10 Best Attractions In Venice

Italy is among the most the most visited countries in the world, and the top destinations in Italy are the capital Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice. Located in Northern Italy, the unique city of Venice is built on 117 small islands which are separated by canals and linked by bridges. Cars are not allowed in the narrow streets of the city and transportation is done by water buses (vaporetto) and the world famous gondolas. Venice is also home to the Carnival of Venice – the annual event famous for the masks used during the festival. Here are some of the best attractions the city has to offer to first-time visitors

1. Grand Canal 

The Grand Canal is the main canal of the city and one of its most important passageways. Transportation through the 3.8 km (2.4 miles) canal is done using water buses and water taxis, or using the old fashion gondolas. The Grand Canal is beautiful and extremely photogenic, and photography lovers can spend hours taking countless pictures of it. At the evening, you can take a romantic boat ride in a gondola and enjoy a true Venetian experience

 

2. Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco  or St Mark’s Square is the main square of Venice. This city square is the social, religious and political center of Venice and has been for many centuries. Piazza San Marco is also home to other famous attractions of the city: Saint Mark’s Basilica and St Mark’s Campanile. The large piazza has a smaller extension called the Piazzetta which stretches from the square to the lagoon. No visit to Venice is complete without visiting Piazza San Marco

 

3. Saint Mark’s Basilica

The most famous of Venice’s churches and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. It is one of the icons of the city and the destination of every tourist in the city. The basilica stands in the Piazza San Marco

 

4. Saint Mark’s Campanile

The bell tower of St Mark’s Basilica stands 98.6 meters (323 ft) tall near the front of the basilica. The current form and shape of the tower was set in the early 16th century, but the tower collapsed in 1902 and the tower we see today is a reconstruction from 1912. You can reach the top of the tower with an elevator, and get a 360 wonderful panoramic view of the entire city

 

5. Rialto Bridge

The oldest of four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. It was completed in 1591, replacing a wooden bridge that collapsed in 1524. The beautiful old bridge is one of the icons of Venice and is always packed with excited tourists. It is also one of the world’s most famous bridges and the world’s most beautiful stone bridges

 

6. Rialto Market 

This ancient market dates back to the 11th century. Today the market is located on the bank of the Grand Canal, not far from the Rialto Bridge. The market along with the bridge are one of the most popular tourists attraction in Venice

 

7. Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs

Located next to Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace was built in the 14th century and was the residence of the Doge of Venice. It became a museum in 1923 and today it is one of the most important museums in Venice. Entering the museum allows you to walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs (you can see the bridge without entering the museum)

 

8. Burano Island 

Take the water bus or water taxi (vaporetto) to Burano island, within the Venetian Lagoon. The island is famous for its brightly coloured houses and often listed as one of the most colorful places in the world. Walk the streets or take a boat ride in the colorful island

 

9. La Fenice 

The Teatro La Fenice is the opera house of Venice, and one of the most important opera houses in Italy and Europe. You can take a tour inside the magnificent building and auditorium

 

10. Galleria dell’Accademia 

Established by Napoleon, the Galleria dell’Accademia holds a comprehensive collection of Venetian art by artists such as Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese. The most famous artwork included in the museum is the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci. The museum is located on the south bank of the Grand Canal