Getting Around Venice
Despite the fact that Venice has no roads and is fully pedestrianized, its a remarkably easy city to get around. There are only three modes of transport available, and most visitors tend to use a combination of all three.
By Vaporetti
The vaporetti (water-bus) service is absolutely vital to Venice and runs to a schedule, similar to a bus. There are vaporetti stops stationed all around the island, including along the Grand Canal. The vaporetti also run between Lido, Murano, San Michel and other locations within the Venetian Lagoon. Just like a bus, to use the vaporetti you must first purchase a ticket - all-day passes are available, as are one-way tickets. Ticket booths are usually located close to or at the vaporetti stops. Once on board the vaporetti (generally a flat-bottomed boat with a wide standing area that leaves room for luggage), keep track of the stops by following the maps displayed on the interior. Some vaporetto will have electronic information displays that show the next stop, others will use a PA system. During the peak season (high summer) and during festivals (such as the Carnivale) additional vaporetti services will be put on. Make sure you check when the last service runs, otherwise you may find yourself having to walk back to your hotel!
By Gondola
The icon of Venice is also an incredibly easy way to get to places not visited by the vaporetti services. Although gondolas are slower and more expensive, no holiday in Venice is complete without taking a ride in one. If possible, try to avoid taking a gondola from the busy tourist areas (around the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco) as the prices will be much higher. Gondoliers station themselves in many of the other canals and are likely to be cheaper here - but make sure you agree on the price before you get in to the boat, or you may find they raise the price upon arrival at your destination! Don't be afraid to bargain the price down a bit either - the gondoliers are notorious for starting at a high price to take advantage of unwitting tourists.
On Foot
The best way to explore Venice's back alleys and side-streets is by foot. Two tips will keep you heading in the right direction. Firstly, remember that there are only three main bridges that cross the Grand Canale: Rialto, Ponte degli Scalzi, and Ponte dell'Accademia. If you cross one of these when you are setting out for the day, you will have to cross another to get back to the half of the island that you are staying on. By not crossing the Grand Canale, you at least limit the area in which you can get lost! Secondly, keep an eye out for signs that point to major landmarks. Generally these signs are located at intersections of alley-ways or in piazzas, and will point in the direction of churches, squares or famous sights nearby. By following these signs you can work your way back to a location you are familiar with.