Dont travel with a group in venice!!! - after you diembarked from your opereta boat, go alone and dont stick with the group. the group tours show san marco and realto- and stick 3 hours to unesseary explanations. venice is small and easy to get around- go always by foot and alone- so you will reach all the shops. by the way- there is a small market on the beach right after san marco

A map is pretty much useless in Venice as not much is labeled. Instead, use the arrow signs that point you towards major sites to navigate.

When in Venice, dodge any restaurant that caters 'tourist menus'...they are overly expensive and not worth the money. Instead dare to get lost in the many small alleyways throughout the city and dine where the locals dine. ...and make sure you buy an ice cream cone when in Venice. The Italian 'gelatti' is quite delicious indeed !

Will go back again just for the ice-creams, the Gondolas are a rip off so beware, or do a deal first. The shops streets are fasinating , as is the history of the buildings. Avoid drinking in St Marks square the'll charge you 2 arms 2 legs for a coke, find an ice-cream booth they sell cold drinks also keep loose change for the loo's. The night life is romantic and there's live music twinkling lights in St Marks square, try and go in the local August holidays it's busy but worth it, Even thunder storm;s are romantic at night.

If you are in Venice you HAVE to see the old jewish getto, to feed the pigeons in Piazza San Marco, to blow glass on Murano island. and to see and/or buy the lacework on Burano island. And do not forget the gondola and the singing gondoliers.

Though water taxis are abundant in the place, we still opted to walk the stretch of Venice along the Grand (I mean, grandest!) Canal just to catch the stores open and bargain some 'murano' accessories. Wearing comfy shoes (for hours of walking) and an italian-speaking friend can help you seal a best bargain.

La vita notturna a Venezia è relativamente scarsa, i locali chiudono poco dopo mezzanotte, è una città fantasma o quasi, la sera... da visitare di giorno e da lasciare appena dopo cena, se si va in cerca di vita notturna

Boring, industrial CBD of Venice, don't get off the train

Gin with a Tiramisu sitting out on the terrace of the Westin Excelsior - not to be missed - unless on a tight budget!!

In the heart of Mestre there is a cute little australian pub that sells aussie beer, has the flag and aussie animals all over the walls.... so if your home sick this pub should be the cure however maybe not for hangovers. Hold on to your purse well...