire a costume there too.
Visit the other islands and the Lido.
If it is sunny sit out on the Venice side of the Giudecca canal and soak up the rays.
I like to wake early in Venice and see the city at work...the post office boats, laundry boats, the markets and and and
Then there are the churches and galleries and and and
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Wow - what good suggestions!
Am off to Venice at the beginning of March - will remember these and let you know how they are!
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Kim & David, From the above posts Venice sounds so romantic the perfect place for valentines, I do wish you both a fabulous time, one day we hope to get there but I think I will also plan it for a valentines weekend.............
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Remember that Venice is very expensive, but absolutely romantic.
If you want a "top romantic" hotel you should go to "Locanda Cipriani" in Torcello.
Nice restaurants, apart from the most famous, are Banco Giro (near Rialto), La Piscina (about €. 60), L'Altanella (€. 40), L'Acqua Pazza (€. 80).
the best way to visit the town (for me) is walking and losing your way among rii and campielli
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
passeggiate per Venezia di notte e' qualcosa di unico al mondo
Ciao from Venice!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/09/2006 - 16:46In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[QUOTE=tuscanhills]We're off to Venice for the first time this weekend & would value some advice. I'm happy to read all the guide books in the world, but I'd much rather hear some good, honest advice from my chums on the forum, so:
[list]
[*]Any do's?
[*]Any [b]really, must[/b] do's?
[*]Any don'ts?
[*]As we're there for Valentines, any suggestions for a romantic evening?
[/list]
Grazie![/QUOTE]
Hello Kim & David-
We currently live in Venice - just joined the forum today actually! Got this link on my first post that you were coming to Venice. Carnevale starts next week. Ok, some must do's for restaurants: La Zucca or Ristorante Bragoso for dinner, I Promessi Sposi for lunch. They have one of the best selections of cichetti (pub grub) in the city. A romantic evening for Valentine's would be well spent on a Gondola - for two people, expect to pay at least 80 euros for a 40 minute ride. Going later in the evening will cost more. The restaurants I listed are our personal favorites. Definitely make a reservation for your Valentine dinner. Avoid places with menus in more than 3 languages, and also that have waiters standing outside trying to solicit you into the place.
DO eat/try the Fritelle from any pastry shop. They are made for Carnevale, fried dough balls stuffed with various creams and covered with powdered sugar. Yum! Do go to Campo Santa Margherita for drinks and people watching - cheapest place and is the main location for night life in the city.
Drop me an email if you'd like to chat about your trip. =)
saluti,
Giuli
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Thanks to everyone for the posts & advice...........we're off today & can't wait!
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[QUOTE=tuscanhills]Thanks to everyone for the posts & advice...........we're off today & can't wait![/QUOTE]
Giulli says it will be dressing up time when the whole of Venice becomes one giant stage so break a leg, as they say!
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Oh, I forgot.....where's the best place to watch the Italy v England rugby?
(I know that might not be a simple request!)
We love to get on a boat (at a good clip ;) ) and go from one island to another. We enjoy the view of everything from the water and enjoy exploring. I find it very romantic and exciting to have the wind in my face, beautiful views and holding on to my sweetie while we go from island to island :D