How to Enjoy Venice, Italy

Venice is a unique and magical metropolis, a sprawling labyrinth of canals, bridges and pretty plazas. While this is one of those cities that you could wander aimlessly for hours and still have the time of your life, having a few sites and activities in mind will make sure you see the quintessential gems.

Instructions

1. Okay, you probably couldn't miss this attraction if you tried, but stop by St. Mark's square and basilica, the city's main hub of activity containing one of the most famous churches in Italy. This is a superb spot to people-watch, relax at an outdoor cafe, and simply savor the moment of being in the heart of Venice.

2. While it's both overpriced and often overcrowded, Harry's Bar is worth a brief drop-in if only to drink at the same watering hole that Hemingway was a regular at. The bar is a short walk from St. Mark's Square at San Marcos 1323.

3. Take a water ferry (cheap) or water taxi (not as cheap!) to the splendid islands of Murano and Burano in Venice's spacious lagoon. Murano is the blown-glass Mecca of the world, with an enticing museum of glass and numerous furnaces where you can watch free exhibitions of glass-blowing and/or pick up a colorful keepsake; Burano is a sedate beauty, known for its lace making and whimsical pastel-colored homes--plus a great restaurant on the plaza serving up a mouthwatering seafood risotto.

4. An unforgettable shopping adventure can be had along the Mercerie, a meandering artery running from St. Mark's square to the famous Rialto Bridge. From affordable souvenir mementoes to clothing and glass, you'll find an eclectic mix of mostly affordable offerings.

5. This might be a cliched experience, but don't visit Venice without taking a gondola ride. These magnificent watercraft, with their throwback gondoliers, are the perfect way to see the Grand Canal as well as the smaller canals of Venice, and are the worth the cost for even a short outing.

6. For an evening of casual drinking and dining in a lively local atmosphere, visit the A Le Do Spade tavern/restaurant on San Polo. Regular pastas and other Italian fare is served, but some of the bar snacks such as polenta, calamari and tasty cheeses are just as worthy.

7. Art lovers can't afford to miss the Galleria dell'Accademia, one of the world's legendary art museums and a tribute to Venetian artwork dating back to the 1200s. Carpaccio and Titian are among the featured artists here, but even if you don't know a Piazzetta from a pizza pie you'll enjoy the countless fantastic works of art.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to arrange your accommodations in the city proper, and not one of the lodgings on the outskirts of town.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish