Transportation is unique in Venice. You can get most anywhere by walking. You get to other islands by boat. There are boat stations sprinkled along the island edges. For newbies, it's daunting to figure out which boats are which. Once you become an expert at spotting your mode of transportation, navigating Venice will be easy.
Read MoreLido is an island, a long sandbar in the Venetian Lagoon, accessible by boat. The main street, Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta is a wide street, lined with shops and eateries that leads from the lagoon (and vaporetto bus stop) to the wide open sea.
Read MoreEveryone arrives by boat to Burano, a series of four islands in the Venetian Lagoon linked by bridges, and set foot on land. There is a corner cafe with red signs, rich with laughter of I think locals because their Italian sounds spectacular and they are much too comfortable. The open space leads to a decent size canal, lined on both sides with colorful buildings - a mix of shops and residences. This island is known for two things: lace and colorful houses.
Read MoreLike the rest of Venice, Murano consists of a series of islands that are linked with bridges. Is there anything better than slowly meandering through the streets on a hot summer day with creamy gelato in hand? Murano is a favorite of mine because it's just a stone's throw from the heart of Venice but the boat ride deters some tourists from coming. Murano remains idyllic and somewhat of a hidden gem.
Read MoreAccademia Bridge is one of the four bridges along the Grand Canal. It connects San Marco and Dorsoduro. It's not the prettiest bridge, but it's an important one that brings folks across the Grand Canal. From San Marco, you walk and curve through the streets, following signs that say "Accademia" which is an adventure in itself. The view is magificent and you can peek towards either ends of the Grand Canal.
Read MoreAn architectural wonder, this white and pink building is almost decadent. The white washed bricks, faded facade, and gothic architectre is still marvelous against blue skies. The Doge's Palace was once the epicenter of Venetian political power. This palace once served as the Doge's residence, who was the highest power in the past Republic of Venice. Today, it serves as a museum and a relic to the past.
Read MoreGondolas are long, flat bottomed boats propelled by a single rower in the back with one oar. For a long time, these boats were the most common mode of transportation in Venice and flooded the city's canals. Today, the boats are primarily used to service tourists at fixed rates. You can't think Venice without thinking about gondolas.
Read MoreWhat can be said about the Grand Canal in words? The colorful buildings and aqua green waters are much better captured in photos. Rich and noble families spent their wealth on decorating the back of their palazzos or palaces. A lot of these touches are maintained to this day, giving you a picturesque view as you cruise down the canal. Docks and piers extend into the canal from some of these palaces. Many palaces today are repurposed as museums, hotels, restaurants, etc. Few still serve as private residences.
Read MoreThe Piazza di San Marco or St. Mark's Square served as a gathering space for social, religious and political gatherings. Today, the square is lined with expensive restaurants, overpriced takeaway eateries, museums, and other small shops. It remains a gathering place for merchants and tourists.
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