Venice: A Travel Guide to the City of Canals
Movies
Before you embark on your Venetian adventure, immerse yourself in the city’s cinematic charm. Nicolas Roeg’s Don’t Look Now (1973) weaves a haunting tale against the backdrop of Venice’s captivating waterways. Henry James’ The Wings of the Dove (1997) and David Lean’s Summertime (1955) showcase the city’s timeless beauty and architectural splendor. For a heartwarming romantic comedy, don’t miss Bread and Tulips (2000). And for an insider’s perspective, tune into Francesco’s Venice (2004), a documentary by the renowned Venetian architect and writer Francesco da Mosto.
Books
Delve into the literary treasures inspired by Venice. Jan Morris’ Venice offers a comprehensive account of the city’s rich history and culture. Mary McCarthy’s classic Venice Observed provides an engaging exploration of Venetian art and customs. For a historical journey, Thomas Madden’s Venice: A New History traces the city’s evolution from its humble origins to its maritime supremacy. Roger Crowleu’s City of Fortune chronicles the rise and fall of Venice as a naval power. And for a unique perspective on the city’s literary heritage, Ian Littlewood’s Venice: A Literary Companion gathers writings by renowned authors such as Byron, Goethe, and Proust.
Apps
Enhance your Venetian experience with these handy apps. Elizabeth Minchilli’s EAT VENICE will guide you to the city’s culinary gems, while Michela Scibilia’s Tap Venice offers insider recommendations on restaurants. For stunning photography, follow Marco Gaggio (@neumarc) on Instagram, where he captures the city’s canals and architecture with a professional eye.
Blogs
Get an insider’s view of Venice from the local blogging community. Sig. Nonloso’s Venezia Blog provides a lively take on the city, while Erla Zwingle’s I am not making this up: My life in real Venice, and more offers a quirky and entertaining perspective. For a more comprehensive guide, visit David Lown’s A Guide to Venice, which includes walking tours, a history timeline, and links to museums and attractions.
Staple Sites
Plan your trip and explore the city’s highlights with these official websites. The City of Venice’s website provides maps, event calendars, webcams, and organized tours. Venezia Unica offers a robust section for visitors, including a virtual map of museums. For a more local perspective, check out the Detourism project, which provides newsletters, maps, and digital magazines showcasing the city from a local’s point of view.
Gondolas
No visit to Venice is complete without experiencing the iconic gondolas. Gondolavenezia.it offers an in-depth look at the history of these traditional vessels. For a deeper dive, pick up Donna Leon’s Gondola, an illustrated book accompanied by a CD of Venetian carcarole music.
Hidden Gems
Venture beyond the main tourist attractions to discover Venice’s hidden treasures. Explore the Detourism map to find authentic local businesses and organic markets. Follow Venice’s Secrets blog for off-the-beaten-path experiences, such as visiting the secret gardens of Palazzo Zenobio or taking a cooking class with a local chef.
Insider Tips
- Purchase a Venezia Unica City Pass for access to public transportation, museums, and other attractions.
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
- Visit during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) to avoid crowds.
- Take advantage of free walking tours offered by local guides.
- Pack comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of exploring on foot.