Blog - Life in Italy

"Aqua alta" floods Venice regularly in the winter, when the water level in the Adriatic rises with tidal surges. But this time it was so high that a guy went waterboarding right in Piazza San Marco!

Look at this video it's unbelievable and beautiful!

 

 

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Piazza San Marco: Go to Cafè Florian or Quadri for live music. Crowds gather to listen to popular classical music. Tables and chairs laying outside will definitely give you a better feel for the ambience while sipping on a cocktail but enjoying the magical scenery of Piazza San Marco lit at night. You can't miss it!

Casanova Music Cafe: This is Venice's only Disco, located on the busy Calle Lista di Spagna in the Cannareggio district. Although the space can feel somewhat cramped at times, it still offers some convincingly diverse music, such as Rock, instrumental, House and even Latin American Music.

Piccolo Mondo: Opposite side of the Accademia Cinema theatre, this small club attracts a young crowds and is usually crowded full of life and energy. Calle Contarini Corfu, Dorsoduro 1056/A

Martini Scala Club Piano Bar: A place where class and style is highly welcome. Enjoy live ambience music while you dine in this elegant establishment. Dress appropriately. Campo San Fantin, San Marco 1980.

Le bistrot de Venise: Venitian Cusine at its best with some very ancient and luscious recipes at a costly price.  Enjoy a local, diverse cultural programme from cabaret to poetry readings while you eat. Calle dei Fabbri, San Marco 4685

Casino Municpale: Located in the elegant Palazzo Vendramin Calergi, on the Grand Canal (Vaporetto Stop: San Marcuola). For a 10 Euros entrance fee (Includes a 10euros free casino chip), you'll get to familiarize yourself in the magnificent 18th century setting Palace. Truly a memorable evening in Venice. Even suitable for those who don't like to gamble.

947 Club: A club with live DJ and an amazing lounge atmosphere offering excellent service. It also has an upscale restaurant part of the establishment, 947 Club Restaurant. Castello 4337.

Campo Santa Margherita - The most lively Square in Venice. 10 minutes walking distance away from Piazzale Roma. Live music, young people, people dancing, good music and fun atmosphere.  Around Carnival time, it's full of people, live shows and tents of all sorts. Bars are open until 3 or 4 in the morning.

Stazione Marittima - A large club and beer/wine hall by the river on the south of the main island. Only a few minutes walking distance from Piazzale Roma Square. You can't miss it as you can hear the music and see the lights from the distance. Very popular during the Carnival time. A must see!  Open until 3 or 4 in the morning.

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Many people wonder when is the best time to come and visit Venice! We have gathered useful information to provide you with a sneak preview of activities and weather conditions for each and every single month throughout the year in Venice.  

January in Venice is cold but magical, dress up warmly. The streets are quiet, and the locals live their normal everyday lives or stopped to chat in the little Venetian Squares. This is the hot chocolate season; time to retreat into a snug cafe, sip a steaming hot chocolate and maybe read a Venetian book about the history of Venice. January is the perfect time of year to really feel connected to the city and its past. Good points: Quiet streets, cheap accommodation apartments, authentic local atmosphere, hot chocolate in cosy cafès, atmospheric photographs.  Bad points: It can be cold,  you may spend a lot of time outdoors.

February is Carnival time, so the city is very busy, lively and colourful. Renting an accommodation may be hard to get as they are heavily-booked as tourists arrive to enjoy the spectacle, so book early. In Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's area are most fun and exciting. Stepping away from the masks and costumes, the outside local areas of Venice are still quiet and peaceful. Good points: The Carnival.  Bad points: The Carnival.

In March and April the air can still be crisp and the streets are quiet in Venice. During Easter, Venice is invaded with tourists arriving for Easter weekend  from all over the world- every European country is on holiday, and feels most of them come to Venice. Although it can still be cold at night, spring makes itself felt with small hidden walled gardens and breaks of sunshine ripping through the clouds. Locals gradually get rid of their thick winter coats. Good points: Sunshine, small crowds (except) for Easter.  Bad points: Crowed on Easter, March and April is still a bit cold.

May is a happy and exciting month. The cold slowly drifts away and the sun becomes a daily visitor. The air is still fresh but warm enough to hit the beaches on the Lido (where some businesses are still closed). May is really the best month for visiting Italy, with its warm sunshine, comfortable temperatures, dry and humid air and flowers begin to open. Good points: Sunshine, comfortable climate. Tourist services are fully operational but without excessive crowds.  Bad points: Practically none.

June in Italy (Venice) is the start of summer and Italy braces it with open arms. The weather is usually fine, although sometimes it reaches hot temperatures. This is your last chance to visit your favourite spots before the peak of the summer season starts. Space on the beaches can still be found especially on the week-days. In odd-numbered years Venice hosts its Art Biennale in the Castello District, which runs from early June to November. Good points: Warm weather, plenty of sunshine, no rain.  Bad points: High Temperatures.

In July the hot weather is customary, the summer has arrived. The Lido and the seaside resorts near the lagoon fill up with sunbathing families from tourists all over the world. The "Festa del Redentore" is a massive party and celebration for Venetians, which takes place on the third weekend of the month. Tourists will gladly enjoy watching the show, but it may get frustrated by the on going transport disruptions and early-closing businesses. The lagoon's mosquitoes are at their peak as well. Good points: Festa del Redentore, sunshine.  Bad points: Crowds, hot, mosquitoes.

August is a strange month in Venice for tourists. Some tourists don't come to Venice in August scared away by stories of smelly canals, domineering heat and horrible crowds. Nowadays, the city is reasonably hygienic and safe from all hazardous. Some tourists, many of them families still come to Venice in August. Italians pack up and go on holiday in July and August, sometimes for more than a month, when many businesses (not all) are closed. If you are looking for a restaurant of choice or regular shops, it can become a bit frustrated. It's not really recommended to come to Venice in August, especially if it is your first trip and you plan to visit the main tourist sights. You won't be able to see the best of the city and what it has to offer. Good points: Hot.  Bad pointsCrowded, hot, mosquitoes, locals go on vacation (many businesses closed).

In September, when the locals return from their summer vacations re-opening their business and Venice takes on a whole new life. It's also when the Venice Film Festival takes place on the Lido at the end of August / beginning of September, lasting for a week and a half. Most of the expensive hotels are booked by film industry staff. The weather is at a mild comfortable temperature. You may enjoy a late burst of summer, but temperatures can get much cooler, especially at night. Sudden rainstorms are common during the Autumn season in Italy, and some are overwhelmingly heavy at times. Mosquitoes are another hazard of the season; and visitors are well-advised to take precautions against bites. This is the beginning and the best time to see Venice. You sunshine and blue skies, cool temperatures and less crowds or heat of the summer. Good points: Best time to visit Venice; local businesses re-open; the Film Festival.  Bad points: Occasional heavy rains, mosquitoes.

October is a transitional month, between the cool/warm and cold/crisp air (winter). The "Acqua Alta" season starts and there will be the occasional flooding during high tides (around a full or new moon). Visitors may want to bring warm clothing, coats (especially for the evenings) and rain boots. Venice is a university town therefore you will see waves of students hanging outside the Dorsoduro bars. Good points: Fewer tourists.  Bad points: Beginning of the cold nights; not many mosquitoes.

November is the start of the winter, but generally less harsh than January and February. This is when the wonderfully rich drinks of hot chocolate that Venetians have enjoyed for centuries take full affect (Casanova swore by it). The Art Biennale (in odd-numbered years) begin to die down and close for the year until the next event. On  November 21^st, the festival of the "Salute" is celebrated, a temporary bridge is built over the Grand Canal to the Salute church served with a special mass.  Good points: Venice turns into a "local" town.  Bad points: Cold temperatures, grey cloudy skies.

In December,  the weather is overwhelmed with grey skies, breaks of sun and cold temperatures. Venice gets very cold in winter and you'll need lots of layers of clothing and a hoodie. Though you will enjoy a mix of different events, such as: Grey shadow photographs, although they can also be superbly atmospheric: misty views, snow falling on the Grand Canal, and the shallow floods in St. Mark's Square. Definitely something you want to experience. Again, bring your rain boots. Good points: Quiet streets, cheaper accommodation rates, local atmosphere; hot chocolate.  Bad points: It can be cold, most of the time indoors, grey cloudy skies, mist and fog.

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Ristorante La Caravella: This restaurant serves great cuisine, mostly known for its excellent service and ambience. Quality is tremendous but quite expensive. They serve large portions and you will get your money's worth considering the price range in Venice. Good choice for picky eaters.

Osteria Da Fiore: If you enjoy Italian food and specially the Venitian Seafood Delicatesse, then you must visit Osteria Da Fiore!!... It's cooked simply to perfection, allowing the freshness of the seafood come through. The scampi (my favorite) and the "Moleche" (soft shell crab from Veneto) is delicious and ligh. The "Alghe" pasta (Colored Green is homemade with spinach) deliciously combined with fresh mussels. If you have a chance, buy their book... you can make Fiore dishes at home for yourself. Cuisines: European, Italian, Seafood

I Figli Delle Stelle (Giudecca):   Located on the Giudecca Canal, overlooking a sensational sunset, the lights of the city and all the boats going by. Most recommended dishes are the Little ears (pasta) in tomato sauce, and the Rissoto, simple but delicious. Seating is available on the banks of the Lagoon providing a romantic ambience and atmosphere. Only open 5 months out of the year. In May they make their own "Lemoncello". Cuisines: Italian, Mediterranean.

Alle Testiere (Castello):  It's run by two young men, a very small place near Campo Formossa in Venice. The menu is small and everything is fresh mainly serving seafood. It is an incredible little find - 22 seats, 2 seatings per table. You must book preferably for the 9.00 pm slot, otherwise, risk waiting in line. These logistics are important because despite the intimate and very friendly nature of this restaurant, it is absolutely professional. At Alla Testiere, the food was sublime, generous and passionate. The dishes are creative but not overdone. Closed in August.

Al Marca (Santa Croce): Located in the San Polo/Santa Croce area is known to locals and many tourists along the years to be the place of the best sanduiches, aperitifs in Venice. The prosciutto is a must have in this place. Try the spritz!

Cipriani (Giudecca): Known for exquisite menu and very expensive!  It provides a beautiful view of Venice as you dine offering a great ambience and comfort.

Met Restaurant: Just steps away from the main strip was this little quiet garden area with lovely plants, flowers and trickling fountain. Beautifully decorated with a calming garden dining area. A perfect place to step away from the chaos of San Marco Square area. It was charming, relaxing, excellent service, delicious food beautifully presented. Cuisines: Italian, Contemporary.

Vini da Gigio (Cannaregio): Lovely restaurant a stone's throw from S.Felice Vaporetto stop. It has tables by the windows looking out onto the canal. The portions are generous for Venetian standard, specializing in Venetian cuisine (both fish and meat varieties). It's very hard to find, even when you have the address. I would recommend booking in advance.

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Come and celebrate the New Year or "La Festa di San Silvestro" in Rome this winter. In the past, New Year in Rome was a time to celebrate and eat only traditional food like fish and pasta. Through the years, New Year in Rome have changed  and has gotten even better. Nowadays, the  New Year in Rome has exploded in time to dance, eat, drink and party hard with friends, family and loved ones around. The sky is also lit with multi colours of great fireworks illustrating an art show expressing how Rome passes the New Year with a Bang. Whether you are at your rental vacation accommodation or on the street, the beauty being in Rome on New Year is the life and excitement transmitted with a combination of locals and tourists. They all have one thing in common, have fun!!  Rome's traditional New Year's Eve celebrations are most popular in Piazza del Popolo. Huge crowds gather to celebrate with rock and classical music for all tastes counting the seconds to midnight ending with splendid show of fireworks. The celebrations last well into the hours of the night. On New Year's day, children are entertained in the square by performers and acrobats. Next to the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, you can still see the exhibit of the old traditional celebration ways (lasts until January 8) from 100 regions of Italy and other countries of the world.

In recent years and many to come, there is a new celebration in the square in front of the Quirinale off Via Nazionale, with outdoor concerts playing Classical music followed by fireworks at midnight. Even the Italian President and other important members of the Italian government attend to this event. Also, another must see event during this time of the year and much waited all year long, is the New Year Parade procession. Thousands of people wait anxiously to receive the Pope's blessings in Rome. The New Year parade in Rome, passes through the historic Castel Sant' Angelo, proceeding down Via della Conciliazione ending in St. Peter's Square. This event, the New Year Parade in Rome is worth witnessing on January 1^st, 2007. Many celebrities and politicians participate in watching this magnificent site. The parade has grown so much along the years that it has become world renowned event and earned a partnership with Gateway Music Festivals.

From all corners of the city, the sky of Rome is lit with fantastic shows of Fireworks! Wishing you a very happy and prosperous New Year in Rome!

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The Vaporetto: In this amazing world wonder city on water, public transportation does not have a stop per say in front of your rental vacation apartment in Venice. From the nearest boat stop, you will almost have a 10 minute walk. Therefore, the best thing to do is to pack lightly. You don't want to struggle and drag heavy bags going up and down small bridges (this is what makes this city special). In order to get to your rental accommodation, you will need to catch what the Venetians call, a "Vaporetto" (It's a boat that is like a bus except it stops at a pier to pick up passengers). A one way ticket costs 6.50 euro each way per person for any line along the Grand Canal, valid for up 60 minutes. Before boarding a "Vaporetto", you must stamp your ticket in a little yellow box, found on both sides of the platform. If you forget to do so, tell the guy that ties the boat to stamp it for you. By doing this, you will avoid a fine of €30 if you get checked by the ticket-person while in the boat. If this happens make sure the ticket-person gives you a receipt for the fine you paid. You do not have to show your ticket on board unless a ticket-person, comes on board and asks you to show it, but make sure it is stamped. If you plan on using the "Vaporetto" often, you might want to consider purchasing a pass which end up saving you money in the end. A 12 hour pass costs 14.00 euro per person - 24 hour pass costs 16.00 euro per person - 36 hour pass costs 21.00 euro per person - 48 hour pass costs 26.00 euro per person and a 72 Hour pass costs 31.00 euro per person. All unlimited trips for the specific time period and can bring you to Murano.

I hope this information will become very helpful to you in making your stay and getting around in Venice a safe, smooth and extremely pleasurable one.

Try one of our many vacation rental apartments in Venice. The key to Italy.com is a specialist english-speaking apartment rental agency based in the center of Rome, and catering to English-speaking tourists from countries all over the world.

The other great location is the countryside of Italy Tuscany and Umbria. If you are interested to also visit there, we offer to you Villas and Castles for rent from our The key to Italy.com site.

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Christmas in Rome: The Christmas season in Rome really begins on the 8th of December when the Pope visits the Spanish Steps Square. The steps are decorated with beautiful flowers, the statue of Mary is also beautifully embellished with colorful flowers, proceeding to finish her journey to Santa Maria Maggiore church where the Pope gives a special mass. When visitors come to Rome over Christmas, most likely they will go to the Vatican. The most attractive event during this time are the Papal Midnight Masses on Christmas Eve. The Pope reads his Christmas message to the people in the piazza in front of St. Peter's at noon on Christmas Day. In St. Peter's Square. A beautiful site not to be missed! In the middle of St. Peter's Square, there is a giant life form (Presepi) Nativity scene. Built with fascinating almost real life details, apart from the baby Jesus, who usually doesn't make his appearance in the crib until Christmas Day with featured day-into-night lighting effects. Some of Rome's most elaborate "Presepi" are in Piazza del Popolo, Santa Maria in Trastevere, Santa Maria d'Aracoeli and on the Capitoline Hill. Nearly every church in Rome during the Christmas Season will have a "Presepi" , often found outdoors in a square.

For the Ladies: Those who are interested in Christmas shopping will find the main shopping streets shining with festive lights and packed with shoppers carrying the spirit of Christmas. Rome's sunshine and the mild climate, provides a pleasant winter treat to sit outdoors with a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate or vin brulé (mulled wine).On the shopping days before Christmas, the most frequented sites are not crowded in the winter, which makes a delight to go Christmas shopping or stroll through the narrow cobble-stones streets with shops bursting with Christmas ornaments.  In the last few years, Rome has seen an invasion of large inflatable Santa Clauses adding a more feel of Christmas spirit. A new addition has been a large Christmas tree with Christmas lights placed in the centre of Piazza Venezia or in front of the Colosseum Area. A magnificent site!  Piazza Navona Area, one of Rome's most beautiful and popular squares, becomes a huge Christmas market in December with stands selling Christmas figures, Christmas treats, and toys. For the kids there's a merry-go-round and Babbo Natale, (Santa Claus) who happily smiles to the cameras for pictures to be taken with kids. During the Christmas festivities, this square is full of Life and joy.

Rome's traditional Christmas holiday favourites are the sweet breads must haves - "Panettone" and "Pandoro", usually accompanied with a bit of sweet bubbly spumante. No Christmas holiday in Rome or all Italy is complete without it, whether you are a local or tourist.

Merry Christmas and Greetings from The key to Italy...!  We wish you a Jolly Christmas!

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Epiphany in Italian,   "La Festa dell'Epifania" on January 6th is as a significant holiday as  Christmas Day in Italy; especially for Italian children! According to the Italian legend, "La Befana", a witch-like woman riding on a broom, refused to join the Wise Men on their journey to see the baby Jesus. When she regrets her decision, she sets out to bring gifts to the Child but never finds him. Instead, she leaves gifts for other children. Italian children leave out their shoes or put up stockings for the "Befana" to fill them with presents on January 6^th. In honour of the Three Wise Men, Italians go to church and spend the day with family. Following the Epiphany, the long, festive Italian holiday season comes to a close. This beautiful site and glamour atmosphere is most lively and be witnessed in the largest square of Rome, Piazza Navona. You will see the Befana represented in many forms at the Christmas Market in Piazza Navona, and also during the Epiphany parade of colourful characters and floats leading up to the Vatican.

Try one of our many vacation rental apartments in Rome. The key to Italy.com is a specialist english-speaking apartment rental agency based in the center of Rome, and catering to English--speaking tourists from countries all over the world.

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Rome is a city where you can pretty much spend much of your time on foot and walking has never been more exciting!. Wondering through Rome's old historical center is one of the most enjoyable aspects of being in Rome. Absorb the architectural details, take in the street life, look into any church as you stroll down its narrow streets, window shopping, and walk into any cafè-bar for that taste of cafè espresso flavor. Start your day early and wear comfortable shoes for the Roman Cobble-stones streets. You can easily see several of the main most visited sites in a few hours.

During the summer, Rome explodes with outdoor activities and Expositions. Along the banks of the Tiber River, many Pizzerias, restaurants, bars, ice-cream shops, cafès, lounges, cocktails, artifacts shops, , live shows and dancing open to the Public offers a relaxed summer atomosphere. Here you can walk up and down the passage walk-way abosorbing the lively air and the river splashing away right next to you. Truly great summer fun for the whole group or family!

If you are planning on bringing your children to Rome, the best times are early spring or late fall, when the weather is just perfect. Italians love to have children around and be sure that your children will be made very welcome everywhere you go. Children are warmly welcome in Pizzerias and Trattorias where high chairs are often available for toddles and babies. The most amusing pizzerias for kids are the old fashioned ones. Here they can watch the chefs pound, stretch, and flip the dough in the air which is something different they will always remember!

The nightlife of Rome has never been as diverse and exciting as it is today. In recent years, the number of bars, lounges and clubs have increased to cater for a more demanding clientele. Rome now offers a large variety of new places in the centre of the city and Testaccio to satisfy all tastes and budgets. Another developed popular way is to simply relax with friends and enjoy a nice bottle of wine in a wine-bar enoteche located in any of one of the historic centre's amazing squares.

Another particular excitement attached to entertainment in Rome is Jazz, Rock, Folk, South American and world music which are sure to be found in many venues scattered around the city. Summer months bring excellent open-air rock, jazz and world music festivals. Ippodromo delle Capannelle has become the most popular highlight of many Roman Summer Events, selling million tickets in sales. African music is not forgotten. Talents such as Angelique Kidjo and pianist Abdullah Ibrahim perform here.

Rome is scattered with popular, small local produce markets near the centre. The famous flea market in Trastevere and vegetable/flower market in Campo dei Fiori. Roman markets offer a lively feel of entertainment. During the Christmas and Epiphany holidays, many stand owners present their goods in a variety of handicrafts, games, toys, and clothes. A perfect opportunity to stock up on Italian specialties.

The other great art city in Italy is Venice. If you would be interested in also visiting what nearly everyone considers to be the most Romantic city in the world, we also offer Venice apartments for rent from our ThekeytoItaly.com site as well.

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Italy enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate of the Mediterranean coasts of Italy. It is at its most comfortable from April through June, and again from mid-September to October, which are also known as the "beautiful October days" for its sunny and warm days. By August, the temperature during the heat of the day often exceeds 32 °C (90 °F).

 

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