Venice is an open-air floating museum. A city of canals and palaces loved by the romantics and envied by many cities around the world. It was built on 118 islands and has some 150 canals and over 400 bridges. The best way to explore this fascinating city is to walk and discover its many treasures. Home to some of Italy's finest collections of European art as well as a number of famous churches, Venice also features a number of iconic outer-lying islands including the island of Lido where there is actually a beach where you can swim in the sea. However Venice's most popular water activities are the gondola rides that operate on the city's many canals.
Venice is a wonderful city renowned for its geographical uniqueness, waterways and gondolas and with so many interesting little streets and laneways to explore, you'll definitely need a least a couple of days to see it all. Although Venice accommodation is a little more expensive compared to many other Italian destinations, there a wonderful range of hotels available conveniently located close to the city's most popular sights. The majority of Venice accommodation is 4 or 5 star however there are also a few 2 and 3 star accommodation options to choose from. Book Venice Accommodation
Marco Polo airport is approximately 7km from the city centre and is one of the easiest ways to arrive Venice. There are also a number of train services to Venice from most Italian cities. Hydrofoils, trains and buses run regularly to the city where you can either walk or catch a vaporetto or 'water bus' closer to your hotel. If arriving by car, you'll need to park in one of the many garages at Piazzale Roma and walk to your accommodation from there. The city is best explored on foot due to the winding streets and fascinating laneways. Getting around Venice
The historic centre of Venice is divided into 6 districts: San Marco, San Polo, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, Castello and Santa Croce. San Marco is one of the most popular and is home to St Mark's Basilica, Palazzo Ducale or 'Dodges Palace' and Campanile for an aerial view of the city. The second most popular region in Venice is Ponte di Rialto, home to the Gallery of Modern Art and the oldest church in the city, San Giacomo di Rialto. Other must-see Venice attractions include San Pantaleone and the Guggenheim Museum as well as outer lying islands including Burano, Lido di Venezia, Murano and Torcello. More Venice Attractions.
Venice is a geographically unique destination renowned as a 'floating city' thanks to the wooden pilings, 400 bridges and 170 canals that connect the city from the Adriatic Sea. There are a number of local markets in Venice however visitors should never touch the produce, but rather ask the vendor for what you are looking for. Venice is famous as the birthplace of Antonio Vivaldi the composer, renowned playwright Giacomo Casanova and the famous explorer Marco Polo. Although Venice is famous for its gondolas, there are only 3 or 4 gondolier licenses that are issued each year and only after extensive training and rigorous testing. Approximately 400 gondolas are currently in operation in Venice.
