The sights and sounds of Venice
The myriad of canals that make up the city ensure you'll never be far from glistening, lagoon waters wherever you stroll in Venice. Stop at the grand cafes that line St. Mark's Square and admire the soaring spire of the Bell Tower and the intricately designed domes of the Bascilica di San Marco. The absence of cars means the only sound you'll hear is the gentle paddling of water as you glide on a gondola on the Grand Canal. Meander through the maze of narrow streets and you'll discover a multitude of hidden gems. Intimate eateries and artisan boutiques will make you fall in love with this amazingly unique city.
Venetian flavours
Be sure to head to Do-Forni restaurant on your travels. It's a Venice institution where the décor is a wood-panelled replica of the extravagantly ornate dining cars from the Orient Express. But every area of Venice is a real feast for the senses. Rialto Market is alive with traders calling out offerings from their stalls, whilst even quiet canals feature authentic ice-cream shops with an exotic array of flavours. Originality flows through the city – a facet you'll find out about when you try local Venetian delicacies like soft, sweet crab and pancetta risotto.
Artistic shopping
As the locals say, you'll “get lost in Venice” because there is nowhere else in the world quite like it. This is especially true when it comes to shopping! Venice and the Veneto region has a proud history of its artistic designs. That's why you should take a visit to the island of Murano, where you'll see the world-famous Venetian glass being made. But even if you stay in the heart of Venice, you'll come across myriad shops filled with colourful, curving glass figures and eye-catching jewellery. As you wander you'll also spot Venetian mask shops, their intricate, delicate designs adding yet more intrigue to the city.