DK Travel : Venice

The uniquely romantic city of Venice was built entirely on water and has managed to survive into the 21st century without cars. Narrow alleyways and canals pass between sumptuous palaces and magnificent churches, colourful neighbourhood markets and quiet backwaters, unchanged for centuries. Few cities possess such an awesome line-up of sights for visitors.

For guided tours around Venice (see Guided Tours)

Laboratorio Fustat

Stunning ceramics made on the spot by talented Cinzia, who also runs pottery courses here.
Land Access

With private gondolas, this was relatively unimportant, hence a narrow alley.
Lanterna Magica

A toy and gadget shop where you can browse among star-studded umbrellas and “magic lantern” lamps with a procession of shadow figures.
Lazzaretto Nuovo

Across the water from Sant’ Erasmo, up until the 1700s this island served as a quarantine station for merchant ships entering the lagoon and suspected of carrying the plague, together with members of the population under observation. The long building housed up to 10,000 people during the 1576 pestilence, while cargoes were fumigated with rosemary and juniper in temporary shelters. Later converted into a military stronghold, it now swarms with archaeology enthusiasts intent on unearthing its secrets and students attending summer camps.
Le Bistrot de Venise

An eclectic programme of events here never ceases to entertain, from poetry readings to art exhibitions and wine and food events. An added bonus is good wine and a fascinating menu of dishes based on traditional 15th-century recipes.
Le Botteghe della Solidarità

A kaleidoscopic display of handwoven shawls from India and musical instruments from African countries are part of an enterprise to guarantee artisans a just income.
Le Café

Have a fresh orange juice or a cappuccino and pastry as you watch life go by in the square.
Le Ceramiche

In a tiny atelier close to the Arsenale (see Arsenale), Alessandro Merlin creates original platters, cups and tiles, with black and white designs based on lagoon fish or human figures.
Le Ragazze di Cima

Need a bridal trousseau or just a swimming costume? Lingerie for all occasions in silk and other fabrics can be found here.
Legatoria Piazzesi

The only people in Venice still printing paper with hand-cut blocks, as well as binding books.