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getting around VENICE

For Venice, the canals have always been the natural means of getting around. In past centuries, there were fewer streets and the boats were the only means for reaching some parts of the town. Over the past few centuries more and more canals have been filled in and today Venice is really a pedestrian city.

Venetian life may be on the water, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to move around by boat. In fact, some of the most picturesque corners in the labyrinthine streets of the city can only be reached on foot.

Vaporetto / Water Bus

Vaporetto / Water Bus: The uniqueness of Venice also comes from the fact that public transport [run by ACTV] operates on the water by means of the 'vaporetti' and 'motoscafi' [water-buses] and water-taxis, not by car or bus. The vaporetti are used on the Canal Grande and other heavily used routes, and the motoscafi [smaller vessels] on routes with less traffic.

A water-bus is the quickest way of getting between far-flung points, and even in cases where it might be quicker to walk, a canal trip can be the more pleasant way to covering the distance [if you're not travelling at rush hour]. One of the best ways to see the Grand Canal in all its glory [the setting for the famous Historical Regatta on the first Sunday of September], is to take a trip on vaporetto number one, making sure to avoid rush hour. Start your journey at Piazzale Roma and, travelling to San Zaccaria, take in the splendid views of the ancient palazzi which line the Grand Canal. It is a great introduction to Venice.

Water Taxis

Water Taxis: The stylish powerboat Taxis called Motoscafi [ 041/5222303 or 041/5224281] aren't cheap; you'll spend Euro 75 per hour to visit the islands. The fare system is not fixed as luggage handling, waiting time, early or late hours, and even ordering a taxi from can add to the price. Always agree on price first. Twenty-four-hour service is available through a number of companies and cooperatives.

Traghetto / 2 man ferries

Traghetto / 2 man ferries: Many tourists are unaware of the the two-man gondola ferries that cross the Grand Canal at various 7 points between the bridges. At 50 cents, they're the cheapest and shortest gondola ride in Venice, but they can save a lot of walking.

There are only three bridges along the 3.5 km of the Grand Canal, therefore the 7 two man gondolas called Traghetti dotted along the Grand Canal are very useful. The routes are clearly marked on most Venice streetmaps with straight lines going accross the Grand Canal and you will see signs pointing to the traghetto landings in the neighbourhoods along the Grand Canal.

The locals generally stand for the ride, but you can of course sit on the seats at each end or on the sides.

1. Fondamente S. Lucia [in front of the railroad station] - Fondamenta San Simeón Piccolo

2. San Marcuola - Fóndaco dei Turchi [by the Natural History Museum]

3. Santa Sofia [near Ca' D'Oro] - Pescaria [fish market]

4. Riva del Carbòn - Fondamente del Vin

5. Sant' Angelo - San Tomà

6. San Samuele - Ca' Rezzónico

7. Campo del Traghetto - Calle Lanza [near the Salute Church]

Gondola Rides

Gondola Rides: The price of fifty-minute rides "in theory" is fixed at Euro 62 for up to six passengers and Euro 78 between 8 pm and 8 am, but these are minimums and you may have difficulty finding a gondolier who'll work for that unless the city is empty. Bargaining can help, but in any case, come to terms on cost and duration before you start and make it clear that you want to see smaller canals, which aren't as crowded as the Grand Canal.