Getting Directions & Finding Your Way Around in Venice Italy
Can signs pointing in opposite directions actually indicate the route to the same place? Yes! In Venice, they can and they do. So, how are those of us who come from the land of city blocks with neat and comfortable little numbers and letters supposed to survive navigating the labyrinth of Venetian streets that change names every three meters, wind around like snakes, smack into walls, and plunge into canals? There is only one way: Follow Directions & Relax.
Follow the Signs: There are street signs all over Venice indicating directions to major attractions. These signs are accurate. In fact, even the graffiti in Venice is accurate! So, when you are through exploring for the day and just want to get back to where you started from: Do what the signs say. Do not do anything that the signs don't say. If you follow a sign and arrive at a crossroads without a sign, don't make any drastic turns. If you need to turn, there will be another sign above the street you need to turn down. That said, if the street turns, you should turn with it. Sometimes, in Venice, a street just runs smack into a wall, and another street leaves from a 90 degree angle. In that instance, in Venice, just think of turning 90 degrees as the same as going straight. Keep going!
When in doubt: Follow the chotsky! Seriously. The streets most commonly used between the major city squares in Venice are lined with shops. Following the busiest streets will take you someplace easy to identify and most likely near to a boat stop as well.
If You Ask For Directions: Listen, trust, and be polite. The directions you get might run directly opposite to what your instincts are telling you, but Venetians know how to give directions in Venice and they will give you accurate directions. So, if someone has taken the time out of their day to help you, listen carefully and do what they say. (And please don't forget to say "GRAZIE!")
Relax! You're not going anywhere. Venice is an island. The great part of being on an island is that you really can't go too far from home without swimming. So, if you hit water, you can turn back, take a boat, or have a spritz and enjoy the view.
Now Get Lost! The labyrinthine streets of Venice are a major part of what makes this city so unique and beautiful. And, exploring the back streets of Venice is the only way to experience authentic Venetian life. As they say, "If you've never gotten lost in Venice, you've never really been there."
Follow the Signs: There are street signs all over Venice indicating directions to major attractions. These signs are accurate. In fact, even the graffiti in Venice is accurate! So, when you are through exploring for the day and just want to get back to where you started from: Do what the signs say. Do not do anything that the signs don't say. If you follow a sign and arrive at a crossroads without a sign, don't make any drastic turns. If you need to turn, there will be another sign above the street you need to turn down. That said, if the street turns, you should turn with it. Sometimes, in Venice, a street just runs smack into a wall, and another street leaves from a 90 degree angle. In that instance, in Venice, just think of turning 90 degrees as the same as going straight. Keep going!
When in doubt: Follow the chotsky! Seriously. The streets most commonly used between the major city squares in Venice are lined with shops. Following the busiest streets will take you someplace easy to identify and most likely near to a boat stop as well.
If You Ask For Directions: Listen, trust, and be polite. The directions you get might run directly opposite to what your instincts are telling you, but Venetians know how to give directions in Venice and they will give you accurate directions. So, if someone has taken the time out of their day to help you, listen carefully and do what they say. (And please don't forget to say "GRAZIE!")
Relax! You're not going anywhere. Venice is an island. The great part of being on an island is that you really can't go too far from home without swimming. So, if you hit water, you can turn back, take a boat, or have a spritz and enjoy the view.
Now Get Lost! The labyrinthine streets of Venice are a major part of what makes this city so unique and beautiful. And, exploring the back streets of Venice is the only way to experience authentic Venetian life. As they say, "If you've never gotten lost in Venice, you've never really been there."
