Venice

Here’s the most important thing a new visitor should know about Venice: It’s just too crowded with tourists during the season. Better to visit in the Spring or Fall. And it’s got much more than the big square and gondolas. Spend some time walking the back streets.

The Facts: Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. 

What I like about Venice:

* The art and architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica

* The bridges, particularly the Bridge of Sighs

* Gondola rides (but once a visit is enough)

* Views from St. Mark’s bell tower

* The back streets

* The Libreria Acqua Alta bookstore

* The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

* The Gallerie dell’Accademia

What I don’t like so much: The tourists – especially the North Americans.