Area: Venice Show Map
The Grand Canal laps this 14th-century Venice palazzo set in a quiet residential neighbourhood, opposite the Ca … More
Pricing for stays between 06 Feb - 09 Feb, 2012
Paul H from Peak district said:
"Great little hotel. Rooms are clean and tidy. Location is ok
The bar is under used b... "
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Area: Venice Show Map
Housed in an 18th-century building, this hotel is surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and shops, and lies 50 metres … More
Pricing for stays between 07 Feb - 10 Feb, 2012
A traveler from Isle of Man said:
"This is the third time we have stayed at the Panada. Friendly staff, excellent posit... "
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Area: Venice Show Map
This 14th-century palazzo hotel is situated on the quietest part of Venice's busy San Marco waterfront promenade … More
Pricing for stays between 26 Feb - 29 Feb, 2012
A traveler from Boston, MA said:
"Great hotel location; just a 10 minute walk to St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco).... "
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Area: Venice Show Map
Situated in Venice's Lido di Venice neighborhood, this hotel is close to Lido Beach and San Nicolò al Lido. More
Pricing for stays between 27 Feb - 01 Mar, 2012
A traveler from Seattle, WA USA said:
"This hotel was clean, well-appointed (older but nice furniture in good condition), a... "
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Area: Venice Show Map
This centrally located century-old hotel sits on Venice's waterfront promenade, busy with pedestrians, stalls … More
Pricing for stays between 04 Feb - 07 Feb, 2012
Carolyn M from Netherlands said:
"The hotel is right on the water, very near Marks Square, and is on one of the water... "
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Area: Venice Show Map
Restored 17th palace Venice hotel set on the Rio di Palazzo canal, overlooking the Bridge of Sighs and 100 metres … More
Pricing for stays between 24 Feb - 27 Feb, 2012
Eric N from New York, NY said:
"The hotel is only 2 blocks from Piazza San Marco and close to everything. The lobby... "
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Area: Venice Show Map
Adjacent to Venice's largest gondola station in a basin constructed for the noble Orseolo family's palace, this … More
Pricing for stays between 05 Feb - 08 Feb, 2012
A traveler from Philadelphia said:
"Hotel is nice and in good location. Needs some work. Toilet seat didn't fit so was a... "
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Area: Venice Show Map
Situated in Venice's San Marco neighborhood, this hotel is close to La Fenice Opera House, St. Mark's Basilica, and … More
Pricing for stays between 07 Feb - 10 Feb, 2012
Ross W from Melbourne, Australia said:
"Great little 3 star hotel, I have stayed in many big 5 star hotels around the world... "
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Area: Venice Show Map
Situated near the beach in Venice's Lido di Venice neighborhood, this luxury hotel is close to Lido Beach and San … More
Pricing for stays between 28 Feb - 02 Mar, 2012
Mike K from London said:
"The Pluses:-
LOcation really good, peaceful yet can be in Venice in 15mins.
LIDO i... "
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Area: Venice Show Map
Located in Venice's designer-shopping district, this hotel is 500 meters from Piazza San Marco, the Doge's Palace … More
Pricing for stays between 05 Feb - 08 Feb, 2012
A traveler from West Sussex said:
"Location of hotel great."
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Venice is known by a number of nicknames: the city of water, the city of bridges, queen of the Adriatic, and the city of light. This range of names points to the difficulty of trying to capture the intangible quality of this most unique of cities. Indeed, Venice has been performing something of a magic trick for well over a millennia: built on 118 tiny islands, with a marshy lagoon as its base, the city has managed to defy gravity for more than a thousand years.
Classic highlights
Even if you haven't visited Venice, you've probably already seen images of its classic highlights: gondolas on the Grand Canal, the gothic Doge's Palace, and the pigeons on St Marks Square. You can rest assured that the reality of these places is every bit as majestic as the postcard pictures make them out to be.
More than just a series of famous snapshots, however, Venice is a mesmerizing, mysterious city laced with hints of melancholy. Once a major maritime power, Venice continues to survive largely because of the tourist trade, with the number of actual residents dwindling year after year. Ever-increasing flooding wreaks havoc on architecture, while the summer's heat can make the city feel almost swamp-like. Decadent palaces stand next to decaying houses, glorious restoration next to gloomy ruin, making the city nothing short of a floating museum - but in many ways this is also its barrier to modernization.
Mix of contrasts
This profound mix of contrasts makes Venice a fascinating destination. As it struggles to find a balance between preserving the rich cultural heritage on which it depends and carving out an identity as a still-living city in the 21st century, Venice remains one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
The reputations of the signature tourist 'musts' are well-deserved, but the discoveries you make by getting lost in Venice's winding streets and canals are equally rewarding. Exploring your extraordinary surroundings is sure to make you sigh in disbelief. One of Venice's most famous bridges, in fact - just one of over 400 bridges connecting Venice's islands - is called the Bridge of Sighs.
Artists' inspiration
Even the light in Venice is different; the reflection off the water has provided inspiration for many artists. The Accademia Gallery holds several Venetian masterpieces, and you'll notice the play of light in many of its painting. The unusual light is far from being the city's only special quality. Visit during Carnevale and you'll see a glamour you thought no longer existed. Also well worth a visit is Venice Biennale, Europe's classiest international forum for contemporary art.
Cars aren't allowed in Venice, so you'll get to know the city by walking or riding vaporetti (public water buses - an alternative to the more expensive water taxis or gondolas, although it's worth splashing for a romantic evening out). Venice is notoriously crowded (and expensive), but people come for good reason. There is no other city like it in the world - its culture and canals, basilicas and bridges continue to leave visitors marveling. Despite its uncertain future, Venice hasn't lost its magic.