Venice is one city in all of Italy that most people wish to visit at least once, but it can be expensive unless you know what to look for and where to stay in Venice.

Venice has quite a few neighbourhoods that are all different distances from certain famous attractions so choosing one needs some exploration beforehand.

You also have the small Islands off the main section of Venice such as Murano or Burano which can give you a good and sometimes cheaper option for accommodation.

This is a great area, especially for first-time visitors. It’s within walking distance of all the major tourist attractions but can be very expensive. 

There are many famous attractions in this area. The Basilica San Marco is here which connects to Palazzo Ducale, or Doge’s Palace.

Also here is Torre dell’Orologio, the famous clock tower at Saint Mark’s and one of the iconic landmarks of the city.

The closer you stay to Saint Mark’s, the more expensive the accommodation. So if you want to stay in San Marco while in Venice try and look out for discounts, especially off-season.

Santa Croce is located in the north-west part of Venice. There are lots of attractions in this lovely area and be sure to check out the fabulous and haunting 9th-century church San Giacomo dell’Orio.

This area has charming winding streets which are worth exploring but stay away from the west part of the district, as it is very built up with industry.

Accommodation is mid-range and more affordable. There are some lovely budget hotels in the area as well as many luxury options.

Of all Venice’s districts, this is probably the most varied. One of the best features of Castello is its many public squares and parks, which provide space for locals and visitors.

One of the most popular things to do in the district is visit the Naval History Museum, which is the museum of the Italian Navy.

Castillo has the atmosphere of small-town Italy, and you get the feeling you are seeing the real Venice and its people. Go to Via Garibaldi

 which is one of the few wide avenues/streets that Venice has.

There are also many little artisan shops and boutiques on this avenue and it is so different from the bustling tourist spots of the city.

Accommodation is more affordable here with lots of budget and mid-range hotel options.

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One of the more Nothern districts of Venice, Cannaregio is where the former Jewish ghetto was located.

 is also located at the beginning of Cannaregio.

 with its old synagogues, art galleries and the Jewish historical museum.

The good thing about this area is it is normally much quieter than many other parts of the city. People say this is more of the real Venice and not so built up with tourism as the other areas, and the slower pace can make a welcome change.

Away from the one main street, there are some very quiet residential areas with lovely picturesque canals.

 and perhaps browse some souvenirs along the way, as this is one of Venice’s main shopping streets that connects St Mark’s Square to the train station.

, originally a theatre, it is a neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau architectural gem in Venice that has been converted into a beautiful-looking supermarket.

Hotels or guest houses are a reasonable cost, especially off-season.

 is the last ancient bridge of its kind in Venice and you can find it here in the Cannaregio sestieri. 

One of the most beautiful palaces on the Grand Canal is 

, it’s now a gallery with lovely views over the Grand Canal and is a must-see. Also in this area is the 

 – the second largest canal in Venice and this was once the main route into town. 

Rather than staying on the main island you can save money and stay at one of the other small islands such as Murano which is Located 1.5km to the north of Venice.

To get to Murano you can take the Water Bus: lines 41, 42, DM, and LN.

Murano is not only known as the Glass Island, but it also houses one of the oldest churches in the lagoon called the 

Although glass-making has taken place in Murano for hundreds of years, it's still, to this day, what the island is famous for. For this reason, tourists will normally be asked and led to visit one of the numerous glass factories in the small town.

 with over 4,000 objects, including Phoenician flasks, goblets and mirrors.

We have stayed in Murano numerous times and found the accommodation to be very reasonable and cost-effective.

Another beautiful island to stay in is Burano Island which is famous for its lace working art, (a tradition since the XVI century) as well as its bright multicoloured houses.

With fewer tourist crowds it is easy to walk around this beautiful island, which is also a historic fishing village, and get a glimpse into the real Venetian lifestyle.

The best way to get to Burano is through public transportation; the Vaporetto ferry. From Venice, Take Line 12 from the Fondamente Nove dock straight to Burano.

While visiting check out the Leaning Tower in Burano, not as famous as the one in Pisa, it is still a wonderful structure.

The brightly coloured homes do stand out on the island and these bright colours have made it easier for fishermen to locate their homes amidst the thick fogs which can form around the lagoon. 

The island’s other source of income apart from tourism is lace production. Sadly there are only a handful of traditional lacemakers left on the island but you can still purchase some beautiful items but beware of lots of cheap imitation lace being sold also.

Again Burano can be great value for accommodation but many places can get booked up early.

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Venice

Where to Stay in Venice Italy

 is 95 metres high, overlooks the city of Florence and is one of its distinctive symbols and reference points.

Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and completed in 1310, it was originally a defensive structure but also served as a prison and bell tower.

As a seat of power for over seven centuries, the Palazzo Vecchio is an iconic symbol of Florence and its history, and culture.

The current building is the result of further changes that occurred in 1500 when it became the residence of the Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici.

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The clock on the tower’s facade was Florence’s first public clock. It was installed on March 25, 1353, by Niccolò di Bernardo, a Florentine watchmaker.

The clock in Arnolfo Tower was replaced in 1667 by a clock built by George Lederle di Augusta and modified by Vincenzo Viviani.

Getting to the top of the tower involves climbing 223 steps where you can see the original bells and enjoy stunning views of Florence's centre as well as the Arno River and most of all a spectacular view of the Cathedral and its dome.

The stone staircase is quite narrow, around two people wide and a metal handrail runs along both sides of the wall. If you are reasonably fit, the climb isn’t particularly strenuous.

The best time to visit Palazzo Vecchio Tower is during the early morning or late afternoon. During these times, you can avoid the large crowds.  Additionally, weekdays tend to be less crowded compared to weekends.

Visiting the palace means strolling among the wonders of the Renaissance and retracing its history, discovering also the secrets and tales of the powerful Medici family.

At the beginning of the sixteenth century, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti were commissioned to paint two glorious episodes of the military history of Florence, but neither of the two artists completed the work.

The Salone dei Cinquencento (Hall of the Five Hundred) is one of the most remarkable chambers in the Palazzo which has stunning architecture.

 Even today, the Salone dei Cinquencento is still used for the same purposes as it was during the time of Cosimo I de Medici, to give an audience to the people and for special events.

 The Palazzo Vecchio Tower is open to the public during regular hours, but it's essential to check the specific opening times before visiting. There is an admission fee to access the tower.

Guided tours of the Palazzo Vecchio and its tower are available, offering more insights into Florence's political history and the significance of the tower as a symbol of power.

:
From Friday to Wednesday: 9 am until 11 pm.
Thursday: 9 am – 2 pm


:
From Friday to Wednesday: 9 am until 7 pm.

Florence

The Palazzo Vecchio Museum and Tower

While the city of Florence has many fantastic historical buildings to visit it also has an amazing market, 

 with vendors selling wine, fish, meat fruit, cheese, oil and spices on the ground level, which is frequented by locals as much as tourists.

The market opened in the spring of 2014 to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the iron and glass architecture erected in 1874.

Many tourists get truffle oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar for souvenirs—and the great thing is you can try before buying.

The market is very popular with tourists, but the locals often come here too. Regular live music in the evenings attracts a young and lively crowd.

: Opening hours daily from 10:00 am to midnight

In addition to stalls where you can buy fresh foods, there are also several places where you can sit and eat something.

The top floor of the Mercato Centrale has been transformed into a food court, you can have fresh pizzas, a tasty piece of roast fish, buffalo mozzarella, fried vegetables and even sushi if you prefer.

There is such as huge choice of food that we advise you to take your time, walk around and then go back to anything that takes your fancy.

It can get very busy because not only can you buy food but you can also purchase leather, clothing and souvenirs.

It is a very lively place but there is lots of seating and you can if you wish just relax with a coffee or gelato and soak up the atmosphere.

Outside the market hall, you will find numerous market stalls where if you take your time you can find that prices are lower than in the centre of 

A great place to spend a couple of hours eating and drinking and taking in the local culture.

 Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze, Italy

Mercato Centrale in Florence

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Where to Stay in Venice Italy

The Palazzo Vecchio Museum and Tower