By hipopnews 
Experience the highlights of St. Mark’s Square
The largest piazza in Venice, St Mark’s Square is situated on the Grand Canal across the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore which is also a tourist attraction. A vast place where both tourists and inhabitants of the city come, the square is located next to stunning buildings and covered with arched passages that give an amazing feeling of ceremony.
The square itself also has several other structures that may also be of interest such as St Mark’s Campanile, St Marks Basilica, and Doge’s Palace. One of the most convenient places to begin with when visiting Venice because of its strategic position and closeness to other attractions, St Mark’s Square is unique in the entire world. It is also helpful when navigating the city because it is not very difficult to locate, and there is enough room and directions to other attractions.
Visit the Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, famously dubbed ‘the drawing room of Europe’ by Napoleon, remains as elegant as ever despite the bustling crowds and ubiquitous selfie sticks. Take a ride in the elevator to the top of the campanile (bell tower) for stunning panoramic views reminiscent of a drone’s perspective. Keep an eye out for high tides that occasionally bubble up through the drains (a reminder not to walk barefoot through the water).
Don’t miss the renowned Correr Museum located above the iconic porticos, where you can delve into Venice’s rich history and art. And of course, indulge in a drink at one of the historic cafes that have been cherished for centuries. Florian, serving visitors since 1720, is a classic choice, but consider Quadri on the opposite side of the square. Owned by the local Alajmo brothers, Quadri offers a Michelin-starred restaurant upstairs and delightful gourmet bar snacks downstairs.
Enjoy the atmosphere and charm of Piazza San Marco, where every corner is steeped in history and offers a taste of Venice’s enduring allure.
Also consider visiting other museums in Venice
Make sure to visit at least one museum while you’re in Venice. The city boasts an incredible array of museums and galleries that could easily fill a week of exploration for any art lover. What’s even more captivating is that many of these collections are housed in stunning palaces that are artworks in themselves.
My personal favorite is the Galleria dell’Accademia, where you can immerse yourself in masterpieces by renowned artists like Tintoretto, Canaletto, Titian, and Giorgione. Keep an eye out for Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Vitruvian Man, although it’s not always on display to preserve its condition.
For Tintoretto enthusiasts, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a must-visit, while those interested in modern art will find the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art fascinating.
Don’t miss the Museum of Ca’ Rezzonico, offering a rich exploration of 18th-century Venice, or the Museum of the History of Textiles, Costumes, and Perfumes at Palazzo Mocenigo, which provides unique insights into Venice’s cultural heritage.
Each museum offers a unique glimpse into Venice’s rich history and artistic legacy, making it a truly enriching experience for visitors.
Shop at Rialto market
Thus, the markets of the Rialto became the place where Venice received the epithet of the bazaar of Europe. It was a trading center for more than four hundred years when in the winter of 1514 a fire swept the place and left only the church.
The possibility of relocating the business centre was discussed but found little favour, so reconstruction began almost straight away: the Fabbriche Vecchie was completed eight years after the fire, while Sansovino’s Fabbriche Nuove was built approximately thirty years after the former.
Today’s Rialto market is not nearly as large as the one that existed in Venice at the height of the city’s power, but it is still one of the most vibrant areas of the city and one of the few places where one can find oneself surrounded by people and hear only Italian.
Take a Grand Canal cruise to see the stunning palaces
Take a scenic cruise along the Grand Canal by hopping on Vaporetto no. 1 from St. Mark’s. It’s a delightful way to soak in the mesmerizing views as you glide towards Piazzale Roma.
The Grand Canal is like no other street in the world, as it was famously described centuries ago. It’s lined with numerous palaces of varying styles and sizes, each with its own fascinating history. For instance, there’s Ca’ Dario, known for its eerie curse that has intrigued many over the years. Then there’s Palazzo Grassi, rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl from the early 1900s. And did you know that Lord Byron once enjoyed swimming au naturel in the Grand Canal during his stays at Palazzo Mocenigo?
Here’s a friendly tip: plan your cruise around sunset to witness the canal bathed in the most enchanting light, adding an extra touch of magic to your experience. It’s a journey through Venice’s history and mysteries that you won’t want to miss.
Don’t miss the chance to taste some of the best Venetian wines
The Veneto region has really excelled in producing wines using French and German grape varieties like Merlot, Cabernet, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer. In fact, it now produces more DOC (Denominazione di origine controllata) wine than any other region in Italy.
Three famous wines from Verona that you’ll find all over the world include Valpolicella (a red wine), Bardolino (another red), and Soave (a white). And of course, there’s Prosecco, which hails from the Conegliano area. You absolutely must try Cartizze, the finest type of Prosecco, and don’t overlook prosecco spento, which is prosecco without the fizz – still delicious!
If you’re up for exploring wines from neighboring Friuli, you’ll find delightful reds like Pinot Nero, Refosco, Raboso, Merlot, and Cabernet, along with whites such as Tocai, Pinot Bianco, and Sauvignon. It’s a wine lover’s paradise waiting to be discovered!
Admire the Doge’s Palace artwork
The Doge’s Palace is truly a standout in Venice, and a must-visit during your stay. It’s conveniently located in St. Mark’s Square, and its presence overlooking the Grand Canal makes it even more impressive.
Outside, you can’t miss its stunning facade adorned with beautiful arches and intricate diamond patterns in white stone. The more you look, the more little details you’ll discover. Inside is equally captivating, with lavishly decorated rooms showcasing original furniture and artwork. While guided tours are available and recommended for a deeper dive into its history, take your time to soak in all the incredible details at your own pace as well. It’s a place that truly captivates with its beauty and history.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is another stunning architectural marvel in Venice, located just across from St. Mark’s on the Grand Canal. Its grand presence and inspiring design make it easy to recognize. Completed in 1689, this church holds the status of a minor basilica in the Roman Catholic Church.
You can’t miss its impressive exterior adorned with four statues and a striking dome that dominates the skyline. Inside, the basilica boasts spaciousness and beautiful symmetry, illuminated by natural light pouring in. Whether you admire it from a gondola on the canal or up close, visiting the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is highly recommended for its iconic beauty and historical significance.
Feel the vibrant atmosphere of Padua
Explore the vibrant city of Padua (Padova), which has undergone extensive reconstruction since World War II bombings. Despite its modern development into a bustling economic hub in the Veneto region, Padua may not immediately captivate with its charm like some of its neighboring towns. However, it holds a rich cultural heritage as one of northern Italy’s most significant cultural centers.
You’ll discover numerous churches, museums, and beautifully frescoed interiors that bear witness to Padua’s illustrious past. Home to one of Italy’s major universities, Padua buzzes with a unique energy, drawing students and scholars from around the world.
Historically, Padua has been a hub of artistic and intellectual activity. Renowned artists like Donatello and Mantegna left their mark here, while in the 17th century, Galileo conducted groundbreaking research at the university. The medical faculty was also among the most advanced in Europe during its time.
Padua invites you to delve into its vibrant history and dynamic atmosphere, offering a blend of cultural richness and academic excellence that sets it apart in the Veneto region.
Join a guided tour of Venice’s Jewish Quarter
Joining a tour of Venice’s Jewish Quarter is a must to truly grasp the city’s rich history and culture.
About 500 years ago, Venice’s Jewish community was confined by the Venetian Republic to the Cannaregio district, creating one of the world’s earliest Jewish ghettos. This area thrived until 1797, when Napoleon ended discriminatory practices against Jews.
Today, the Jewish Quarter remains a vibrant neighborhood where the local Jewish community resides. You’ll stroll past tall, colorful buildings that conceal beautiful synagogues.
For a deeper understanding of Jewish life in Venice, visit the charming Jewish Museum. For €10, you can enjoy a guided tour of a synagogue, and private tours are also available.