I am going to French West Africa next week for work. The week after that i get a week off, thank god. my girlfriend is flying over here from the states and we are going to Venice for a few days. I was wondering if anyone from mdjcks has been there and if they have any suggestions about things to do/see and most importantly where to eat. Thnks in advance
Venice, Italia Suggestions
- Thread starter wareagle
- Start date
Hi Wareagle, my wife and I went there 2 years ago and it was quite incredible. St. Marks Piazza is huge and gorgeous. In the evening, 3 or 4 small orchestras play during the evening with each band playing for 20-30 mins and then they rotate to the next. Just a beautiful, romantic setting. Way too mushy for me but I got lucky everynight. 
Lots of cafes and dessert joints nearby.
St. Marks Basilica is a must see. We were lucky enough to be there on a Sunday so we went to the Mass. The choir had about 40-50 young kids singing hymns. My goodness, they sounded so beautiful. I was in awe. The priest was real old but still seemed intimidating with his presence. I swear he was looking me dead in the eye everytime he looked up.
Murano glass is huge over there. They have day trips if you're interested to go check it out and see how they make the vases and all the different glasses. We picked up a beautiful set of glasses while there. We use them for the Holidays only. Pricey!
The Doges Palace is a very nice tour. Hopefully you can get the right guide but they also have head-sets that you can listen to as you move to each room/area. Some of the most beautiful, huge paintings I've ever seen. Be sure to do this tour.
Of course they have the gondola rides. The guy sings songs while pushing you around. Pretty cool.
Bridge of Sighs is a photo op of course.
Your girlfriend will be pleased because there are a bazillion shops to stop in and check out. Reasonable prices on souvenir stuff but shoes, clothes, etc., very expensive.
Now, here's something I bet most don't know......Venice has a Casino! I couldn't believe it. Of course, I hunted it down. Men must wear a jacket and slacks. Ladies dress nice. I believe it was a $5.00 cover charge to get in. The bad part, no craps tables. Blackjack, Caribbean Stud and machines is all I remember. Still, when you go to Venice and find out there is a casino, it makes for some fun. I brought back some souvenir chips. Oh, one other thing, water taxis are very expensive. It cost us the equivalent of $50.00 USD to get there. $100.00 round-trip.
If you haven't booked your hotel yet, I would encourage you to stay at the Hotel Bauer. Great location and classy.
As far as the restaurants go, all I can say is look for the smaller restaurants for the best food. We found the perfect place that made the best spaghetti we've ever had. It was right around the corner from the Bauer but I can't remember the name. You'll be fine though whatever you decide. Family owned. You can tell they take pride in their work.
I encourage you to bring an English to Italian dictionary, especially for the restaurants.
Well, I did it again, someone asked and I rambled on and on but man, Venice is great! My wife and I are planning on returning ASAP.
One other thing, if you have time, perhaps a day-trip over to Verona, setting for Romeo and Juliet. They actually have the balcony and a statue of Juliet there. Take a photo with your hand on her breast . It's cool, they say it's for good luck.
Have a great time!
nole
Lots of cafes and dessert joints nearby.
St. Marks Basilica is a must see. We were lucky enough to be there on a Sunday so we went to the Mass. The choir had about 40-50 young kids singing hymns. My goodness, they sounded so beautiful. I was in awe. The priest was real old but still seemed intimidating with his presence. I swear he was looking me dead in the eye everytime he looked up.
Murano glass is huge over there. They have day trips if you're interested to go check it out and see how they make the vases and all the different glasses. We picked up a beautiful set of glasses while there. We use them for the Holidays only. Pricey!
The Doges Palace is a very nice tour. Hopefully you can get the right guide but they also have head-sets that you can listen to as you move to each room/area. Some of the most beautiful, huge paintings I've ever seen. Be sure to do this tour.
Of course they have the gondola rides. The guy sings songs while pushing you around. Pretty cool.
Bridge of Sighs is a photo op of course.
Your girlfriend will be pleased because there are a bazillion shops to stop in and check out. Reasonable prices on souvenir stuff but shoes, clothes, etc., very expensive.
Now, here's something I bet most don't know......Venice has a Casino! I couldn't believe it. Of course, I hunted it down. Men must wear a jacket and slacks. Ladies dress nice. I believe it was a $5.00 cover charge to get in. The bad part, no craps tables. Blackjack, Caribbean Stud and machines is all I remember. Still, when you go to Venice and find out there is a casino, it makes for some fun. I brought back some souvenir chips. Oh, one other thing, water taxis are very expensive. It cost us the equivalent of $50.00 USD to get there. $100.00 round-trip.
If you haven't booked your hotel yet, I would encourage you to stay at the Hotel Bauer. Great location and classy.
As far as the restaurants go, all I can say is look for the smaller restaurants for the best food. We found the perfect place that made the best spaghetti we've ever had. It was right around the corner from the Bauer but I can't remember the name. You'll be fine though whatever you decide. Family owned. You can tell they take pride in their work.
I encourage you to bring an English to Italian dictionary, especially for the restaurants.
Well, I did it again, someone asked and I rambled on and on but man, Venice is great! My wife and I are planning on returning ASAP.
One other thing, if you have time, perhaps a day-trip over to Verona, setting for Romeo and Juliet. They actually have the balcony and a statue of Juliet there. Take a photo with your hand on her breast . It's cool, they say it's for good luck.
Have a great time!
nole
Nole thank you so much for your in depth reply---exactly what i needed. It is funny the Hotel Bauer is where we are booked. Should be a nice 5*. If you wouldn't mind elaborating on the Casino a bit. Limits and location to be precise. Is it in the city or outside of it? The food i cannot wait for. Italian is my fav! Also Nole you don't worry my hands will be on her breasts the whole time. Remember European Vacation, "Dad i think he is going to pork her, stop stareing Russ"
wareagle,I'm running out the door.Going on a college trip with my son to ECU.Tonite will be at the Va.Md game.I lived in Italy for 10 yrs.Know Venice very well.On monday when I get back I tell you some great places..
wareagle,
I work for an Italian manufacuter here in the states and get to go to Italy every year, went to venice last year and everything Nole said is true, St. Marks Bascilla is unbelievable. Funny thing is my boss is Italian and when I was there I got some Murano glass for my Mother in law, and he said he thinks tourists are the only ones that buy it b/c hardly anyone in Italy buys it.
I work for an Italian manufacuter here in the states and get to go to Italy every year, went to venice last year and everything Nole said is true, St. Marks Bascilla is unbelievable. Funny thing is my boss is Italian and when I was there I got some Murano glass for my Mother in law, and he said he thinks tourists are the only ones that buy it b/c hardly anyone in Italy buys it.
Wareagle, I really don't remember the table limits. I do know it was very crowded and we ended up playing Caribbean Stud because we couldn't find any open tables.
From the Bauer, I believe it was a good 20-30 min boat taxi ride. It's "on the other side of town".
I found my souvenir chips, "Casino Venezia" is the name of the place(imagine that).
European Vacation was hilarious! I loved it when Clark was driving in London, stuck on the inside of that circle and he couldn't get over. "Hey kids look, it's Big Ben" over and over.
nole
From the Bauer, I believe it was a good 20-30 min boat taxi ride. It's "on the other side of town".
I found my souvenir chips, "Casino Venezia" is the name of the place(imagine that).
European Vacation was hilarious! I loved it when Clark was driving in London, stuck on the inside of that circle and he couldn't get over. "Hey kids look, it's Big Ben" over and over.
nole
