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Getting to Venice is easy; the city has its own international airport about 4 miles from Venice, named after one of its most famous residents, Marco Polo. There are direct flights from many European cities, including London, Paris and Zurich. From the airport, buses run to the railway station -- or you can splurge on a private water taxi to your hotel for around $100.
Many people arrive by train at the city's main railway station where the water literally laps at the steps. There are direct, fast and frequent trains from many Italian cities, including Rome, Milan and Florence. If you arrive in Venice without a place to stay -- not recommended -- the hotel reservations booth in the train station will try to find you a room.
But for some, the only way to arrive is by water from the mainland -- the sight of the city shimmering above the Adriatic is an unforgettable sight. It's a fitting way to arrive in the city that has literally been reclaimed from the sea and was built by a great sea trading empire.
Venice is compact enough to be explored easily on foot. There are no cars in the city center -- even the emergency services travel by boat. If you don't want to walk, you can take one of the inexpensive water taxis that ply the Grand Canal. A gondola ride with that special someone is overpriced, but a memorable experience.
Consider picking up a Venezia Unica Card, which bundles discounted access to many of the city's museums, attractions, and transport into one pass.
