1. Grand Canal

The 3.8 kilometre long Canal Grande can be seen as the main street of Venice and it is definitely recommended to tourists to take a boat trip along this canal. The variety and beauty of the palaces along the canal is overwhelming.

2. San Marco Cathedral

St. Mark’s Cathedral stands in the square of the same name and is an excellent example of Byzantine architecture. It is located next to the Palazzo Ducale and was originally only a chapel of the Venetian rulers. St. Mark’s owes its nickname “Golden Church” to its opulent design, which also made it the symbol of Venetian power and wealth.

3. Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco was the “reception room of Europe” according to none other than Napoleon. Apart from the aforementioned cathedral, there are several other famous buildings and palaces along this magnificent square. Here, tourists compete with pigeons for a spot.

4. Zattere

Just like people all over Italy, Venetians like to see and be seen. The Zattere is the name of the promenade where this happens. The street is located in the sestiere Dorsoduro and is a lot quieter than most parts of the city. This former wharf lies along the Giudecca Canal and is characterised by beautiful views over the water and by atmospheric eateries. The Redentore Church across the canal adds to the atmosphere.

5. Ca d’Oro

The Ca’ d’Oro (“Golden House”) is one of the most famous palaces along the Grand Canal. The palace, built in late Gothic style, is actually called Palazzo Santa Sofia. It owes its nickname to the gilded decorations that used to decorate the exterior. There is not much left of that colour, but the name stuck.

6. Ponte Rialto

At present there are four, but until 1854, when the Ponte Accademia was built, the Ponte Rialto was the only bridge over the Grand Canal. It is still the most famous of the four and one of the most picturesque and often-photographed places in the city. The architect’s name was Antonio da Ponte. He was preferred to the slightly more famous Michelangelo.

8. Arsenal

The Arsenal (Italian: Arsenale) of Venice is located in the sestiere Castello. In the heyday of the Venetian Empire, this shipyard, built in 1104, was one of the most important parts of the city. In those days, one new ship could be delivered every day.

9. Gallerie dell’Accademia

The Gallerie dell’Accademia has the most extensive collection of Venetian art in the world. World-famous artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, Bellini and Veronese are represented. There are also many works by 18th century vedutisti such as Canaletto and Tiepolo.

10. Santi Giovanni and Paolo Church

The Santi Giovanni and Paolo Church is located in the square of the same name. The church is often called San Zanipolo and because many famous people are buried here, it has been nicknamed the “Pantheon of Venice”. The magnificent façade overlooks the equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni.