Venice Sights and Landmarks Guide, Italy

A paradise of gondolas, glittering canals, museums and churches -- what more could a tourist ask for? The floating city is certainly a unique holiday experience that treats you to special marvels that will leave you wanting more and more. Although the tourists in Venice outnumber the residents, it still retains its atmospheric charm, with much of its architectural delights having remained unchanged over the last six centuries. Summers are not the best time to visit, as Venice can get hot and smelly. In winters, there is often flooding in the canals as the water levels rise unexpectedly for a couple of hours, but it’s all part of the unique experience that is Venice. 

Probably the most famous church in the city is Saint Mark's Basilica or the Basilica di San Marco. Entry is free but there is a dress code, and visitors in skin baring outfits are not allowed entry. Admission is free but book your entry tickets online in advance if you want to avoid waiting in line for hours. You can get a museum pass for entry into most of the museums in the city. Don’t miss out on the Correr Museum, which has a fascinating collection of globes. Another interesting landmark of the city is the Rialto Bridge, which is five centuries old.

Venice is not known for its quality of food but there are some good restaurants featuring the city’s specialties, risotto, polenta and cuttlefish ink sauce. The Brek restaurant offers a fine and inexpensive full meal for five Euros. Those with a sweet tooth should not miss out on Pasticceria Tonolo, the ancient pastry shop with lovely marzipan and crystallized sweets. The most common drink is the Spritz, and the Bellini, which was invented in Venice and it is a specialty. The best bar is the Pub Taverna L'Olandese Volante, which also serves pretty of inexpensive food. There are even a couple of authentic Irish pubs as well as a British style pub, the Devil’s Forest.

Venice is the world’s only city where the streets are without motorized vehicles, and is a pedestrian’s delight. Not all places are within walking distance of each other, so when you’re tired, take a vaporetto, which is a water bus or water taxi. These are cheaper than the privately owned water taxis. Gondolas are slow but perfect for a leisurely or romantic ride. Venice cards can be purchased from ACTV, the primary vaporetto operator. These allow rides as well as discounts on museum tickets and other entrance fees.