Venice

catkins

I want to surprise my OH with a short break in Venice next year. I have heard stories of how horrendously crowded it can get which puts me off somewhat.

So, when is a good time to go? I was thinking March or April. Not bothered about the weather really although don't particularly want it to be really cold. How crowded is it likely to be then?

Also what area would anyone recommend to stay in? I don't fancy being right in the most popular part but somewhere a bit quieter (possibly cheaper) but not difficult to get to the touristy bits

michele-p

Hi we went in September a few years back, and although busy I didn't feel overly crowded at any point. If it helps, we stayed here, http://www.locandaherion.com/en/ in the Jewish quarter, it was an easy 10 minute walk from the railway station, OK with a trolley case really.

It was about 20 minute easy walk to the main square, and easy to get a water taxi nearby too.

richardw

March. If it's forecast cold, pack some thin high performance thermals.
Treviso airport is a bit far out.
Cannareggio district can be a good area to stay.

lika_86

If you go in March it's likely to be pretty quiet anyway, mostly it's quieter in evenings when the cruise ships go home anyway. We went in February one year and it snowed but was still lovely, albeit cold.

We stayed here https://www.residencevenice.com/ - really close to the centre but quiet, plus, loads of space for what you normally get in Venice.

z1a

Just don't eat & drink in St Marks sq. Just a street or 2 away is a lot cheaper.

Aylesbury_Duck

I'd recommend staying outside the island itself and getting the train or bus in. We flew into Treviso and stayed in a hotel about 30 minutes on the shuttle train away from Venice. We hired a car and explored the region over a few days. Venice is lovely but there are also places well worth visiting in the area, such as Treviso, Padua, Vicenza and Verona. All easily visited by car.

We went in April. Just warm enough for sightseeing but even then, Venice was very busy. As z1a says, find pizzerias and cafes off the main tourist areas. You can eat very reasonably if you do so.

kerri_gt

I took my mum as a surprise birthday present a few years ago, we went in mid May and had a couple of lovely days of sun, and one where it rained but wasn't cold. It was busy, but not heaving.

As we were only there a few days we stayed pretty central which also meant we didn't need to lug cases far when we got off the water taxi (our hotel was right by the grand canal)

We did do tea at Cafe Florian and although eye wateringly expensive, we enjoyed the experience. There was a good day trip to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. Whilst obviously touristy it was nice to see the islands and explore a bit.

Backbiter

I've been several times, autumn, winter and August. It's magical at any time of the year, but I've never been troubled by the crowds. Even in peak season you can find quiet parts if you just wander away from At Marks and the Rialto.
Staying in Venice is expensive, and we saved a lot by staying in a very grand hotel on the Lido. As has been said, you will find decent value restaurants if you avoid the tourist traps, and you don't have to walk far to find them.

stoneman

If you are taking luggage and not landing in a Vaperatto where your hotel is my advice is to stay outside the city. The Crown Plaza Venice east is right on the train line into the city and takes about 20 minutes and 2-3 euros. They will pick you up for free from Marco Polo airport as well.
As for the city, we have been there 4 times in the summer and never found it any more crowded than any other tourist place. London is far more crowded

ibizafan_2

I have been to Venice three times, in February, March and the latest trip was just recently in September. We stayed in Cannaregio which is a great area with reasonably priced bars and restaurants, and yet only a few minutes walk to St Marks Square and the Rialto bridge. If you get away from the main tourist areas, there's some lovely quiet squares and places to wander. Sorry to disagree with other posters, but if I'm going to Venice, I don't want to stay outside the city, whether it be the Lido, Mestre or other places. We found a very reasonable b&b in Cannaregio on this last visit and it was perfect for what we needed as we were out walking all day long.

slinga

Thinking about 2 or 3 weeks in Milan/Venice/drive round the region.

Any suggestions on how best to split the three timewise???