The vaporetti are nice, but you can't visit Venice without a leisurely, romantic gondola ride. The prices are steep (€80 before 7 p.m. and €100 after), but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is not to be missed. This is one that you don't need to worry about booking in advance; just head for the Grand Canal area across from St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) and you'll see the gondolas among the water taxis and vaporetto stops. If the price is a bit scary for you, know that the cost can be split among up to six passengers; it's a great way to save a few euros if you aren't so worried about the romance part.
For dinner, we wandered the streets around St. Mark's until we stumbled upon Rossopomodoro, which had actually been recommended by a friend. While it is a chain restaurant, the first was opened in Napoli, and it serves up a killer pizza margherita. If you are a bit more adventurous, my husband dined on a fried pizza with three cheeses, grated lemon zest, and (gulp) anchovies.
