8 Places to Visit in Venice, the Romantic City of Canals

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Venice is a dream destination for many people around the world. Couples especially love this city because it is known as one of the most romantic places on Earth. The beautiful canals, old buildings, and gentle boat rides make it perfect for special moments together.

Venice is unlike any other city in the world. There are no cars or buses here - only boats and walking paths. The city sits on more than 100 small islands connected by bridges. This unique design makes Venice feel like a magical place where time moves slowly and every corner holds a new surprise.

If you want to visit this romantic city for the first time, here are eight of the best places to visit in Venice you shouldn't miss out on:

St. Mark's Basilica is one of the most famous churches in the world and the heart of Venice. This incredible building shows beautiful gold decorations and amazing artwork on its walls and ceiling. According to Britannica, this beautiful basilica was built in 829 to house the remains of St. Mark, that was brought to Venice from Alexandria. You can visit the basilica's museum and see the famous four bronze horses, which also provide access to a terrace with views over St. Mark's Square. 

Just about 10 minutes walking from St. Mark's Basilica, you can find the famous Doge's Palace. This impressive building was once the home of Venice's rulers. The palace features pink and white marble walls with beautiful Gothic architecture that makes it stand out. Inside, you can walk through grand rooms filled with paintings by famous artists and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. The palace also includes dark prison cells where famous prisoners once stayed.

The Grand Canal is Venice's main waterway and the best way to see the city from a different view. This large canal runs through the center of Venice like a reverse S-shape, passing by the most beautiful palaces and buildings. You can take a water bus or gondola ride along the canal to see amazing architecture from different time periods. The canal is especially beautiful during sunset when the water reflects the warm colors of the sky.

Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most famous bridge crossing the Grand Canal. This stone bridge has shops built right into its structure, making it both a crossing point and a shopping destination. You can buy souvenirs, jewelry, and local products while enjoying views of the busy canal below. The bridge area also has the historic Rialto Market where locals buy fresh fish and vegetables every morning.

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most famous bridges in Venice. This small but beautiful bridge connects Doge's Palace to the old prison. The bridge gets its romantic name from the idea that prisoners would sigh when they saw their last view of beautiful Venice through the stone windows. According to the Amongst Romans website, you can get the best view of this bridge from the nearby Ponte della Paglia or the Straw Bridge.  Many couples believe that kissing while passing under the bridge brings good luck to their relationship.

La Fenice Opera House is one of the most important theaters in Italy and a symbol of Venice's rich cultural history. This beautiful theater has been rebuilt several times after fires, with the most recent renovation completing in 2003. You can attend amazing opera and classical music performances or take guided tours to see the elegant red and gold interior. The theater has hosted famous composers and continues to present world-class performances throughout the year.

Burano and Murano are two colorful islands near Venice that offer completely different experiences from the main city. Burano is famous for its bright painted houses and traditional lace-making, while Murano is known worldwide for its beautiful glass-making traditions. You can watch skilled craftsmen create amazing glass art and buy unique pieces to take home. Both islands are easy to reach by water bus and make perfect one-day trip from Venice.

Galleria dell'Accademia is Venice's most important art museum and home to the world's best collection of Venetian paintings. The museum displays works by famous artists like Bellini, Titian, and Tintoretto in a beautiful former monastery building. You can see Gentile Bellini's famous "Procession in St. Mark's Square" and Carpaccio's historical scenes that show how Venice looked centuries ago and learn about the city's artistic traditions. The museum is smaller than other famous galleries, making it perfect for people who want to see great art without spending the whole day inside.