I took a train from Pisa Centrale station and got off at Venezia Santa Lucia train station. It’s the end point and the last stop for all trains heading to Venice. There were vaporetti and water taxis at the front of the station but as always, decided that walking was my best option.
Rialtine, the main part of Venice is actually pretty small. The absence of cars makes exploring Venice randomly by walking a pleasant experience. Just be careful, it’s easy get lost. I just kept walking along the Canal Grande, always tried to remember where I came from when exploring the side alleys. The abundance of shops that sell gelato for 1 – 2 Euro per scoop is godsend. I would hardly survive the hot summer day without them.
And then there’s Rialto, a sestiere famous for its market and bridge. Rialto Bridge is one of the most recognizable icons of Venice with a history that spans for over than 800 years.
Southeast of Rialto is the San Marco Square where most tourists flock to. Some of the most magnificent buildings in this area are Basilica di San Marco , Doge’s Palace and the Procuratie buildings. And it’s actually possible to get up the Bell Tower / Campanile di San Marco to see Venice from a different perspective.
