Going to do a quick 4-day, 3-night pleasure trip to Venice in late March. No wife along on this one so the romantic things are out. Anybody got any tips on what to do there, places to stay, good local restaurants, etc? Any advice appreciated as I've never been there before.

I have very close friends who live in Mestre, just a drive over the causeway..so I have been to Venice at least ten times. My advice is simply to walk and absorb the unique ambiance. You can't get lost for long as the yellow signs on some buildings will point you in the direction of some recognizable landmarks eg Piazza di Marco, Accademia, Ferrovia etc. Get a list of must see sights on the internet (www.fodors.com for instance) Venice is a city for walking and riding the vaporreto( the aquatic buses) on the main canals. It is a city to be experienced as it is my second favorite city topped only by Sydney. Avoid the touristy restaurants and eat where the locals eat in the side streets. Enjoy the city. You are in for a rare treat. March is a good time; you may still see it in the fog and mist. Ciao !

i love venice... been there twice, and each time i went to the American Express tourist office to ask them where the locals would eat... and each time i was directed to the right mom and pop place nested in a narrow pathway which i would never be able to find it a second time....

but beware of pick pockets, and if purchasing with cash, count your change in front of the merchants!

have a wonderful and safe trip!

If you are interested in modern art, I thought the Peggy Guggenhiem gallery was terrific (and I am not a huge fan of the arts).

Having been there two weeks ago, here's a tip: bring boots!!

We were there at the end of January - our third trip. I agree that just walking around taking in the atmosphere is the thing to do ( plus a few prosecci and/or spritz in the local bars on the way!). The Basilica is magnificent (free too), and I love the Peggy Guggenhiem already suggested. But my favourite is to take the No.1 water bus along the Grand Canal - it's by far the best way to see it.

My favourite bars/restaurants tend to be in or near Campo Santa Margherita on Dorsoduro - about 15/20 minutes walk from San Marco. Be aware that Venetians tend to eat early, and many restaurants close by about 10pm. A good guide book (I like the TimeOut version) will give details of ones that open later.

Hope you enjoy your trip,
Robert.

[This message has been edited by bulkhead (edited 02-14-2001).]

Take time to visit the "outlying" islands. Take a look at: http://www.pontesisto.com/venezia/guida/isole.html it will give you some ideas of the Islands. There are many more. I like Torcello. We used to have a friend who was "assigned" to the island of San Francesco del Deserto and used to go visit it. It's a nice refuge. San Michele is the cemetary island. You can look for the gondiliers' graves (with gondola designs).

Does anyone have any advice about exchanging $$ flying into Venice on our way to Verona in April?

Use your ATM card issued from you bank here in the U.S. Make sure you have a 4 digit p.i.n.