STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

Venice!!

Hermes

yes, I've been. Milan is not very close, but you might be able to fit in a day trip by train if you start out early.

yes, Murano is worth it. It's expensive stuff though. Any glass items I bought, I bought them at souvenier shops. I found a fairly large shop that had good deals on venetian mirrors and murano pendants, ornaments, and vases. the shops on the island were reeeealy expensive, but it's worth the trip to walk around.

I would highly recommend getting a Fodor's Italy to research your trip with, as well as take with you.

There's a little island nearby with a beach, where you can rent a little tent for the day.

try to take a gondola ride. visit some cool mask shops. see the bridge of sighs. hang out in a cafe. shop smile

again, I highly recommend a fodors! I use them constantly when I travel for walking tours, restaurant suggestions, shopping suggestions, nightlife, etc. the $20 is worth it, IMO

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

Thanks D! My friend is going in May and she bought me a small Venice book that has things specifically about Venice but I like to hear what others have done and seen. The glass places you are talking about, are they on the main island (the not so expensive ones) and can you ship to the US instead of toting stuff around. I definitely want to get a mask.

hmm do they have what is the word I'm looking for flea market type places over there? Is that where people shop for trinkets like that?

twinkle_star · Kenneth Cole

I was in Venice so long ago I honestly don't have any great recommendations but I just wanted to say that I loved it. Loved it! I just loved walking around and stopping for a cappuccino (or hot chocolate - Oh My God the best ever!) and just taking it all in. I'm a big fan of Lonely Planet guidebooks. Maybe take an hour (or more) and work your way through a couple of guidebooks in Border or B&N and make a few notes.

Metric · Gucci

I was there beginning of June one year and it was hot and humid as hell. But so so so amazing.

I don't have any specific recommendations becuase 1) it was years ago and 2) I was lost the whole time. Its a confusing city but thats part of the charm, its not confusing in a scary way. Take a day to wander aimlessly, eat street-side pizza and stop in wine bars whenever you feel like it.

Hermes

Aurora wrote:

Thanks D! My friend is going in May and she bought me a small Venice book that has things specifically about Venice but I like to hear what others have done and seen. The glass places you are talking about, are they on the main island (the not so expensive ones) and can you ship to the US instead of toting stuff around. I definitely want to get a mask.

hmm do they have what is the word I'm looking for flea market type places over there? Is that where people shop for trinkets like that?

the place I bought all my glass was on the main island. I don't know that I have any info on it, but I'll take a look. I think it was the largest gift shop I was in. take your time to shop around before you make purchases so you can find the best deal. you can have glass shipped back if you want as well -- people do this especially for glassware sets and other large items that can be difficult to pack. we just packed everything in our carry ons.

I don't recall any flea markets, but again a fodors, or other good guide book would tell you all of that. there might also be a fodors for just Venice, but I recommended the Italy one because you mentioned Milan as well. The reason I like Fodors is for the dining suggestions, shopping suggestions, nightlife suggestions, insider tips, walking tours, etc. all rated with candid information -- none of the other guide books are as comprehensive (and I've tried them!)

AllieGurl · Marc Jacobs

I have never been - I cant wait to hear about your trip!

Boots · Gucci

I was in Italy seven years ago and loved Venice. Be sure to check out the bell tower in St Mark's Square. I think we paid a small entrence fee to go up, but the view was completely worth it!

Also, word to the wise, sitting outside at a table in St. Mark's Square looks lovely, but they charge more for table service than they do if you go inside the restaurant/cafe and order. Sometimes alot more.

cc · Marc Jacobs

I love Venice too! I've heard that it can be rough in the summer with the crowds and weather, but it will still be beautiful and if you try to visit St. Mark's very early in the morning and then go back to hang out in the square late at night it might not be too bad. And every section is beautiful so just wander around the back streets.
Lke D said, Murano is worth visiting, but the glass is really expensive. I also really enjoyed Burano. Lido is where the beaches are.

Sadly, I've never had a truly amazing meal there but there was one little place that I went to on my last trip which was pretty good. I'll try to get the name for you.

Milan is 2.5-3 hours by train so it would be a pretty long day trip and there is so much to see there that I would recommend saving it for another trip or staying overnight. I highly recommend Padua and Vicenza as day trips.