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.

CLICK HERE TO FIND BARGAIN HOTELS IN VENICE

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.

CLICK HERE TO FIND BARGAIN ACCOMMODATION IN VENICE

Venice

Where to Stay in Venice Italy

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

Florence

Mercato Centrale in Florence

Florence is a beautiful city with much to explore, but the centrepiece is the amazing Cathedral and its huge Dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

 is the symbol of Florence and stands out in the Florentine skyline.

Arnolfo di Cambio began The cathedral at the end of the 13th century, and the dome, which dominates the exterior, was added in the 15th century.

The exterior is covered in a decorative mix of pink, white and green marble. A visit to the Florence Duomo consists of 6 separate sights. 

The raising of this dome, the largest in the world in its time, was no easy architectural feat. Around 4 million bricks were used in the construction of the dome. The total structure weighs around 37,000 tons.

The inside of the cathedral is free to visit, for all other sights of the cathedral (dome, baptistery 'baptisterium', museum and the bell tower) it is necessary to book separate tickets. 

The Piazza del Duomo is the busiest square in Florence. This is not surprising, given that the most popular tourist attraction, the Duomo, is located here. This can make it very busy and crowded during the day.

You need to wear appropriate clothing when visiting the cathedral interior of the dome. This means covered knees and no bare shoulders, sandals, headgear or sunglasses.

Please note only small groups can climb to the top of the dome, climbing the 463 steps is the only way to see the paintwork of Brunelleschi's dome, and also see the fantastic views of Florence from the top of the dome's roof. 

Visitors who climb the Dome before entering must leave belongings inside the Luggage Storage, these include suitcases, backpacks, parcels, containers large and medium-sized bags and other types of objects.

The way up (and down) are tight corridors used by the workmen who built the cathedral. They are narrow and the steps can be steep. 

It is required to book tickets in advance for climbing Brunelleschi's dome

Visiting the Duomo in Florence

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Where to Stay in Venice Italy

Mercato Centrale in Florence