Fascinating and charming sights and sounds await those who travel to Italy to visit the lagoon-surrounded sanctuary of Venice. The heavy tourist traffic is being pinpointed as one of the causes of the city’s decay. Despite, Venice remains to hold its charm and beauty for local and international visitors to enjoy. Now, if you only have a few days for your Venetian vacation, spend it well. Here are 5 Reasons to Visit Venice and make it one of your best vacations ever.
Romantic gondola rides
Venice is surrounded by water. To get around Venice, the best way is taking the water buses (vaporetto) and the water taxis. That is, aside from walking which is the best way to go. The more classical and romantic way to travel through Venice’s canals and waterways is through a gondola. A gondola ride will take you on scenic routes. When on a budget, remember that gondola rides cost a whole lot more than vaporetto rides.
Exciting festivals and carnivals
Among the world’s most colourful festivals are held in Venice. As a major hub of international conferences and festival, Venice is host to many events.
Venice Biennale
– a contemporary visual art exhibition held biannually (in odd-numbered years)
Carnival of Venice
– an annual festival usually at Lent famous for the elaborate use of masks
Festa del Redentore
– an event held for thanksgiving with regards to the plague of 1576, fireworks highlight the feast
Venice International Film Festival
– the oldest film festival in the world
The city will surely be packed with international tourists during times when these festivals and carnivals are held but the experience is well worth enduring the crowded venues.
The intricate art of glass blowing
A visit to Venice will not be complete without making a visit to one of the Murano glass makers. You can either do so in Venice or in the nearby island of Murano. The intricate details of Murano glassware have made these products Venice’s most popular export. Make sure that you allocate some of your vacation budget to take home a Murano glass bowl or dish… However, earrings and pendants will surely be appreciated!
Palate pleasing seafood, wine, and gelato
No trip to a foreign land will be complete without sampling the food and beverages the local cuisine is notable for. Seafood dominates Venetian cuisine complemented by rice and other greens from nearby islands. Must try are the sarde in soar, the fegato alla veneziana, the cicchetti and the bisato complemented by prosecco. If you’re in a hurry you can always have what Italy is famous for; pizza and pasta. You can also try the more convenient tramezzini with your choice of spread and fillings.
Interesting discoveries while getting lost
Another great inexpensive way to explore Venice is to walk through the city. As the locals jest, get lost. Search for the Piazza San Marco through an unknown trail… Walking through the alleyways will reveal architectural beauties and quaint places of interest tucked into the cityscape. Make sure to check the tourist board for information about the acqua alta or the high tide predictions for the day. Some places can get flooded during acqua alta. However, these places usually have elevated blocks to serve as pedestrian walkways during floodings.
Venice is best to visit when you have more than just a couple of days on your hands. We recommend to spend about a week. This way, you get to leisurely explore the boroughs of Venice and all their interesting offerings.
venice, the place to be,,, lalo na in terms sa mga arts lalo na sa mga painting galore ganyan…
kung rich kid lang ako i will go around that place…
ahh the lure of historic italy. same here, if i were born “with a silver spoon” i’d visit france first then italy. would want to experience a gondola ride…wink 🙂
My attention was caught by the masks. I love masks! Remember the Phantom of the Opera? Cool!
The only thing I love about this place is the idea that you go boating around the city just like what I saw on movies 🙂
No wonder Venice is one of the most visited place on earth..
I love to have a shopping on that place it seems all things that I can’t find anywhere else are there
Venice is actually on my “must-visit places before I die” list.. haha.. Would love to ride a gondola, take photos of the city, eat out and do some shopping at Venice.. 😀
I want to experience romantic gondola rides. 🙂 Historical, too!
Wow! Great review and pictures 🙂
I’d like to visit one day and use a bike to explore 😀