There's nowhere like it! (Sights & Attractions in Venice in general)

Member Name: Salstar

Product:	Sights & Attractions in Venice in general
Date:	14/08/08 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing scenery, food, architecture

Disadvantages: Really busy in the summer months and you can hardly move around!

If you anyone gets the chance to visit Venice they should take it as it is such a unique and beautiful place to visit, and there is no where like it!

I have been to Venice around 3 times now and would go back again and again. Of course nothing can compare to the first time you see Venice, as it is just so different. There are no cars on Venice Island (apart from near to the station after you cross the bridge from the Italian mainline) as it is totally surrounded by water and interspersed with canals of all sizes, so cars are just not an option there. The architecture is gorgeous and the buildings are so unique emerging from the water. There are 400 bridges in Venice crossing all the different waterways and trust me it is VERY easy to get yourself lost in Venice as I have done many times! It is almost like a maze!

Although Venice has a reputation of being expensive (and it generally is) - there are some cheaper hotels around and centrally located. We stayed in one just off St Marks Square for pretty good rates.

The main thing to do when in Venice is go up the Campanile di San Marco, which is a belltower located in St Mark's Square that you can go inside of and look out at a stunning view of Venice. This is definitely a must-see. Also there are the famous bridges to see - the Rialto and the Bridge of Sighs, and also the beautiful Basilica St Marco. Plus - you really have to have a ride in a Gondola when in Venice at least once - but it will set you back quite a bit of cash - these things are not cheap and as I recall you were looking at about 80 Euros for 30-40 minutes on one of these. There are also tonnes of museums if you are into these, but I just loved walking round and round the little streets and looking at all the buildings that looked like they might crumble away!

Being in Italy the food is amazing and there are some great little cafes and restaurants offering some great home cooked pastas and traditional Italian dishes, but like anywhere these days there is also a McDonalds on Venice island!

I would definitely recommend Venice and keep pushing my parents to go there. You can fly to Marco Polo International airport for some reasonable prices with the low cost carriers, and from here it is just a short taxi ride (or better still a Vaporetto water taxi ride) to the island.

Summary: Great place that everyone should try and see at least once in their lifetime!