My partner and I are going to Venice next month for our summer holiday. I was wondering if people could give me advice about places to go, things to see, restaurants to eat at etc....

We're going to get a travel guide today but they're just not the same as first hand experience! Grateful for any advice....

I went when I was a kid on summer camp with my high school and from what I remember seeing of Venice a couple of conclussions came to my mind.

1. Its a really scruffy place
2. Its really expensive
3. Too many sodding pigeons in the square

However, I remember the glass facttory being good and also is it St Paul/Peters Square is lovely apart from the pigeons.

Sorry to be a negative-nelly :)

I went a couple of years ago in November. Fabulous place, friendly people and it didn't smell at all.

You'll do a lot of walking so take sensible shoes (God that sounds old and sensible!). There's one main walking route through the city which all the tourists follow and it weaves you around all the canals and bridges. There's plenty of photo opportunites around the city so make sure you have plenty of film (or a large enough memory card).

Gondolas are EXPENSIVE. You can haggle but it's still about £70 for half an hour. Late in the day it gets cheaper. The first time I went to Venice I shared with another group of people to make it cheaper. Didnt' bother last time. Good for the 'Cornetto' moment (if you remember those ads).

The Rialto bridge is a great place for souveniers. There are shops down the centre of it.

I did a tour out to the glass making factories and islands, but it was pretty dull. Not really recommended.

Go up the tower in St Marks square for the best views, I'd recommend in the morning.

Most of Venice closes at about 8pm though, you'll struggle to find even a bar open then (unless that was cos it was November). Walk around St Marks Square when it goes dark, it's all lit up and really pretty.

That's ok Angelus. I was given similar impressions of Rome before I went there last summer and found it entirely the opposite.

We've paid quite a lot for a posh brand new hotel so I can't imagine the accommodation being rundown. I've also checked various reviews sites and they all give it the thumbs up.

As for it being expensive, I'm not too bothered about that. Due to being so busy with work I tend only to take one major holiday a year (though there are some other city breaks thrown in for good measure) so I'm more than happy to spend lots. Everyone told me Rome was expensive but to be completely honest I didn't think it was (I guess I'm just used to city prices).

Pigeons: you get them anywhere (I can live with them).

Went in the mid 60's with school thought it was ok. If you wish to go on the beech out at the Lido de Jesilo unless you are staying in one of the hotels. You have to go on the Municipal beach. At that time they had to screen it with metal detectors for mines.

There are a few art galleries. I found one in a back street with a Caravaggio in it. :wow:

I went last summer for a couple of days with a group of friends. It is very romantic city especially at night time but I thought it was a bit overrated. The restaurants are quite expensive but if you avoid the main streets and go some of the side streets, the prices are reasonable.
All the main touristy places to see are amazing and the views from the city are amazing too.
If you have time, venture to one of the islands around Venice.