Velence

Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world: instead of cars, there are canals; instead of streets, there are bridges; and instead of a city "main square," the rhythm is set by Piazza San Marco. The city is both a living historical backdrop and an everyday home: rows of palaces reflect on the waters of the Grand Canal, while in the narrow alleyways (calli), you can quickly escape the busiest tourist spots and find yourself in quiet, "local" little squares. Part of Venice's charm lies in its walkability, with every turn revealing something new – a hidden courtyard, a tiny canal, or a centuries-old façade. Main attractions and iconic sites The classic first-time Venice itinerary almost always revolves around St. Mark's Square: here you'll find St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and emblematic views of the lagoon. From here, a logical next step is the Rialto Bridge and the bustling market atmosphere nearby, followed by a waterborne "city tour" aboard a vaporetto (water bus) along the Grand Canal – often a more practical and authentic experience than a gondola ride, though a one-time gondola trip remains a quintessential Venetian memory. If you're in the mood for art, the Dorsoduro district (around the Accademia, for example) is a great choice with its museums, galleries, and less crowded walks. The city's real "bonus" is its islands: Murano is famous for glassmaking, while Burano is beloved for its colourful houses and picturesque canal-side photo spots. Activity ideas – what to do in Venice? Venice truly comes alive when you don't just "tick off" the sights but take time to savour the slow city experience. A well-rounded itinerary might include: an early morning visit to St. Mark's Square and the main attractions (to avoid the crowds), a mid-morning vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal, an afternoon of "getting lost" in quieter neighbourhoods, and an evening of cicchetti (local snacks) and a short waterfront stroll. If you have more time, it's worth dedicating half a day to the islands or taking a "sea breeze" detour towards the Lido. In winter, the city is calmer and more photogenic; spring and autumn are often considered the most pleasant seasons; while in summer, careful planning (early starts, shaded routes, water buses) can make your visit more comfortable. Sustainability and managing overtourism Venice is one of Europe's most well-known examples of tourism impacting daily life and heritage preservation. The city has therefore implemented several measures to regulate the crowds: it introduced and expanded an experimental daily visitor entry fee (online registration/QR code, with the amount varying by the timing of registration in 2025), applied on peak days, with ongoing decisions about its continuation. Additionally, regulations now include limits on the size of tourist groups and restrictions on amplified sound in crowded zones. A significant and symbolic step was the removal of large cruise ships from the immediate vicinity of the historic centre, a move welcomed by international heritage organisations. For visitors, sustainable tourism in Venice is straightforward: if possible, choose off-peak times, stay at least one night, and support local, genuinely Venetian businesses – this makes a far greater impact than any "green" slogan.