Venice

Venice is the capital of Italy's Veneto region and one of the world's most distinctive cities, built across more than 100 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Its historic centre has no roads for cars; canals, bridges, footpaths and water transport shape daily life, giving the city a character unlike any other destination.

Venice developed as a major maritime republic and trading power, and that heritage is visible in landmarks such as St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal. Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance influences meet in its palaces, churches and public squares, while the Arsenal recalls the city's historic shipbuilding strength.

The city is divided into six sestieri, each with its own atmosphere. San Marco holds the most famous monuments, Cannaregio offers a more local feel, Dorsoduro is known for the Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Castello, San Polo and Santa Croce mix quiet lanes with markets, churches and everyday life. Nearby islands such as Murano and Burano are known for glassmaking and brightly coloured houses.

Venice is also an international centre for culture and events, hosting the Venice Biennale, the Venice Film Festival, Carnival and major exhibitions. The food scene centres on seafood, cicchetti served in small bacari, local wines and Prosecco from the surrounding Veneto region, while Mestre and Porto Marghera on the mainland support the city's business and industrial activity.

For leisure visitors, Venice offers art, history and a one-of-a-kind urban landscape. For business travellers and event delegates, it combines conference venues, an international airport and strong connections to the Veneto region, making it a destination that works for both short city breaks and longer professional stays.