One of the main travel destinations in Italy, Venice is a unique city as it is built on a lagoon surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Located in northeastern Italy, Venice is an archipelago of 118 islands all connected by hundreds of beautiful bridges and scenic canals. Of the channels, the Grand Canal it is more famous and divides the city into two sections. Picturesque streets and historic architecture make Venice one of the most romantic cities in the world.
What to see in Venice
Venice is often crowded and expensive, but it is worth visiting to see its magnificent monuments such as St. Mark's Square and Basilica, Ducal Palace and Rialto Bridge.
One of the most popular things to do is to make a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. However, it is equally enjoyable to cruise along the quiet back canals in a vaporetto.
Every year Venice hosts one of the Italy's liveliest carnival parties, where the streets are filled with people dressed in colorful costumes and masks, and the Grand Canal is filled with decorated boats and gondolas. A famous souvenirs to buy in Venice is one of the wonderful carnival masks.
There are no cars in Venice, so people walk or take water taxis along the canal system. Travelers should note that Venice often experiences high water in the spring and fall.
If you are planning a trip to this Italian city, here are the five things you absolutely must do and see in Venice.
Venice is known for its canals, and no Venetian experience would be complete without spending a day of the journey navigating the back streets of the city. It can take the vaporetto or the classic water taxis, from your hotel and travel up and down the Grand Canal.
For a more romantic ride the quintessence is definitely recommended gondola experience. For those traveling low cost it is more advisable to use the cheap public ferries that cross the canals at the designated points.
What to do in Venice after a long day on the canals? Participate in the cultural ritual of having coffee in one of the many bars and clubs. Venice is said to be the oldest coffee house in the world, with Caffè Florian. Although more precisely it was the "home" of hot chocolate, with a recipe dating back to 1720.
The best views of Piazza San Marco, a waterfront square called "living room of Europe" by Napoleon, can be admired from the viewing platform at the top of the bell tower. Equally unparalleled views can be reached from the top of the clock tower.
The history and culture of Venice is indescribable, one of the funniest things to do is visit the collection churches called Chorus (a single ticket will give you access to all 16 churches, containing works by Tintoretto, Veronese and Titian), including the church of Saint Mary of Health. You can attend one of the frequent organ concerts held in these places.
The Lido of Venice is also not to be missed with extensive gardens and a long white sandy beach. It is the only part of the city where vehicles are allowed. This area is easily recognizable for its Art Noveau architecture.
We recommend mixing with the locals to get to know the other attractions of Venice. Just join them to find yourself in a wine bar, at the Rialto market, or at Trattoria Ca d'Oro.
You might also like:
- Where to sleep in Venice, the best neighborhoods
- How to visit Venice: useful tips
- How to get from Treviso airport to Venice
