Viewing Venice
Features
Essence
Time Line
Peace & Quiet
Famous People
Venice is a city which charms and captivates, the historic flagship of a mighty fleet of islands in the lagoon, the most photogenic city in the world. To discover its true character you should first see the main sights - the Grand Canal, St Mark's Square, the Doges' Palace. But then take time to explore the picture-postcard backwaters with their hidden squares and tiny churches. There's a secret side to Venice too, only accessible by water. Once afloat, you enter a different world, seeing the city as it was designed to be seen, through snatched glimpses into ancient houses, secluded gardens, and boatyards with gondolas waiting for repair. This is where the real essence of Venice lies.
The 10 Essentials
If you only have a short time to visit Venice, and would like to take home unforgettable impressions, here are the essentials:
Take a boat (and plenty of film!) along the Grand Canal by day, to marvel at its majestic water-lapped palazzi and gaily painted mooring poles, or by night to catch glimpses of the grand illuminated interiors.
Visit the Rialto markets at the crack of dawn before the crowds arrive.
A mid-morning coffee in Europe's finest square, atmospheric St Mark's, will both delight and bankrupt you.
Stroll along the southern shore of the Dorsoduro, with its boathouses, bars and cafés. Go at dusk, when Venetians take their passeggiata, or promenade.
Indulge yourself in the romance of a gondola ride at sunset and capture the true magic of Venice.
Take the lift up to the top of the Campanile or San Giorgio Maggiore for breathtaking views.
Watch the world go by from the terrace of a Venetian classic, Harry's Bar, whilst sipping on a Bellini cocktail.
Get lost in the labyrinthine alleys and backwaters of the city, or visit the outlying islands for a taste of Venetian life off the main tourist drag.
See Venice by night. The canals have a magical beauty and many of the main monuments are floodlit.
End your day Venetian-style with an ice-cream or a digestif in one of the city's countless café-ringed squares.
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