Venice may be a city of canals, but car hire gives you the option of escaping the candy-striped gondolas and watery sights of the city for a while. Renting a car from Venice Marco Polo Airport allows you to freedom to explore a range of fantastic sights of the Veneto region. Back in the city, though there's plenty to see and do. The following is a guide to Venice and the best ways to spend your time.



Venice Mini Guide:

Venice Marco Polo Airport is situated 12km from the city of Venice by land and 10km by water. The airport offers a number of facilities and services for passengers including bureau de change-for those last minute euro, ATMs, caf's, bars and restaurants. If driving from the airport, follow the Venice Mestre motorway.

Things To See/Do in Venice:

Venice is situated in the northeast of Italy and is the capital of the coastal Veneto region. The city of Venice is built on over one hundred separate islands. With one hundred and fifty canals flowing through the city, connected by over 400 bridges, it's easy to understand how so many tourists find themselves getting lost at some stage during their visit.

The best way to see the city is by the local water taxis, waterbuses known as ?vaporetti? or the traditional Venetian gondola. Walking is another option of course.

San Marco piazza is located in the heart of the city is a good place to start on a walking tour of the city. The square is famous for its Basilica di San Marco which dates back to the 11th century. Those with a head for heights can even climb the basilica's bell tower to achieve an unforgettable 360-degree view of the city. Not far from here is the impressive Palazzo Ducale, (Doges Palace), which is also worth a look, if even to admire the priceless works of art housed within.

Piazza San Marco offers a gateway to the city's famous Rialto market district via the Mercerie. It's here you'll find all the chic boutiques and luxury stores. Dedicated fashion followers will love calle Larga XXII Marzo, which is located to the west of the piazza. Gucci, Prada, Valentino and Fendi have all set up shop here. Meanwhile, those with an eye for antiques should head to nearby Santo Stefano, where they may be lucky enough to pick up low cost hidden treasure.

Given Venice's watery location, seafood is by far the most popular dish to be found on local menus. Generally, eating out isn't cheap, but budget bites are available, if you look past the obvious tourist haunts. Fiore Trattore, located at calle delle Botteghe on San Marco is one such low cost establishment. Thrifty budget conscious travellers are also guaranteed to pay less should they choose local specialities like pizza. Stone baked fungi at Al Nono Risorto at Santa Croce is highly recommended.

Nightlife in Venice is concentrated on the fondamenta Misericordia in Cannaregio. Here popular nightspots to check out include The Iguana and Centrale.

Accommodation in Venice offers plenty of scope for those looking to splash out on luxury. The Hotel Cipriani at Giudecca 10, certainly doesn't come cheap-room rates start at a hefty ?625 per night. Thrifty backpackers will be glad to learn however that low cost lodgings are also available in the city. Venice's youth hostel, located on Fondamenta Zitelle offers attractive rates starting at ?19.50 per bed per night.