Casa sul Molo

Venice defies description. Many have tried, from Goethe to Brodsky, but it has to be seen, felt and wandered through to be believed, and even then you may have trouble thinking it real. Yet no theme-park creator could ever have come up with this result of 1400 years of extraordinary history.

Don’t just stick to the tried, true and obvious. Sure, the Basilica di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Gallerie dell’Accademia are all important. But ‘lesser’ sights like Ca’ Rezzonico, Ca’ Pesaro, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and Arsenale all give special insight into the city.

A city for meanderers, Venice rewards every minute devoted to penetrating its cat’s cradle of intertwined lanes. And while millions stream into this tiny city, it’s easy enough to find peace and discover the extraordinary: after all, barely a building here isn’t a unique monument of some sort. Parts of the Cannaregio, Dorsoduro and Castello sestieri (districts) are near empty of tourists. Lose yourself in the labyrinth – that’s part of the fun!

The city’s busiest times are between May and September, Christmas and New Year, during Carnevale (February) and at Easter, but it is always a good idea to make a hotel booking in advance.

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