Photo Diary & things to do in Venice

San Marco Square - a must visit, walk around and enjoy the outlets, get some Gelato, shop, admire the Venetian masks (They are in every corner and expensive) and eat lots of Italian food:)

GELATO GELATO GELATO - Have lots of those, it's a tradition, you got to eat lots of Gelato and walk around.

Take a Gondola trip to Grand Canal & back - it's a must, some of the Gondola rowers whistle, sing songs and chit chat with the other rowers (I think you call them rowers!) The canals within canals within canals is just mesmerizing  there's something about that little Gondola trip that will always stay in your mind, we even saw an entire wedding on a gondola!

Rialto Bridge - Whilst walking around, you will come across the Rialto bridge (by itself, trust me), it takes you to the other side of Venice and again, there's a line of restaurants and cafes along the canal, very romantic (Sigh!).

Doge's Palace - Very historic, lovely architecture, then again Italy is full of history and architecture, the structures are very detailed and artistic everywhere and one's got to admire that.

Murano Factory - Venice is known for its glass factories, when taking the water taxi to Murano, you will come across many other such factories around Murano is the most popular and biggest with detailed craftsmanship  They are so quick with their work that it's almost automated! Very interesting!

Go to the Casino - Make sure you don't wear shorts and carry your passport. We weren't allowed because the men were wearing shorts/ slippers! And we didn't even carry our passports. We thought it's Venice and have a right to be laid back, but when there is a Casino, you gotta look a little presentable.

[It's been a super busy day today but blogging is more like 'me' time, so I have to make time for myself - Nishka xx]

How to dress in Venice, Italy

When going to Venice, think about comfort with style.

Shoes
Venice is a water city and before anything, think about the shoes you are going to wear.

Hubby wore suede shoes and you can image what happened to them! I wore my PRADA (bought from the outlets in Rome) and realized not such a good idea even though they were wet leather.
As soon as we reached our room, we changed to a comfy pair of flats - go for some clean open sandals or even better, ballet pumps. And men, get those sneakers out!

Check them out here, from Zara:

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category/ae/en/zara-S2013/358010/Flat+sandals

I own these and absolutely love them - Massimo Dutti Balltet Pumps!

Something for the men - Pedro Shoes (www.pedroshoes.com)

Clothes
Keep it simple and light.
Leggings and shirts or cotton dresses, skinny light jeans (nothing too heavy, incase it rains) tshirts and this is the time for layering. Always carry a thin cardigan or a trench coat to keep yourself warm. For men again, jeans and T shirts or casual/ linen shirts, even shorts would do if it doesn't rain and it may get chilly in the evenings.

Keep it comfy & light!(http://www.massimodutti.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category/dutties/en/massimodutti/370509/Shirts%2B%26%2BBlouses)

Polo shirts work the best - Trendy yet comfy

Or just simple Linens, works for men & women

Hair
My friend actually blow dried her hair on the first day and as soon as we stepped out of our hotel, it didn't rain but POURED! So go for the natural wavy hair look or just tie it all back in a classic ponytail or a messy bun.

Bag
I just carried a classic sling all the time in which I carried my cash, lip gloss and hotel key card. My camera had a sling to, so I always kept it tied to my wrist! It worked for me and it surely is the best option, when there's a lot of walking to do!

I love this Coach Sling and it comes in more than one color - See below 

http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/-handbags_silhouettes_crossbody-us-us-5000000000000015030-en?t1Id=62&t2Id=5000000000000015030&tier=2&LOC=LN#123738

Why Best Western Sant'Elena in Venice?

When planning a trip to any country, the biggest concern is the hotel you stay in (atleast for me!). Sometimes, even though you maybe going to one of the most exotic locations in the world, but a bad hotel choice spoils the entire trip.

Best Western Sant' Elena, in my opinion, is one of the best boutique contemporary hotels in Venice, with an average room rate that doesn't hurt your pocket.

It's not your typical Venetian Hotel, with water at the doorstep of the lobby, but is on land (actually, lots of greenery around) and a few steps away from the water body. It's at the other end of Venice and takes about 25 minutes to reach from the train station via a water taxi.

The rooms have parquet flooring with minimal modern furniture, warm colors & hues, making it a cozy quaint hotel in this water city. The hotel itself is tucked away in some corner of the street and you may keep looking for it, without realizing you are standing at the doorstep!

We took the Junior Suite, which has a small living area and is slightly bigger than the Deluxe. The breakfast has a vast selection of bakeries, typical European delicacies and a selection of cereals and flavored teas, keeping in mind the diversity of tourists in Venice.

One had to make reservations in advance for dining in the restaurant and that's probably because it may be a hot spot in the city. However, if that's the case, then it's surely more for the matured audience.

Below are some pictures of the hotel - Best Western Sant'Elena, Venezia's contemporary boutique hotel.
http://www.hotelsantelena.com/en

I found this photo on the web, and it really is that cozy.

The spiral stairs of the hotel

Wherever I go, they seem to find me (Animals!)

Outside the hotel (It was in Oct, Fall time)

The room interiors (4 star yet chic!)

The room interiors

The Water Taxi station outside the Hotel