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Is tourism a big issue in Venice? -

In 2017, 26 million people visited the city, which is only home to 56,000 residents. The population is dramatically decreasing due to the high prices of housing. Souvenir shops are replacing bakeries, hairdressers, and bookstores, making it difficult to live there.

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Is Venice worth visiting? -

Venice is a unique place, that's why it's so often visited. Where else can you find a city built on a lagoon? The water mirrors the beautiful images of the typical Venetian architecture, and at night the light shows are simply astonishing. So, you should still visit the city, just visit it like a local. 

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City of Water -

Venice is an archipelago of 118 islands connected by more than 400 bridges. There is a core group of islands, considered the historic center, which rises up on both sides of the Grand Canal.

Click on to find out tips about what to do in the historic center and the surrounding islands of Venice.

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Historic center: the Ghetto -

This charming place was founded in the 16th century as the first ghetto in the world, when the Venetian Republic forced Jews to live separated from the rest of the city. Nowadays it’s still the center of the Jewish life in the town.

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Historic center: Giudecca - Escape the crowds, take a boat, and visit this peaceful island. Venetian people still live there, as you will notice by the clothes hanging outside and the groups of people talking on the street.

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Historic center: Church of San Giorgio Maggiore - Few people know that you can ascend the bell tower of the church to admire one of the most beautiful views of the city.

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Historic center: Via Garibaldi -

It’s the perfect place to have a "spritz" (a local alcoholic drink) with residents. The street is located in "Castello," one of the less touristy neighborhoods in the city.

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Historic center: Rialto Market -

Visitors used to stop on Rialto bridge to take photos, but this amazing market really deserves a visit. It’s a good place to buy fresh fish and fruit. 

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Historic center: kayaking -

What about enjoying a view of Venice from the water, while getting some exercise at the same time?  On the island of Certosa, you can rent a kayak and take a tour with a local guide.

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Historic center: Bridge of Sighs - Visitors look at the legendary bridge from the outside, but you can actually visit Doge Palace and cross the bridge—as the prisoners did in the past.

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Historic center: walking at night -

Crowds disappear after dinner, so during the night you can enjoy a different, quieter, and more magical Venice.  

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Islands: Murano - In Murano you can visit the glass factories and discover how this fascinating material is molded into unique decorative articles.

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Islands: San Servolo - Formerly home to a psychiatric hospital, the island now has a university instead. However, it still preserves the memory of its former charge with an Insane Asylum Museum.

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Islands: San Lazzaro degli Armeni -

The surface of the island is entirely occupied by an ancient monastery, later used as a lazaretto. In the 18th century, the structure turned into an Armenian monastery with a charming ancient library. It's open to visits once a day. 

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Islands: San Michele - The island was transformed into a monumental cemetery by Napoleon Bonaparte. Composer Igor Stravinsky was laid to rest here.

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Islands: Pellestrina - Far off the beaten path, this island is a land line which separates the lagoon from the sea. Its colorful houses are still home to many local fishermen.

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What not to do: have a coffee at just any café -

Avoid tourist cafés if you don’t want to needlessly spend your money. In Piazza San Marco, a coffee can cost up to 12 euros. The normal price for a coffee in Venice is around 1-1.50 euros.

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What not to do: order without reading the menu - Fraud in Venice is commonplace. So demand a menu with clear prices before ordering. If not, the bill can be costly.

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What not to do: ride in a gondola -

Taking a ride on a gondola is unreasonably expensive. Instead, take the water bus nº 1 (7 euros) and enjoy its scenic route.

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What not to do: dive in the canals -

The lagoon is polluted, and swimming there is dangerous due to the marine traffic. Go to Lido island instead to swim in the Adriatic.  

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What not to do: sit down and eat your sandwich - The city has strict regulations. If you sit on the ground, you risk a fine.

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The best time to go -

The optimal months to visit Venice are April, May, September, and October, when the temperatures are cooler. 

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What to eat: baccalà mantecato - Try this delicious fluffy cream of stockfish, which is usually served with toasted polenta.

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What to eat: sarde in saor - A tasty starter prepared with sardines, onions, and dried grape.

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What to eat: tramezzini - Perfect for a light meal or snack, tramezzini is a sandwich assembled with a special bread and different fillings.

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What to eat: spaghetti alle vongole - Spaghetti with clams is one of the locals' favorite recipes. You have to try it!

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What to eat: risotto ai frutti di mare - Venice has a deep connection with the sea, and the locals show it by cooking an incredible seafood risotto!

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What to eat: polenta con le seppie in umido -

This meal, prepared with stewed cuttlefish and polenta, is simply delightful.

See also: "Italian" food that would make a real Italian cringe

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