Sightseeing and things to do in Venice
While it might appear a little cliched to some, even the most imaginative traveler would struggle to find more romantic and relaxing things to do in Venice than seeing the city by gondola. Venice sightseeing in this way includes plenty of areas far easier to uncover on the water than on foot.
Venice is also home to many a famous landmark, with the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, St Mark's Square and the adjacent Basilica being just a handful of the things to do in Venice.
Introduction to Venice
Regarded by many as the most beautiful and romantic city in the world, there's no doubting that Venice tours are among the most popular on the planet.
Built on more than a hundred islands in a marshy lagoon, the city teeters precariously on the edge of a watery grave, with millions of euros spent each year on measures to reinforce its foundations, ensuring Venice tours can take place for years to come.
This, combined with the unique architecture, makes the city a captivating and enchanting destination, shot through with a rarefied charm.
The knowledge that what awaits along its narrow alleyways, winsome canals and gorgeous squares is under threat lends this place an even greater fascination for people on Venice tours.
This is already as visually and atmospherically stunning a place as may be found anywhere in the world and its unique history gives it a certain appeal all of its own. Truly, a sight to behold.
St Marks Square
The beating heart of Venice, the lively St Marks Square is overlooked by the beautiful St Marks Basilica and is the starting point for most visitors Venice sightseeing.
The Doges Palace
The Doges Palace has a beautiful pink and white façade and is one of Venice’s most recognisable landmarks. It is also one of the city's most interesting buildings having been used as a prison and City Hall over the years.
The Grand Canal
There are no cars on the Island of Venice and the city’s main thoroughfare is the Grand Canal. Always bustling, both with tourists and Venetians going about their daily business the Grand Canal weaves through the heart of Venice passing landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge and the Santa Maria della Salute.
Venice Gondola Rides
The must-do in Venice, gliding along the canals in a distinctive black curved gondola is the best way to see the sights of Venice. For the ultimate romantic activity take a private Gondola and let the Gondolier serenade you.
The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is for many the romantic image of Venice, however this is in stark contrast to the bridges origins. The Bridge of Sighs connects the Doges Palace to the prisons and is so named because as convicts walked over the Bridge of Sighs they would take their last look at beautiful Venice.
The Rialto Bridge
Crossing the Grand Canal at one of its busiest and widest points is the beautiful and uniquely designed Rialto Bridge. The area surrounding the bridge is a lively market where you can purchase a range of Venetian handicrafts, alternatively you can just climb to the top centre of the bridge to admire the spectacular view.
The Venetian Islands; Murano, Burano and Torcello
A short boat ride across the lagoon from Venice's main islands are the smaller islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. Peaceful islands each with their unique charm they are known for the exquisite glasswork and lace produced there.
The Peggy Guggenheim Museum
The Peggy Guggenheim Museum is a wonderful collection of works by artists from the early 20th century. Representing the experimental styles of this time such as Cubism and Surrealism the museum houses works by some of this eras most influential artists such as Picasso.
The Galleria dell Accademia, Venice
The Galleria dell Accademia in Venice is a wonderful collection of some of Italy's finest Renaissance art. The expansive collection includes works by Titan, Tintoretto and Bellini.
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
One of the most famous churches in Venice the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari has a striking Italian Gothic exterior. It is better known however for the exquisite works which are inside the church including the Madonna and Child by Bellini and Donatello's sculpture of John the Baptist.
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