Venice Things To Do

Venice consists of 117 islands, 150 canals and 409 bridges. The biggest of all the canals is, unsurprisingly, the Grand Canal but it’s only crossed by four bridges. Until three years ago, this was only three. And, oh, the controversy that raged before the fourth was built, and still rages now.

A good reason for early rising in Venice is to tour the Rialto markets. This is the heart of the city, the place everyone comes to get fruit, vegetables and fish. The barges pull in and noisy, frantic trading starts around 7am. Cross the Rialto Bridge from Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) and head right.

Venice boasts some of the most spectacular sights in Italy. Here are my top 5 best views in Venice.

When arriving in Venice, your first view of this magical city will remain in your mind for a long time. The least romantic or memorable but easiest, is by train (to Venice Santa Lucia station). In the nineteenth century a two mile long causeway was built from the mainland bringing the railway out to the lagoon islands of Venice; in the twentieth century a road was built alongside it and a large carpark constructed – there are no cars in Venice itself so it’s park and ride (vaporetto or gondola).

Venice’s sights are everywhere; like every old-world city, you’re surrounded by buildings that are centuries old, all of which are astonishing testaments to human ingenuity and draftsmanship. Landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge and the Doge’s Palace are all must-sees.

Venice has a lot to see. If you’re a first time visitor, I suggest looking for a Venice tour. Guided Venice tours differ in terms of scope and focus; the best ones, in my opinion, will get you to the city’s highlights in one day. At the very least, you’ll want to see St. Mark’s Basilica and Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Doge’s Palace.