VENICE

Venice’s romantic atmosphere shines year-round, but some seasons are better for visiting:

• March–May (Spring): Best for mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds.
• June–August (Summer & Peak Season): Ideal for festivals, gondola rides, and warm evenings, but expect crowds.
• September–November (Fall): Great for pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and stunning sunsets.
• December–February (Winter & Carnival Season): Best for Venice Carnival, festive lights, and a quieter, misty charm.

• Mark’s Square & Basilica – The heart of Venice, featuring breathtaking Byzantine mosaics.
• Doge’s Palace & Bridge of Sighs – A former royal residence and prison, filled with Venetian history.
• The Grand Canal – The main waterway lined with stunning palaces and historic buildings.
• Rialto Bridge & Market – One of Venice’s most famous bridges, perfect for shopping and scenic views.
• Murano Island – World-renowned for its centuries-old glassblowing tradition.
• Burano Island – A colorful fishing village known for its lace-making and charming houses.
• Teatro La Fenice – A historic opera house, one of Italy’s most prestigious theaters.
• Gallerie dell’Accademia – Home to Venetian Renaissance masterpieces.
• Lido di Venezia – A beautiful beach island known for the Venice Film Festival.
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection – A modern art museum featuring works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí.

• Sarde in Saor – Sweet and sour sardines, a traditional Venetian appetizer.
• Bigoli in Salsa – Thick pasta with an onion and anchovy sauce.
• Risotto al Nero di Seppia – A Venetian black squid ink risotto.
• Fegato alla Veneziana – Liver cooked with onions and white wine.
• Baccalà Mantecato – Creamed cod spread on crostini.
• Cicchetti – Venetian tapas-style small plates, often enjoyed with a glass of wine.
• Tiramisu – A classic coffee-flavored Italian dessert, originally from the Veneto region.
• Baicoli & Bussolai – Traditional Venetian biscuits, perfect with coffee or dessert wine.
• Spritz – A refreshing Venetian cocktail made with Aperol, prosecco, and soda.
• Prosecco – The famous Italian sparkling wine, produced in the Veneto region.

• Flights: Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), with easy boat and bus connections to the city.
• Vaporetto (Water Bus): The main form of public transport, with routes along the Grand Canal and islands.
• Gondolas: A romantic and iconic way to explore Venice’s narrow canals.
• Traghetto: A cheap gondola ferry crossing the Grand Canal at various points.
• Walking: Venice is best explored on foot, with many hidden alleys and picturesque bridges.
• Water Taxis: A private and faster (but expensive) option for direct transportation.

• For U.S. travelers: No visa required for stays up to 90 days, but a valid passport is necessary.
• For international travelers: Check Italy’s Schengen visa requirements based on nationality.
• EU Travelers: Can enter freely with a valid national ID or passport.

• Currency: Euro (€ EUR).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but small cafés and local markets may prefer cash.
• ATMs are available throughout Venice, offering good exchange rates.
• Currency exchange is available at the airport, banks, and exchange offices.

• Italian is the official language.
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
• Learning basic Italian phrases like “Grazie” (Thank you) and “Buongiorno” (Good morning) is appreciated.

• Greet with “Buongiorno” (Good morning) and “Grazie” (Thank you).
• Dining etiquette: Don’t order a cappuccino after 11 AM—Venetians prefer espresso after meals.
• Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated.
• Venice has many pedestrian-only areas – No cars or bicycles are allowed in the city center.
• Be respectful of historic sites – Avoid sitting on church steps or feeding pigeons in St. Mark’s Square.
• Venice can be crowded—walk on the right side to keep foot traffic moving smoothly.

• Restaurants: 5-10% tip is common if a service charge isn’t included.
• Bars & Cafés: Rounding up the bill is appreciated.
• Hotels: €1–2 per bag for bellhops, €2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Gondoliers: Tipping is not required, but rounding up is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: €5–10 per person for excellent service.

• For peak season (June–September & Carnival in February): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels and flights.
• For off-season travel (October–April): Booking a few weeks ahead is usually fine.
• For major attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace: Book tickets online at least a few weeks in advance.

• No COVID-19 test is required for entry, but check for updates before traveling.
• Venice is cracking down on mass tourism – A tourist tax applies to day-trippers.
• High tide (Acqua Alta) can cause flooding – Pack waterproof shoes or check tide forecasts.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com