Venice Accommodation

Having such an unusual layout means that Venice is the world’s only pedestrian city - best navigated either on foot or water. Many of the main sights and attractions such as St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), the Rialto Bridge (Ponti di Rialto) and the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) all just a short stroll from your Venice accommodation. Although walking is a great way to see Venice, no trip would be complete without experiencing a vaporetto (water bus), water taxi or gondola ride along the Grand Canal from your accommodation in Venice.

Business in Venice is a conservative affair. Meetings are held generally over lunch where the food is enjoyed first then the business discussed after. When visiting the city on a professional capacity, Venice serviced accommodation provide the perfect base.

For those with a little more time on their hands venture further from your accommodation in Venice and see what other delights the region has to offer. Take a vaporetto from your Venice accommodation over to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello or on a clear day go over to the Lido to get unrivalled views of the glittering city.

Did You Know?

There is more to the iconic Venice gondola than you may think. Gondolas are handmade, composed of 280 pieces and consist of eight different types of wood (fir, oak, cherry, walnut, elm, mahogany, larch and lime) with the oars made of beech wood. The left hand side of the gondola is made longer than the right side to counterbalance the weight of the gondolier.

Climate/Weather

Venice has a moderate climate with hot, humid summers and wet, foggy winters. Rain is to be expected all year round and acqua alta (high water) is to be expected in colder months.

Sightseeing

Venice is home to some of the most famous and iconic sights in the world including:

•    Basilica di San Marco (St Mark’s Basilica) – the 9th century golden Byzantine basilica is one of the most famous sights of Venice. There is a dress code that requires knees, shoulders and upper arms are covered.

•    Piazzo San Marco (St Mark’s Square) – one of the highlights of any trip to Venice.

•    Grand Canal – the main canal in the city. Provides an insight into the real Venice with vaporetti, water taxis, gondola and traghetti all passing by.

•    Museums – Venice has an abundance of museums the most famous of which are the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Peggy Gugenheim Collection.

Getting Around

As the world’s only pedestrian city Venice is a car free zone. There are numerous ways to get around.

•    Walk – walking is a great way to explore Venice and the city is easily walkable. With the maze of alleyways and meandering waterways it is inevitable that you will get lost but this only adds to the fun of the experience.

•    Vaporetti (water buses) – generally the best way to get around bar walking.

•    Water taxi – more expensive than using a vaporetto but relatively inexpensive and convenient.

•    Traghetti (public ferries) – a traditional mode of transport used to cross the Grand Canal. They are few and far between now but a must try if you get the chance.

•    Gondola – undoubtedly the most romantic way to travel and no trip to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride. Be careful, however, as they can be quite expensive.

Eat/Drink

 There are a number of traditional Venetian dishes that are well worth trying including:

•    Seafood – seafood plays a big part in Venetian cuisine.

•    Seppia (cuttlefish and cuttlefish ink) – a trademark for Venice with dishes either being made from cuttlefish, with cuttlefish sauce or with cuttlefish ink. “Nella seppia” – in cuttlefish, “alla seppia”- in the style of cuttlefish and “neor di seppia”- black (ink) of the cuttlefish. Although an intense colour, cuttlefish ink has quite a mild flavour.

•    Polenta – corn meal.

•    Rice – risotto is extremely popular.