The 30 best Hotels 4 stars in Venice region

About Venice

The city of romance where mystery, magic and elegance show themselves between captivating channels, palaces and bridges. Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, is a city designed to be explored on foot and by water. A trip to Venice isn't complete without a gondola ride to admire the palaces lining the Grand Canal in all its splendour. More than 100 islands linked by hundreds of bridges make up this enchanted city, beautiful, suggestive and suspicious.

Moving around

The Marco Polo Airport is located in the city of Tessera, a few km from Venice (12 km by and 10 km by water). In front of the Arrivals Hall stop two bus companies that connect the airport with Venice: the ACTV (about 4 euros, a 20 minutes trip) and ATVO (public transportation, it takes half an hour). In addition, there are regular buses to the train station Mestre, Padua and Spas near Venice. If you prefer to travel by water you can take the Alilaguna, a vaporetto ( a water bus or taxi) that takes an hour to get to Piazza San Marco and also stops on several islands of the lagoon. If you don't have much time and are not travelling on a budget, you can also travel in one of the fast boats that leave the airport, via water, which takes you downtown in half an hour. The price is about 7 times more expensive than public transport.
Venice is very small so it's not necessary to use the means of transport but, to fully enjoy the beauty of the city, there's nothing like a gondola ride.

Out & About

The Grand Canal crosses the city and divides it into two halves connected by pedestrian bridges: Rialto (the oldest and most famous) or Academy.
Ca d'Oro is one of the buildings that attract people's attention. The most prominent landmark of the city is Piazza San Marco with the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful ones in Europe. If you climb the Campanile, you can see the city from the top. Close by, you'll find the Palazzo Ducale and the Ponte dei Sospiri.>br> The Galleria dell'Accademia has the largest collection of Venetian art in the world with works by Titian and Bellini. On the other hand, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is one of the most representative buildings of the city.
Furthermore, Venice is surrounded by other islands that you cannot miss such as Murano and Burano, famous for its magnificent glass and laces. There is also the Lido where you can enjoy the best beaches. It is also famous for being the setting of Death in Venice and the venue of the Mostra. Important Dates The most important events in the city of Venice are without any doubt the Carnival, in February, and the International Film Festival, the Mostra, in September. The Carnival of Venice is known throughout the world for its class and elegance as well as its antiquity. The costumes preserve the typical Venetian style of the XVII Century.
Another important event is the Regata Storica the first Sunday in September. Before the race, there's a parade through the channels with period costumes.

What's going on in

The most important events in the city of Venice are without any doubt the Carnival, in February, and the International Film Festival, the Mostra, in September. The Carnival of Venice is known throughout the world for its class and elegance as well as its antiqueness. The costumes preserve the typical Venetian style of the XVII Century.
Another important event is the Regata Storica the first Sunday in September. Before the race, there's a parade through the channels with period costumes.

Shopping

The commercial heart of Venice is the sestiere San Polo, still one of the most vibrant parts of the city, full of small shops and markets. Venice is also a city of craftsmen, who enjoy high prestige. You can find all kinds of items such as masks, blown glass, etc. The masks are a tradition and its manufacture is an art. If you want to buy blown glass, the perfect place is Murano, while if you're looking for laces, go to Burano.
In the Ponte di Rialto a small market is organized while if you are interested in high fashion, you'll have to go near Piazza San Marco. Near Campo San Bartolomeo you'll find many stores that are more suitable for all budgets.

What's cooking?

The best place to eat without spending all your budget is a trattoria where you'll find a wide variety of foods and wines of the area.
The typical dishes of the city are based on seafood. Some of the most famous and rich are the Sarde in Saor (marinated sardines), risotto with fish and cod. This area is also rich in pastries. The shops of the company Antichi Pasticcieri Veneziani are amazing: go in and try everything you can: Yummy!
The Spritz is the quintessential Venetian cocktail. It's best to have this aperitivo just before dinner.

Weather

Winter in Venice is cold and rainy so it's advisable to come prepared. In October and March, the phenomenon known as Acqua Alta (high water) offers the unforgettable picture of the Piazza San Marco covered with water. In summer, temperatures are high although at night they go down slightly.

Practical information

In Venice, it's easy to get lost but it's equally easy to find your way again, especially thanks to the many signs that the city has hung around indicating the locations of interest.
If you don't want to upset the Venetians or other visitors, don't stop too long on bridges or on crowded streets so you won't clog the way.
With the Venice Card you'll enjoy discounts on transport and tickets.

So...

There's nothing better than enjoying a romantic gondola ride, sailing the canals of this beautiful floating city or wander around the narrow streets that hide a secret past, such as the Ponte del Diavolo. There's no doubt that Venice is a unique city.