10 most amazing things to see in Venice

Venice is one of the most famous and beloved places to visit on the planet. It not only boasts amazing beauty and amazing history but also tourists visiting it. Venice is actually the capital of the Veneto region in Northern Italy. As such, it has the usual beautiful Italian architecture and lively atmosphere. Of course, the food and drinks are second to none.

By now, most people know that Venice is actually a collection of small islands that are connected by a raft of bridges and also geographically separated by a network of canals. About 250,000 people live there, but even more, visit during the year to see all it has to offer.

Here are ten of the most amazing things to see in Venice.

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1. Torcello Island.

Located in the far east of Venice in general, the island of Torcello is located near the island of Burano. Torcello has its own relaxed vibe, which is a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Venice itself. While there are visitors, the crowds are much smaller than at other more popular attractions. You will need to take a ferry to get there, which takes about 45 minutes. There you will find shops and restaurants, and the museum will tell you about the history of all of Venice. You should also check out the outstanding beauty of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta while on Torcello.

2. Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.

This wonderful church in itself is an outstanding structure that will take your breath away. The baroque design and opulent décor located just off the Grand Canal in Venice itself is fantastic. Completed in 1687, this is an official minor basilica, as noted by the Roman Catholic Church.

3. Murano.

As noted above, Venice as a whole is a collection of islands. Murano is very popular with tourists Much like the main area of Venice itself, Murano is connected by several bridges. Offering a much more relaxed atmosphere of Venice, Murano has more charm and Mediterranean chic.

4. San Giorgio Maggiore.

San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the smallest islands to visit in Venice. It is not connected to the main canal network, so you will need a water taxi to get there. Close to the Venetian Pool and the Grand Canal, the main attraction here is the stunning Monastery of San Giorgio. This beautiful building really gives you a sense of history and culture.

5. Vaporetto on the Grand Canal.

You can have a great time walking around the main city of Venice, but seeing it from the water is something else. This makes a Vaporetto ride on the main Grand Canal a must. Vaporettos are public water buses that allow you to get from one part of Venice to another. Taking a ride around the Grand Canal is the perfect way to see all the amazing buildings from a different perspective.

6. Bridge of Sighs.

This is one of the most popular attractions in Venice which is amazing considering it is only a small bridge. An important landmark in Venice itself, it is also a key part of the island's history. The bridge passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the Doge's Palace with Prigioni Nuove. But why is this little bridge so fascinating? Legends say that criminals were taken out of the palace on their way to prison for their crimes. Thus, the criminals who crossed the bridge sighed as they took their last look at freedom.

7. Doge's Palace

The Doge's Palace itself is known not only for being at one end of the Bridge of Sighs - but it is also a religious building. Indeed, this is perhaps the most recognizable building in Venice, apart from St. Mark's Basilica. Simply stunning in size and design, richly decorated and amazing architecture is second to none.

8. Ponte di Rialto.

Larger and more impressive than the Bridge of Sighs, this stunning bridge connects the San Marco area with San Marco in Venice. Spanning the amazing Grand Canal, it is not only a key thoroughfare but also a tourist attraction. It was originally a wooden bridge that collapsed in 1524. It was rebuilt into the much more ornate stone that has survived ever since. Full of great design touches, it is truly beautiful and contains perfect symmetry. If you want to shop, there are also many outlets on the bridge selling all sorts of souvenirs.

9. Gallery of the Academy.

Situated opposite the Ponte del Accademia on the beautiful Grand Canal, this is a fascinating museum to visit in the main part of Venice. It is best known for hosting original works by masters such as Canaletto and Titian. Formally a monastery, the building was converted into a museum in the late 1700s. This is an ideal stop for art lovers and those who love the Renaissance period. For a truly special experience, don't forget to take a look at Da Vinci's original Vitruvian Man that hangs here.

10. St. Mark's Basilica

Combining culture, history and stunning beauty in one building, this is the number one thing to see in Venice. This will mean fighting through the crowds in St. Mark's Square, but well worth it. First built in 1092, it has been the main religious building in Italy ever since. Both inside and out, this church is top-notch. The façade has striking sculptures and an impressive sense of scale, while the inside is full of outstanding frescoes and a stunning domed ceiling.