Top 5 - Ultimate Guide to Venice

If you have never been to Venice then you are in for a big treat. Venice is built on 117 small islands and there is just so much to love about Venice and the history on offer. Venice is interlinked by one hundred and fifty canals and four hundred and nine bridges of which,only three cross the main canal. if you are going to Venice take more than a single day as it is virtually impossible to savor this wonderful city if you spend your time galloping around trying to take in all it has to offer.

Although the city may appear small , 458 kilometers, it is highly extensive for its size. On your vacation to Venice slow down and get lost in the mysterious alleyways and endless mazes of backstreets and see the real Venice. The islands of Venice were first settled during the 5th and 6th centuries AD, the history oozes from every building in the city of love.

Top 5 things to try in Venice

- The Palaces

Iv you like history then you will love travelling around the Palaces in Venice. Every important family in Venice had a pallazo in their parish, mostly situated along the canal which winds its way through several parishes. In order to gain the most from this experience I suggest you take a gondola down the canal where you will see some of the best archaeological gems Venice has to offer. My recommendations would definitely be the Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi or the Palazzo Benzon. You can even take a gondola ride at night and take in the reflection of the palaces in the canals, magical.

- The Basilica

The Basilica di San Marco is truly one of the most exotic places that you will see in Venice. The outer facade could keep you interested for hours, never mind when you step through the grand entrance which leads you into grand domes covered in mosiacs, large majestic arches and the narthex. Go a little further and take a trip to the Museu Marciano where you can get the best views of bassilica and even get to see the famous chariot horses of Venice.

- The Piazza

Piazza San Marco whilst the only piazza in Venice, it tremendous. The flavor and sounds of different people, the cafes, feed the famous pigeons and absorb the social hub of the city. You could easily spend an entire day in the Piazza dipping wine, watching street performers and soaking in the atmosphere of this beautiful city. The vibrancy of the Piazza comes naturally and offers markets which spill out onto the street and a color that can hardly be touched by any other major city.

- The Evening Passeggita

Take an evening stroll as an excuse to exercise and socialize with the Venetians. Even if you do not want to engage in conversation the evening passeggita is a brilliant way to see the city at night after most of the tourists have gone and the locals come out to mingle. Take unplanned turns and you never know what gems you will discover. Whether in the fashionable Piazza District end of the city or the smaller Campo District, take your evening passeggita and see the real Venice.

- Shopping

The shops in Venice offer you some of the more unique and unusual items. You could buy more on one shopping trip to Venice than you could buy several trips to other cities. The best shopping areas are situated beside the Rialto Bridge and any street that leads into or out of the Piazza. The street vendors and outdoor markets need time to be discovered. Slow down and take in the beautiful items on offer. The artisan stands are colorful, unique and not that expensive.

With these five ideas alone you would need a long weekend to get around them all. Add to these the scheduled trips, festivals and events, sightseeing or just a little time-out, I think Venice deserves at least five to seven days in order to absorb the true beauty it has to offer. There are well over 150 hotels of all standards to select your accommodation and every budget is catered for. Venice, city of canals and palaces, Queen of the Adriatic, a historic town out of time, a lovers paradise.