Venice, Italy. 20 Tips and 2 Mistakes.

A visit to Venice, Italy. We enjoy the sites and sounds of beautiful Venezia. Along the way we shop, dine, and take a canal tour. In this video we go through 20 tips (or just random facts) for anyone looking to visit the beautiful city of Venice. Also, a couple of mistakes we made along the way.

0:00 Introduction
0:20 Where to stay?
0:50 Getting lost in Venice
1:20 Souvenir shopping in Venice
1:51 Original artwork for sale
2:02 Venice - Economics and Wealth
2:20 St. Marks Cathedral
2:46 St Marks Square
3:00 Mistake 1: Steps and St Marks
3:27 Mistake 2: Picking a Random Restaurant
4:02 Tipping in Venice
4:14 Avoiding Crowds
4:42 Rialto Bridge
5:35 Gondola Ride Info
6:00 Motorized Boat Tour
6:33 Picture Time - Naughty Kids
7:02 Why I Love the Boat Tour
7:40 Boat Tour vs. Gondola
8:00 Venice Facts: Depth of Grand Canal
8:20 Venice Hospital
8:32 Boat Driver as Photographer
8:52 Our Hotel - Isamar Holiday Village
9:32 Final Tips: Plan Ahead

Here is a video summary:

In this video, I give you 20 must-know tips before heading to Venice.

First things first, where you stay matters a lot. You've got to decide if you want to splurge on a hotel right in the heart of Venice or save some bucks by staying off the island. Commuting might sound okay, but parking can be a hassle, and what about lugging around your luggage?

Getting lost in Venice is part of the adventure. The narrow passageways are charming, but your smartphone GPS won't save you here. Best to familiarize yourself with the city and have a plan for meeting up if you inevitably lose your way.

Shopping in Venice is a treat! From Murano blown glass to unique masks, the souvenirs here are posh and a bit more special than in other touristy spots. Oh, and don't get me started on the high-end clothing stores – found a green blazer that I couldn't resist.

Venice has a rich history as the economic capital for over 500 years. You see this opulence in places like Doge's Palace and the Cathedral of Gold (St. Mark's Cathedral). It's like stepping into a different era.

St. Mark's Square is the heart of the action. You can explore Doge's Palace, visit St. Mark's Cathedral, or head up the Campanile for a small fee. Just a heads up – no sitting down on the steps in St. Mark's Square; they're pretty strict about that.

Here's a lesson learned: don't just pick a random restaurant in Venice. Do your homework and find a place with good ratings on TripAdvisor. Trust me; it'll save you from a mediocre meal. And a modest tip of 5-10% is cool unless they've already added a service charge.

Avoiding crowds is key, but Venice is pretty much always busy. If you happen to catch a less crowded day, consider yourself lucky or plan your visit during off-peak months like November to March.

The Rialto Bridge is a must-see. It's crowded, sure, but the history behind it is fascinating. You can even snag a gondola ride for 80 Euros. Pro tip: all gondola prices are the same, but you'll pay extra if you want a serenade. My family opted for a private boat tour for 150 Euros, and it was totally worth it.

The boat tour through Venice's canals was surreal. The architecture, especially the Gothic style with Byzantine influence, is mind-blowing. Our guide shared some cool facts, like the Grand Canal's depth being around 17 feet. And yes, I even got to take the helm of the boat for a bit.

Oh, about where we stayed – we chose The Isimar Holiday Village an hour south of Venice. It meant a bit of driving, but the pool and relaxation were just what we needed. And finally, plan ahead. Venice rewards those who do their homework, so research your stay, pick your restaurants wisely, and don't forget to bring some spending money for those awesome souvenirs. Venice might not be a week-long destination, but a day or two is perfect. Trust me; it's an experience you won't forget.