THE VENICE GUIDE
{How to get engaged in Venice, Italy} VENEZIA! Imagine more than one hundred tiny islands with four hundred bridges, add a treasure trove of the world’s most important art, historic architecture, and you have Venice. Charming, timeless and full of romance, the city dates back to 400 AD and its mystery is spellbinding even today. Venice is a magical place, so flawlessly preserved it’s impossible to believe it’s real. To be in love in Venice is the experience of a lifetime.
The narrow streets and bridges form a labyrinth, so it’s easy to get lost. But there are signs pointing to P.le Roma,” “Per Rialto,” or “Per S. Marco” so getting lost in Venice is fun. Turn any corner and you come upon an idyllic scene. It’s streets are inviting and the city is small enough that it can be easily be walked within an hour or two.
No wonder that Venice is an iconic location for engagements, elopements, weddings and anniversaries. Because the floating city is one of the most beautiful places in the world, people flock to it, and it gets overcrowded during the high seasons.
Jason and Kanani went to Venice in the off-season and got up at sunrise for their Venice engagement session, because they wanted to be photographed against the backdrop of popular locations like San Marco, which can be seriously crowded.
Things to do, places to see
- Take a Gondola ride. The asking price is usually about €120 euros and it lasts for an hour. You can ask for a shorter ride for about €80 euros. Try to take it at sunset.
- San Marco at sunrise and sunset.
- Day trip to Murano for the hand-blown glass, Burano for the colorful houses and hand made lace, and Torcello Island for the history.
- The amazing museums: the Guggenhiem Museum for modern art, the Accademia for historic masterpieces, the Fortuny Museum for unique art and design in a gothic palazzo
Favorite restaurants
- Al Covin
- Boccadoro
- Da Fiore
- Il Ridotto
- Locanda Ciprani
- Villa 600
- Osteria Al Ponte del Diavolo
- Caffe Florian
Favorite Hotels
- Hotel Ciprani
- Bauer
- Il Violino d’oro (quaint and less expensive right next to the Bauer)
- Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal
- Hotel Gardena Venice
- Hotel Metropole
If you opt for a B&B, stay (as close to San Marco or Piazzale Roma as possible. You don’t want to lug your luggage all over the 400 bridges and canals.
Getting to and around Venice
- Take the speed train from Rome, Florence or Milan (Trenitalia – Frecciarossa or Frecciargento)
- Water taxi will take you to Piazzale Roma from the airport, or through the canals
- Vaportetti these are like buses on water. (ACTV- public Transfer) You can buy passes at the airport or train station
- WALK! Bring your comfy walking shoes. Venice is meant to be explored on foot.
