Tourist Tips for the Grand Canal, Venice
Value for Money Accommodation, Eateries and Internet in Venice
Mar 26, 2009
While nothing in Venice could ever be classed as cheap or ‘budget’, some careful scouting uncovers options that will stretch the tourist dollar. This article discusses a hotel right on the Grand Canal that does not cost $500 -$800 per night, and details excellent small restaurants where mains are not $50-$80. There is also a tip for Internet-hungry travelers.
Who Can Afford the Grand Canal?
For many travelers, hotels on the Grand Canal are out of reach. Even mid-range hotels such as the Carlton (144-180 Euros) and the Hotel Monaco (245 Euros) are beyond the reach of the budget-conscious traveler. Nevertheless, to wake to the sounds of boat traffic on the Grand Canal and to see the faded but stately buildings reflected in the ripples below one’s bedroom window is a dream worth pursuing. It is possible on a moderate budget from at least one hotel – the Hotel Galleria in the Dorsoduro – Accademia area.
Hotel Galleria
Rooms at the Galleria have superb views onto the Grand Canal. Single rooms are narrow but adequate. Room 10 is the best – a large double room with antique furniture and its own en suite. The room has two shuttered windows with commanding views of the busy waterway below.
The Hotel Galleria is not the Ritz: there is no elevator, no doorman, no breakfast room, and no 24 hour room service. However, the owners and small staff are, without exception, pleasant and helpful, an adequate breakfast is brought to the room on a silver tray, and the rooms are scrupulously cleaned. The guest has the experience of staying in a 16th century palazzo with the Canal Grande sloshing at the foundations.
Hotel Galleria – position and price
A bonus is the hotel’s position right beside the Accademia Vaporetto (waterbus) stop, so guests can trundle luggage just a few metres out from the main railway station onto the quay and take Vaporetto Line 1 to the Accademia stop for 6.50 Euros.
Single rooms start at 85 Euros and doubles (shared bathroom) at 115 Euros, with en suite 140 euros. Room 10, previously mentioned, starts at 175 Euros. The Galleria website often publishes winter specials. As there are very few rooms, intending guests should try to book at least six months in advance.
Eating cheaply in Venice
A good pizza isn’t hard to find in Venice, but a good pizza for under 10 Euros certainly is. Restaurants advertising authentic Venetian cooking are also easy to find, but many are very average in quality. Tourists should be wary of restaurants with Tourist Menu written boldly out front and English as the order of the day. It goes without saying that restaurants serving good cuisine attract a local crowd and do not require a tout at the door begging passing trade to come in.
Two small eateries in the Accademia area deserve a mention for quality food at reasonable prices.
Taverna San Trovaso in Venice
Good range of antipasti. Sarde in Saor (sardines in onions and vinegar) is a delight. Excellent pastas from 7 Euros. Try the Spaghetti al Pesto Genovese, Spaghetti alle Vongole or the Spaghetti Scarpara. Pizzas start at 6 Euros, mains are 9 -12 Euros. There is a 2 Euro cover charge. The place is crowded from opening time at 7 pm, so intending diners need to make a reservation.
Start facing the Grand Canal at the Accademia water stop. Head left in front of the art gallery and down the narrow Calle Cambara, turn left into Calle Contarini Corfu and follow the canal to Calle Tolette. The Taverna San Trovaso is beside the canal just before the first footbridge.
Hostaria alle Boteghe in Venice
This Hostaria seems to be a family affair and the food is excellent. Service and cover charge are included. Delicious soups from 6 Euros, pizzas range from 6 to 9 Euros, and pastas from 8 Euros.
Cross the bridge from the Accademia waterbus stop and enter the lengthy Campo San Stefano. At the far end, take the Calle de la Boteghe to the left. The Hostaria is just beyond the art supply shop with the bright powdered artist pigments displayed in the window like spices in a bazaar.
Finding Internet Points in Venice
Venice is not strong on Internet Cafes. The common maps issued by most hotels list the few that exist, using the symbol @. Prices vary. Expect to pay 2 Euros or 15 – 20 minutes.
Internet junkies with their own laptop can access WiFi for the price of a coffee (3.40 Euros) at La Rivista, a pleasant bar attached to the Hotel Ca’ Pisani. This is situated ½ way along the R.T. Antonio Foscarni which runs beside the Gallerie dell’ Accademia.
By choosing to stay in the attractive Accademia area of the Dorsoduro sector of Venice, travelers can readily access the establishments recommended in this article and take advantage of these savvy tips to get the most out of the holiday dollar in what is arguably Europe’s most expensive city.
 |
 |
 |
