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<p>Venice is known as one of the world's most beautiful and unique cities. While it only has a population of around 270,000, it sees around 20 million visitors per year. There really is nowhere quite like it. </p>
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<p>Before going to Venice, I had heard a variety of different reviews. Some warned there would be a terrible smell; some said its too crowded and overpriced; others said it was the best place they've ever visited and would definitely return. This is a city you need to experience for yourself. Personally, I<strong> </strong>fell in love!<strong> </strong>The canals are gorgeous and the views are beautiful. The buildings have a romantic Italian meets Middle Eastern historical flair. <strong>Everything here is meant to look grand and impressive, and IT DOES!</strong> Streets are narrow and cobblestone. Cafes, bakeries, restaurants and wine bars can be found around every corner. They sell all manner of goods from high-end luxury to dollar store trinkets. Mask stores are plentiful. The city has a <strong>storybook quality </strong>to it which makes you feel like you are in a magical maze, discovering beauty around every corner.</p>
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<p>Is Venice expensive? Yes, it can be. Is it worth the money? Yes. You come here to see something unique, and experience a city that will probably not even exist in 100 years, thanks to rising sea water. So why not splurge a little? One of the best hotels in Venice is the <strong>Gritti Palace</strong>. 5 star luxury, right on the Grand Canal. It’s gorgeous and everything you think of when you think of a Venetian palace! Large rooms, ornate decoration, marble bathrooms, large comfortable beds. Staff here is amazing; attentive and friendly. This is the place to stay to see and be seen. The Chanel family was there when I went, so that tells you something about the quality! I can arrange for <strong>exclusive amenities </strong>and great experiences here, so <strong><a href="https://www.lindsaystravels.com/contact/">Contact Me </a></strong>for more info about staying here!</p>
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<p>There are certain things that most people come to Venice to see:</p>
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<ul><li><strong>San Marco Square</strong> - The main square of Venice and the most important. It is the piazza which also contains St. Mark's Basilica and The Doge's Palace. Lots of restaurants and coffee shops where you can people watch. Also lots of pigeons, so be careful if you are wary of birds. You will definitely end up here at some point during your exploration of Venice. </li><li><strong>St. Mark's Basilica</strong> - One of the best surviving examples of Italian Byzantine architecture, this basilica has survived in this location since 1092! Tickets are required to enter, and I highly recommend skip-the-line tickets.</li><li><strong>The Doge's Palace</strong> - A "Doge" was the chief magistrate, or governor, of this region, historically. Adjacent to the Basilica, this 14 century palace is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Gorgeous, ornate rooms adorn the inside, and I highly recommend combining a tour here with the Basilica. <a href="https://www.lindsaystravels.com/contact/"><strong>I would be happy to arrange this for you.</strong></a> </li><li><strong>Galerie dell'Accademia (Art Gallery)</strong> - Beautiful museum gallery which hosts a collection of pre-19th century art and features works by Bellini and Canaletto, amongst others. Also a very lovely building!</li><li><strong>Basilica  di Santa Maria Della Salute</strong> - Situated right at the end of a spit of land across from San Marco Square, this beautiful Baroque church is just gorgeous to see, and great to walk around.</li><li><strong>Bridge of Sighs</strong> - Steps from San Marco Square over the Rio di Palazzo, this famous landmark connected the courtroom to the jail, as rumour has it that the prisoners who passed through here got their last view of beautiful Venice before being sentenced to life in a cell. It is very ornate and a must-see bridge. </li><li><strong>Rialto Bridge</strong> - The most famous bridge in Venice, this pedestrian bridge connects the San Marco and San Polo districts. Its a major thoroughfare for pedestrians, so expect it to be busy. It has little shops all along the sides and is cool to see. On either side are some great restaurants and shops as well, so plan to spend some a few hours in this area. </li></ul>
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<p>As side note, I actually found of the <strong>best coffee/hot chocolate</strong> places I have ever been to in Italy. It was not too far from San Marco, in a small square at the end of an unassuming street. <strong><a href="http://www.concadorovenice.com">Conca D'Oro</a></strong> was simply delicious! The Caffe di Bronte fused pistachio cream and dark chocolate, while the hot chocolate came with a generous serving of whipped cream and was divine. </p>
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<p>Also, you simply must go to <strong><a href="https://www.londrapalace.com/en/londra-bar.html">Londra Bar </a></strong>at the Londra Palace Hotel (also a short walk from San Marco) to try the <strong>Chocolate Mint cocktail</strong>, a delight constructed with actual hazelnut chocolate and mint. I've never had anything quite like it. Also, if you're looking for great cocktails,<strong> </strong>the Gritti Palace has an amazing  and famous cocktail bar, <strong><a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotelwebsites/us/v/vcegl/vcegl_pdfs/Bar_Longhi_-_Menu_-_ENG.pdf">Bar Longhi</a></strong>, situated right on a terrace on the Grand Canal, so you can sit outside, sip delicious drinks and watch the boats go by!</p>
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<p><strong>Getting Around:</strong> Venice is on the water, and surrounded fully by water. The entire city is made up of canal waterways, with buildings lining the canals and providing  docks at their front doors for entry. If you want to experience the sea up- close and personal, this is it! And that is a big part of the charm.  A great system of <strong>Vaporetto </strong>(public water taxis) is available to assist you in getting around the city, or you can take a private water taxi. If you do want to go the public transit route (as it is the most economical and convenient), then I highly recommend you purchase a <strong><a href="https://www.rometoolkit.com/venice_visit/venice_water_transport.html#tickets">Tourist Travelcard</a></strong>. These give you unlimited access to the boats and buses (except to the airport) and can be purchased at at the airport, bus station and train station. Its easy to pay by credit card. If you instead opt to do the <strong>private water taxi</strong>, be prepared to pay a higher fee to get around (sometimes as much as 40 Euro one way), and bring cash. Of course....you can always walk! There are so many amazing streets and alleys to get lost in, that I highly recommend walking as much as you can. </p>
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