Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For Free
Despite its centuries-old reputation as a playground for Europe's elite, Venice's
finest moments are freebies. Golden glimpses of heaven in Basilica di San Marco
are gratis, Carnevale is best celebrated in the streets, and floating palaces are
most extraordinary from outside, reflected in the Grand Canal.
Venice's Best Bargains
Glamorous Venice is known as a luxury destination, with five-star hotels, five-course meals
and plush gondolas - but savvy visitors can live the
bea vita
(beautiful life) for less. B&Bs
offer palatial settings and personal service for three figures, and Venice's best meals are
gourmet
cicheti
(Venetian tapas) for €1 to €4 per dish, served at lunch and 6pm to 8pm
daily. Splurge on an €80 gondola ride, or experience cheap thrills standing on the
traghetto
(public gondola) as you cross the Grand Canal (€0.50 per ride).
Discount Passes
Church and art aficionados can access some of Venice's finest masterpieces in 16 churches
with a Chorus Pass. It costs €10 (for a total saving of €35), and includes such spectacular
sights as I Frari, Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Chiesa di San Sebastiano and Chiesa
della Madonna dell'Orto.
The St Mark's Square Museum Ticket covers both the Palazzo Ducale and the Museo
Correr, which includes the newly opened imperial apartments, the Museo Archeologico
Nazionale and Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. Get more history for your money: for €5 ex-
tra, buy the Civic Museum Pass, which is valid for six months and gives access to 10 civic
museums.
Historical Sites
Four of the most pivotal sites in Venetian history have free entry: Rialto Market, where an
empire sprang up around fishmongers; Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, the domed
church built as thanks for Venice's salvation from plague, which also offers free afternoon
organ vespers concerts; and the Ghetto, provider of funds and ideas to keep Venice afloat
