http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33723 We eventually got to our destination, Rialto, and then it started to snow. Venice is romantic at anytime but in the winter it’s never bettered.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33723 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33259 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33259 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32240 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32240 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30179 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30179 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30178 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30178 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30175 Enrica meets her students (five of us in total) at the Rialto Bridge and after quick introductions at a local café takes us to the nearby markets to teach us about the ingredients, where and how to buy them, and how to treat the produce. Next, in true Venetian style, we take our shopping bags full of fresh seafood to a local bacari (Venetian bar) for a post shopping spritz (Aperol, prosecco, orange slice) and a lesson in Veneto wine from Lorenzo of the wine shop MilleVini.
Spirits buoyed, we stroll to Enrica’s light-filled home in the Dorsoduro for a full day of cooking, eating, drinking, and conversation. It's casual and relaxed, like spending a day hanging out in the kitchen with friends, yet still we come away having learned a tremendous amount. Enrica thinks that most cooking courses are too serious and that they should be fun. They are and this was!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30175 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29629 Most people go to St Mark's Square to take pictures on the last days of Carnival. There are many fantastic images to be found but the square gets incredibly crowded and shots have to be taken quickly and often onlookers get in the way. My tip therefore is to move away from the square to other, quieter locations where you will encounter some of the more professional models who will be prepared to give you much more time to pose them and to compose your pictures.
The best time to try is late morning and promising locations are outside the Salute Church, the walk between Accademia and S. Toma vaporetto stops (taking in Campo S. Baranaba) and the walk between San Marco and Campo Santo Stefano. Indeed, many of the main piazzas and campos are a good bet. This is a great opportunity to get away from the crowds and work with some good amateur models.
To take photographs simply ask politely and if language is a problem, indicating the camera is usually enough to start taking pictures.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29629 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29230 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29230 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28476
The enticing Rialto Bridge is the oldest and the most fascinating bridge in this beautiful city. The overpass consists of magnificent pillars and amazingly crafted arches. You can witness the stunning view of the Grand Canal while shopping and snuggling up to your lovely partner.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28476 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27898 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27898 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25570
It has no official sign – we only found out its real name after talking to the exceedingly friendly owners, Mauro and Massimo. Their English is limited but it’s possible to get by without having Italian.

It’s a tiny place with a shutter front which, when open, houses an appetizing display of bulging calzone and pizza slices. Calzone are around three Euros and pizzas start from four Euros.
Both are very generous; with a thin, crispy crust and delightfully herby and flavourful tomato sauce.

The place is tiny with no seating so everything is to take away. Buy a soda while Massimo prepares your pizza to order before your eyes; in the light summer months you could just take it across the bridge into the campo to enjoy.

There are no official business hours (whenever the guys feel like opening up!) but it’s usually open every day except Wednesdays.

Undoubtedly some of the best (and cheapest) pizza in Venice. I’ll definitely be going back next time I visit the city, as much to chat to the lovely owners as to sample the mouth-watering fare.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25570 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25547 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25547 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25001
Best thing to do is to simply ask for a few of the chef's recommendations -as we did - and you're in for a treat.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25001 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24076 Very special build, a room per floor and a beautiful private terrace overlooking a canal if you have the lucky to stay in the suite.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24076 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23944 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23944 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23811 Very comfortable rooms and service, special breakfast overlooking a canal reaching the Canal Grande.
Very close to St. Mark's square and Accademia.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23811 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23659
The room was very nice, comfortable, also for my family, four persons. Annalisa, the keeper, was very friendly and gave us some good insider tip about Venice.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23659 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23609 Treviso is a small pretty town very close to Venice with some nice restaurants and sights to see. Venice is just a short train journey away and can still be enjoyed!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23609 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23565 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23565 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23525 It's very private, just one room per floor, and quite cheap for an accommodation in the historical center of Venice. The service is helpful and friendly and our room was clean, with private bathroom. No special features like WIFI or internet connection, only LCD Sat TV, but a good place to rest a while between all the sightseeing.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23525