Some travelers recommended using www.viewsonvenice.com and www.trulyvenice.com for apartment listings in Venice, as these sites offer details about the floor level and the presence of lifts, which is crucial information for mature travelers or those with mobility issues. A particular apartment mentioned was the San Moise Lounge Apt, although it was noted for having many stairs.

For hotels, forum posts pointed out the Hotel Santa Marina, which was praised for its good location and value. Another recommendation was the Hotel Locanda Salieri, which offers affordable rates and has received decent reviews, although potential guests should be prepared for a unique check-in process.

For a more authentic Venice neighborhood feel, areas like Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, and Cannaregio were mentioned. These locations offer a blend of proximity to attractions and a quieter, more residential atmosphere.

According to forum posts, gondola rides in Venice have fixed prices: €90 for a 30-minute ride during the day (0900-1900) and €110 for a 35-minute ride at night (1900-0300). The gondolas can accommodate up to 5 people.

Travelers have mentioned that there is no need to pre-book gondola rides as gondoliers are available throughout Venice, especially around tourist hotspots. For a less crowded experience, some travelers suggested taking a ride from quieter, less touristy areas.

For those seeking a quicker or cheaper option, some users recommended taking a traghetto, which is an empty gondola used to ferry passengers across the Grand Canal for about €2 per person. This offers a brief experience of a gondola ride and a great view of the Grand Canal.

According to forum posts, many families enjoy exploring Venice via its water buses, known as vaporetti. Children especially like riding on these boats, with some even being able to secure outside seats for better views. A nighttime ride down the Grand Canal on a No. 1 vaporetto is recommended for its beauty.

Travelers have called out specific areas where children can play and interact with local kids. Campo San Stefano and Campo Santa Margherita are popular spots where Venetian children often play football and where families can enjoy local cafes. These areas also offer ice cream shops, which are a hit with kids.

Some travelers mentioned the Museo Storico Navale in Castello, which captivates children with its model ships. Additionally, the Natural History Museum is highlighted as a good spot for children, offering engaging exhibits that can keep their interest piqued.

For many users, stopping for gelato is a must-do with children. Nico's ice cream on the Zattere comes highly recommended for its broad quayside, which is ideal for children to run around while adults relax.

According to forum posts, train tickets for Venice can be bought online via the official websites of Trenitalia and Italo, two main train operators in Italy. These sites offer the convenience of comparing schedules and prices to find suitable options.

For those preferring in-person purchases, tickets can be bought at train stations either from manned ticket windows or multilingual kiosks. Venezia Santa Lucia and Venezia Mestre are the primary stations in Venice where these facilities are available.

Some travelers have highlighted the risks associated with booking discounted tickets in advance, especially if traveling on the same day as a flight arrival. Missing a pre-booked train due to flight delays could render these cheaper tickets useless. Hence, buying tickets at the station upon arrival might be safer if your travel plans are not fixed.

According to forum posts, travelers can use the ATVO shuttle service for transfers from Marco Polo Airport to Mestre train station. This service is directly mentioned in the posts with a link to the ATVO website for further details.

For transfers between Treviso Airport and Venice, some travelers suggested using the ATVO bus service which connects with flights and costs €12 for a one-way trip to Mestre and Piazzale Roma. This service is noted for its convenience and direct route.

In cases requiring a transfer during late hours or for a more comfortable experience, forum users have mentioned private taxi services. For instance, a taxi from Treviso Airport to Piazzale Roma costs around €76 and takes about 40 minutes.

Other suggested means include using the public bus service, such as bus no. 6 from Treviso Airport to the train station, and then connecting to a train to Venice, providing a cheaper but less direct option.

According to forum posts, from Marco Polo Airport, travelers can use the ATVO bus to reach Venice Mestre railway station or ACTV public bus no. 5 to Piazzale Roma. Taxi services are also available, with an approximate fare of €35 to the Mestre station.

Some users have mentioned the Alilaguna ferry lines, such as the Orange and Blue lines, providing direct routes to various points in Venice. For a more private and direct option, water taxis are available, costing around €120 to the central areas of Venice.

Travelers have called out that some hotels, like Axel Hotel, offer their transport services directly from the airport. Additionally, private transfer options are mentioned, which can be booked for direct and comfortable rides from the airport to specific hotels or destinations.

According to forum posts, New Year's Eve in Venice is marked with fireworks, usually around Piazza San Marco, and various parties. Travelers have noted that hotels and some palaces host cenone dinners with specific menus followed by parties. The square itself becomes a large party spot with fireworks over the lagoon.

Some travelers mentioned that the Venice Carnival is a major event occurring in February. It involves a lot of public festivities, with people walking around in masks and costumes, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Recommendations include visiting San Marco to experience the full program of the carnival.

For the Epiphany on January 6, forum users have discussed a traditional regatta and other events. Information on such events is typically released close to the date, but the Venice tourism website often provides details.

On April 25, the Feast of San Marco includes various festivities like boat races. Detailed event schedules are usually available on the official Municipality of Venice website closer to the event date.

According to forum posts, the Venezia Unica City Pass allows users to preload various tickets for transportation and attractions in Venice. It can be used as a virtual or physical card, making it convenient to manage multiple tickets in one place. Travelers can purchase and load tickets like the Doges Palace, Fenice Theatre, and a seven-day vaporetto pass onto the card before arriving in Venice.

Some travelers noted that the Venezia Unica City Pass provides flexibility in choosing only the services needed. For example, you can add specific museum entries and transportation options such as airport transfers to the card. This feature simplifies access to multiple services without needing separate tickets.

For those looking to explore religious sites, the Chorus Pass, which grants entrance to sixteen churches, can also be added to the Venezia Unica City Pass. According to users, this integration enhances the utility of the pass, offering a more comprehensive travel experience within Venice.