theveniceneighbours.com

Local suggestions to live Venice at its best / for its best

Autore: the Neighbours

  • Rubbish & Recycling

    Rubbish & Recycling

    Until a couple of years ago we could leave our garbage bags on the doorstep and the dustmen would collect them. However, this was the state of every single spot of town in the mornings.

    Littering in Venice

    Seagulls and rats were absolutely happy about this. They had fresh food leftovers every night. A real party for them, a pure hygienic nightmare for us. We could not cope with it.

    Nowadays we still do the door-to-door collection. However the rubbish bag and the recycling bag must be either handed over to the dustmen or brought to the boat.

    In the morning you will hear the doorbell ringing. Often a loud voice will shout outside:

    ”Spazzinooo!” (“Dustmen!”)

    the dustmen

    If you have a smelly garbage bag (e.g. because of nappies or fruit or fish leftovers), a full one or it’s check out day, that’s the call.

    Handing over the garbage and the recycling is main thing we ask you on check-out day. It is crucial as this service ends before checkout time.

    How does it work

    They will come by between 8:30 am and 10:30 am. In case you had out before they come, you may hand it directly to them on the streets or by the boat. Yes, the trash-boat. In your hometown you have trash trucks, haven’t you? We got trash-boats. On the map in the official flyer (here below) you can see which one is the closest to you.

    Garbage collection mapDownload

    When and what time

    Every morning from Monday to Saturday they will collect the general waste. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays they will collect paper. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays glass + plastic + tins. No collection on Sundays.

    Any type of bag is good to go. Shopping bags, supermarket bags, plastic bags, whatever. Colours do not matter. The content is important. 

    Be careful: not recycling correctly and littering (also leaving it on the doorstep or using public bins is considered littering) are subject to fines (from €167). 

    Thank you for your cooperation.
  • the Gondola

    the Gondola

    A visit to Venice is not complete without taking a ride on the iconic gondola. Or is it?

    In dots

    • no need to bargain anymore since 2013, you might get a little discount if the guy is bored or it’s a rainy day
    • €80,- till 7 PM, €100,- afterwards (price per boat), 30 minutes ride (give or take, but better keeping an eye on the watch)
    • you can take it everywhere basically, better not in St. Marks’ square (due to the waves) or Rialto bridge (due to water high traffic)
    • small canals are better because quieter for more peaceful and relaxing experience
    • wait under low tide has passed: shallow water exposes the smelly shells along canal sides, not really nice
    • there are two boats they use, the one with this is a proper gondola, the other one is a sandolo
    • a cheap & handy ride is taking it from one of the several “stations” along Canal Grande which go from one side to the other. there is not much romance though
    • don’t book it online:
      • you’ll be sharing one in a massive group’s caravan
      • you’ll pay €30 per person for sharing it with other 5 passengers
    • 208 pieces of wood, all hand-crafted here

    • •

    The experience

    While the gondola is considered a must-do for many tourists, it may not be for everyone. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of taking a gondola ride in Venice, including the cost, where to go, and tips for making the most of your experience.

    When it comes to where to take your gondola ride, you can basically go anywhere in Venice, but some places are better than others. It is best to avoid taking a gondola ride in St. Mark’s Square because of the waves and Rialto Bridge because of the high water traffic. Instead, opt for a ride in the smaller canals for a more peaceful and relaxing experience. Additionally, it is best to wait until low tide has passed as the shallow water can expose smelly shells along the canal sides, which is not very pleasant.

    The boat

    There are two types of boats that gondoliers use: the traditional gondola and the sandolo. The gondola is the more iconic of the two (you can see them on the left), but the sandolo is a smaller and more flat option.

    There are several differences between them, however the easiest to spot is on the front. The gondola has this big metal bow representing the six sestiere and Rialto bridge.

    It is worth mentioning that each gondola is hand-crafted with 208 pieces of wood. This adds to the charm and character of the gondola ride, making it a unique experience. You may experience the visit at Squero and their little gallery.

    Critical point: the price

    Lastly, let’s talk about cost. Since 2013, gondola prices have been set and there is no longer the opportunity to bargain with the gondolier. However, you may be able to get a small discount on a rainy day or if the gondolier is bored. The standard price for a gondola ride is €80 until 7 PM and €100 afterwards, and the ride lasts approximately 30 minutes. Keep in mind that the gondolier may not strictly adhere to the 30-minute time frame, so it is best to keep an eye on the time.

    One tip to keep in mind is to not book your gondola ride online. If you book a ride online, you will be sharing the gondola with a group of other people and you will pay €30 per person for the shared ride. Instead, it is best to find a gondolier on the spot for a private ride.

    A cheap and handy option is taking a gondola ride from one of the several “stations” along the Canal Grande that go from one side to the other. However, keep in mind that this option is not as romantic as a private gondola ride.

    Gondola in Bacino Orseolo
    Gondole in Bacino Orseolo

    Long story short: not everyone’s cup of tea

    In conclusion, a gondola ride in Venice is a must-do for many tourists, but it may not be for everyone. The cost can be high, but the experience can be worth it for the peaceful and romantic atmosphere. Keep in mind the tips provided in this article for making the most of your gondola ride, and enjoy the hand-crafted charm of one of Venice’s most iconic boats.

    • • •

  • The Venice Lagoon and the islands

    The Venice Lagoon and the islands

    62 islands spread out all over the lagoon. Not one alike the other.

     

     

    the northern islands of the lagoon

    • Rather than buy the Murano-Burano-Torcello ticket, get a 24 hours waterbus ticket: for the same money you can use it for any waterbus you like (even to go back to the train station / Piazzale Roma or do a Canal Grande ride) within 24 hours from the first validation
    • in Murano walk a bit more in and do not stop at the first glass showrooms you see
    • In Murano everything closes down by 5 PM. In Burano at 6 PM
    • There are boats all night long
    • I prefer Burano, it’s prettier & colourful
    • when you are ready to come back from Burano, cross the bridge on the right of the waterbus stop and take it from Mazzorbo: discover one of our farm island and take the waterbus (#12) from there to come back (#slowvenice)
    • there is a lovely park at the very end of the fish-shaped Venice in the close island of Certosa: perfect to take a breathe of off-beaten fresh air (#slowvenice)

    Our itinerary for the northern lagoon

    1. Waterbus #12 from Fondamenta Nove to Burano
    2. Visit Burano
    3. Waterbus #9 from Burano to Torcello
    4. Visit Torcello, the abbey and the ruins
    5. Waterbus #9 back to Burano
    6. Cross the bridge and visit Mazzorbo too
    7. Waterbus #12 from Mazzorbo to Murano
    8. Lunch in Murano (Ai Bisatei?) and visit
    9. Waterbus #13 from Murano to Sant’Erasmo
    10. Visit Sant’Erasmo (we call it the “Venice Vegetable Garden”) and maybe a swim in the little beach
    11. Waterbus #12 from Sant’Erasmo to Fondamenta Nove

    The Southern Islands of the Lagoon

    • in San Giorgio Maggiore (opposite San Marco, waterbus route #2) you have Fondazione Cini, its beautiful garden and a fantastic sunset view
    • once in Giudecca (waterbus routes #4.1/4.2, #2), visit Casa Tre Oci (Zitelle stop, Wed – Mon 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., €12). They have fantastic photography exhibitions usually
    • At Lido (waterbus routes #5.1/5.2, #6, #2) you can actually have a swim, trace down the stars at Palazzo del Cinema during the film festival, ride a bicycle down to Alberoni, visit the little village of Malamocco or get a ferry to that thin strip of land called Pellestrina
    • ready for a horror film set in an asylum/ a wedding / both? Visit San Servolo (waterbus route #20)
    • would you like to discover something more about Armenian Monks? Visit San Lazzaro degli Armeni (only taking the waterbus route #20 departing at 3:10 PM from San Zaccaria stop)
  • Wrong Questions

    Wrong Questions

    Honestly, we want to play a bit with you. Don’t get upset. Sometimes we have to answer to some questions that make our legs wobble.
    Let’s clear them out.

    We are driving to Venice. Where can I park?

    ✓ Sure, read here.

    Can we come to the apartment, drop the luggage and then go to park?

    × only if your car is amphibious or a hovercraft or the apartment is in Mestre you can make it. Have you ever seen images of cars in Venice?

    Where is the best place to catch a gondola?

    × Any small canal is good. One worth another.

    What’s the best price for a gondola?

    × Since 2013 you don’t have to bargain anymore, there are fixed prices -> €80 before 7 PM, €100 afterwards.

    Any suggestion for a gondola ride?

    ✓ Sure, read here.

    Can you swim in Venice?

    ✓ Sure, along the beach at Lido or in some remote lagoon island.

    Can you swim in the canals?

    × Do you roll wearing swimsuit or pants only in the roads back home? You don’t, do you? Why? PS: you might be subject to dear fines => up to €400!

    What’s wrong with resting a sec on a bridge?

    × You will jam up the pedestrian traffic. A bridge makes a bottle neck effect. As much as little space you can take, this situation will get worse, making the traffic go slower.

    What’s wrong with resting a sec on a bridge? [it’s not a typo, read twice, that’s better]

    × You will jam up the pedestrian traffic. A bridge make a bottle neck effect. As much as little space you can take, this situation will get worse, making the traffic go slower, increasing immensely the chance that a resident will tell you off.

    Can I have a picnic around Venice?

    × would you have a snack or a meal on a table where 40 millions of people walks on, seagulls pigeons and dogs walked, ate and p….ed? That’s the simplest reason why residents will look at you disgusted while you are biting your sandwich or licking your ice-cream

    Where can I get the best cannoli?

    × in Sicily, for sure. It’s a typical Sicilian cake. Here we get the same frozen stuff you can find at Tesco’s, Walmart’s or Carrefour’s.

    Where can I get the best pizza?

    × in Napoli, for sure. What we found here that is almost a pizza, you find it listed here.

    What’s the best food typical in Venice?

    × I’d say Sarde in Saor. My wife says the liver. Others the cod or sea snails. Every mouth is different. Maybe you are vegetarian.

    Where is the best pasta?

    × You can’t be serious. We are in Italy. We can’t mess up with that. If you find some rubbish pasta in any of our favorite eateries, let us know and we set it on fire.

    Do you have some good restaurants to suggest?

    ✓ Sure, read here.

    What’s the best restaurant in Venice?

    × How can we say what’s the best for you? I love small taverns and can’t stand the fancy Nouvelle cuisine . Maybe you are bored of traditional italian food and you like gourmet restaurants.