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| Saint Mark's Basilica, Venice (Photo credit: jivedanson) |
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| English: The Rialto Bridge over Venice's Grand Canal. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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| This is a photograph of the Doge's Palace in Venice. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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| English: Entrance of Doge's Palace in Venice (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
By []Marie Ryan
How to Get Around the City
The city of Venice is a pedestrian city made up of canals and bridges. The best way to travel along the Grand Canal in Venice is by 'vaporetto' (water-bus) to the nearest pier and then on foot to your destination. There are no cars or buses in Venice. All transport is by water, in 'vaporettos' (public water-buses), 'traghettos' (small boats for crossing the Grand Canal), 'g�endolas' (traditional Venetian long-boats) or water-taxi for private hire.
1. Saint Mark's Square
Wander around the magnificent Saint Mark's Square and people watch. You can listen in to the chamber music being performed at the stylish caf�s on the square. The three different caf�s all have a chamber orchestra, but to avoid a cacophony of music, as would occur if they all played together, they each 'take turn' and respectfully wait until each is instrumental is finished.
2. Saint Mark's Basilica
If you don't mind joining the queue of hundreds of other tourists, you can enter the Basilica di San Marco at no charge. The exterior has beautiful frescoes above the main doorway and the interior is, naturally, packed with artwork, paintings, and colourful murals. If you are feeling energetic, you can ascend to the roof terrace and contemplate the Square from above. There is also a very informative museum/gallery where you can delve more into the history of the basilica.
3. Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
The Doge's Palace is a vestige of medieval Venice and was for centuries the seat of power of Venice, during its 'Golden Age', when Venice was a hub for the silk, and spice trade from the East and a formidable political and military force in the area. The Bridge of Sighs was the bridge which prisoners would cross on their way from the courts at the Doge's palace, after sentence had been passed, to the dungeons of Venice.
4. The Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is one of four bridges crossing the canal and is one of the top tourist attractions in Venice. It is unusual in that it has two lines of shops on the bridge itself, in continuation of the Rialto Market nearby. Thousands of tourists flock there daily to view Venice from the steps of the bridge and to feel the excitement of being in one of the most beautiful cities of the world.
5. Relax with Vivaldi
Antonio Vivaldi was born in 1678 in Venice and as a tribute to him there are many performances of Vivaldi's music being held daily in the city. "The Four Seasons" concert is one of the most popular pieces offered but other works by Vivaldi and other composers such as Mozart are also popular.
Find out more about Venice and read about a four-day trip I made to this beautiful place. Then start planning your own holiday to Venice! Visit me on Hubpages at: http://hub.me/afynj
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Things-You-Must-Do-in-Venice&id=7825407] 5 Things You Must Do in Venice
