Photo: Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Venice
Canals, islands and the lagoon.
Canals instead of roads, golden mosaics and quiet back lanes once the day-trippers leave. Expensive, but the best of it is free to wander.
Places to see
Piazza San MarcoSight · Venice's one true piazza: long arcades on three sides, the basilica's domes at one end…Free
St Mark's BasilicaChurch · A dim interior covered in gold mosaics that glow when the lights come on, under five…≈ A$5
Doge's PalaceMuseum · Grand council chambers with some of the largest paintings in the world, armouries, and a…≈ A$53
When to go
- Jan7° / 0°Some rainQuiet
- Feb9° / 1°Some rainVery busy
- Mar13° / 4°Some rainBusy
- Apr17° / 8°Some rainVery busy
- May22° / 13°Some rainVery busy
- Jun26° / 16°Some rainVery busy
- Jul28° / 18°Mostly dryVery busy
- Aug28° / 18°Some rainVery busy
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
Dorsoduro. A calmer, student quarter of galleries and canal-side bars.
Cannaregio. Near the station: local life, the old Ghetto and evening bars along the canals; good value for Venice.
Mestre. On the mainland, 10 minutes by train: by far the cheapest beds, less charm.
Giudecca and San Giorgio. Islands across the water from San Marco, with a big hostel and the best view back.
Flying in
Venice Marco Polo (VCE): Bus to Piazzale Roma, about 25 min, ≈ A$18. The Alilaguna water bus is slower and dearer, about €15.
Treviso (TSF): Bus to Piazzale Roma or Mestre, about 1 h 10 min, ≈ A$21.
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Venice; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
You can walk everywhere. A single ticket is ≈ A$17. Venice is walkable end to end, and walking is the best way to see it. The vaporetto (water bus) costs about €9.50 a ride (check).
(≈ A$44, 24 hours): Only if you'll ride three or more times in a day, such as out to Murano and Burano.
