With limited time, I really enjoyed wandering around the city streets and exploring the numerous boutiques that mark the way to Piazza San Marco. Another highlight was listening to the two orchestras play to each other in Piazza San Marco at night.${QuickSuggestions} If you go to hear the orchestras play in San Marco, avoid sitting at any of the restaurants/cafes. A much better idea is to grab cheap pizza from a shop around the corner, stand nearby, and laugh at the looks on people's faces as they receive their cafe/restaurant bills (which not only include astronomically overpriced food but a substantial additional cost for the music). The same holds true for shopping - shops around San Marco charge much more money for virtually the same merchandise as you'll find at more off-the-beaten-track boutiques. And as anywhere in Italy, when you order coffee, avoid sitting down unless your feet are really hurting. Instead, follow the local custom and save money by drinking your coffee at the bar/counter.${BestWay} The best way to get around is generally on foot. But for those with time constraints, a faster option is the water taxis. People who are walking should allow extra time for getting lost - especially those exploring Venice for the first time. The streets can be rather disorienting.
From journal 24 hours in Venice, Italy