Back streets upon back alleys upon tiny canals, the streets of Venice are so intricate they are nearly impossible to map. There are no cars and no wide boulevards, only pedestrian pathways and canals big and small for boat traffic. All services are taken care of by boat including ambulance service, trash pick-up, and taxis.

The main attraction in Venice (other than gondola rides and the allure of a city without cars) is Piazza San Marco. The square is dominated by Basilica di San Marco, a Byzantine church with domes more reminiscent of Constantinople than Italy. The basilica houses golden Byzantine mosaics that gave the basilica a nickname of the Golden Church.

The city itself is also a historical attraction as the streets look much as they did centuries ago. Since there was no need to widen streets for cars, you’ll still find plenty of alleyways, streets where it is difficult to walk three abreast, and streets that twist and turn in erratic ways no one would ever plan in a city today.

For art historians, visit the churches, but also head to the Galleria dell'Accademia di Venezia. The museum houses works by Titian, Veronese, Giovanni Bellini, and Tintoretto among many others. One of the most famous paintings is the Tempest by Giorgione. Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man is also on display in this world-class museum.

Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and is literally overrun, especially in the summer and in the middle of the day. You’ll have to wait in lines, you’ll see many other travelers, and the popular locations in your guidebook will be crowded. But the tourism industry is ready for you. Want to ride in a gondola? There’ll be one waiting for you at any of the major docks and the gondoliers know you want to see the major sights while you ride.

If you want to explore more than the usual attractions or get a glimpse of local Venice, it’s not too hard. Start by staying in Venice for a few days rather than just taking a day trip from Florence or another nearby city. In the evening and early morning, Venice is free of day-trippers and many other tourists are laying low as well. You can also choose to stay on one of the lesser-known islands to explore the less touristy sights or just stroll the streets and drink cappuccino.

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