Venice is a city built on a series of 117 islands in the north of Italy, and is a strong contender for the most romantic city in the world. Not many things had changed through the centuries, so the city is still famous for its mysterious canals and annual Carnival. It is the only pedestrian city in the world, with no cars allowed in it.
The best way to get to know Venice is simply to get lost in its maze of secluded streets and canals. Venice’s stunning architecture never fails to impress, so you’ll be impressed with everything you see. Venice has many art galleries and museums, but you should definitely visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection of modern art and the Correr Museum in San Marco square. If you have time, take a water bus out to Murano Island. Here you can watch the famous Murano glass being blown, and it’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir from one of the many gift shops selling beautiful glass products in all shapes, sizes and colours.
Venice has numerous restaurants and cafes serving fabulous Italian cuisine, but they can be expensive in the area immediately around San Marco. Cheaper restaurants, with more authentic menus not aimed exclusively at tourists, can be found by strolling a little further into the side streets. Note that you should avoid restaurants which have a pushy waiter trying to lure you in. Venice is also home to Italy’s oldest café, Caffe Florian, which dates from 1720 and can be found on Piazza San Marco.
Venice is hot and often very humid in the summer, particularly July and August, and can be cold and rainy in the winter. Spring and autumn are best in terms of climate, and although there’s a chance of flooding in winter, this is a quieter time to enjoy the city.
Venice gets extremely crowded and the canals smelly in the hot summer months, and is therefore best avoided at this time. Go in February or March to experience the delights of the famous Carnival, or at Christmas for a particularly magical festive atmosphere.
Here’s 10 final tips what you should visit in Venice:
- Grand Canal – The Grand Canal is Venice’s main boulevard – made of water!
- Doge’s Palace – It’s majestic marble exterior is only exceeded by the treasures held within
- Saint Mark’s Basilica – With its multi-leveled domes, intricate facades and stunning mosaics, it’s a marvel of Italo-Byzantine architecture.
- Bridge of Sighs – When riding a Gondola with your loved one, make sure to pass the Bridge of Sighs – Venetian lore vows that a kiss under the bridge will grant couples eternal love and happiness.
- Piazza San Marco – This gigantic public square is the centerpiece of Venice. Napoleon was so taken by the beauty of the architecture, he called it “The drawing room of Europe.”
- Rialto Bridge – The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most ravishing bridge across Grand Canal.
- Lido di Venezia – A short boat ride from the center, it’s where some of Venice’s best and cheapest restaurants are hidden.
- Teatro La Fenice – One of the most important and renowned venues in the history of the art.
- Torcello – Quiet island of Torcello is perfect for a relaxing day trip.
- Gallerie dell’Accademia – It contains some of the most illustrious examples of Venetian art.
