The City of Canals - Venice, Italy

When I took the ferry from the airport along the Grand Canal, which winds through the heart of the city, I began to fall in love with Venice. I knew this bucket-list destination was not going to disappoint.

Venice, Italy, is unlike any other city, with its 117 islands, 150 canals, more than 400 bridges, and no cars. While Venice is best known for its iconic canals and gondolas, I quickly discovered that it is also an architectural photographer’s dream. The city’s architecture tells a story of centuries of cultural influences, blending Byzantine, Islamic, and Gothic styles into a breathtaking visual tapestry.

Some of my favorite moments were venturing out late at night to photograph St. Mark’s Square in its quiet, almost magical stillness and waking up early to capture the first light of sunrise. I loved wandering through the narrow alleyways, crossing charming bridges, and getting lost in the maze of streets and canals. In Venice, getting lost isn’t a mistake; it’s part of the adventure. Around every corner, there’s another beautiful façade, hidden courtyard, or picturesque canal waiting to be discovered.

Here is what caught my eye. I hope you enjoy!

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Curved-arm lantern in St. Mark’s Square

The view down a narrow canal with a few motor boats

Laundry drying on the line

This is the facade of the Church of Santa Maria, with columns, each one supporting a statue.

The beautiful Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge’s Palace with the prison, over the Rio di Palazzo.

Gondoliers navigating traditional Venetian gondolas with the island and church of San Giorgio Maggiore in the background.

Dinner and drinks along the River Degli Schiavoni

The Giants’ Staircase is the official entrance to Doge Palace, which was built between 1483 and 1491 and designed by Antonio Rizzo.

Here are gondolas at dusk - Gondolas are the best known form of transportation on the waterways of Venice.

This Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice.

The Facade of the Clock in the interior courtyard of Doge’s Palace.

The dome of the Church of Madonna della Salute on the Grand Canal

A few tourists snapping pictures from a water taxi

Bridge and architecture along the canals

Canals with motor boats lead to open water

The historic Hotel Palazzo Stern right on the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro district.

Church of Madonna della Statue with golden skies as a backdrop

A quiet back canal reflecting the tall, colorful architecture on either side.

The campanile, the tall brick bell tower for St. Mark’s Basilica, was one of the two columns brought back from Tyre in 1125 by Doge Michael.

Gondola operators wait for a fare outside the San Marco Residence.

Classic buildings, window shutters and flower boxes

Balconies with wrought iron and arched windows with shutters

Narrow passageways lead to old world-style storefronts and residences.

Sunrise skies while walking along the Grand Canal

Enjoy dinner accompanied by live music in one of the restaurants in St. Mark’s Square.

The equestrian statute of Venetian General Gattamelata on the walkway along the Grand Canal

Colorful sunset skies over the Grand Canal

An entrance to St Mark’s Basilica

Another view of St. Mark’s Basilica

The marble detail of a winged lion (with paw on book) and Doge Francesco Foscari above the Paper Gate of the Doge Palace are in St. Mark’s Square.

The mosaics and statues are part of the exterior art of St. Mark’s Basilica.

Pictured here are three of the four life-sized replicas of the bronze horses of St. Mark’s Basilica, which are now on display inside the church, over concerns to protect them from the weather.

These amazing paintings grace the ceiling inside the ornate Doge’s Palace.

Looking out onto the Grand Canal through a Doge Palace window

Sunrise on the Grand Canal

A rainy night just outside St Mark’s Square

What you should know:

• If you visit the inside of a religious site make sure to dress appropriately, covering both shoulders and knees for both men and women.

• There are elevated walkways installed by the city when the forecast predicts that St. Mark’s Square will flood.

• There are usually lines to get into St. Mark’s Basilica, which is free to enter.

• You can buy your ferry ticket before boarding; I did it at the airport. You can buy it on-board, but you have to tell them when you board.

• When walking around, plan to get lost. And to be honest, this is an awesome place to get lost, with photo opportunities around every corner.

• You could spend a couple of hours to a couple of days exploring the city.

• You will need a valid passport and a travel power adapter if you are from the US.

• The local currency is the Euro (EU).

• Many people speak English.

• People are friendly and helpful.

• This is a walkable city.

• Tipping is generally not necessary.