Experience in Venice, Italy by Boriana

What is it like to live in Venice? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I have never lived in Venice and I cannot say but I have visited it several times. The city is amazing, one of a kind. The buildings are extremely beautiful, the little bridges and the canals are also amazing. Venice is a piece of art. I am not sure about living there, though. It is a town build on water basically. It is way to moist and cold in the winter. Some people say it smells bad in the summertime but I do not know if it is the truth. I have been there in February and in March. The town itself is very beautiful and worth seeing.

What is the student lifestyle like in Venice?

I have never lived there but I think it is a touristic place and the life there revolves around tourism. Coffee shops and bars open early in the morning and close sometime in the afternoon. The restaurants work until late. I do not believe there are any night clubs in Venice, or at least no many.

How much does it cost to live in Venice?

It is an expensive city because it is full of tourists and it is in Italy. Italy is an expensive country in general, especially in the north.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

There are different types of fish. I went there as a poor student, so I would often eat a sandwich or eat at a restaurant in Mestre, a nearby city where my hotel was. Venice is a bit expensive when it comes to food. They offer amazing ice cream though. It is not too expensive and it is so creamy and rich in taste.

What places would you recommend visiting in Venice?

The whole town is amazing but if you are in a hurry and do not have time to just wander around, then go to Canale Grande and San Marco square. In San Marco square you will see lots of amazing buildings, such as the high tower, the Palace of the Dogi and San Marco cathedral. Visit the famous Bridge of Sighs.

Is it good to eat out in Venice? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Any ice cream shops would be cool to try. There are small restaurants with good food as well, but you have to have enough money to visit a place like that. If you are in Venice with your girl/boyfriend go to some of the restaurants near Canale Grande and the Rialto Bridge. They are very romantic and the view is awesome.

What advice would you give future students headed to Venice?

I am not sure if there are any universities in Venice. I know only that there is Instituto Europeo di Design. I do not know if there is Erasmus in Venice but anyways, you can always have a great time in Venice, even if you are going for a day. Enter some of the local mask shops. The Venetian masks have world wide fame and some of them are true pieces of art. If you can go to Venice in February, you might see the famous carnival. It is beautiful.