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Great for a cheap lunch of pasta e fagioli (bean and pasta soup) or lasagne, at the bar or at a table out the back.

Large bookshop minutes from the railway station open until midnight seven days a week. A good stock of literature in English.

Manicured sand raked daily and neat rows of multicoloured bathing cabins and beach umbrellas sum up the Lido from June to September, made famous in Thomas Mann’s novel Death in Venice (see Thomas Mann). Venetians spend their summers socializing in style here. Things liven up considerably for the 10-day International Film Festival in September (see Films in English), when the shady streets are filled with film buffs and critics on bicycles.

About midway along the Lido is the pretty, quiet village of Malamocco and it’s now hard to imagine that it used to be the most important lagoon settlement soon after Roman times and the main port for Padua. A storm and giant waves washed away the entire town in 1106, later rebuilt in the vicinity on a smaller scale. It is appreciated for its 15th-century buildings, peaceful nature and rustic trattorias.

The northern end of the Lido littoral, a key point in the Republic’s defence, used to be equipped with impressive naval fortifications and chains would be laid across the lagoon mouth as a deterrent to invaders. The historic Sensa celebration (see La Sensa) is held offshore from the church of San Nicolò, founded in 1044 and a former Benedictine monastery, now a study centre. One visitable site is the 1386 Jewish cemetery. Alternatively, take a 35-minute mini-cruise on the car ferry between Tronchetto car park and San Nicolò. Its high decks give great views all over Venice.

Original handmade glass beads in brilliant hues and myriad shapes, window hangings and Christmas decorations.

Symbol of Venice and St Mark, abundant statuary and paintings of lions in varying forms fill the city.

Sergio and Laura are the hosts in this bed-and-breakfast, sandwiched between the Mercerie shopping thoroughfare and a quieter alley. Highlights are old trompe l’oeil stained glass, terrazzo flooring and internet facilities.