It is easy to see Venice and an unspoiled gem, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Forgotten by the modern world, Italy is almost a poster girl for historic cities, whilst Venice lacks the skyscrapers of more progressive cities, it has a solid punk rock like bravado withstanding over a century of being battered and bruised by tourists flocking to see the art and architecture that has made it so legendary.
Although Venice’s walls are crumbling, underneath it all, it still has a rugged charm that is unmatched.
At the minute Europe isn’t the cheapest place to visit, but it can be made an affordable short break, by booking in advance, doing your own legwork and planning ahead. There are so many benefits to reap, even in a city that has the sigma of being one of the most expensive in Europe.
Travel and hotel:
As with most European cities, the cheapest time of year to visit Venice is during the down season from November to February, it is possible to get cheap flights and accommodation if you’re willing to brave the cold Mediterranean winds.
Most hotels have a curfew but neglect to mention this upon booking, always ask, hotels with a curfew will often be substantially cheaper than those without. They are not always unreasonable some stay open until 1am.
Flights with Ryanair are more often than not the cheapest option, but plush comforts like seats or a pilot aren't to be expected with the budget airline. Once they get off the ground, they fly directly into Treviso airport which is a 30 minute, €8 return connection via coach to Piazza Roma in Venice. One of the best ways to save is to fly into Treviso, as taxes to fly into Marco Polo are excessive at best.
For a truly unique experience it is always best to avoid using travel agents, although it is more legwork personally, it is easier to grab a bargain shopping around on the Internet.
Eating out and drinking:
Top tip: avoid restaurants claiming to be “Italian” or those who have a menu in English.
For the real Venetian food look out for side streets with scuffed wooden benches outside buildings marked ‘osterie’ (food and wine bars), they often serve specialty fish caught that day in the Mediterranean.
The Brits have pub-crawls and the Venetian’s have ciccetti. Typically, it is custom to eat ciccetti, which is not dissimilar to Spanish tapas, in the late morning accompanied with a small glass of white wine, however tourists use this as an excuse, and rightly so, to sample the delights of local wines both red and white in several bars across the city.
The wineries in Venice do not even export their wine to the rest of Italy, let alone anywhere else, ciccetti is an affordable and fun way to experience local culture.
Exploring the culture:
It is so easy to get lost in Venice, adoring the film-set beauty of the northern district, Cannaregio and wondering through the side streets and rivers is one of the best ways to get to grips with the city.
Generally Piazza San Marco floods about 50 times a year, roughly through from November to February. When traveling within those months, the best money saving tip would be to pack wellington boots as when it does flood, the Venetian’s will see you coming and charge up to €50 for a pair.
As to be expected, gondolas are extremely overpriced and more to the point staggeringly unromantic. Goggling tourists taking pictures as you row along isn't the most fun.
There are however, cheaper alternatives such as the Gondola Servicio – a water taxi from one side of the Grand Canal to the other, this costs just 50¢.
The population of Venice has more than halved in the past 20 years because of the overwhelming amount of tourists who invade the city all year round. The catch is whilst it is clear that tourism has cracked the Venetian’s themselves, it is the only thing keeping Venice financially afloat.
Venice has more museums per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world, although it can be expensive; there are places to visit for free across the city during the winter months making it that little bit easier on the wallet.
The recession has knocked everyone back, and just when the pound was starting to recover; Ireland, Greece, Spain and Portugal all had a hand in helping the euro practically go belly up. On the other hand, with well planned and carefully timed traveling, it isn't as hard as it may seem to enjoy time supposedly the most expensive city in Italy on a budget.
The ospedaletto
Piazza San Marco and Palazzo Ducale flooded at acqua alta 'high tide'
