Transportation is unique in Venice. You can get most anywhere by walking. You get to other islands by boat. There are boat stations sprinkled along the island edges. For newbies, it's daunting to figure out which boats are which. Once you become an expert at spotting your mode of transportation, navigating Venice will be easy.
Read MoreLido is an island, a long sandbar in the Venetian Lagoon, accessible by boat. The main street, Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta is a wide street, lined with shops and eateries that leads from the lagoon (and vaporetto bus stop) to the wide open sea.
Read MoreEveryone arrives by boat to Burano, a series of four islands in the Venetian Lagoon linked by bridges, and set foot on land. There is a corner cafe with red signs, rich with laughter of I think locals because their Italian sounds spectacular and they are much too comfortable. The open space leads to a decent size canal, lined on both sides with colorful buildings - a mix of shops and residences. This island is known for two things: lace and colorful houses.
Read MoreLike the rest of Venice, Murano consists of a series of islands that are linked with bridges. Is there anything better than slowly meandering through the streets on a hot summer day with creamy gelato in hand? Murano is a favorite of mine because it's just a stone's throw from the heart of Venice but the boat ride deters some tourists from coming. Murano remains idyllic and somewhat of a hidden gem.
Read MoreAn architectural wonder, this white and pink building is almost decadent. The white washed bricks, faded facade, and gothic architectre is still marvelous against blue skies. The Doge's Palace was once the epicenter of Venetian political power. This palace once served as the Doge's residence, who was the highest power in the past Republic of Venice. Today, it serves as a museum and a relic to the past.
Read MoreWhat can be said about the Grand Canal in words? The colorful buildings and aqua green waters are much better captured in photos. Rich and noble families spent their wealth on decorating the back of their palazzos or palaces. A lot of these touches are maintained to this day, giving you a picturesque view as you cruise down the canal. Docks and piers extend into the canal from some of these palaces. Many palaces today are repurposed as museums, hotels, restaurants, etc. Few still serve as private residences.
Read MoreStand at Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) and peer across the turquoise waters. A bell tower stands tall, just behind a white church. Remember the quest? Always seek a place that offers a new vantage point, preferably with a birdseye view of the city. There is no better way to know a city.
Read MoreWhat's not to love about gelato in the heat of the summertime sun? After hours of walking around and being on my feet, I love nothing more than a cool refreshing bite of cold gelato. And this is hands down the best gelato place in Venice. An unsuspecting little shop, on some random street, after turning my tenth right corner and finding myself lost in the maze.
Read MoreThe gondolas pass under and all gaze in awe at the ornate structure above them. The white is startling against the blue skies. It is equally jarring against cloudy gray skies, also taking on a gray undertone. Visitors praise the beauty and romance. The Bridge of Sighs is a white limestone bridge that connects the prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace.
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