Venice is one of the most mysterious Italian cities. With its maze-like streets, Gothic palaces, and gondola-filled waterways, Venice has enough secrets to impress any traveler. This city is more than gondola rides, however. It has a rich history, starting from its inception. Venice, known as the floating city, wasn’t built in the Venetian Lagoon on a whim. The city first began around 400 AD, when the Roman Empire collapsed and the conquerors, the Goths, started wreaking havoc on the cities of the Roman mainland. The lagoon became a sanctuary for the dispossessed, and eventually a beautiful city was built. Venetians have always survived despite the odds, and the floating city still stands today. If you’re traveling to Venice soon, this guide full of Venice tips will help you find your way.

Venice Things to Do | St. Mark’s Square

Venice has a storied political history, and its architecture is a testament to that fact. Doge’s Palace should be at the top of any list of Venice things to do, and it was used as the seat of the Venetian government for centuries. This glorious Gothic palace boasts luxurious royal chambers, a throne fit for a Doge, and an array of Italian artworks. St. Mark’s Basilica is another must-see sight if you’re interested in the city’s political history. The basilica may be the jewel in Venice’s architectural crown, and upon entering this Byzantine icon, visitors are treated to everything from colorful mosaics to golden altarpieces. These two sights are located in St. Mark’s Square, the most famous public square in Venice. The square is still a Venetian hub, with the bustling social atmosphere to prove it.

Venice Tips | Wander

When visiting Venice, give yourself permission to get lost. This advice sounds strange, but it’s actually one of the perennial Venice tips. Seeing the tourist sights is a must, but there’s also value to be had in wandering aimlessly through Venice’s winding alleyways. You might just find a beautiful church, a stunning view of the city, or the perfect place to eat for lunch. When you’ve had enough wandering for one day, however, simply look for the yellow signs affixed to every intersection. They’re all labeled with the names of major tourist attractions, and they’ll help guide you back to your main route.

When looking for Venice things to do, make sure to stop by the Rialto Bridge. The bridge itself was built between 1588 and 1591, and it crosses the Grand Canal. Nearby the bridge, you’ll find a bustling market that sells locally caught seafood and fresh produce.

Another one of the most popular Venice tips: take a day trip to see the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is best known for its centuries old glass-making tradition, and Burano is famous for its delicate lace. These islands, which are also located in the Venetian Lagoon, can be visited by Venice’s water bus system. This system is very extensive; more than 150 public transportation boats are carrying passengers throughout the Venice area at any time.

Venice is one of the most magical cities in Europe. Whether you love art, history, or culture, don’t hesitate to start planning your trip–you’ll never run out of things to do in Venice!