Refugees founded Venice. When Germanic tribes ravaged northern Italy in the 5th-century, many people escaped to this difficult-to-access area on the Adriatic Sea.

Over the centuries the refugee community grew in to the most powerful trading port in the Mediterranean. At its peak, Venice had 3.000 trade ships and 300 navy vessels. After the fall of Napoleon, Venice was ruled by the Austrians, but after the 1848 uprising, the city once again gained its independence. Shortly after, in 1866, Venice became part of Italy. 1932 saw the opening of the motor and rail bridge between Venice and the mainland, that was to be the start of Venice as a tourist destination.

It is hard to navigate around the city, but don’t let that put you off, as this is part of Venice’s charm. Leave the other tourists at St Mark’s square and the Rialto Bridge and explore the labyrinth of little neighbourhoods instead. The most interesting areas and islands are Cannaregio, SanPolo/Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, San Marco and Castello.

The whole city is a unique sight in itself, there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. The best way to explore Venice is by foot.

Shops in Venice are usually open 9.00-13.00 and 15.00-20.00, with some variation depending on the time of year.

What to do/see in Venice:

Piazza San Marco aka Mark’s Square, is the biggest square in Venice, and the most faous one too. If you truly want to understand the might of the former Venetian empire this is the place to visit. The square is full of interesting and impressive sights, one of the being the campanile - bell tower - from where you can get a splendid view of Venice.

Palazzo Ducale, aka the Doge’s Palace, used to be the residence of the Doge of Venice, and also a space where the government could lodge. Both court and prison were located within the palace walls, but today the building is a museum.

Basilica di San Marco - The full name in Italian is Basilica Cattedrale Patriarcale di San Marco, but people will know what you’re talking about if you say Saint Mark’s Basilica. This cathedral church is the most famous of churches in Venice, presenting an impressive mosaic exterior as well as a striking interior.

Grand Canal - The Grand Canal is the largest canal in town, almost 4 km long and at places as wide as 90 m with an average depth of 5 m. Public transport is available in the form of vaporetti - water buses, gondolas and water taxis. There are plenty of famous buildings located along the river and it is crossed by three bridges.

Rialto Fish Market - This fish and vegetable market has been around since the year 1097, and there is a frantic activity here, especially early in the mornings. The fishmongers, the bustling scenes, the old facades and the canal combine for an experience by all senses. The city’s best butcher shops are also nearby.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection - Peggy Guggenheim was the wife of the artist Max Ernst and the museum is housed in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, which is her former home. Her art collection were opened to the public in 1951 and people can now enjoy art from European and American art from the first half of the 20th century.

Cicchetti of Venice Tour - Discover where the locals unwind on this tour of Venice’s backstreets and hidden Bacari wine bars. Sample famous cicchetti, small local dishes like fried olives, cheesy polenta, and spicy meatballs.

Ryanair offers regular flights from Budapest to Venice,
click here for more information about their low-cost fares.