We're just starting to plan our next winter escape from Toronto and are thinking about getting to Venice (from Africa) later in February. We would want to stay about 2 weeks - have never been to Venice before (hard to believe since we've been to Italy so often) - is a two week stay a good idea? We'll have been traveling pretty non stop in Africa for about 5 weeks so would want to relax and cook and walk.
Also - I see Carnival runs until February 24th - will we end up spending more for accommodation if we arrive around the 20th - should we delay until after? And finally - weather conditions? Rainy/early Spring like?
Originally posted by LizS: is a two week stay a good idea?
Yes!
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Also - I see Carnival runs until February 24th - will we end up spending more for accommodation if we arrive around the 20th - should we delay until after?
No!
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And finally - weather conditions? Rainy/early Spring like?
Yes! Snow too!
All kidding aside, Carnival is fun and if you go ff the main drags, then you are in non touristy Venice just like always. You will find some incredible restaurats closed (like Anice Stellato) and others open as usual (La Frasca). We lved our time there, just stay away from the Rialto,San Marco etc for dining during Carnevale, but go back after!
I was in Venice for Carnevale in 2006. My advice is definitely go... during the week.
During the week you get to see the more elaborate costumes, as they have less chance of getting ruined. Plus you have more room to photograph them and have your photo taken with them.
It's lots of fun to buy your own mask and walk around the city with it on. There is lots of free entertainment and if you really want to splash out some big bucks you can go to masquerade balls in full renaissance costume.
I recommend avoiding the weekends. EVERYONE descends on Venice on the weekend, flooding the city with more people than it can cope with. The crush of the crowds heading towards St Marks was simply terrifying. They block off streets and make them basically one-way traps towards St Marks Square. There is no escape. I was actually quite frightened. This is especially so if you have young children. It would just be so easy for them to get lost in the crowd.
Either stay away well away from St Marks on the weekend, especially Saturday afternoon/early evening, or get away from Venice all together. Maybe a couple of nights in nearby Verona?
The weather will be COLD and DAMP! Dress warmly.
Accommodation will be more expensive. But it's worth it. Book now - don't delay.
I went to the Venice Carnival once and once was enough. My Mom and I went in 2006, Venice was more crowded than normal and even MORE expensive than normal. It was jammed with people in costume, tons of music, lots of noise and we had the time of our lives!
We went on a Wednesday and headed back home on Fat Thursday (I don't know why it was fat Thursday and not Tuesday). If you go at the start, your room shouldn't cost as much. We found out that the price of our room DOUBLED if we had stayed from Fat Thursday through the weekend. So we stayed Wednesday night, enjoyed Fat Thursday and then took the train back to my home and avoided an over inflated hotel bill.
The weather might be cold and damp, but it will still be a good time. Enjoy!
Cyn ps. I would avoid having a drink in San Marco's square during this time. I knew our drink bill would be high (as expected) but because it was carnival the bill was even worse. For two hot chocolates and small water we shelled out 36 euros!
And the hot chocolate wasn't even that good. To add insult to injury, I spotted a sign as we were leaving offering hot chocolate to go for 2 euro! That being said, we had the best in seat in town while watching a masquerade parade going on in the square.
Liz, it would be fun to experience part of Carnivale. Like others have said, it is best to stay away from Piazza San Marco on the weekend (actually, stay away from any main thoroughfare on the weekend, during the day at least) but the weekdays aren't so bad.
It you rent an apartment for two weeks and most of it is not Carnivale, they may give you a break and not charge too much more for the Carnivale days.
Weather might be cold and damp but both times I have been in Venice in February, it was mostly sunny and almost warm. You should probably be prepared for anything.
Once was enough for me, too. A few years ago, we went for the last two weeks. After one or two visits to San Marco, we avoided that area and kept far away.
Another problem was that we rented a wonderful apartment on the Grand Canal across from the Academia and not too far from Campo San Stefano. The noise at night was unbearable. Drunks and music until 3 or 4 in the morning. We got our best night's sleep on Ash Wednesday because all the parties were over. So keep that in mind when selecting a hotel or apartment.
The weather was a problem. We had some beautiful days but also some with rain, fog and snow. I wish I'd taken a photo of salt being put down on the bridges, but I was trying to keep my camera dry!
As a Venetian native said, "I told you not to come."
But, how could anyone complain about two weeks in Venice! If that was the only time I'd be able to go, I'd go! Sharon
Thanks to all for your help - it turns out to be moot due to flight availability - we won't arrive until after the 25th. Very excited about 2 weeks in Venice - will be posting lots of questions.
