Destination Italy: Venice at Carnival

I always wanted to go to Venice, Italy during Carnival to see its famous landmarks, Piazza San Marco and Rialto Bridge full of costumed people! And it happened to find the cheapest plane tickets to Venice. For me, Venice and Rome have always represented some clichés. And for this reason, I was never eager to hurry visiting them. But places like this are a must. People have to visit these world renowned cities at least once in a lifetime. So, we bought the tickets.

Planning the Trip to Venice, Italy During Carnival

We intend to share with you the whole planning and research we made for our trip to Venice, Italy during the Carnival. This shows the most complex and comprehensive part. Then, we will tell you the story and show you pictures we took there. Below you will find the guidance and advice you need to have a nice experience.

When Does the Venice Carnival Take Place?

Carnevale (Venice Carnival in Italy) takes place before Easter, which means usually February – March. It starts on a Saturday  and lasts till Martedi Grasso (Fat Tuesday). In 2018 this meant February 3 – February 13. Yet, as in recent years, Carnevale‘s organizers decided to start it a week earlier, to attract more tourists and earn more.

Venice is always wonderful to visit also in the summer, together with its Lido.

How Long to Stay for the Italy Venice Carnival?

We decided to book 4 nights in the period of the Carnival (6 – 10 February 2018); because it was our first time to Venice, Italy and we wanted to have enough time to visit.

We can go back some day during summer to remember our first time there. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the warm and sunny weather. But then, even a one-day trip, or a couple of nights would be quite enough. Maybe stay more if visiting during Film Festival that takes place in August – September in the Lido Island.

Where to Stay in Venice, Italy During Carnival

It must be Venice island – the historic city, not the mainland, Mestre or anything else. Not even the neighboring islands in the Venetian Lagoon like Giudecca, Lido, Murano.

Keep in mind that cars can’t go further Piazzale Roma. Most of the people park their cars in the parking island Tronchetto. They can also let their cars in the parking lot in Piazzale Roma. Starting with Piazzale Roma, all taxis and buses are boats. The travel means can be expensive and/or crowded. Walking with luggage can be difficult and also exhausting because there are many bridges and steps. Some narrow streets lead nowhere. Addresses are useless in Venice, which means there are many chances to get lost and lose your patience, and therefore you can spend a fortune just to get to the hotel. Nobody wants to ruin their trip starting it like this.

Hotel Airone

We chose to stay at Hotel Airone. It is a budget hotel in Santa Croce, just a few minutes walk from Piazzale Roma. The hotel overlooks the Grand Canal and the Ferrovia Santa Lucia. It is a 2 star hotel – even better, this way Venice city tax is cheaper: € 2.00 per person per night. We booked 4 nights, breakfast included. We found the hotel on Booking.com, but when we finally decided to book it there were no rooms available for the dates we needed. This was the moment we found out that travel agencies can be very helpful! We searched specifically for Hotel Airone on Tui Travel and we were lucky! The price was even smaller than what we initially found on the other websites.

Understanding Venice’s Map and Districts (Sestieri)

I will write later about airport transfers, transport in Venice, addresses, and costs. I will try to mention all the more or less important details. But for now, you must look at a map of Venice. It will help picture what I will be talking about. I will give you all the details. This will help you get around and find the places you need.

Venice is made up of more than a hundred islands. It is composed of six sestieri (Venice neighborhoods) – Santa Croce, Cannaregio, San Polo, San Marco, Castello and Dorsoduro.

Venice connects to the mainland (Mestre) by the Ponte della Liberta, which is a road and also a railway connection. You can see it in the upper left corner. In Cannaregio, at the end of the railway, it’s the train station (Ferrovia) Santa Lucia. And Piazzale Roma, where is the bus station, is in Santa Croce. Then, apt the left you can see the Tronchetto Island – cruise terminals and also a parking garage.

At the bottom of the picture you can see the island of Giudecca. To the right, beside Giudecca is San Giorgio Maggiore Island. In the bottom right corner it is visible a part of the long Lido island – beach resort.

Venetian Lagoon

And at the top of the picture you can also see San Michele Island – the cemetery island, and Murano Island. Other islands in the lagoon are further than Murano. These include Mazzorbo, Burano, and Torcello. However, they aren’t in this picture. (map © OpenStreetMap contributors)

For a more detailed view always use Google Maps! It is all the help you need!

Airport Transfer Options

Before discussing each Sestiere, let’s talk about transportation. We’ll start with how to get to Venice. Then, we’ll cover how to get around in Venice.

From Treviso Airport (TSF)

The low cost airline that we chose for this trip lands at Treviso Airport (TSF). There are 3 different shuttle buses that get to Venice:

ACTV No. 5 – more expensive, because it charges extra for the luggage;

Brazi – not convenient for us because it stops in Tronchetto and not in Piazzale Roma.

ATVO – same price as Brazi, but goes to Piazzale Roma, thus the best choice for us. It takes about 70 minutes to get from the airport to Piazzale Roma. A one way ticket costs 12 euros. A round-trip costs 22 euros per person. Moreover, if bought online, a one way ticket costs 10 euros. A round-trip costs 20 euros, luggage included.

ATVO Airport Transfer

At the airport, tickets can be bought from ATVO ticket machines. They are also available at the ATVO ticket office or on the bus. I think we will go for the ticket office and not the machines nor the bus driver. It is more easier and more safe like this. The ATVO ticket office it’s on the ground floor in the arrivals hall.

If we need to buy tickets for the return trip to the airport, we can buy them in Piazzale Roma. You can buy them at the ATVO ticket office near the Calatrava Bridge. They are also available at the newsstand located in the middle of the square. Tickets can also be bought online at: www.atvo.it/en-treviso-airport.html or http://www.atvo.it/it-ticketonline.html; the tickets must be printed and showed to the driver when boarding the ATVO bus. But the inconvenience is that when buying online you have to state the exact hours. I find it difficult to schedule in advance both our departure and arrival. So I found the 2 euros per person not worth to spare.

Tickets have to be validated. At the airport, use the yellow stamping machine near the automatic ticket machine. You can also validate in the station from where the bus leaves. In Piazzale Roma, use the stamping machine behind the driver’s seat. Alternatively, before boarding, the driver will ask for the ticket, and he will validate it for you.

ATVO buses are usually on time. However, it’s always good to have a backup plan. This is especially true if the bus is late and you have a plane to catch. You can take a taxi, the ACTV No. 5 bus, or the Brazi bus from Tronchetto island – get there by People Mover tram from Piazzale Roma.

From Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

If landing at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): you can reach Piazzale Roma in about 20 minutes, by taking a taxi or bus. Choose either the ACTV or ATVO bus from the airport. If your hotel is in Lido, you can get there directly from the airport. You can also go to Piazza San Marco or any other location in Venice historic center. Use Alilaguna boats for direct access. Prices are almost similar by bus or boat from the airport. They range from 8 to 15 euros per person. So why not choose the boat? Views would be great!

Transportation in Venice, Italy at Carnival

Navigating Venice Streets and Signs

Street Signs – are usually yellow, but sometimes also white. There are directional signs on the walls of buildings, also at street corners or in markets / squares (called campi). These show the direction to touristic sights and landmarks. Some examples are San Marco, Rialto, Accademia, Ferrovia (Venice train station), and Piazzale Roma. These signs also show the direction towards vaporetto or traghetto stops. A sign can have arrows in two directions. This either means you can reach the destination through parallel routes. It can also mean the sign was vandalized to mislead the tourists.

Be aware of the streets naming:
Calle = street
Sotoportego = tunnel or covered street
Rio tera = street in the place of a canal that was filled-in
Ramo = small branch of a street

Be aware that some streets in distinct areas of Venice can have the same name.

Addresses: Usually consists in the name of the sestiere and the building number, but without the street name. If you need to find an exact address, you can use the website http://venicexplorer.net. Use just the name of the sestiere and the building number to search. Go to Venice Civic Number section. The street name will be displayed, and also the address will be pointed on a map.

So, to avoid getting lost, always be aware of the sestiere (district) you are in. The name of the sestiere is always written on the buildings. It is often paired with the name of the parrochia (parish) you are in. This is the name of the nearby church.

Public Transport Options in Venice, Italy at Carnival

Taxis – cost between 40 and 70 euros in Venice historic center. The cost is more than 100 euros to Marco Polo airport. You can find more details at https://www.motoscafivenezia.it/eng/.

Gondolas –  the official rates for daytime rides is 80 euros for 40 minutes. It is an extra 40 euros for another 20 minutes. For night rides, after 7 pm, it costs 100 euros for 40 minutes. A further 20 minutes costs 50 euros. Up to 6 people allowed in a gondola (a gondola ride is not that expensive if you are traveling as a group or if you find other people to split the cost of the ride with – around 27 euros for 2 persons. Always check the official gondola rates on the official website http://www.gondolavenezia.it/history_tariffe.asp?Pag=43, to avoid getting scammed by the gondolieri.

ACTV Water Buses (Vaporetti and Motonavi)

ACTV public transportation company operates all 4 types of water buses. These include vaporetti, motoscafi, and also single-deck and double-deck motonavi. The ticket prices are the same. Outside Venice historic center, in the Venetian Lagoon the ACTV company uses motonavi (motor-ships). On linea 12, route to Murano and Burano, ACTV runs motonavi (single-deck).

Motonavi – have a capacity of around 600 passengers. These have some open-air seats in the stern.

In Venice historic city ACTV operates only 2 types of water buses: vaporetti and motoscafi. On line 1 and 2 the company runs only vaporetti.

Vaporetti – have a capacity of around 230 passengers. These also have open spaces in the middle. There are no seats in these spaces. Small open seating areas are in the back, in the stern, behind the cabin. You can find a seat available if you board a vaporetto at Piazzale Roma where the routes start.

You can recognize a vaporetto stop by their white and yellow floating platforms. At large vaporetti stops, which have more than one platform, look at the signs. They show the number of the boat and also the direction in which it travels.

Tickets: 7.5 euro per person is the price for a single journey ticket. It is valid for 75 minutes. You cannot use the same ticket for return on the same route. You can find tickets and information online on the websites www.actv.it and http://actv.avmspa.it/it.

Venezia Unica City Pass and Rolling Venice Card

The tourist travel cards are an alternative to these expensive tickets. The Venezia Unica city passes are Venice’s official City Pass. These cards can include not only transportation, but they can also offer other services like museums and churches, tours and sports, and also parking and other services. You can take a look at the Venezia Unica website and choose the best deal for you.

A Venezia Unica city pass is always cheaper for public transportation. It costs less than buying a ticket every time you use the waterbus. But if you want to walk everywhere, then you don’t need any ticket or pass. We always walk a lot when visiting a new destination. This time, we know that we need to use a vaporetto at least once. We want to have a tour on the Grand Canal. Since it is winter, we consider it may rain. We will get cold or tired faster than in the summer. Also walking would be exhausting when getting lost on the narrow streets or trying to find an address in Venice. In conclusion, the city pass sounded like a good option for us.

Rolling Venice Card

We chose the Rolling Venice card: this is a discount card for young people between 6 and 29 years, and offers 3 days of unlimited use of public transport on all urban lines (bus and waterbus – meaning that in these 3 days you can visit the mainland: Mestre, Marghera, and the most important – all the island in the Venetian Lagoon: Murano, Burano, Lido, Giudecca, San Michele, Torcello, and also unlimited vaporetto No. 1 and No. 2 tours in Venice historic center)– except bus lines to and from Marco Polo airport (there is also a more expensive option of the pass that include Marco Polo airport transfer one way or return ticket – but no option for Treviso airport transfer).

The price is € 22 instead of € 40. This is the cost of a normal Venezia Unica city pass, but there is an additional cost of € 6 for the card itself. So this makes it a total of € 28 per person. The card is individual and has your own name. When purchasing these kind of passes you can always add other services, and so we opted for the Museum Pass Reduced (€ 18 per person) – a cumulative ticket for the following museums: Doge’s Palace + other 10 Civic Museums of Venice:

• Doge’s Palace
• Museo Correr
• Archaeological Museum
• Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana
• Cà Rezzonico – 18th century Venice Museum
• Palazzo Mocenigo – Museum of Textiles and Costumes
• Carlo Goldoni’s House – Museum and Library of theatrical studies
• Ca’ Pesaro – International Gallery of Modern Art
• Glass Museum – Murano Island
• Lace Museum – Burano Island
• Natural History Museum – Fontego dei Turchi

Rolling Venice card also offer discounts to all kind of partner businesses: restaurants, cafes, clubs, etc. You can check to full list here: http://www.veneziaunica.it/en/content/venezia-unica-extra-benefits.

Buying and Validating Tickets to Travel in Venice, Italy at Carnival

You can buy tickets and and also travel cards from any ACTV ticket office. They are available at ACTV automatic tickets machines at larger ACTV stops. You can also buy them from Venezia Unica offices, newspaper stands, or tabacchi. Moreover, you can purchase them online at https://www.veneziaunica.it/en/e-commerce/services.

Tickets and travel cards must be validated before boarding. Validate them in the bus or at waterbus stops. Therefore, approach the tickets or passes to the white electronic ticket readers placed at the entrances on the boarding platforms. Keep them there until you hear a beep or see a green light. At larger stops, you can also find some green electronic ticket readers. They are used only to check how many trips are left on the tickets or passes.

In case of emergencies, if you can’t buy a ticket before boarding, you should ask the sailor at the boarding gates. They will provide you with a ticket, but you will have to pay cash. ACTV staff can refuse to give you a ticket and you risk a fine. You don’t have to show your validated ticket, unless a ticket inspector asks you to.

You have to wait for the waterbus on the platform, not in the area marked with the access forbidden sign. So, when the waterbus arrives, you have to wait behind the yellow line until the sailor lets you board.

Pay attention in smaller waterbus stops, because waterbuses can come from both directions. So make sure you board the one you need.

At each stop, near the electronic ticket reader you can find the waterbus timetables and routes. Note that some lines are seasonal. You can also check the timetables and routes online. You can even print route maps and detailed timetables from the ACTV website: http://actv.avmspa.it/en/content/orari-servizio-di-navigazione-0.

Exploring Venice by Vaporetto: Waterbus Routes and Tours

Below you can find some of the waterbus routes you may need to use while visiting Venice. Why not explore these routes now? You have 3 days of unlimited use of public transportation.

Vaporetto Tours

Vaporetto No. 1: Piazzale Roma – San Zaccaria – zig-zags through the Grand Canal and stops alternatively on both sides of the Grand Canal. It can be also used when you want to cross the Grand Canal to the other side and you don’t have a bridge nearby (there are only 4 bridges that cross the 3.8 km long Grand Canal), nor a traghetto crossing. Vaporetto No.1′ s stops are placed close enough, so using this vaporetto is perfect for crossing the Grand Canal in any place you want or need. 

Remember that a one hour tour of the Grand Canal on Line 1 from Piazzale Roma to San Marco at night is a must when in Venice! Palaces are illuminated and you can see inside while seating in the open-air spaces in the stern, in the back of the boat. The vaporetto goes both ways, so why not have another Venice tour back, from San Marco to Piazzale Roma.

Vaporetto No. 2: San Zaccaria – through the Giudecca Canal to – Piazzale Roma – Santa Lucia (at daytime continues till Rialto, and some boats even till San Marco). This vaporetto also goes in the opposite direction. I would like to have a tour on this vaporetto to see the Zatere area in Dorsoduro and the Giudecca island.

Vaporetto No. 2: Piazzale Roma – Ferrovia (Santa Lucia) – Rialto – and back

Motonavi

Circolare No. 4.1: Fondamente Nove – San Michele Cemetery – Murano – Ferrovia – Piazzale Roma – Giudecca – San Zaccaria – Fondamente Nove – Murano.

Circolare 4.2: same route as Circolare No. 4.1, but backwards. Early in the morning and late in the evening, some routes are shorter or the boats don’t stop in each stop, so you better check the ACTV website.

Circolare No. 3  – Diretto Murano: Piazzale Roma – Ferrovia – Murano. I will chose this boat to get fast to Murano. It passes through Cannaregio Canal, obviously a narrower canal than the Grand Canal or the Giudecca Canal, and it would be nice to see a part of the sestiere Cannaregio while on water and also pass underneath the Tre Archi bridge.

Line No. 12: Fondamente Nove – Murano – Torcello – Mazzorbo –  Burano – Treporti – Punta Sabbioni. From Murano we can take Line 12 boat to Burano, and then back to Venice – Fondamente Nove.

Sightseeing, Eating and Shopping in Venice, Italy at Carnival

Sestiere San Marco – Top Attractions for Italy’s Venice Carnival

Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) – Heart of Venice Carnival in Italy

How to get there? Just walk through Venice historical center or take vaporetto No. 1 or 2 to stations San Zaccaria or San Marco.

• From Piazzale Roma: No. 1 (40 min), No. 2 direct (30 min);
• From Santa Lucia (train station): No. 1 (35 min), No. 2 direct (30 min);
• Walking – 30/40 minutes – follow the usually yellow and sometimes white directional signs. They say Per San Marco and are placed on many buildings in Venice, at street corners.

Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square Venice) Highlights

• Giardini ex Reali – Naopelon’s Gardens. In previous years there you could find many cats, but not anymore. There is a public toilet in front of this park/gardens.
• Museo Civico Correr (Correr Museum), Ala Napoleonica (Napoleonic Wing)
• Procuratie Veccchie, Caffe Quadri
• Torre dell’Orologio, there is a passage that leads through Mercerie shopping streets to Rialto.
• Campanile di San Marco Venice
• Basilica di San Marco Venice (St. Mark’s Basilica)
• Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs)
• Procuratie Nuove, Caffe Florian
• Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana

Basilica San Marco – Must-See During Venice Italy Carnival

• Is open between 9.30 am – 5.00 pm (entrance is free – last admission 4.45 pm) – Sunday and holidays: 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm (entrance free – last admission 4.15 pm; last admission “skip the line” 4.00 pm) The entrance is free but it is polite to leave a little donation.
• St. Mark’s Museum: 9.45 am – 4.45 pm (entrance: ticket 5 €) You need this ticket if you want to get to the roof from where you can have a great view of Piazza San Marco and a part of Venice.
• The Treasury (Tesoro): 9.45 am – 4.45 pm – Sunday and holidays: 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm (entrance: ticket 3 € )
• Pala d’oro (The Golden Altarpiece) – there are over 3000 gems: 9.45 am – 4.45 pm – Sunday and holidays: 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm (entrance: ticket 2 €)

Campanile di San Marco – Panoramic Views During Venice Italy Carnival

The Campanile (Bell Tower) is open between November 1 – March 31: 9.30 am – 5.30 am (last admission 4.45 pm) (entrance: ticket 8 € ). It’s the tallest tower in Venice, it has 99 m. If you take the elevator to the top of the Campanile you can see the roof of St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Square and the whole city, and even The Dolomites Mountains. But in case of bad weather (fog, strong wind, very cold weather) the bell tower will be closed. Avoid visiting the Bell Tower around the hour mark, because the bells will make noise.

Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) – Historical Venice Carnival Landmark in Italy

Website: http://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/. The palace is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The building has served as senate, administrative center, court and also as a prison. Among the things you can see during a tour are: The Courtyard, the Giants’ Staircase (Scala dei Giganti), with the statues of Mars and Neptune, the Gold Staircase (Scala d’ Oro), The Loggias, Doges’ private rooms, Adam and Eve statues, the Grimani Room, the Shield Room, the Armory, the prisons. Open: 1st April – 31st October 8.30 am – 7 pm (last admission 6 pm); 1st November –  31st March 8.30 am – 5.30 pm (last admission 4.30 pm). Ticket price: 20 euro/person – Free entrance + skip the line with the Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card.

Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) – Iconic Venice Italy Carnival Site

The Bridge of Sighs connects the prison to the interrogation room in the Doge’s Palace. It is a covered bridge, but you can only pass through it from inside the Doge’s Palace. Located above the Rio di Palazzo, it can be seen from outside, best from the bridges: Ponte della Paglia (if not full of tourists) or Ponte della Cannonica (from Torre dell ‘Orologio to the left on Calle de la Cannonica). The legend says that lovers who pass under the bridge at dusk and kiss, will have eternal love.

Torre dell’Orologio (The Clock Tower) – Venice Carnival Icon

The Clock Tower ticket price: 12 euro/ person (reduced with Rolling Venice card, but can be visited only as a guided tour with previous reservation).  But, I think it can be seen better from outside, for free.

The arcade passage beneath the Clock Tower leads to Mercerie – a series of Shopping streets (famous brands, clothes, hand-made products, stationery, Murano glass, souvenirs, masks, food, etc.) that lead to the Rialto Bridge.

Moreover, another series of Shopping streets (famous brands, clothes, handmade products, stationery, Murano glass, souvenirs, masks, food etc.) start from San Marco Square to the left on Calle Larga XXII Marzo to Campo Santo Stefano and then reach the Accademia Bridge.

Historic Cafes in San Marco – Italy Venice Carnival Experience

Caffe Quadri and Caffe Florian (since 1720 and frequented by Casanova, being at that time the only cafe that admitted women) are 2 renowned beautiful cafes located in St. Mark’s square. These cafes are symbols of Venice for 300 years. I don’t actually feel like I must have coffee in these places, but I certainly want to take pictures of these places. Caffe Florian (website: http://www.caffeflorian.com/en/) is open daily from 9.00 am – 11.00 pm.

Museums in San Marco – Explore Venice Italy Carnival Culture

Museo Civico Correr: Open: 1st April – 31st October 10.00 am – 7.00 pm (Last admission 6.00 pm); 1st November – 31st March 10.00 am – 5.00 pm (Last admission 4.00 pm).Ticket: Free entrance + skip the line with the Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card

Archaeological Museum: – Procuratie Nuove, first floor. Open:  1st April – 31st October 10.00 am – 7.00 pm (Last admission 6.00 pm); 1st November – 31st March 10.00 am – 05.00 pm (Last admission 4.00 pm) Ticket: Free entrance + skip the line with the Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card

Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana: Contain old manuscripts such as: Breviario Grimani and Fra Mauro’s World Map, old books. The ceilings of the 1st floor lobby and of the library are painted by Titian. Open: 1st April – 31st October 10.00 am – 7.00 pm (Last admission 6.00 pm); 1st November – 31st March 10.00 am – 5.00 pm (Last admission 4.00 pm).Ticket: Free entrance + skip the line with the Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card

Italy Venice Carnival Events in San Marco

According to the official website of Italy Venice Carnival, Carnival events that will take place in St. Mark’s square in the period we’ll be in Venice will be the following: on 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 February 2018, 12.30 am – 1.30 pm  – The best Mask contest (8, 9, 10 February 2018 – competition finals). And on 8 February 2018, 2.00 pm – 5.30 pm – masked show in St. Mark’s square – Ballad of the Masks and The Beheading of the Bull.

Other Venice Sights in San Marco

La Fenice Theater (Gran Teatro La Fenice): – San Marco 30124, Campo San Fantin 1965, close to Vino Vino bar. Can be reached from St. Mark’s square, from Caffe Florian going forward on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, after Moncler store towards Rialto Bridge, on Calle del Sartor da Este. Open: 9.30 am – 6.00 pm, everyday. Ticket: 10 euros/ person. Can be visited on scheduled guided 45 minutes tours which include: the Foyer, the Opera House, the Royal Box and the Sale Apollinee. The Opera is very beautiful.

Scala del Bovolo (Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo): – San Marco 30124, Corte Contarini del Bovolo 4299, close to Enoteca Al Volto bar, Palazzo Cavalli boat stop and Rialto ACTV vaporetto 1 stop. Open: 10.00 am – 1.30 pm; 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm, everyday. Ticket: 7 euros/ person – scheduled tour upon reservation. It looks gorgeous form the outside.

Food in San Marco – Dining During Venice Italy Carnival

Pako’s Pizza & Pasta – (25% discount with the Rolling Venice Card) – San Marco 30124, Spadaria, 687, near Torre dell’Orologio, towards Mercerie. On the web: https://m.facebook.com/PakoPizza/. Open: Non-stop. Prices: pizza slice 5 – 7 euros, pasta 7 euros

Vino Vino Venice – San Marco 30124 (Calle del Caffettier) Ponte delle Veste 2007A, close to Venice La Fenice theater. Can be reached from Piazza San Marco, from Caffe Florian forward on Calle Larga XXII Marzo – after the Moncler store turn towards North (towards Rialto Bridge) on Calle del Sartor da Este, Calle del Caffettier. On the web: www.vinovinowinebar.com. Open: 10.30 am – 11.30 pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Prices: pizza 8 – 12 euros, water 3 euros, wine 4 – 5 euros.

Enoteca Al Volto Venice – San Marco 30124, Calle Cavalli 4081, close to Palazzo Cavalli boat stop and Rialto ACTV vaporetto 1 stop; close to Scala del Bovolo. On the web:  https://www.facebook.com/enotecaalvolto/. Open: 10.00 am – 3.00 pm; 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm, everyday. Prices: spritz 3 euros, cheap cicchetti.

Da Mamo – (10% discount with the Rolling Venice Card) – San Marco 30124, Calle dei Strangeri or Calle de la Fava 5251, close to Rialto Bridge and Campo San Bartolomio, in the Mercerie area, on the way between San Marco Square and Rialto Bridge. On the web: www.damamo.it. Open: 12.15 am – 3.00 pm; 7.00 pm – 10.15 pm, everyday. Prices: pizza 12 euros, wine 4 – 5 euros.

Devil Forest Pub Venice – San Marco 30124, Calle dei Strangeri 5185, close to Rialto Bridge, just in front of  Da Mamo.. On the web: www.devilsforestpub.com. Open: 11.00 am – 00.00 am, everyday. Prices: 1 glass house white wine 2 euros, burgers, beer; – Free WIFI. No Coberto (small charge included in the bill for bread and cover – pane e coperto; the bill will also include a service charge of 10 percent or more)

Sestiere San Polo – Rialto Area During Venice Carnival in Italy

Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) – Iconic Landmark of Venice

It exists since 1591 and is the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal. Rialto Bridge is a covered one, has 3 alleys: 2 exterior alleys with railings, and also central wide alley with shops on both sides (mostly expensive and Chinese stuff) and has a lot of steps. Ponte di Rialto can be reached on foot from Piazzale Roma or from Piazza San Marco by following the yellow signs saying Rialto or Per Rialto; or by vaporetto No.1. The vaporetto passes beneath the Rialto bridge and it is beautiful to see at night.

Food in San Polo (Rialto area) – Italy Venice Carnival Eats

Cantina do Mori – San Polo 30125, 429, near Rialto Market (from Ponte di Rialto towards  Santa Croce). It exists since 1462; it’s the oldest bar in Venice. Moreover, it was visited frequently by Casanova. Open: 8.00 am – 7.30 pm, Monday – Friday; 8.00 – 05.00 pm on Saturday; closed on Sunday. Prices: 1 glass of white wine 2.5 – 4 euros; – cheap cicchetti and wine.

Osteria Bancogiro (da Andrea) – San Polo 30125, Rialto 122, Campo San Giacometto. Situated on Grand Canal’s shore. After Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, near the Rialto Market, Campo Erberia. On the web: www.ostriabancogiro.it. Open: 9.00 am – 12.00 pm, closed on Mondays. Prices: beer 5 euros, tiramisu 7 – 8 euros, COBERTO 3.5 euros, good cicchetti.

Osteria Antico Dolo – San Polo 30125, Ruga Rialto 778, near Rialto Market, close to Antica Osteria Ruga Rialto. On the web: www.anticodolo.it. Open: 12.00 am – 10.00 pm, everyday. Offers good cheap chiccetti.

Antica Osteria Ruga Rialto – San Polo 30125, Calle del Scalater (Calle del Sturion) 692, near Rialto Market, close to Antico Forno pizzeria. On the web: www.osteriarugarialto.com. Open: 11.00 am – 2.30 pm; 6.00 pm – 10.30 pm, everyday. Prices: coffee 3 euros, refreshers 3 euros, spaghetti 12 euros, COBERTO 2 euros, Cicchetti 3 euros.

Antico Forno – San Polo 30125, Ruga Ravano 970/973, close to Caffe del Doge (Rialto), and close to Rialto Market and Ponte di Rialto. On the web: www.anticofornovenezia.com. Open: 11.30 am – 9.30 pm, everyday. Prices: pizza slices 3 – 4 euros, pasta.

Cafe del Doge (Rialto) – (10% discount with the Rolling Venice card) – San Polo 30125, Rialto, Calle dei Cinque 609. On the web: www.caffedeldoge.com Open: 7.00 am – 7.00 pm, everyday.

Rialto Market – Venice Carnival Food Hub in Italy

It is a fish and vegetables market since 1097. It is situated by the Grand Canal, near Rialto Bridge in the sestiere San Polo. The Rialto market is very busy early in the mornings, beginning with 6 am, and it is opened until around 11 am, but no later than 1 pm. Keep in mind that you can touch the merchandise only after you have paid for it. So you have to show the seller what you want and he will wrap it for you. You can take pictures, but be discreet. There are 2 main parts of the Rialto market: Rialto Erberia – fruits and vegetables market, Rialto Pescaria – fish, seafood.

Traghetto Pescaria – Santa Sofia (Ca’ d’ Oro):

• Situated near ACTV vaporetto stop Ca’ d’ Oro
• Schedule: 7.00 am – 8.00 pm, non-stop
• A traghetto is a big gondola, without decorations, and with 2 gondolieri – one in the front and one in the back. 
• They have small wooden piers and passengers board and disembark on the same piers.
• When you get on a traghetto you normally stand – this is what the locals do, because the trip to the other shore is very short, but you can also sit. You have to face backward, because the boat will turn when it leaves the dock.
• A traghetto capacity is around 12-13 persons maximum.
• A traghetto ride costs 2 euros per person – for the tourists. The locals only pay 0.80 cents or so. You have to give the coins to the oarsmen when boarding or getting off, or you can leave the coins in the gondola.
• You can find signs placed in squares that are showing the direction to traghetti stops along the Grand Canal.
• There are 7 traghetti stops, but only 2 of them are used frequently: 1. Pescaria – Santa Sofia, 2. San Toma – Sant Angelo

Events Around Rialto – Venice Carnival in Italy

According to the official website of Italy Venice Carnival, there is a festival on 8, 9 and 10 February 2018 that will take place in the Rialto area: Fresch. In Festival – street food and electronic music,  at Teson Piccoloof, in the Rialto Pescaria.

And in Campo San Paolo –  on 6 and 7 February 2018, between 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm, and on 8 and 9 February 2018 between 11.00 am and 9.00 pm – Ice skating.

Sestiere Cannaregio – Local Life During Venice Italy Carnival

Here you can be meeting more locals than in the touristic neighborhood of San Marco. In this neighborhood eating, drinking and shopping is a good idea, because everything it’s cheaper! Enjoy!

Food in Cannaregio – Venice Carnival Dining Experiences

(Trattoria) Ca’ d’ Oro alla Vedova – Cannaregio 30121, Calle Ca’ d’ Oro 3912 (Calle del Pintor), close Rialto Bridge, very close to Strada Nova 4592 (great for shopping) andclose to McDonalds. Open: 11.30 am – 2.30 pm, 7.00 pm – 10.30 pm; closed on Thursday. Prices: meatballs 2 euros each, half bottle of house wine (Valpolicella) 15 euros, good pasta, sardines (Sardine in Saor), octopus (polpo), seafood (Baccala Mantecato con Polenta), Venetian liver (Fegato alla Veneziana), no coffee, Limoncello. At the bar  you can have some traditional cicchetti with a glass of wine (called an ombra).

(Osteria) Ai Promessi Sposi – Cannaregio 30121, Calle dell’ Occa 4367, close to Ca’ d’Oro and close to Strada Nova. On the web: Osteria ai Promessi Sposi. Open: 11.30 am – 2.15 pm, 6.30 pm – 10.15 pm, everyday. Prices: wine 1.5 euro a glass.

Osteria da Alberto – Cannaregio 30121, Calle Giacinto Gallina 5401, near Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli, close to Campo San Giovanni e Paolo (called San Zanipolo in the Venetia dialect). Open: 10.30 am – 3.00 pm, 6.00 pm – 11.00 pm, everyday. Prices: a bottle of wine 10 euros.

Pizzeria la Perla – Trattoria – Cannaregio 30121, Rio Terra di Franceshi detta Botesela 4615, Ramo Varisco is nearby, close to Osteria Ai Promessi Sposi, just in front of Cinema Giorgione. It can be reached from Strada Nova, turning left on Salizzada del Pistor and pass by the Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli. On the web: www.laperlavenezia.com, closed on Wednesday. Prices: pizza 6 – 12 euros; if pizza is not enough, add a a portion of french fires. COBERTO is 1 euro + 10% service.

Timon all’ Antica Mola –  Cannaregio 30121, Fondamenta dei Ormesini 2800, after passing by the Jewish Museum and Campo di Ghetto Nuovo. On the web: timonbragozzo, www.altimon.it. Open: 6.00 pm – 12.30 pm, everyday. Prices: glass of wine 1 euro – at the bar, good cicchetti; COBERTO – paid only if seated at a table.

Shopping in Cannaregio – Venice Carnival Souvenirs

Strada Nova – is on the way between the train station Santa Lucia and Rialto Bridge. It is a wide pedestrian street and it is full of souvenir shops and also shops used by the locals. There you can find a Coop Supermarket, near Pizzeria La Perla and Cinema Giorgione. Moreover, the street is full of restaurants, bars, pizzerias, trattorias, osterias and all the other places where you can eat.

Coin (Excelsior) – the only department store in Venice – located in Cannaregio 30131, Salizzada S. Giovanni Grisostomo, close to Rialto Bridge, close to Marco Polo’s house. It can be reached from Rialto Bridge going left on Calle del Fontego, then arriving in Campo S. Bartolomio (where is the Monumento Storico a Carlo Goldoni) and then going on Salizzada del Fontego del Tedeschi and crossing a bridge and arriving at Coin Excelsior. On the web: www.coinexcelsior.com.

Sights in Cannaregio – Explore Venice Italy Carnival Culture

Palazzo Vendramin – Calergi + Casino di Venezia: – Cannaregio 30121, 20140, at San Macuola – Casino ACTV vaporetto 1 stop, a 10 minutes walk from Ferrovia Santa Lucia. On the web: www.casinovenezia.it.

According to the official website of Venice Italy Carnival, on 6, 7, 8, 9 February 2018, between 9.00 pm – 11.55 pm in the Palazzo Vendramin – Calergi will take place the Official Venice Carnival Italy 2018 Dinner Show and Ball (wearing masks and period costumes is mandatory); after the ball, between 00.00 am – 2.30 am – music show, DJ and cocktail bar and guests are invited in the Salotto di Giochi Classici (gambling room) within the Casino di Venezia.

Ca’ d’ Oro (Palazzo Sofia): –  Cannaregio 30121, Fondamenta Trapolin, 3932. It is just by Ca’ d’ Oro ACTV vaporetto 1 stop.  It can be reached from the other side of the Grand Canal by crossing with the traghetto (Pescaria – St. Sofia). On the web: http://www.cadoro.org. Ticket: 11 euros/ person (+ 1.5 euro reservation tax) – I think we will skip this one.

Marco Polo’s House: – it is actually now a small hostel with a pizzeria at the ground floor. If we come across this place during our strolls through Venice, we will take a look.

Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli: – (discounted entrance ticket using the Rolling Venice card) – it is a beautiful church with a marble facade, situated in Campo dei Miracoli.

Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo): – Venetian dialect) it is situated at the border between the sestieri Cannaregio and Castello. Close by it is situated the Ospedale Civile (Hospital), masked by the building of the Scuola Grande di San Marco.

Ramo Varisco: – Cannaregio 30121, Calle Varisco 5473 – the narrowest street that is only 53 centimeters wide.

Fondamente Nove: (boats and vaporetti stop) – from Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo go on  Fondamenta Mendicanti alongside the building of Scuola Grande di San Marco/Ospedale Civile) until you reach Fondamente Nove street and see the Venetian Lagoon. Then at the end of the Fondamente Nove street you can go in two directions to reach a vaporetto stop: towards South – Ospedale ACTV stop, and also towards North – Fondamente Nove ACTV stop. From Fondamente Nove ACTV stop you can take motoscafo Line 12 to Burano, or arrive to Venice by Line 12 from Burano. From here you can get a glimpse of the islands San Michele Island (the cemetery) and Murano.

The Jewish Ghetto – Venice History

Gam Gam Kosher Restaurant – Cannaregio 30121, Fondamenta Cannaregio 1122. On the web: www.gamgamkosher.com. Open: 12.00 am – 2.30 pm – lunch; 6.45 pm, 7.00 pm and 9 pm – dinner. Closed on Saturday. Offers Israeli cuisine, Jewish food, and also Italian food. Prices: soup 7 – 8 euros, humus with mushrooms 8.5 euros, schnitzel 14 euros, dolci ebraici 5 – 6 euros, antipasti at the bar 9.5 euros. Gam Gam is situated by the Cannaregio Canal, after crossing the Ponte delle Guglie, going North towards Guglie ACTV vaporetti 4.1, 4.2 stop.

Palazzo Labia – from Santa Lucia towards Ponte delle Guglie.

Near Gam Gam Kosher Restaurant there is a rectangular arcade passage and by passing through it you can reach the Ghetto Vecchio (Calle Ghetto Vecchio), and if you keep going forward on Calle Ghetto Vecchio, you cross a canal, and then arrive in the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, where you can find the Jewish Museum.

Jewish Museum: – Cannaregio 30121, 2902 b. Open: 10.00 am – 5.30 pm (last admission 5.00 pm). Ticket: 4 euros /person, (3 euros/person – reduced ticket with the Rolling Venice Card). I have to admit that I am not that fascinated by the idea of visiting it, because I don’t want to get sad.

There are guided tours to various synagogues both in Ghetto Nuovo and in Ghetto Vecchio; in the square there are the Monuments of to the Holocaust.

Motoscaffo No. 3 Diretto Murano’s route passes through the Cannaregio Canal, passing by Palazzo Labia and also passing underneath Ponte delle Guglie and Ponte Tre Archi.

Sestiere Santa Croce – Sights and Food

Ponte degli Scalzi: – this bridge over the Grand Canal links the sestieri Cannaregio and Santa Croce.

From Santa Croce you cross the Scalzi Bridge, turn right on the street called Rio Terra Lista di Spagna, then pass through Campo San Geremia till Ponte delle Guglie, cross over the Cannaregio Canal and finally arrive in the Jewish Ghetto.

From the Scalzi bridge you turn left and arrive at the train station Santa Lucia (Ferrovia). In the train station you can find public toilets (only 0.80 euros compared to 1.5 – 2 euros in other places) and stores like: Sephora, Nike, Mango etc.

Osteria Antico Giardinetto – Santa Croce 30135, Calle dei Morti 2253, quite close to Rialto Bridge. When coming from Rialto bridge, after the Rialto Fish Market (Pescaria) on the way to Santa Croce, close to Ca’ Pesaro and vaporetto stop San Stae. On the web: www.anticogiardinetto.it. Open: 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm. Closed on Monday and for lunch. Prices: dessert 6 euros, fish and meat appetizers 14 – 30 euro, coberto 3 euros.

Burger King Santa Croce – On the web: http://www.burgerking.it/ristoranti/veneto/venezia/burger-king-venezia/. Open: 10.00 am – 00.00 am, everyday. Prices: a menu: burger, drink and fries 4 euros, small burger 1 euro, small fries 1 euro.

Museum and Palazzi in Santa Croce Venice

Fondaco/Fontego dei Turchi (Natural History Museum): – Santa Croce 30135, 1730, close to Airone Hotel, Scalzi Bridge, situated on the Grand Canal’s shore. Open: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm (last admission 4.00 pm) Tuesday – Friday; 10.00 am – 6.00 pm (last admission 5.00) on  Saturday and Sunday. Ticket: Free entrance + skip the line with the Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card

Ca’ Pesaro: – Santa Croce 30135, 2076, on the way from Santa Croce to Rialto, after passing by the Fontego dei Turchi and Palazzo Mocenigo. It’s on the Grand Canal. It is the International Gallery of Modern Art. Open: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm (last admission 3.30 pm). Ticket: Free entrance + skip the line with the Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card

Palazzo Mocenigo: –  Santa Croce 30135, 1992, 30135 Venice, close to Fontego dei Turchi and Ca’ Pesaro. The rooms of the palace show the aristocratic life of Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries. The exposed mannequins are dressed in precious clothes and accessories of that period. There are also a series of rooms dedicated to perfumes. Open: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm (last admission 3.30 pm). Ticket: Free entrance + skip the line with the Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card

Campo San Ciacomo dell’ Orio: – Santa Croce 30135. Nearby can be found the Ponte degli Scalzi, Ca’ Pesaro, Ponte delle Tette. In this square, like in any other square (campo) in Venice, there is a church: Chiesa di San Giacomo dell’ Orio, Campo S. Giacomo dell’ Orio 1587.

Ponte delle Tette (The Bridge of breasts): – San Polo 30125, Via San Cassiano, Rio Marle, near the bridge over Rio San Cassan. From Osteria Antico Giardinetto go south. The area is called Carampane. The bridge is called like this because the women showed their breasts to the men that passed on the bridge in order to loom them to the brothel. 

Carlo Goldoni’ s House (Casa di Carlo Goldoni): – San Polo 30125, 2794. It is a museum and library of theatrical studies. Open: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm (last admission 3.30 pm). Ticket: Free entrance + skip the line with the Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card.

Sestiere Castello

Riva degli Schiavoni – Venice Italy Carnival Promenade

Riva degli Schiavoni: Venice’s most famous promenade, just off San Marco square. From there the view across the St. Mark’s Basin to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore is magnificent. This is where Venetians always like to stroll after lunch or dinner. These strolls are called passeggiatas in Italian. The promenade is stretching forward East till Giardini della Biennale, but under other names: Riva Ca’ di Dio, Riva S. Biasio and Riva dei Sette Martiri. 

Just after passing by the Doge’s Palace if you cross the Ponte della Paglia you can see the Ponte dei Sospiri from there.

Ristorante Terraza Danieli – has a terrace with panoramic view, thus great place for taking pictures.

Museums and Historical Sights in Castello

After Terrazza Danieli you can see the ACTV vaporetto stops San Zaccaria and Pieta, and then you can go further on until Arsenale stop, cross a canal and then go left on Fondamenta Arsenale. There are 2 important touristic sights: Museo Storico Navale di Venezia and Arsenale di Venezia.

Museo Storico Navale di Venezia (Naval & Maritime History Museum): –  It is closed for restoration, but you can visit the Padiglione della Navi –  Castello 30122, Rio della Tana (Fondamenta Arsenale) 2162. On the web: https://www.veneziaunica.it/en/content/foundations-and-other-museums#navale. Open: 08.45 am – 5.00 pm (last admission 4.30 pm), everyday. Ticket: reduced with the Rolling Venice Card: 3.50 euro/person(reduced from 5 euros). There is also an exhibition of gondolas.

Padiglione della Navi is further North on the Fondamenta Arsenale, on the right side of the bridge. Moreover, on the left side of the bridge you can see the Arsenale di Venezia. 

According to the official website of Venice Carnival Italy, on 9 February 2018, between 11.00 pm – 3.00 am will take place the Arsenale Carnival Experience – Tese dell’ Arsenale – house music concert, 3 concert scenes. Address: Arsenale Noth – Accesso Bacini – Venezia, Venezia 30121 – at Torre del Arsenale.

San Giorgio Maggiore

Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore: – (technically part of San Marco sestiere) you can arrive there by vaporetto No. 2 from S. Zaccaria (Danieli) stop. From the island you can get beautiful panoramic views and therefore take beautiful pictures.

Basilica San Giorgio Maggiore – designed by the famous architect Andrea Palladio; here you can see works of art by Tintoretto. The entrance to the basilica is free, but if you want to take the elevator up the tower and have a more panoramic view, you have to pay a tax. I don’t know the price, but it can’t cost that much. The Campanile di San Marco costs 8 euros, so it can’t be that much.

Shopping in Castello

Acqua Alta Library – Castello 30122, Calle Longa S. Maria Formosa, 5176/b. It is close to Campo San Zanipolo, Ospedale Giovanni e Paolo and Osteria Alberto, and Fondamente Nove – Ospedale stop. On the web: https://www.facebook.com/libreriaacquaalta/. Open: 9.00 am – 8.00 pm, everyday. This is a unique library. There are books everywhere: placed on shelves, in bath tubs, also in gondolas, there are piles of books from the floor to the ceiling. A canal is just at the door, and moreover you can find many cats on the shelves!

Food in Castello – Dining During Venice Italy Carnival

Trattoria dai Tosi (Tosi Picoli) – Castello 30122, Calle Seco Marina 738, after the Biennale towards Est. On the web: www.trattoriadaitosi.com. Open: 12.00 am – 2.30 pm; 7.00 pm – 9.30 pm, closed on Wednesday. Prices: 2 course fixed price menus.

Osteria al Portego – Castello 30122, Calle de la Malvisa, 6014 – 6015,  in the direction of Rialto Bridge, close to Campo San Bartolomeo. Open: 11.30 am – 3.00 pm; 5.30 pm – 10.00 pm, everyday. Prices: typical Venetian cicchetti, fixed price menus, appetizers 10 – 15 euros, first course 12 – 16 euros, second course 12 – 20 euros.

Cip Ciap Pizza – Castello 30122, Calle del Mondo Novo 5820, close to Acqua Alta Library. On the web: www.cipciappizza.com. Open: 9.00 am – 9.00 pm, closed on Tuesday. It offers cheap pizza slices.

Sestiere Dorsoduro – Venice Italy Carnival Highlights

Food in Dorsoduro – Venice Carnival Dining 

Taverna San Trovaso – Dorsoduro 30123, Calle Contarini Corfu, 1016 (Fondamenta Piruli), continuing from Fondamenta Nani. It is situated on the same street as Cantina de Vino Gia Schiavi, close to Basilica San Trovaso, and close to Accademia Bridge. Open: 12.00 am – 3.00 pm; 7.00 pm – 9.45 pm, closed on Monday. Prices: Tiramisu 5 euros, cheap pizza. It is close by you can find the Squero di San Trovaso(www.squerosantrovaso.com– in this place are made gondolas)

Pizza al Volo – Dorsoduro 30123, 2944. Open: 11.00 am – 2.00 am, everyday. Here you can buy pizza slices. Prices: an entire pizza costs around 6 euros, aslice of pizza costs 2 euros, 2 pizza slices + a bottle of water costs 5 euros.

Cantione Gia Schiavi, Enoteca Cantina del Vino Gia Schiavi – Dorsoduro 30123, Fondamenta Nani 992, near the San Trovaso Basilica, close to Accademia Bridge. On the web: www.cantinaschiavi.com. Open: 8.30 am – 8.30 pm, closed on Sunday. Offers typical Venetian cicchetti and wine. Prices: 2 panini + 2 glasses of wine 10 euros.

Campo Santa Margherita

Osteria Ai Pugni – Dorsoduro 30125, Fondamenta Gherardini 2836, close to Ca’ Rezzonico, from Ponte dei Pugni cross the Rio de S. Barnaba. On the web: www.osteriaaipugni.com. Open: 8.00 am – 11.00 pm, Monday – Saturday; 11.00 am – 11.00 pm on Sunday. It is situated close to Ca’ Foscari University – this means they have good prices. You can have wine and appetizers at the bar.

Majer – Dorsoduro 30100, Calle Crosera 3108, near Ponte dei Pugni, across the bridge over Rio de S. Barnaba, on Rio Tera Canal, close to Osteria Ai Pugni. On the web: www.majer.it. Prices: Desserts 3 – 5 euros.

(Marina) Kebab – Dorsoduro 30123, Campo Santa Margherita, Calle del Forno, in the covered passage in the West side of the square. People say that here you can have the best Doner Kebab in Venice.

Gelateria Il Doge – Dorsoduro 30123, Rio Tera Canal, 3058/A, in the South-East side of the square. From Ponte dei Pugni go North on Rio Tera Canal and then turn left also on Rio Tera Canal. Open: 9.00 am – 11.00, everyday. Prices: a cup of ice cream 1.5 euros, 2 cups 2.5 euros.

Sights in Dorsoduro

Campo Santa Margherita – this square is close to Ca’ Foscari University. From Ponte dei Pugni go North on Rio Tera Canal, and then turn left in front of  Polizia locale Dorsoduro. This square is frequented by students and other young people; you can find street food till late at night.

Ponte dell’ Accademia: – located at the end of the Grand Canal, just before the canal feeds into St. Mark’s Basin. It links Venice San Marco and Dorsoduro sestieri.

From Piazza San Marco follow the yellow Accademia arrows, turn left on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, arrive in Campo Santo Stefano, and than turn left towards South, towards the Grand Canal and then arrive at the Accademia Bridge. There is a public toilet just under the Accademia Bridge, in the Dorsoduro side, near the ACTV vaporetto stop Accademia.

Galleria dell’ Accademia: – it is just at the Accademia Bridge. The gallery contains works of art by Bellini, Titian, Carpaccio and Tintoretto.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection: – museum –   Dorsoduro 704, 30123. Dispalys works of art by Picasso, Pollock, Kandinsky, Mirò, de Chirico and Dalì. Open: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm. Ticket: reduced with the Rolling Venice Card – 9 euros (reduced from 15 euros).

Ca’ Dario (Palazzo Dario): – it is just after the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, going from Accademia towards San Marco. it is haunted/cursed. This place had to do with 10 people’s mysterious deaths over the time.

Salute and Punta della Dogana

Basilica Santa Maria della Salute: – It is one of the most photographed in Italy. Entrance is free.

Dogana di Mare/ Punta della Dogana: (the old Sea Customs Post) – it is situated at the tip of the triangle you can see in the Grand Canal, just beside the Santa Maria della Salute church with it’s tower with 2 statues. It can be visited accompanied by a guide and as part of a package: Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana. It contains contemporary art exhibits. Ticket: reduced with the Rolling Venice card 15 euros (reduced from 18 euros). Vapotetto No. 1 has the Salute stop between the stops Santa Maria del Giglio and San Marco.

Shopping in Dorsoduro – Venice Carnival Souvenirs

Il Pavone – Dorsoduro 30123, Calle Venier dei Leoni 721, close to de Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Cappella di San Vio. On web: www.ilpavonevenezia.com. Open: 10.00 am – 5.30 pm, everyday. Here you can find nice souvenirs: stationery – peacock papers, journals, stamps. It is expensive, but it’s worth at least visiting

Casin Dei Nobili Show Room Snc Di Oliani Stefano E Valentina Pala – Dorsoduro 30123, 2766; close to ACTV vaporetto stop Ca’ Rezzonico. Here you can find the best quality masks.

Grand Canal Tour

A tour of the Grand Canal takes approximately one hour.

• Vaporetto No. 1: Piazzale Roma – San Zaccaria – zig-zags through the Grand Canal and stops alternatively on both sides of the Grand Canal.  Tours of the Grand Canal on Line 1 from Piazzale Roma to San Marco are a must, both at day and at night! At night palaces are illuminated and you can see inside while seating in the open-air spaces in the stern, in the back of the boat. The vaporetto goes both ways, so why not also have a Venice tour back, from San Marco to Piazzale Roma.
• Vaporetto No. 1 can be also used when you want to cross the Grand Canal to the other side and you don’t have a bridge nearby.

Grand Canal Bridges – Venice at Carnival

In Venice there are only 4 bridges on the Grand Canal – starting from Piazzale Roma towards San Marco:

1. Constitution Bridge – Ponte della Costituzione (also called the Calatrava Bridge – the name of the architect who built it)
2. Scalzi Bridge – Ponte degli Scalzi or Ponte dei Scalzi
3. Rialto Bridge  – Ponte di Rialto
4. Accademia Bridge – Ponte dell’ Accademia

The Grand Canal – is the largest canal in Venice. It is 3.8 km long, and 30 to 90 m wide, with an average depth of 5 meters. It has a reverse-S shape. 

There are many famous palaces and buildings that you can see along the Grand Canal. So take a map with you and go on a tour.

Grand Canal Tour Sights Map – Venice at Carnival

Below you can find the locations and buildings that interested us, you can do your own list, but you can get inspired by ours!

1. Piazzale Roma
2. Ponte della Costituzione
3. Airone Hotel
4. Ferrovia Santa Lucia
5. San Simeone Piccolo Church
6. Ponte degli Scalzi
7. Fondaco dei Turchi (Natural History Museum)
8. Palazzo Vendramin Calergi + Casino di Venezia
9. Ca’ Pesaro
10. Ca’ d’ Oro
11. Rialto Market
12. Ponte di Rialto
13. Palazzo Balbi
14. Ca’ Foscari (University)
15. Palazzo Grassi
16. Ca’ Rezzonico
17. Ponte dell’ Accademia
18. Palazzo Da Mula Morosini
19. Peggy Guggenheim Collection
20. Ca’ Dario
21. Gritti Palace
22. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
23. Punta della Dogana del Mar
24. Royal Gardens
25. San Marco

Sights on the Grand Canal

Bellow I included a few places that worth a visit. I preferred to include these in this section and not in the sections of the sestieri they belong to, because they seem easier to reach by boarding the vaporetto no. 1 and stopping at the nearest station.

Ca’ Foscari University: – Dorsoduro, 3246, 30123. Nearest vaporetto stops: San Toma and Ca’ Rezzonico. On the web: www.veneziaunica.it-cafoscaritour.Ticket: 6 euros / person. It can be visited only by reserving a guided one-hour tour. A tour offers you great panoramic views of the Grand Canal. The most beautiful and photographed views of the Grand Canal are from the Aula Magna Mario Baratto. This hall it’s on the second floor of the Ca’ Foscari palace. The tour also consists in visiting the wonderful Palazzo Giustinian that is near.

Ca Rezzonico: – 18th century Venice Museum – Dorsoduro, 3136, 30123. Nearest vaporetto stop: Ca’ Rezzonico. This palace illustrates all the characteristics of Venice’s 18th-century life. In 2005 here was filmed the Casanova movie with Heath Ledger. On the 3rd floor there are exposed masks, dolls, puppets, costumes and you can also find a chemistry laboratory. On the web: http://carezzonico.visitmuve.it/. Open: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm (last admission 4.00 pm), closed on Tuesday Ticket: Free entrance + skip the line with the Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card.

Shopping Along the Grand Canal

Gilberto Penzo boat shop – San Polo 30125, Calle Seconda dei Soneri 2681, close to Campo San Toma and to Carlo Goldoni’s House. Nearest vaporetto stop: San Toma. Here you can see and buy beautiful scale models of gondolas and also other traditional Venetian boats, and also DIY kits. Great souvenirs ideas! On the web: www.veniceboats.com. Open: 8.45 am – 5.30 pm, Monday – Saturday.

Venetian Lagoon’s Islands Tour: Murano and Burano

Besides Murano and Burano, tourists also visit San Michelle and Torcello islands:

San Michele Island – Venice’s Historic Cemetery

The whole island is a cemetery divided in various sections: Catholics, Greek Orthodox and Protestants. Graves in the Catholic section are well maintained and also beautifully decorated. Graves are displayed vertically and ladders are placed to help reach the top graves. As an Orthodox Christian myself, I find the Catholic cemetery interesting. I have a certain curiosity of seeing it. However, I don’t think cemeteries are meant to be visited as touristic sights. I find it disrespectful to go there just for fun. Cemeteries serve a purpose for personal moments with loved ones. So let’s give them their space. You can reach the Isola di San Michele by ACTV Circolare No. 4.1 or 4.2, from Fondamente Nove.

Torcello – A Quiet Lagoon Escape

It’s an island quite big, close to Burano island. It can be reached by the ACTV Line 12 from Burano, but also directly from Venice, from Fondamente Nove. The main sight of this island is a church – Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. But the island is in fact empty… Only 20 inhabitants remain on this island, and also there are a few restaurants. Besides these, there are plenty of trees and vegetation. It is not that attractive in the  winter. Our conclusion: nothing to see there; so let’s move on to the next island.

Lido Island – Beaches and Luxury

Lido – beautiful beaches and also luxury hotels. It is better to visit and enjoy in the summer. Visiting during the Venice Film Festival in August – September is even better. However, if we have enough time, we will make a quick visit. It can be reached by vaporetto No. 1 from Venice.

And now our tour:

Murano – The Glass Island

The island is famous for the production of the purest glass in the world (since 1291). Moreover, it is the largest island in the Venetian Lagoon.

It can be reached from Venice in approx. 30 minutes with ACTV 4.1 and 4.2 from Fondamente Nove, or also on Line 3 Diretto Murano – from Piazzale Roma or Ferrovia. No. 3 passes through the Cannaregio Canal, underneath the Tre Archi Bridge, then passes by San Michelle Island – Cimiterio.

You can get off at Colonna stop or Faro stop and then walk to the center, or if you are in a hurry you can also choose to go straight to Museo stop.

Murano Highlights

We plan on taking the Line 3 diretto Murano and get off at the first stop in Murano: Colonna. Then we’ll walk everywhere. Then we’ll go right on the Fondamenta dei Vetrai – on this street we can find various glass factories/workshops where we may have the chance to assist at a 10 minutes Glass Blowing demonstration. All we’ll have to do is to look for an open glass factory; during the week factories are open early in the morning till mid-day.

Chiesa di San Pietro Martire

We’ll go forward on Fondamenta dei Vetrai and we’ll get to Chiesa di San Pietro Martire, situated on the same side of the street, in Campiello Michieli. It is decorated with works by Veronese, Bellini and also Tintoretto.

Just across the canal from St. Pietro Martire Church, over the bridge, there is Campo Santo Stefano, were we can see the Cometa di Vetro and also the Torre dell’Orologio.

In Campo Santo Stefano we can find snack bars, osterias and pizzerias.

Ponte Longo

Then we’ll cross the bridge back to Fondamenta dei Vetrai and go further till we will finally arrive to the city center. We’ll reach a larger canal and a bridge – Ponte Longo. Before crossing the bridge, on the left, just around the corner we can see Palazzo da Mula, on Fondamenta Mula.

We’ll cross the Ponte Longo and then get on the Riva Longa that leads to the city center.

Here we can find an InCoop supermarket. We can buy some drinks or food from there if needed. Options include sandwiches, pizza slices, and other snacks.

Glass Museum

On Riva Longa we’ll pass by the ACTV Museo stop, and on the left, just around the corner, continuing on Fondamenta Giustinian, along San Donato Canal, we’ll eventually arrive at Palazzo Giustinian = Museo dei Vetrai.

Glass Museum – Museo dei Vetrai: – Murano 30121, Fondamenta Giustinian 8. Open: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm (last admission 3.30 pm), closed on Wednesday. Ticket: Free entrance + skip the line with the Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card.

Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato

Going further on Fondamenta Marco Giustinian, on the left, just after passing by a bridge, we’ll arrive in Campo San Donato, where is the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato. This church has the same marble floor as St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.

In Campo San Donato also we can find some snack bars, osterias and pizzerias.

Glass factories/workshops and shops are usually opened till 12.30 am or 1 pm, and then open again at 2 pm or 3.45 pm.

Murano glass beads, nice Murano glass beads necklaces can make some perfect souvenirs.

Be careful when buying souvenirs, because not all the shops in Murano sell authentic Murano glass. Their merchandise can be from China instead. Therefore, make sure the workshops and shops you shop from have the Vetro Murano Artistico logo.

Murano Faro

Then, from Campo San Donato, we’ll go back following the same path until we’ll reach Campo Santo Stefano. From there we can eventually continue walking on the same side of the canal. We’ll proceed on Fondamanta Manin and then turn left on Calle Bressagio (before reaching the Ponte del Mezzo). We will continue on Calle Bressagio until we will finally reach the Lagoon. There is the Faro, and the ACTV Line 12 stop from where we can go to Burano.

Burano – The Colorful Lace Island

The island is famous for the lace made here for more than 500 years.

The fishermen houses are painted in all colors, but the residents are not the ones who choose the colors. In fact, they follow a system set by the government. So, whoever wants to paint his house in a different color, needs to make a request to the government.

You can reach Burano by ACTV Line 12, from Faro stop in Murano  – approx. 33 minutes, or by the same Line 12 from Fondamente Nove stop in Venice – approx. 40 minutes.

On the way to Burano, we’ll pass by the Mazzorbo island; Line 12 has a stop there before reaching Burano. Mazzorbo island is linked to Burano island by a long wooden bridge. It would look perfect in a picture when getting off the boat at the ACTV Burano stop. The bright colored houses and the wooden bridge would be in the background. 

Burano Highlights

From the ACTV stop, we’ll walk on the San Mauro dock. Then we’ll head down the Via San Mauro until we find a canal. From there, we’ll go left along the canal on the Fondamenta San Mauro. We’ll continue until we reach an intersection. The canal will continue to the left. We’ll cross the bridge over the canal and we’ll get on Via Baldassare Galupi. This road leads towards the center of the island and we will finally arrive at Piazza Baldassare Galupi. There, we can find the Basilica San Martino and also Museo dei Marletto.

The Duomo (Cathedral) di San Martino: has a leaning bell tower – Oratorio di Santa Barbara.

Museo del Merletto – Lace Museum and Lace School: – Burano 30142, Piazza Galuppi 187.

Exhibits lace of remarkable value, clothes, also drawings and photographs. You can also happen to see at work the old ladies that still master the lace-making craft. Open: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm (last admission 3.30 pm), closed on Tuesday. Ticket: Free entrance + skip the line with the Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card.

There are many souvenirs shops, lace shops, bakeries and pastries on Via Baldassare. Here you can find and try some Bussolai – pastries that look like donuts.

Burano Carnival Events

Thursday, 8 February 2018:

• 3.00 pm – music in the Piazza Baldassare Galupi
• 3.30 pm – children’s parade on the streets of Burano

Friday, 9 February 2018:

• 10.30 am – Theater play in Piazza Baldassare Galupi
• To get back to Venice we’ll have to return to the same ACTV stop and board Line 12 boat that will get us to Fondamente Nove stop.

Essential Information for Visitors – Italy Venice Carnival Travel Tips

Weather in Venice and Acqua Alta Season

Acqua Alta (high water – caused by high tide) – n Venice, between October and April San Marco Square is flooded. The phenomenon it’s most likely to occur in November, December , but also in October – in this order. The flooding usually doesn’t last long, the water recedes usually in a couple of hours.

During acqua alta, elevated wooden walkways are placed in the lower areas of the city. Flooding is likely to happen in these areas, so pedestrians need them.

Whether is unpredictable between November and February, but mild in general.

Clothes: You need to pack a coat, a scarf, and also gloves in your luggage. Bring an umbrella as well. Moreover, choose waterproof footwear with good adhesion, because the pavement is slippery.

Emergency and Useful Contacts in Venice

Emergency Numbers: 112 (the central emergency number for police, fire brigade, and also for medical services), or separately: 

• Police: 112
• Fire brigade: 115
• Ambulance: 118

For medical emergencies that don’t require an ambulance you can go the Ospedale (Hospital) Ospedale S.S. Giovanni e Paolo – close to the ACTV Ospedale stop (on Fondamente Nove street). You can reach it by ACTV waterbuses 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2.

Tourist information center: Venice San Marco 750, Tel.: 00390415298700

Lost property office: at the Santa Lucia train station

Telephone: Country code: +39/0039, Area code: 041 (dialed also when being in Venice)

Electricity: 240 V, 50 Hz

Public Toilets in Venice – What Tourists Should Know

• AMAV public toilets cost 1.50 euros.
• You need to have change to pay.
• Signori = men’s room, signore = ladies’ room; there are also unisex toilets.
• There are not that many public toilets compared to the number of tourists that visit Venice, especially in peak season.
• At museums you can also find toilets, free of charge or for a fee. The toilet at Ca’ Rezzonico can be used for free. 
• At the Ferrovia Santa Lucia costs 0.80 euros.
• Public toilets can be found in several locations. These include Ferrovia Santa Lucia and Piazzale Roma. Other locations are Accademia Bridge (Dorsoduro side) and Piazza San Marco (in Calle Larga dell’ Ascension). Giardini ex reali San Marco is also included.
• Apps: WC Map Venice (for android), WC Venice (for iPhone)

Local Rules and Customs in Venice

• It is illegal throwing garbage in the streets or in public parks.
• It is forbidden to eat or sit on the ground in the Piazza San Marco.
• It is forbidden to feed the pigeons in St. Marks’ square.
• It is forbidden to eat or sit on the bridges and churches’ steps.

• Shops, restaurants, bars, cafes – are generally open from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Most close at 12 at night at the latest, or even earlier, even in peak season.
• In traditional bars, you must first pay the cashier for the drink or the coffee you want. After paying, you receive a receipt. You show this receipt to the bartender when you drink at the bar. If you want to sit at a table, you order the drinks from the waiter. The waiter comes to take the order. Not all bars apply this procedure. But in most bars and cafes charge a higher price for serving at the table than at the bar.

Food, Drinks, and Venetian Cuisine

• The water is drinkable. There are many public fountains – almost in every square. Tap water is very good, it’s from the mainland, and it also has its own brand called Aquavis Veritas.
• Older Venetians order an ombra = a glass of wine. Young people, on the other hand, prefer the Venetian spritz. It consists of cold prosecco, mineral water, and Aperol or Cinzano liqueur.
• Typical Venetian Ciccetti = a glass of wine and some mini appetizers. These are usually served in places called bacaro. You usually eat at the bar in these places. You may also find a few tables.

Venetian Cuisine Specialties

• Bigoli in anchovy sauce or mushroom sauce;
• Casature – artichoke with parmesan and olive oil;
• Rixoto;
• Sarde in sao;
• Deserts:
• Baicoli – oval golden biscuits – the bread of the fishermen;
• Almond and pistachio cakes;
• Cookies with Venetian Cream;
• Crostoli sau rosada – milk pudding;
• Tiramisù.

– Coberto is mentioned at the bottom of the menu.

– Pay attention to the menu – the price of the fish can be per a hundred grams.

Venetian Souvenirs – Treasures from Italy Venice Carnival

• Masks – bauta: paper or porcelain;
• Murano glass: colored glass beads; decorative candies from colored glass, which can be placed in a bowl or even as Christmas tree ornaments;
• Burano lace;
• Stationery: Venice Postcards can be found in bookstores or in the Postcard Shop at the Basilica di San Marco. Other items include travel journals, wax seal kits, seals, and stamps. These feature symbols of Venice, like the Lion of San Marco or the sun with a man face. They can be found at Il Pavone store in Dorsoduro.

Read On

Make sure you check out our Venice 4 Days Travel Plan on a Budget to continue exploring — from hidden corners to grand vistas, there’s much more to discover. You can find all our posts about Venice on this page. Also, for more inspiration and practical tips on visiting Italy, grab our maps and travel guides and head over to our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List — your starting point for all things Italian! Are you looking to expand your itinerary? Don’t miss our postson Milan, Bergamo and Lake Como!

Thanks for reading!

Related:

• Our Venice Carnival Italy Visit – Day 2
• Our Venice Carnival Italy Visit – Day 4
• Our Venice Carnival Italy Visit – Day 1
• Venice
• Venice 4 Days Travel Plan on a Budget

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