Venice--What not to miss

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                  Venice- What not to miss

Venice is a fascinating city to discover-a cluster of 118 islands, joined by canals and bridges, it never ceases to amaze visitors. But Italy has so much to offer that tourists don’t give this beautiful city its due time and often come back disappointed .We bring you here, a guide to relish this place to the fullest, wanting to be back again and again.

1.Stay overnight-

Hordes of  tourists reach Venice by the morning train and leave by the evening. The whole day this place is jam packed with people ,leaving you feeling like sardines packed in a tin. To avoid this, stay overnight and get to know the real Venice. Stay in a hotel or an apartment overlooking the canals and enjoy its beauty to the fullest.

2.Get up really early-

Get up at the crack of the dawn and see Venice as a local would. Watch the locals going about their business ,driving their modest to fancy boats. Before I saw this ,I could never wrap my mind around the fact that for going out ,you don’t take out your car but zoom around in your boat.

It’s a fascinating experience. Have a leisurely breakfast in an open air restaurant and watch streams of excited tourists arriving and changing a quaint island to a bustling hub of humanity.

3.Roam the narrow lanes-

Venice has numerous museums and churches. But unless you are enticed by those ,don’t spend too much time running from one to another. Roam the narrow lanes, head for quieter neighbourhoods , explore the labyrinth of alleyways and simply get lost in the ethereal beauty of the same.

While you are at it, take a stroll on the Rialto Bridge and enjoy the scenic beauty.

4.Watch the sunset from St. Mark’s Square-St. Mark’s Square is located in the heart of Venice and a beautiful monument to visit .But it’s overcrowded in the day, robbing it of most of its charm. Go there in the evening and watch the golden glow of the sun in the sky from there.

5.Sit on the steps near grand canal-

After sunset, take a leisurely walk and come to sit on the steps of grand canal .By this time ,tourists would have started leaving and you can watch the place changing hues and turning into this peaceful and magical island ,that Venice is.

6.Take the last water bus-

If you have a fancy for the gondola ride, by all means ,go for it. But, if you want to have a sui generis, take round ticket of the water bus and go to the farthest point and come back.

You will have a great view of the city lights ,reflecting in water and the peace and solitude of that hour is unmatched.

7.Try a Tiramisu-

 Much has been said about having a gelato in Venice but we suggest you to take a serving of the wonderful Italian delicacy, Tiramisu here. The literal meaning of Tiramisu is “ pick me up”.

This sinfully delightful coffee flavoured sweet dish is made of sponge biscuits dipped in coffee ,layered with a whipped mixture of sugar and cheese.

8.Go window shopping-

Roaming the streets ,you will come across many colourful shops selling masks ,scarves and other trinkets. Buying souvenir here will leave a big hole in your pocket but nothing stops you from just looking and having a great time doing so. 

You will also come across lovely designer stores. Don’t forget to take a peek. You will be surprised to know that Venice has no cars, but there is a showroom of  Ferrari here. Locate it and go click happy.

Bon voyage!

--Mamta Kumar

   An Educationist and an avid traveller