Venice is a maze of canals, bridges, and narrow streets. A good map of Venice will come in very handy as you explore this amazing city. Venice is divided into six ancient districts called sestieri (Cannaregio, San Polo, Santa Croce, San Marco, Castello, and Dorsoduro). Each one has its own unique character and is worth visiting. Only three bridges cross Canal Grande, the main waterway of Venice. The most famous is the Rialto Bridge, a stone bridge with two rows of shops which connects San Polo and San Marco. Ponte Scalzi, located near the train station, connects Cannaregio with Santa Croce and Ponte Accademia connects San Marco with Dorsoduro.

Venice is relatively small and many sights can be visited on foot. The "vaporetto" is Venice's solution to public transportation. These water buses are a practical and relatively inexpensive way to get around the city. Vaporetti are ideal for getting to main stops on the Grand Canal and to the main islands of the lagoon. Spend an afternoon at the colorful island of Burano where traditional lace is made or visit the island of Murano which has been the center of Venetian glassmaking since 1291. Riding the vaporetto is probably the best way to see the sights along the Grand Canal. Riders can see many beautiful palaces such as the Ca' d'Oro with its magnificent Gothic facade and Ca' Rezzonico.

The magnificent Piazza San Marco is the heart of Venice. Feed the pigeons in the Piazza while taking in the sights and people watching. Galleries surround Piazza San Marco and the Basilica and Doge's Palace are at one end of this enormous square. Take the elevator to the top of the Campanile for spectacular views of Venice. Venice is home to a number of important churches including Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in San Polo and Santa Maria della Salute at the end of the Grand Canal in Dorsoduro. Don't worry about getting lost while exploring Venice. Yellow signs with arrows direct visitors back to main attractions.