The capital of the famed merchants of Venice. The city is built upon wood pilings, posts dug into the mud below the water. The city is actually sinking so a series of pumps were commissioned to send the water back out. However, famed Italian politics got in the way and there was still flooding at high tide while I was there. In the five years since I’ve been here last, the only thing that changed is the increased number of tourists.

Nav:

Rialto Bridge (where jewelry shops have been setup for centuries), gondola rides, Basilica San Marco, the Doge’s (like a governor) Palace…there is a lot to see here.

Pro Tip: Venice is a very popular tourist destination. There are lots of people at the key sites. Stay on island and go out later in the day for a more serene experience.

Rialto Bridge
Basilica San Marcos
The Doge’s Palace
There are a few quiet alleys if you venture away from the city center.

Nosh:

Seafood is always fresh, though not always flavorful.

Seafood pasta at Ristorante Al Coristi.
Cicchetti (tapas) at Corner Pub. White fish paste was nasty.
Fogato (beef liver) is a city specialty.

Nip:

Birra Moretti is the better Italian beer. Peroni is skunky and bitter.

Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail. Aperol (an herbal liqueur) and sparking wine. Light and refreshing.