Age-old Venice is still very much sought for its rich history, its art and architecture, its beauty, food, and the sheer romance that the city invokes. There seems to be lack of any significant change in the way of life in Venice since 800 years or so ago. It has always been conservative and traditional. Like the wonderful sights to see in Venice, the entire city continues to attract people for its beauty and charm. It still remains to be a great place for romance although it is slowly sinking.

Venice does not seem like a big city but it is. It is divided in several districts called “sestieri”: Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, and San Marco. San Marco is considered the center. When you look at the city from the sky, you will see that it’s shaped like a fish, and it’s belly is San Marco.

Where do you go when you’re in Venice? What are the sights to see in Venice and what awaits you there? Here are five notable places to go to in this city of canals.

Basilica di San Marco (Campanile)

This is a great place to kick off your vacation in Venice. You will get a nice view of the city but you have to pay for a minimal fee to ride to the top. The Campanile or Bell Tower is something you must see because you’ll get an amazing view from this tallest bell tower in the city.

The Basilica is a religious place and a monument to commemorate St. Mark. The building keeps a lot of sculptures and religious items from the time of Constantinople and the Christian Crusades. The admission to the Basilica is free but you are discreetly asked for donations.

Piazza San Marco

This is the belly of the fish – the center of Venice. It is the most popular place for tourists today. It is best to visit this place during the day and during nighttime to see how beautiful this place really is. San Marco is home to so many other important sights to see in Venice since it is the commercial district.

Also known as St. Mark’s Square, this place is one of the world’s greatest squares. It is usually very populated especially during peak season. This is the place where you can feed pigeons with bird food that is available in the surrounding area. During fall or spring this place becomes a wading pool for some time because of the acqua alta, which floods the city. The water subsides immediately after a few hours.

Rialto Bridge

Another one of the sights to see in Venice is the Rialto Bridge. Also known as Ponte di Rialto, this bridge has been the main link for pedestrians crossing the two banks of the Grand Canal. It was the only bridge across the Canal until 1854. This is the place where the market stalls are located. Fruits, vegetables, and seafood are being sold here for most of the homemakers, chefs, and tourists.

Doge’s Palace

This is one of the most popular sights to see in Venice. If you would like to see what’s inside this gothic palace, you will have to book it early. The palace was home to the past rulers of Venice.

The Grand Canal

Venice is the city of water because it is floating in water, figuratively. The Grand Canal is the setting for the splendor and romance that is Venice. The waters in this canal serve as the city’s streets and it is the busiest place there. You can enjoy the sights to see in Venice through the vaporetto, traghetto, or gondolas.