Places to visit in Venice

• Mark's Square: This is the largest square in Venice, the buildings surrounding the square are architecturally stunning on three sides. A little further, there is a smaller part of the square which faces the grand canal. This is a popular place where travellers and locals gather, savouring the moment, drinking coffee from the cafes outside, and watching people take casual strolls around the square. The major highlight of the square is the brick shaft of St. Mark's Campanile, which overlooks the busy piazza.
• Ponte di Rialto: This 16^th-century ornately covered footbridge is one of the most photographed stone bridges in the world. The Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) is over the Grand Canal, connecting two busy streets. On one end of the bridge lies the church of San Bartolomeo. This part of the canal is popular for shopping. The other side is famous for street food markets and the narrow streets of San Polo, which is lively with tourists parading along the street.
• Mark's Basilica: This is probably the most recognised church in Venice, located in St. Mark's Square. It was originally the private chapel of Doge, the highest official of the republic of Venice. This fine house of worship is an attraction worth visiting. As you explore the complex, you can see it is intricately decorated with Byzantine art. The façade has gold-backed mosaic, and it is said that 4,240 square meters of gold mosaics were used to cover the domes and walls. The high altar here, Pala d'Oro, is one of the finest in the whole of Europe.  
• Lido: If you travel a bit off the main Venice, you will come across Lido. It is a lagoon barrier island that is home to sandy beaches, Art Nouveau-style hotels, churches like that of San Nicolo, and the Venice Film Festival. It is best to hire a bicycle and explore the streets, admire villas, and romanticise nature as you paddle alongside the beach. While exploring this beach resort island, you may see a few celebrities, so keep a lookout.
• Torre dell'Orologio: This is a popular clock tower facing St. Mark's Square. This major highlight of Venice has a large bell which dongs every hour. The tower itself dates back to the 15^thcentury, displaying Venetian Renaissance architecture. You will notice phases of the moon and the zodiac in gilt on the façade of the tower, and above the clock there is a small.

• Osteria Campo Santa Marina: The city’s most praised restaurant, which started as a small sandwich shop, is now a popular restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine. It has a nice atmosphere with outdoor seating during the summer. Osteria Campo Santa Marina specialises in raw fish and its own homemade pasta.
• Quadri: This Michelin star restaurant is one of the popular places to eat in Venice. Overlooking St. Mark’s Square, the restaurant offers irresistible tasting menus, which also include gluten-free options. The interior of the restaurant is grand with a chandelier, warm lighting, and wooden furnishings.
• Al Covo: One of the most charming cafés, that offers a typical Italian atmosphere, is Al Covo. It has a very rustic look with brick walls, dark wood furniture, and artsy wall hangings. During warmer days, outdoor seating arrangement is also provided. The pumpkin bread, along with the house-smoked red mullet, is one of the best dishes here.

• Rialto Market: Since this market is very popular, it remains crowded on Saturdays and closed on Sundays. You can find all sorts of fresh produces here, from seasonal vegetables to local seafood, meats, cheeses and more. This market is the best place to experience local life and snack on some street food.
• Mestre Market: Not only is this market famous for fruits and vegetables, but it is also popular for clothing, household items, shoes, and more. Mestre Market is held every Wednesday and Friday in the centre of Mestre, around Piazza Barche.
• Calle Longhi: To taste locally grown asparagus from Giare, visit Calle Longhi in the Metropolitan City of Venice. This is a farmer’s market that takes place every Monday on Calle Longhi in Santa Marta. It is colourful and the feel-good vibe that surrounds the market feels fresh. It is a must-see market in Venice.

• The St. Regis: Amongst some of the most fabulous hotels in Venice is the St. Regis. It is located alongside the grand canal boasting palace-like decor and water-facing balconies. The hotel, despite having an old-world appeal, is quite modern with open spaces and luxury suites.
• Cipriani, a Belmond Hotel: Across the Piazza San Marco from the Giudecca Canal lies one of Venice’s popular hotels, Cipriani, a Belmond Hotel. Its strategic location, not far from the busy part of the city, makes it one of the top choices to stay in Venice. It takes a ferry ride to get here, but once you arrive, the hotel’s facilities and services will sweep you off your feet. You can find a Michelin star restaurant, spa, swimming pool, and outdoor spaces.
• Novecento Boutique Hotel: Not far from the busy area of St. Mark’s Square and high-fashion boutiques and bars, you get to the Novecento Boutique Hotel. It is a lovely boutique hotel that gives a homely feeling. It has a mix of modern furniture with warm, earthy-coloured interiors. Alongside the finest luxury, you also get a sense of warm ambience here.  

• Venice Carnival: Venice is a place you can visit anytime of the year, but go during the Venice Carnival to see the city in full zest and vibrancy. Held in February, people gather in Saint Mark's Square, and dance throughout the night. You can expect people to be fully dressed in grand costumes. To make the most of it, attend the masquerade balls and parties that take place in Venetian palaces.

Visa and Immigration

Venice, the city of canals is a must-visit place for which you require a Italy visa. Since Italy is a part of the Schengen Area, and a member of the European Union, you need a Schengen visa instead. This visa allows the visitor to enter Italy for a period of 90 days, which is a short stay. It is important to keep your travel documents updated since it will be asked during the visa application process.