Venice

St Mark's Square is the biggest and the most well-known square in Venice. If you truly want to comprehend the power of the former Venetian empire, this is the right place to visit. The square is full of striking and inspiring sights, like the bell tower, from which you can grasp a splendid view of Venice.

Built in Venetian Gothic style and one of the most iconic landmarks of Venice, the Doge's Palace or Palazzo Ducale used to be the residence of the Doge of Venice, as well as the seat of power for the Venetian Republic, which lasted more than 1,000 years. Both the court and the prison were located within the palace walls, but since 1923 the building is better known as a museum.

There are several tour operators offering different types of Gondola tours. You can choose between a more romantic style with serenades sung to you and your beloved partner or a more classical sightseeing tour with a guide telling you the history of all the beautiful buildings around. There are even tours where you can learn how to row the Gondola yourself. Whichever tour you end up choosing, you're sure to have a memorable experience.

Burano Island is famous for its brightly coloured houses, picturesque canals, and peaceful atmosphere. Other attractions include the Church of San Martino with its leaning bell tower and the Lace Museum – lacemaking is a fruitful industry in Burano, and you'll find many artisan lace shops on the island.

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) has inherited its sad name from the condemned prisoners crossing it on their way to the execution. The covered bridge connects the prison to the interrogation room in the Doge's Palace and crosses Rio di Palazzo. If you happen to pass under it at sunset, at the time the bells of St Mark's Campanile ring, remember to kiss your loved one: as the legend goes, your love will be eternal.

The Rialto Bridge is one of the several bridges crossing Canal Grande. Be prepared to meet many other tourists here since this is one of the most well-known landmarks of Venice. The architecture is impressive, especially considering it was built on approximately 12,000 wooden pilings over 400 years ago.

This fish and vegetable market has been around since the year 1097, and there is frantic activity here, especially early in the mornings. The fishmongers, the bustling scenes, the old facades, and the fascinating canal combine to create a great experience for all senses.

Torcello is a small island that is usually not included on the typical tourist path in Venice. On this sparsely populated island, you'll find the oldest Byzantine church of Venice, which is truly amazing during the sunset, after which it even gets a little spooky.

Whether or not you're a fan of classical music, the Interpreti Veneziani is a welcome break from the city's pulsating core. After its inauguration in 1987, its concerts have been performed all over the world, in countries such as the US, Japan, Canada, and across Latin America. Take one evening to enjoy the harmony brought to you by the orchestra.

Standing on the right bank of the Grand Canal, Ca' Rezzonico is one of the most magnificent buildings in the whole city, as well as a remarkable example of 18th-century Venetian baroque and rococo architecture. It was completed in 1756 and today serves as a public museum with an interesting display of 18th-century Venetian artefacts, including furniture, paintings, and sculptures.

Built in the 13th century and dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, usually called the Frari, is the largest church in Venice and an important example of Venetian Gothic ecclesiastical architecture. It holds many masterpieces of Venetian art from the Renaissance period, which is simply a delight for the eye. Titian, the most renowned member of the Venetian school of painting of the 16th century, not only has paintings here, Assumption of the Virgin (1516–18) and Pesaro Madonna (1519–26), as this is also his final resting place.

Ca’ Pesaro is the city’s modern art museum, located in an old baroque palace facing the Grand Canal. The first floor houses 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculptures, while the upper floor is dedicated to the Oriental Art Museum, exhibiting 30,000 objects from Japan, China, and Indonesia.

The Marciana Library or Library of Saint Mark (Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana) is located in a beautiful Renaissance building and takes its name after St Mark, Venice's patron. Being one of the most ancient manuscript depositories of the city, it is an exquisite place to become more familiar with the history of Venice.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli is the most requested church for weddings in Venice, and if you step inside, you'll easily see why. It is said to be built from the leftovers of St Mark's Basilica. Being one of the best examples of early Venetian Renaissance architecture, its nickname is "the jewel box" due to its striking beauty.

For families with children, this is an ideal destination to explore. It features an assortment of botanical exhibits and animals, including fossils and well-preserved creatures that will keep the whole family engaged.