Published: Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Venice’s maze of streets and countless canals make it the perfect place for travellers who want to get lost and see where the path takes them. Words: Jeremy Rochow
If you’ve only got 24 hours in Italy’s city of water, then it’s best to have a plan and a map.
Here’s a few things to see and do if you’ve got a day in Venice.
This might sound a bit cliché, but when in Venice, you need to take at least one journey on the traditional Venetian form of transport.
There aren’t too many – or any – other places in the world where you can take a gondola ride; plus, a stunning view of the city will welcome you around every corner.
If you’re looking for something more physical, many gondolier schools offer half-day lessons for tourists.
Beware though, gondoliers need to have exceptional balance, co-ordination and strength.
Now that you’ve worked up a sweat, and hopefully an appetite, it’s time to eat.
It’s easy as a tourist to turn to the Italian staples, such as pasta and pizza. There’s no doubt they’re both scrumptious, but Venice has more to offer.
Firstly, look for seafood, and avoid restaurants that have menus in six different languages – they’re tourist traps.
Then head to one of Venice’s many small bars and try cicchetti, which are little bites of food – including seared flank steak or tuna with cacao – on bread. They’re usually served with a glass of wine.
If you’re still hungry after feasting on these tasty morsels, it’s time to go searching for one of Italy’s most famous exports.
Gelato may have been invented in Florence, but Venice still dishes up some delicious frozen goodies for you to devour.
Boutique Del Gelato serves some of the best house-made gelato you will taste, including Stracciatella-flavoured ice cream filled with delightful chocolate shavings.
Once you’ve refuelled, it’s time to lace up your walking shoes and visit some of the many famous locations that attract about 20 million tourists to Venice each year.
St Mark’s Basilica – one of the most visited place in Venice – is the first stop as you trek around the city of canals.
With a history that stretches all the way back to the 9th century, the church has plenty of interesting stories and legends behind it. You can take a tour with tickets starting at just €3.
While you’re in St Mark’s Square taking in the beautiful view, you should visit the famous Caffe Florian – 1 of the world’s oldest cafes still in operation – for a coffee and a cornetti (Italian-style croissant).
The last stop on your Venetian tour is the Rialto Bridge – the oldest of four bridges that span the Grand Canal.
The bridge has 3 walkways: 2 along the outer balustrades, and a wider central walkway leading between 2 rows of small shops that sell jewellery, linen and glass among other items.
After touring around Venice, be sure to travel to the many other beautiful Italian cities, including Florence, Milan and Rome.