| One of the jewels of Italy, Venice is known | | | | Palazzo Mocenigo, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's |
| throughout the world for its stunning architecture | | | | Palace), the Scuola Grande di San |
| and miles of canals. Consisting of 117 separate | | | | Rocco and a host of churches. The city is also |
| islands linked by a series of historic bridges, canals | | | | home to countless trendy shopping |
| and pavements, Venice is visited each year by | | | | areas, which are lined with local boutiques and |
| many thousands of tourists. Home to some of | | | | specialist shops, together with a |
| the world most stunning buildings, impressive | | | | number of colourful markets.Some of the most |
| museums and art galleries, and a large selection of | | | | outstanding art galleries and museums in the city |
| top restaurants, Venice has much to offer and | | | | include the |
| rarely disappoints.Central Venice consists of six | | | | Marciano Museum, the Archaeological Museum |
| main regions, Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, | | | | (Museo Archeologico), the |
| Santa | | | | Accademia Gallery and the Contini Gallery. The |
| Croce, San Polo and San Marco, each full of local | | | | watery city of Venice is also home to |
| charm and appeal. One of the | | | | a surprising number of green spaces and |
| most famous landmarks in the city, San Marco | | | | parklands, such as the Royal Gardens |
| Square is the only public square in | | | | (Giardinetti Reali) and the Giardino Giusti. Nearby |
| Venice and offers a rich heritage, with the | | | | Venice you will find a many |
| magnificent buildings of Doge's Palace | | | | interesting and appealing towns worth a visit, |
| and the Basilica San Marco nearby. Castello is the | | | | such as Burano, which is just a short |
| most historical area of the city | | | | trip by ferry and is known for its lace |
| and is known for its Arsenale ship-building yard.On | | | | making.Throughout the year, many major events |
| the northern side of Venice, Cannaregio contains | | | | are held in the Venice area and consist of |
| the Santa Lucia Railway Station, | | | | religious festivals, cultural events and sports. |
| with nearby Santa Croce linking the city to Italy's | | | | Events not to be missed include |
| mainland. The smallest area of the | | | | seasonal carnivals, the Festa di San Marco at the |
| city is the San Polo district, which offers many | | | | end of April, the Festa Medioevale |
| local eateries and inns. On Venice's | | | | del Vino Soave Bianco Soave each May, the |
| southern side you will find the district of | | | | Vogalonga rowing regatta in May, the |
| Dorsoduro, which contains the notable | | | | Venice International Film Festival at the end of |
| 17th-century Dogana da Mar.Transport in | | | | August, and also the New Year's Eve |
| Venice:Central Venice is easy to traverse on | | | | masses in the city's Catholic churches.Venice |
| food, being generally well pedestrianized. | | | | Shopping:Full of elegant and trendy boutiques, |
| Popular methods of transport include inexpensive | | | | independent shops and vibrant markets, the |
| water buses and more pricey | | | | city could be called a 'shopper's paradise' and |
| motorboat taxis, both of which offer a | | | | offers plenty of genuine bargains. |
| convenient and extremely scenic way to | | | | The best shopping areas in Venice are around |
| travel around the canals. Connected by rail to | | | | the San Marco region, the Mercerie |
| many large cities in both Italy and | | | | and also close to the Calle dei Fabbri. Also, regular |
| Europe, Venice stands on the A4 Autostrada.The | | | | fish markets are held alongside |
| city is home to a large and busy airport, which is | | | | the Grand Canal and are popular with both locals |
| located around 8 miles / 13 | | | | and visitors to the city.Venice Restaurants:With a |
| km from the centre and caters for many | | | | vast selection of restaurants, cafes and eateries, |
| international airlines. Venice's Marco Polo | | | | Venice offers many |
| International Airport is easy to reach by a range | | | | traditional Italian dishes, which include freshly |
| of transportation, such as buses, | | | | made pizzas, pastas, paninis, |
| cars, taxis, boats and rail.Venice Tourism:No trip | | | | cheeses and salads. Many other types of cuisine |
| to Venice would be complete without a trip in a | | | | are also available aimed at tourists |
| traditional gondola and the | | | | visiting the city, such as fast-food outlets and |
| city is geared up towards the tourist trade, with | | | | bars. Al fresco dining is particularly |
| many must-see sights and | | | | popular in the city and around the San Marco |
| attractions. Some of the most popular things to | | | | area, known locally as the 'Piazza San |
| see in Venice include the numerous | | | | Marco'.Nia Rees writes for World Guides - |
| palaces and historic structures, such as the Rialto | | | | providers of travel and tourist information for |
| Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), the | | | | major cities throughout the world. |