If there’s one place that a traveler needs to include on his list of must-visit cities, it’d be Venice. Boasting one of the world’s most beautifully and sophisticated architectural designs, this city of one hundred and sixteen islands is filled with mesmerizing cobbled courtyards, winding backstreets, and mystical canals that make excellent eye-candy.
However, there’s a lot more than just awesome waterways and the magically serene atmosphere: the Italian city has plenty of other attractions, places to visit, and day plus night activities in store for all its guests.
One neat attraction that all visitors to Venice should visit is the Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica). The magnificently designed structure holds many of the city’s prized possessions, such as the venerated icon of Madonna Nicopeia, as well as the crypt in which St. Mark was supposedly buried in.
To appreciate a bird’s eye view of the entire city, the Campanile di San Marco (Bell Tower) is the tower that can do so for visitors. Measuring 97 meters tall, the Bell Tower is the city’s tallest structure – though climbing to the top may take some time and effort, the ascent will be well worth every step of the way.
Though Venice isn’t well-known for late night partying, there’s still a variety of bars and clubs that should be more than able to keep vacationers entertained after sunset, such as Zen Café and Bacaro Jazz.
The first item on the list offers a unique ambience with an oriental theme, which is further enhanced with relaxation music and pale woods. On top of that, the male waiters dress up as monks, and females wear kimonos.
On the other hand, Bacaro Jazz takes on a different theme – a bar that offers a long list of unique cocktails, wine and beer. The ambience is upbeat, and primarily caters for a younger and trendier audience.
For those that prefer a more serene experience while on vacation, heading out to Lido would be a sound option. Vacationists may choose to spend their relaxation time at the sandy beach surrounded by clear-blue water. As for room accommodations, this will be made possible through any of the resort-style hotels nearby.
Aside from typical designer shops and gift stores, the side streets are filled with tourist establishments that sell porcelain carnival masks and other local merchandise. Lastly, the most popular market within the city would unquestionably be the fish market found alongside the Rialto Bridge.
Main attractions: Basilica di San Marco, Campanile Di San Marco, Zen Café, Bacaro Jazz, Lido, Madonna Nicopeia, Rialto Bridge
Budget for one week: €1,200
Currency: Euro
Taxes and gratuity: Tipping is recommended
Official language: Italian
Area: 160.07 sq mi
Population: 270,660
Electricity:
- Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
- Primary Socket Type: Italian
- Others sometimes found: Europlug
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter
- 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
- Hair dryers, curling irons, etc.: Plug adapter + voltage converter
Images courtesy: Eugen Mihai, Nino Barbieri, Andreas Volkmer
