Discover the Floating City with a weekend break in Venice

Discover the Floating City with a weekend break in Venice

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Lose yourself in the canals during a weekend retreat in Venice

La Serenissima, the Floating City, Queen of the Adriatic - Venice is a city with a thousand names, and one that has been inspiring and delighting travellers for centuries. With its incredible network of islands and canals, Venice is a magical city that seems completely different from every other destination in Italy. It's also one of the best places in Europe for a quick city break. Book a weekend break in Venice and let your worries float away down the canal.

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Planning a weekend retreat in Venice

Why should I go to Venice for a weekend trip?

Venice is a city that needs no introduction - its canals, bridges and islands have long enchanted travellers. Despite its long, rich history, it's a surprisingly small city, and you can see most of the attractions in a weekend break in Venice. St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the Rialto Bridge are all fascinating sights to visit during the day. You may also want to squeeze in a trip to the islands of Murano and Burano. The former is famous for its exquisite tradition of glassblowing, while the latter has charming, colourful houses lining its canals. Marvel at the Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice's famous bookshop where stacks of books are piled high in gondolas, or enjoy a traditional Venetian masked ball at night. One thing's for sure: on a weekend retreat in Venice, you'll never get tired.

Where should I stay during a weekend break in Venice?

You'll probably spend most of your weekend exploring the city on foot, so look for holiday lettings in Venice in a central location. San Marco is the very heart of the city; staying in this area for your weekend retreat in Venice gives you easy access on foot to the main attractions. However, it's also the most expensive part of the city. For a central location that's a bit lighter on the wallet, try Dorsoduro or Cannaregio. San Polo is another choice, still within walking distance of St Mark's Square but without so much tourist hustle and bustle. Cannaregio and San Polo are still residential neighbourhoods, which is something of a rarity in this tourist hub, so you may choose to stay in one of them if you want a taste of the authentic Venetian lifestyle.

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FAQs: Weekend Trip in Venice

What's the best time of year to plan a weekend break in Venice?

Venice is a city built on water, so it easily gets humid in the summer months. From June to August, the city is hot and sticky, with crowds of tourists. You may prefer to visit during the milder weather from April to May or September to October. Tourist numbers are lower in the winter, so it's a good time if you want to escape the crowds - but bear in mind that the city does flood occasionally in the cooler months. Keep an eye on the weather forecast before you travel.

How should I travel to Venice?

There are several British airports with direct flights to Venice's Marco Polo Airport (VCE). London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and Birmingham all have direct connections to the city. Some budget airlines fly to Treviso Airport (TSF), which is located around 30 kilometres from Venice, and can be a lower-cost alternative. There are buses from both airports to the city.

How should I get around Venice?

The best way to explore Venice is on foot. Expect to get lost - Venice can be a confusing city, with its mazes of narrow streets and bridges but that's part of the charm. No trip to Venice would be complete without travelling by water. The city's main public transport system is the network of vaporettos, or water buses. A day pass will let you travel several times. Water taxis are a more expensive private option, which may be necessary if you're carrying lots of luggage. The quintessential gondola is generally reserved for short sightseeing journeys. It's romantic and charming, but a lot slower than a motorised vessel like a vaporetto or water taxi.

What annual events can I see in Venice?

The most famous annual event in Venice is, of course, the carnival. The dates change each year, depending on when Lent falls, but it takes place some time in February or March. During the carnival, locals dress up in costumes, complete with elaborate masks. Parades, performances and masked balls are just a few of the highlights. Other annual events you might enjoy include the International Film Festival, the Festa del Redentore, and the Regata Storica. This last event, which takes place on the first Sunday of September, is a spectacular rowing race with competitors dressed in historical attire.

What local food should I try on a trip to Venice?

As you might expect from the Floating City, Venice is a city where seafood reigns supreme. Try sarde in saor, a sweet and sour sardine dish, or bigoli in salsa, a rich pasta dish with a fragrant anchovy sauce. You might be surprised to learn that Venice has its own version of tapas, too. Known as cicchetti, these small local snacks are commonly served in bars alongside a glass of wine or Venetian spritz.

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