Venice Travel Tips
Floating on its blue lagoon with an almost dream-like quality, Venice is just as romantic and beautiful as it looks in travelogues and movies. Visitors who realises their ambition of a holiday in the city will certainly not be disappointed. The charming piazzas and singing gondoliers, idiosyncratic buildings and crumbling palaces are all there to be seen, admired and photographed for posterity. Venice’s art galleries, museums and churches house some of the masterpieces of European art and the difficulty for tourists is choosing what to see when so many treasures are accessible. A Venice holiday may be crowded and expensive, but it will also surpass all expectations.
The official language of Italy is Italian. It may be helpful to learn some Italian phases such as greetings and asking for directions.
If you are a South African passport holder you will require a visa in order to visit Italy.
The busiest tourist seasons in Venice are between spring and autumn (April to October), over Christmas, and during the popular Carnival in February. However, these may not be the best times to travel to Venice if you don’t enjoy crowds. The best time to visit Venice if you want to avoid crowds is during their winter, between December and February, is a good option for a Venice holiday because although it is cool and wet, the sights are more easily enjoyed and accommodation is cheaper.
When eating out,Tipping is customary in Italy and 10 to 15 percent of the bill is acceptable in restaurants
Keep In mind that in Italy, it is an offence to sit on steps and in courtyards near public buildings
Fun facts
Venice has 177 canals and more than 400 bridges.
Despite the ingenious building methods which have kept Venice afloat for centuries, the city is slowly sinking.
Venice did not witness its first female gondolier until 2010 – when Giorgia Boscolo became the first woman to pass the strict qualification exam. Only about 3 or 4 new licences are granted each year. The course involves 400 hours of training to learn the skills needed and candidates must also study and take an exam on Venetian history and landmarks.
Skateboards, Roller Skates or Bikes are not allowed.
Calletta Varisco, a street in the Cannaregio district is just 53cm wide in parts, one of the most narrows in Venice.
Venice is built on millions of petrified logs that have been driven in to the ground. These logs were mainly from Alder trees (known for its water resistance). These were bought to Venice by boat from other countries such as Slovenia and Croatia.
Things to 
do in Venice
Enjoy a sophisticated meal in one of the many restaurants off St Mark’s Square.
Wander across the iconic Rialto Bridge, and explore the markets in the area.
Take a Gondola Ride through the picturesque, narrow canals of the city.
Stroll through the Gallerie dell’Accademia to see one of Europe’s finest art collections.
Marvel at the elegant architecture of Venice’s picture-perfect Grand Canal.
Visit The islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello and all three offer some interesting attractions for visitors.
Visit Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco) is the highest structure in Venice and offers visitors breath taking views of St. Mark’s, the lagoon, its neighbouring islands and the red rooftops and church domes of Venice.
Top tips for visiting Venice
There’s no better way to explore Venice than getting lost and be surprised in what it has to offer at your every turn. Breaking away from the sea of tourists flocking at the city center in Piazza San Marco and heading for the narrowest alleyways is the greatest way to discover Venice! Don’t forget to bring a good map along with you.
For the best experience of Venice, we strongly recommend you to stay in Venice historical centre.
The Doge’s Palace itself was built to be seen from the water.In fact, its façade overlooking the lagoon was built 100 years before the one facing the “Piazzetta” and the Marciana Library
Spot and enjoy the best local bars, restaurants and shops by looking for the Venezia Autentica Logo. The logo means that the local businesses operates in a way which is positive both for you and the local community
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and pack light. Venice, Italy is an old pedestrian city, with uneven streets, Even if you are planning to board a water bus, you’ll have a lot of walking to do to walk to the water bus stops, trying to navigate the uneven stone pavement, the bridges, and the crowds.
Carry a refillable bottle for water. The water of the fountains in Venice is drinkable and of very good quality. Almost every main square has a working fountain where you will be able to refill your bottle.
Book a trip to Venice and experience some of these things for yourself.
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