Venezia

Day trip in Venice

Quick itinerary for a short Venetian experience: literally just a photo-op day and not entering any of the establishments. 

When in Venice, one can easily lose track of time because of the charming canals/streets of the capital. So for those who would like to see more within a limited amount of time and not be distracted, here's a quick day trip itinerary.

Venetian windows

Getting There:

It is so easy to get to Venice as it is only a train ride away to its station - Station di Venezia Santa Lucia. I suggest to book the tickets online, even on the day itself, as it is way cheaper than purchasing them at the train station.

Going Around Venice:

Upon arrival at the train station, since this is a quick day trip, it is practical to buy the 1-day Venice Tourist Travel Card (also available for 2, 3, or 7 days) which includes unlimited travel on the ACTV water and land buses, from the water bus station immediately in front and outside of the station.

Gondola ride

Make sure to validate the ticket by tapping it against the white electronic card readers every time before boarding the water bus or inside the land bus to avoid being fined.

I've also read from other travellers that it is indeed still worth to ride a gondola even just for half an hour. So if you're willing to shell out some euros and have a couple (30 minutes or more, that is) of time to spare, try riding a gondola and enjoy the sights of the capital in a romantic and relaxed pace.

Venetian street/canal

Ponte Rialto

Board a water bus to get to Ponte Rialto - the oldest out of the 4 bridges that cross the Venetian Grand Canal. The ornate-covered 16th century stone footbridge connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo, and is one of the city's hottest tourist attractions.

Rialto Bridge

Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is a 3km channel in Venice forming one of the major water-traffic corridors of the city. It is considered as the city's bustling 'main street' lined with restaurants and shops in old Venetian buildings and palaces.

Grand Canal

Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco, or simply, la Piazza, is Venice's main and largest public square. All the other squares in the city are known as 'campi'. Being at the heart of the city, here you'll find St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, Torre dell Orologio, and the San Marco Campanile.

Piazza San Marco

The piazza has an extension towards the lagoon in its southeast corner and is called Piazzetta.

St. Mark's Basilica

St. Mark's Basilica is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. The Italo-Byzantine styled cathedral is the most well-known church of the city.

St. Mark's Basilica

Entry to the basilica is free but expect a long and 'processional' queue  to get inside the cathedral. Pre-booking is required.

St. Mark's Basilica

Doge's Palace

A Venetian Gothic style palace which served as the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice, but is now a museum since 1923.

Regular ticket is €20 (combined ticket for entrance to other tourist attractions in Venice).

Torre dell Orologio

This is the city's 14th-century clock tower located on the north side of St. Mark's Square at the entrance to the Merceria. The huge face of the clock shows the hours of the day, phases of the moon, and movement of the sun through the Zodiac signs. It is also known as the Moor's Clocktower.

Moor's Clocktower

Regular ticket is €12.

San Marco Campanile

The 98.6m tall campanile is the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica. 

Campanile

The original tower used to serve as a lighthouse for the sailors, and a belfry. The belfry house 5 bells - each being rang for different purposes during the Republic of Venice.

Regular ticket is €8. Climbing the tower provides panoramic views of the city. But we weren't able to go up during out visit.

Bridge of Sighs

Built in 1600, the Bridge of Sighs (also known as the Hertford Bridge) is an enclosed bridge made of limestone. The bridge has windows with stone bars, passes over Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace.

Bridge of Sighs

Venetian  Lagoon Islands

Apart from the Venetian capital, it is possible to explore at least 2 of the islands in the Venetian Lagoon (in our case, we chose Murano and Lido) in the afternoon.

If you do plan to explore the islands of the lagoon, make sure to check the boat timetables so as not to be stuck unnecessarily in the last island you're at.

Murano

Murano is known as the glass-making centre of Venice. The most visited site in the island is the Museo del Vetro - the museum which tells the story of the island's glass-making through the centuries, and features a souvenir/gift shop.

Murano

Other points of interest include the the churches of Santa Maria and San Donato. The two churches were built in the Romanesque style, with the latter featuring a colourful mosaic floor and supposedly housing the remains of a slain dragon.

Mosaic floor

Lunch at B Restaurant

Abacus-like

We had a delightful seafood lunch at B Restaurant known for affordable seafood with big servings. You will find this restaurant with an iconic glass piece resembling an abacus placed in the small square in front of the restaurant.

Seafood for lunch

Lido di Venezia

Lido is an 11km long sandbar in the Venetian Lagoon. Lido hosts the Venice Film Festival every September, and is the only island in the lagoon where there is a public beach to go to for a swim.

Lido's Free beach

Verona Ohh-nana

48 hours in Verona

Walking tour of the city

Piazza Bra

Piazza Bra is the largest and main square in Verona, and for some, it is also one of the largest in Europe. Like Piazza delle Erbe, it is also lined with restaurants and old buildings with notable architecture. The square is cemented with pink marble from the Valpolicella region. In the centre of the square is a statute of King Vittorio Emanuel II, the first ruler of united Italy. The fountain found in the square is known as Fontana delle Alpi which was built by the Germans to celebrate Verona's pairing with Munich. The fountain is commonly referred by locals as Lemon Squeeze because it looks like one.

Piazza Bra

Also located in the piazza is the Arena di Verona - a Roman amphitheater which is now being used today for large-scale theatrical/opera performances. 

Castelvecchio

Castelvecchio

A castle in Verona, Castelvecchio was regarded as the most important military construction of the Scaliger dynasty that ruled the city during the Middle Ages. The castle is connected to the city by the Castelvecchio Bridge, both characterised by imposing M-shaped merlons running along the bridge and the castle walls.

Castelvecchio Bridge

The castle is now home to a the Castelvecchio Museum. Regular ticket price is €6.

Arco dei Gavi

Built by the Gens Gavia, an illustrious and noble Roman family who had their hometown in Verona, Arco de Gavi is located at the beginning of the Roman road, Via Postumia, which leads to the city. The gate is made of white Veronese marble and used to serve as a gate to the city in the Middle Ages.

Arco dei Gavi

Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe at daytime

Once the town's forum during the Roman Empire, Piazza delle Erbe is a square in Verona now lined with cafes and buildings with quaint architecture. At day time, a market is set up in the centre, and at nighttime, it becomes a meeting place for people for drinks and evening meal as the restaurants occupy the sides of the plaza with their outdoor seating.

Piazza delle Erbe at night

Porta Borsari

Dating back to 1st century AD, Port Borsari is an ancient Roman gate in Verona. People used it as an entrance to the city if coming from Via Postumia.

Giulietta's House

Juliet's House

A Gothic style 1300s house with a stone balcony overlooking a small courtyard, Juliet's house is said to have significantly inspired William Shakespeare, and it is in this balcony where Romeo promised his beloved Juliet eternal love.

Rubbing Juliet's bosom

It is now a museum and every day, hundreds of tourists flock to see this house and rub the bosom of Juliet's statue for a stroke of good luck in finding the love of their life. Regular admission costs €6.

Juliet's Balcony

Romeo's House

Now a private home, Romeo's house is a bit tricky to find. Built in the 14th century, Romeo's house is made of crenelated walls with a Gothic door marked by a Shakespeare inscription.

Outside Romeo's House

Torre dei Lamberti

An 84 meter high tower near Juliet's house, Lamberti's Tower is the highest building in Verona. It was originally a tower house in the 12th century. With a lift or about 368 steps to reach the top, one can enjoy panoramic views of the city with a ticket (regular price of €8) that also includes entry to the Gallery of Modern Art. 

Piazza dei Signori

Located behind the busy Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori is another large square in Verona which is dominated by a statue of Dante made in 1865, and hence, it is also known as the Piazza Dante. Two buildings built by the Palladio are also located in the square, the Palazzo degli Scaligeri and the Palazzo del Comune.

Scaligeri Tombs

Scaligeri Tombs

Situated next to the Piazza dei Signori is the Scaliger Tombs built by the Della Scalla family. It consists of five Gothic funerary monuments celebrating the medieval Scaligeri Family who ruled Verona from the 13th to the late 14th century. The tombs are separated from the street by a wall of iron grilles and are situated next to the church of Santa Maria Antica.

Verona Cathedral Complex

Verona Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Verona dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cathedral is known by the name of S. Maria Matricolare.

Inside Verona Cathedral

It is the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Verona. The complex consists of the Duomo, Baptistery, Church of St. Helen and archaeological excavations. Regular ticket price is €3.

Verona Cathedral

Verona Cathedral - altar

Ponte Pietra

Ponte Pietra

Also known as Pons Marmoreus, Ponte Pietra (Italian for "Stone Bridge")  is a Roman arch bridge crossing the Adige River in Verona, and is the oldest bridge of the city.

Teatro Romano

Teatro Romano is an ancient Roman theatre set on a hillside in Verona constructed towards the end of the 1st century BC. It now has a museum which houses important artefacts of Verona's history. In summer, the theatre hosts various music shows. Regular ticket price is €4.50.

Castel San Pietro

City views from Castel San Pietro

Saint Peter's Castle is situated on top of the hill above the Teatro Romano. It can be reached on foot by a couple of staircases starting from Ponte Pietra and passing behind the theatre. During the Roman times, the hill had a religious function and was known as the Monte Gallo. Because of its high strategic location, it offers great panoramic views of the city and is perfect to be visited during the golden hour. 

Panoramic views from Castel San Pietro

Budapest - Other Points of Interest

Day 3

Exploring other points of interest in Budapest on foot

Hösök Tere

An impressive square and also known as the Heroes' Square, it is the largest and main squares in Budapest. It features the seven chieftains who led the Magyar tribes to Hungary, a millennium monument in the middle constructed to commemorate the thousand year old history of the Magyars with Archangel Gabriel standing on the top of the pillar holding the holy crown and the double cross of Christianity, statues of Hungarian national leaders, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Hösök Tere

It is located at the end of the Andrássy Avenue, and is surrounded by the City Park, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art.

City Park

Also known as the Varosliget, the City Park is the largest public park in Budapest. The 302 acre park has the Heroes' Square as its entrance, and features a lot of activities such as the Transport Museum, Vidam Park and Zoo, and a memorial monument among many others for an enjoyable day out in a  park.

1. Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajdahunyad Castle

A castle which was originally built of cardboard and wood with designs ranging from Romanesque to Gothic to represent each century since the arrival of the Magyars. It was later on rebuilt in brick. It now houses the Museum of Agriculture (regular adult admission fee of HUF 1,600).

Jaki Chapel within castle grounds

At its palace grounds, enjoy some food from the food stalls and during fall and winter, they host a Christmas market.

Sweets

and more sweets

Food stalls

Food stalls

2. The Pond

Where one can rent a boat when the water is not dried up, or go ice skating during the winter when the water freezes over and it becomes the largest outdoor skating rink in Central Europe. 

3. Anonymous Statue

Scattered in the park are statues of Winston Churchill and George Washington. But the most famous statue is the Anonymous Statue which is a statue of an unnamed mysterious monk who lived in the 12th century as the notary of King Béla the III. Legends say that it brings good luck to studies when you touch the monk's stylus.

Anonymous Statue

4. Széchenyi Baths

One of the world's largest baths. Read more about it on the Walking Tour of Budapest 2.

Andrássy Avenue

The avenue was built to connect the city centre to the City Park. The avenue has 4 distinct parts divided into residential areas, commercial buildings, and villas and palaces with gardens - some of which hare used as embassies. You can also find the Museum of Terror as well as the Opera House along the avenue.

Start of Andrássy Avenue from Hosok Tere

Along Andrássy Avenue

The avenue is a great place to have a stroll along beautiful quaint buildings or do people watching on one of the many cafés that line the avenue. 

Walking along Andrássy Avenue

New York Cafe

NY Cafe facade

Located in a luxury hotel, New York Palace Boscolo Hotel, in the grand boulevard of Budapest, the New York Cafe is known as the most beautiful coffee house in the city during the 20th century. 

Frescoes on the ceilings

Marvel at its preserved authentic decorations and flair of frescoes on the ceilings, Venetian glass lamps, marble columns and gilded stuccoes which inspired Hungarian literary minds. The menu consists of multicultural cuisine of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. It normally has a long queue, so I recommend pre-booking during peak season.

NY Cafe

They also have live orchestra playing while you enjoy a meal or a good cup of coffee/afternoon tea and sweets.

NY Cafe stage at the top of the main staircase

Walking Tour of Budapest 1

Exploring Budapest

Points of Interest by Foot

Hungarian Parliament Building

Hungarian Parliament Building

The third largest parliament building in the world - the Hungarian Parliament Building is the seat of national assembly of Hungary. This impressive Neo-Gothic structure is also the symbol of Hungary and its capital city. Apart from being the building of Hungary's law-making body, it also houses the Hungarian Holy Crown, and the offices of the Prime Minister.

Facade

Adult admission fee is HUF 2400 (EU citizens).

Kossuth Square

Part of Kossuth Square

Considered as the main square of the nation - Kossuth Square was just recently reconstructed into a rational and sustainable park structure. The park is a no-traffic zone and there are still on-going plans on further developing the park.

Lion Fountain

Sitting in Vörösmaty Square, the Lion Fountain is considered among the most beautiful fountains in the city. It's a popular meeting point of several walking tours as it is conveniently located in one of the busiest hubs in downtown Budapest. The Vörösmaty Square is the start of the city's famous shopping street, Váci Utca.

The Lion FountainSt.

Stephen's Cathedral

St. Stephen's Cathedral is a Roman Catholic basilica named in honour of the first king of Hungary whose mummified right hand, the Szent Jobb ("the holy right hand") is housed in the reliquary.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Going up to the cupola is a good way to see beautiful panoramic views of the city, while the St. Stephen's square offers plenty of terraced cafes and bistros that are perfect for people watching.

Admission into the basilica is free but it is customary to give HUF 200 or €1 donation. A separate ticket is needed to go up to the cupola.

Apart from Catholic services, the cathedral also organises organ concerts.

Little Princess statue

Little Princess Statue

Kiskirálylány - a small statue of a princess sitting on the railings of the Danube promenade. The original statute was created by an artist, László Marton, inspired by his eldest daughter born from his first marriage. It is one of Budapest's secret gems.

Chain Bridge

Chain Bridge

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Danube River and linking Buda and Pest. Stretching between the Széchenyi Square on the Pest side to the Clark Ádám Square on the Buda side, this picturesque bridge symbolises the unification of what used to be divided sides of the Danube River into one city. It is the first bridge built to connect Buda and Pest.

Enjoy stunning views of the city from both ends of the bridge and while crossing it. It is also worth crossing at night when the bridge is lit up.

Castle Hill

Sitting on top of a hill on the Buda side, the Castle Hill is a walled complex bounded on the north by the Castle District which comprises the entire walled area of the hill. What used to be a bustling capital of Buda, the complex is the location for key attractions such as the Buda Castle (which now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum), the Fisherman's Bastion, and St. Matthias Church.

Buda Castle Hill Funicular

Get there either by riding the Buda Castle Hill Funicular (HUF 1,100 one way or 1,700 return) or taking the short hike up by the side of the hill.

Entrance to Buda Castle

Buda Castle is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings.

Buda Castle Ruins

Buda Castle

The 700-year old Matthias Church is now a Roman Catholic church atop Buda Hill. It used to be the venue for coronations and royal weddings and was founded by the first king of Hungary, Szent Stephen. Marvel at its exterior with its delicate turrets and coloured tiled roof with welcoming combinations of warm lights, shadows and colours of orange, brown, and gold.

St. Matthias Church

Back of St. Matthias Church

Statue of St. Stephen and Matthias Church

The Fisherman's Bastion is the fairytale-like neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style viewing terrace sitting on the edge of Buda Hill, overlooking the Danube and offering panoramic views of Budapest.

Panoramic views of Danube River and Pest from Fisherman's Bastion

Walk around the Old Town and explore its quaint streets.

Holy Trinity Statue

Grab some lunch at Piknik Pavilon, and try out the famous 7-layer Hungarian cake, Dobos torte at Ruszwurm Confectionery - the oldest family-run cafe in Budapest with a 200-year legacy.

Piknik Pavilon

Lunch: pork knuckles with potatoes and coleslaw, and spicy Hungarian sausage in a bun

Dobos torte

After exploring the old town, head back to the lookout in Buda Castle at golden hour to witness the beauty of Budapest as dusk approaches and darkness envelopes the city. And have another fine and relaxed stroll down the hill back to Pest.

View of Chain Bridge from Buda Castle lookout

Chain Bridge at night

View of Castle Hill from Pest side at night

Have dinner in Street Food Karaván - a collection of kiosks serving great-tasting food in Kazinczy Street.

Karaván

Experience a unique night out with good booze and eccentric decors at one of the city's largest and most famous ruin pubs, Szimpla Kert. Make sure to have at least one shot of Unicum - a herbal digestive liquor made up of about 40 different herbs, and the Palinka - a fruit brandy.

Szimpla Kert

And finally, end the night with a crazy Pub Crawl and have fun exploring different ruin pubs across the city with great company.

Pub Crawl

Expenses:

Lunch = 2950

Cake = 320

Dinner = 850

Szimpla Kert = 1450

Pubcrawl = 3000

TOTAL: HUF 8,570