You have the choice between walking and taking the aquatic transport to get around Venice.
Walking
It’s the ideal method for discovering every detail of the town. On top of this, Venice is not very large. To go from the Piazzale Roma to Garibaldi street (Castello quarter), count roughly one hour. You will most certainly be held up when you get to the San Marco quarter (saturated with tourists) or during periods of high water (acqua alta).
Aquatic transport
1°) The types of public transport, vaporetto, motoscafo and motonave will allow you to reach all corners of
the town and the islands in the lagoon (Burano, Murano, Torcello…).
The vaporetto is a large boat, comfortable but slow. You will be able to see the town quietly especially on the Grand Canal. There are open
areas which are rather nice in good weather and practical for taking photos. The vaporetti are relatively inexpensive.
The motoscafo is quicker with fewer stops, but it is often overcrowded.
The motonave (sort of pack boat) goes out to the furthest islands in the lagoon.
You can buy a ticket valid for one trip only or a pass for 1 day, 3 days or a week. If you want to visit the islands, a pass would be more practical.
2°) The traghetto is a public gondola with several seats. It is maneuvered by 2 oarsmen that criss cross between the two sides of the Grand Canal.
It’s very cheap and an economical way of taking a ride in a gondola.
3°) The aquatic taxis are a faster but also much more expensive than the vaporetti. They are reserved for people with a lot more money.
They are easily recognizable on the Grand Canal because they are all varnished wood, chrome and brass…
4°) Venice is the romantic town par excellence, and a trip in a gondola, the most famous boat in the world, is a must. The prices are high, however.
Don’t hesitate to negotiate a price !!! Fix the duration of the trip and its price at the start in order to avoid any bad surprises.