I will be in Venice next week/next month, what's the weather like?
Can tourists take advantage of special discounts for public transportation and museums?
I forgot my mobile phone on a water bus, how do I get
it back?
I want to propose to my girlfriend on a gondola. How much does it cost?
Is it safe to let my children play on the streets of Venice?
Where can I buy some local currency/withdraw money from an ATM?
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What is the best time of the year to visit Venice? The best months to visit Venice are April, May, June and early September. The city generally enjoys mild winters and warm summers but extreme situations can occur: hot and humid in summer and extreme cold days in winter are not uncommon. Between November and January, fog can sometimes cause disruption to public transport. Venice is famous for its Carnival, but there is so much going on all year round, from regattas to religious events held for centuries on a yearly basis. Check our calendar of events on our web site. (top)
I will be in Venice next week/next month, what's the weather like? Venice generally enjoys hot summers with long hours of sunshine and cold winters, where snow is possible. Spring and autumn are less extreme, making the city ideal to visit all year. Flooding has to be the main weather factor in Venice: it occurs when an above-average high tide and strong winds blow inland. Flooding is most likely to occur between October and February and it is not related to raining. Check our web site for accurate up-to-date weather forecasts, in case you need to pack a pair of rubber boots! (top)
Streets have all strange names: what's their meaning?
Streets in Venice are written on the nizioleti, white signs usually
placed on street corners. They are divided into rughe (from the French
rue) and salizade - these are the main ones; calli
are the smallest streets, while those that run alongside the canals are called
fondamenta. The rii terà are streets that were once
canals since filled in, while a campo is a square in front of a church,
with a campiello being a square surrounded by houses.
Most city streets are named after the main working activity which took place
in the past (Calle dei Fabbri - for example - is so called because
many blacksmiths had their workshops, while Calle del Frutariol was
the main are for greengrocers). (top)
Can I walk in Venice or are there only canals? Venetians are all very fit, as most journeys are on foot; the main roads in Venice are canals, but hundreds of bridges criss-cross them to join together the calli (pedestrian walkways) with the campi (the only real square is St. Mark's). (top)
Where can I buy tickets for the ACTV boats and buses? Tickets can be purchased at ACTV ticket offices or at businesses that display an ACTV sign (bar, tobacco shops, newsagents). If you board a public vehicle without a valid ticket, you must inform the captain or driver immediately; the cost is slightly higher than the ticket normally available from any outlets, but it'll save you a fine. (top)
Can tourists take advantage of discounts for public transportation and museums? You can find all the fares for public transportation on the ACTV web site. You also have the choice to purchase two different cards, which entitle you to more services and discounts.
The Rolling Venice card caters especially to visitors aged 14 to 29 and entitles the holder to discounts and special offers at cultural institutions and commercial ventures. It also entitles the cardholder to buy a 72-hour ticket for all the ACTV boat and mainland and Lido bus lines at a discount. The card costs €3
The VENICEcard is a single ticket for accessing all the main visitor services offered by the city, public transport, museums and public toilets. Prices from €14 and available for 1, 3 or 7 days. A junior version is available. (top)
Can I take my dog on the water bus? Yes, but it must be on a leash and muzzled. Other small domestic animals can be transported in pet carriers. Always carry a pooper-scooper and plastic bag... it could be an expensive affair if fined for soiling! (top)
Can I hire a boat in Venice? You can hire a variety of small boats, water buses and even ferry boats: send an e-mail to navigazione@actv.it or call 041 272 2421 (top)
Can I park my car in St. Mark's Square? No, all vehicles on approach to Venice have to cross the Bridge of La Concordia (which connect Venice to the mainland), then head for Tronchetto to board a ferry or arrive at Piazzale Roma, a circular square where all road traffic comes to an end. There are several car parks at Piazzale Roma; from here you can walk, take a taxi or ACTV boat. If you are staying at Lido, you can take your car with you on the ferry-boat and drive around (slowly, please!). For details of car parks, see our web site. (top)
I forgot my mobile phone on a water bus, how do I get it back? For lost property call the ACTV on 041 272 2179 (top)
I had my passport/credit cards stolen, what now? Report it immediately to a local Police station and get a receipt for insurance and renewal purposes. Check our web site for details of embassies in Venice. (top)
I am disabled, should I stay away from Venice?
All visitors are very welcome, and although Venice is not the easiest city to
move around, people with special needs can request booklets, guides and maps
of the city with special information on accessibility; they are available from
the Servizio
Informahandicap of the City Council of Venice (AIAS, Viale Garibaldi, 155
- Mestre - tel. 041 5341700, fax 041 5342257). The Venice Tourism Board has
published a list of recommended hotels.
Carlton Executive (****)
S. Croce, 578
tel. 041718488
Are there ambulances and fire vehicles in Venice? Certainly. Daily life in Venice is dictated by water and the various activities are carried out either on foot or by boat: boats are used to transport goods to markets, mail, for marriage ceremonies and funerals, as well as by the police and other emergency services. Venetian ambulances and fire fighting vehicles are motorboats especially fitted for this purpose. Now and again you will hear a wailing siren and a speeding boat, a strange mix of sights and sounds... but always fun to see, especially for children! (top)
Can I go camping in Venice? There are no campsites in Venice, but there is an ample choice at Punta Sabbioni (Cavallino, Ca' Savio) with campsites next to the sandy beaches. (top)
Where can I go to the beach in Venice? From St Mark's catch the water bus (lines 1 or 52) and head for Lido. Here you will find the beaches frequented by the VIPs (near the Excelsior hotel) or the more secluded and wild at Malamocco and Alberoni (where nudism is somehow tolerated). (top)
How is a gondola made? The gondola is a very special boat: it is 11 metres long and weighs in at 600 kg. A single person, with just one oar can easily handle it. If you want to learn more about the gondola, the official site of the Venetian gondola has all the information. (top)
Why do people in Venice row standing up? The history of Veneto-style rowing is associated with the specific characteristics of the lagoon and the "use of flat bottomed boats without keel, which are light weight and can be steered by a single oarsman ... Rowing a boat with two crossed oars - called "alla Valesana" - was and still is practised in the shoals and in the fishing valleys, however, this style of rowing is not possible in the narrow waterways in Venice with the heavy boat traffic. The oarsmen developed a special one-oared rowing technique in order to do away with the rudder, which was aided by their development of asymmetrical boats." (extract from www.vogaveneta.it web site) (top)
I want to propose to my girlfriend on a gondola. How much does it cost? The gondola is surely the most romantic place to ask that vital question! There are official rates, which start at €62 for a 50-minute ride. Why not end a ride with a similarly romantic restaurant? Ask us about our "Ride and Dine" package. (top)
Are there unusual walking tours in Venice?
We run a wide variety of walking tours, for those of you who are in Venice for
the first time, families with different interests and for the seasoned travellers
with a passion for art. This is a small selection of our tours, of course we
can arrange for tailor-made services to suit you.
- Ghosts and legends tour - Anecdotes of local life,
curiosities, legends, bloody stories and obviously ghosts: all those ingredients
charmingly played by your guide. Evening start, of course!
- Bacaro tour - our most popular. A guided walking tour
of the city centre, combined with true Venetian food sampling and a gondola
ride to round it off. 4 hours of true delight.
- Grand Canal tour - rest your feet and jump aboard
a private boat. This 1-hour tour covers the entire length of the Grand Canal.
Your guide will point out to you historic buildings of the city as seen from
the waterway. Pass under famous bridges like Rialto and Academia. A feat for
the eyes.
- Burano, Murano, Torcello, the 3 main islands around
Venice - the first renowned for its glass factories, the second for its colourful
houses and hand made lace production, the third for its cathedral and Attila
throne. This is a full day tour, which includes a guided visit to see the art
of glass production and lunch at one the top restaurants in Italy. Private boat
from Venice and back, and for the islands hopping. (top)
Can I sunbathe or have a picnic in St Mark's Square?
No, the Regulations of the Metropolitan Police of the City of Venice for the
St.Mark's area state that you must not:
- lie down in public places
- sit or linger on the street to eat picnic lunches
- litter
- swim in the canals or in the St. Mark's bay
- ride bicycles or other vehicles in the city
- perform unsafe or bothersome activities
- undress in public places
- walk about the city shirtless or in a bathing suit.
Offenders can be fined 50 euro. (top)
I am foreign tourist: can I get married in Venice? Yes, you can plan the wedding of your dreams; civil services are held at Palazzo Cavalli, a Renaissance building on the Grand Canal, overlooking the Rialto Bridge. Ask us how we can organise everything on your behalf. Leave the stress to us, you enjoy the most important day of your life. (top)
Is it safe to let my children play on the streets
of Venice? What better city than Venice to let your children roam freely;
no cars to worry about, plenty of other parents to keep an eye and a great opportunity
to meet other little Venetians in places like Campo San Polo, Campo Santa Margherita,
Campo Santo Stefano and Campo Santa Maria Formosa. Or you can take your kids
to the top of the St. Mark's bell tower: splendid bird's eye views for the whole
family.
If you want to spend an afternoon in Venice all to yourself and wish to leave
your child to play in a safe and supervised place, ask us for our baby
sitting services. (top)
Where do Venetians do their shopping? Get up early and head for the Rialto market for the freshest fish, fruit and vegetables. Campo Santa Margherita is another good location for stands selling fresh local delicacies. You will recognise the locals by their trolleys, and unless you only buy a few apples, there is a good reason for it! There are of course small supermarkets too, while the giant ones are located outside the city and can be reached by free shuttle services departing from Piazzale Roma at regular intervals. We also run specialised shopping tours, whether you are interested in antique literature, glass products or Italian fashion clothes. (top)
Where can I buy some local currency/withdraw money from
an ATM? Banks are open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am until 1.30pm and from
2.30pm until 3.30pm (hours may vary from bank to bank).
ATM machines are situated outside many branches and other public locations (railway
station, Piazzale Roma, airport, etc). (top)
Can I visit the St. Mark's Basilica? The Basilica is not just a splendid architectural monument, it is also a place of worship and as such it deserves respect. To allow everybody the chance to admire the interior, visits are limited to 10 minutes; if you wish a more detailed guided tour, contact us and let us organise a sightseeing tour to remember. (top)
Surely I can't play golf in Venice? Of course you can, not in the city centre but at the Alberoni on Lido: the Circolo Golf Venezia (Venice Golf Club) has an 18-hole course and is open all year round. (top)
Where can I go for a swim in Venice? There is an indoor pool, Piscina S. Alvise, Cannaregio 3163 (tel. 041 713 567), but when the weather allows it, there is nothing better than swimming in the sea at Lido. (top)
Where can I keep fit and "pump some iron" in Venice? Apart from walking, which is a pre-requisite in Venice, try Palestre S. Margherita, calle Renier, Dorsoduro 3656 (tel. 041 522 8618) (top)