What to see in Venice
The original home to the doges of the Veneto, you can visit the impressive rooms with renaissance artworks of international standing, see where they held their law courts, the prison Casanova escaped from and now many art exhibitions.
These are the one of the most recognisable images of Venice. The traditional black colours are as distinguishable as a black cab in London, and just as revered. Passed down through the generations they will take you through the narrow canals and they will even serenade you for an additional fee if you are feeling particularly romantic. Night-time rides are especially enjoyable as the noise of the day is gone and the lights reflecting off the water make a uniquely individual experience.
Relegated by ducal decree in 1291 to this island after one too many fires, the glass artisans continue their traditional craft of creating some of the finest decorations and glass products in the world. It was the first place in the world to create mirrors as well as refined methods for creating gem look-alikes. You can reach Murano with a 10min vaporetti ride. Most factories offer free walk-in to view the artisans at work or you can take up the offer from the touts in Piazza San Marco. The Museum in the centre has glass from Egyptian times and examples of glass from over the centuries.
Lacework is also another prized traditional craft dating back to 15thC, branching out from the mending of fishing nets by the women and becoming popular during fashionable 'ruff' periods of the 16thC . Richard III of England was said to have a 'triumph of laces from the Venice lagoon' about his neck at his coronation. Reachable by a 40min Vaporetti ride the many restaurants and beautiful buildings are also a good reason to go.
The only place where the pigeons outnumber the tourists. Stand in the centre and marvel at the intricate façade of the basilica. Get a crick in your neck looking up at the Campanile, wander the square listening to the orchestral music, gaze at the gondolas and cruise ships floating past. The square is also home to a number of smart cafes and restaurants, great for people and pigeon watching, just beware the closer to the pigeons you sit the more expensive the coffee. Kicking the pigeons also results in a serious fine from the police, around $500 US.
Watch your step as you walk with the crowds through the front doors, years of flooding have made the mosaic floor a little undulating in places. You can go further into the basilica and on to the museum rooms for a fee or just admire the ceiling frescos and mind-boggling mosaics, dedicated to the city's patron Saint Anthony, whose remains are interred under the altar (1200yrs and 3 fires later).
This tower can claim to have been built twice as it was originally constructed in the 10thC but spontaneously fell down on 14th July 1902 and was rebuilt using all the same bricks. You can see the cracks in the loggia statues and façade down below as one man painstakingly put this part back together after the collapse. For a fee you can climb to the top of the bell tower to absorb the incredible view over Venice and the lagoon. You can also call your mum to tell her where you are. Supposedly the tower has the highest public payphone in Italy.
Ah the shining stars! For 10 days beginning the end of August Venice plays host to the film glitterati, mostly European but international films are also considered for the top award of the Golden Lion. Held on the island of the Lido, towards the north end of the lagoon it may pay to take a vaporetto ride out there if you want to catch a glimpse of the more notables. If you don't see any then there's a chance to stretch out on the sandy beach and soak up some sun instead.
If you want to see some artwork less than 400yrs old then a wander through these gardens and halls will bring you up to date with works by Picasso, Chagall, Miro, Dali and Bacon. The building itself is an interesting spectacle to look at amidst the typical Venetian architecture.