No cars, taxis or motorcycles are allowed in this slowly sinking city, whose boulevards and avenues are waterways and canals and curbs are docks. For centuries (1100 to 1600), Venice was a prosperous port for trade between European and Asian countries. This old wealth is reflected in its historic buildings and houses that line the canals and bridges that overlook them. Some of the paint in Venice has faded and walls have cracked, but this only adds to the style or character of this romantic city. Go!

The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale): Has grand marble arcade columns. Construction started in the 9th century. Has served as a senate house, hall of justice and prison up until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797.

Grand Canal: The wettest main drag in the world, this curvy waterway is trafficked by rowboats, gondolas, waterbuses, yachts and cargo vessels. During the Venice (Carnevale) Carnival (late February/early March), the strip explodes in celebration as people parade around in masks at attend various balls, concerts and parties.

St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco): Its domed ceilings are a reflection of Byzantine design influence. First built in 829 to house and honor the remains of St. Mark, whose body, according to legend was smuggled out of Alexandria in a pork barrel.

Museo Correr: Contains Venetian artifacts throughout history of the city, including when it was an independent republic or occupied by Napoleon's French armies through its unification with Italy.

Rialto Fish Market: Grab some seafood and wine here for a picturesque lunch along the Grand Canal.

Venice's tourist season is pretty much year round. Its gets hot and crowded in the summers, so the most ideal to travel there is in the spring or fall seasons. To get the best travel deal possible, try to plan your trip during October through April which is the off-peak travel period. Remember to set your arrival/departure dates for Monday through Thursday.