If you only havea weekend in Venicefocus on the essentials to experience theessence of this bewitching lakeside city.
Start with St. Mark’s Square, the heart of the city. St. Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, impresses with its golden mosaics. Next door, the Campanile offers a breathtaking view of the lagoon.
Continue with a stroll along the Grand Canal. A trip by vaporetto or gondola will allow you to admire the majestic palaces reflected in the water.
The Rialto Bridge, icon of Venice, is another must. Stroll around its arches and explore the small shops that line it.
Then get lost in the maze of narrow streets, far from the tourist crowds. The less crowded Dorsoduro district is home to treasures such as the art collection of the Peggy Guggenheim Foundation.
For total immersion, cross the Accademia Bridge and visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia, home to an impressive collection of Venetian paintings.
Don’t forget to taste an authentic cicchetti, an assortment of Venetian tapas, in the traditional bacari of the San Polo district.
Finally, end your getaway by taking a vaporetto to the islands of Murano and Burano. The first is renowned for its glassblowers, the second for its colorful houses and lace.
In one weekend, these highlights will give you an immersive experience of eternal Venice, blending art, history and picturesque charm. Every street corner will reveal a new facet of this magical city.
