Courtesy Londra Palace Hotel

Yes, the crowds can be maddening, but the rowboat-filled, crystal blue waters and picturesque cobblestone streets of Venice always make us feel like we’ve been transported back to simpler times.

1. Welcome to Venice

Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go.”—Truman Capote.

No matter your feelings on Venice, it’s safe to say that this city is truly unlike any other place in the world. Yes, the tourist crowds can be maddening, but the gondola-filled, crystal blue waters and picturesque cobblestone streets always make us feel like we’ve been transported to another time. Cheers to Venice!

Cavan Images/Getty Images
Cavan Images/Getty Images

2. Above the Canals

Courtesy Londra Palace Hotel
Courtesy Londra Palace Hotel

They say that if you don’t get lost, you’re not doing it right. We like to get lost on Venice’s Londra Palace hotel roof—can you blame us?

3. Venice’s Outer Islands

Image by Mikkel Vang
Image by Mikkel Vang

A quick boat ride from the historic center of Venice will bring you to a series of islands scattered in the lagoon, each with its own personality and charms. Pictured here: the beautiful blue waterways of Giudecca.

4. Romantic Hotels

Courtesy Aman Canal Grande Venice
Courtesy Aman Canal Grande Venice

Venice is home to some of the most romantic hotels in the world, including the Aman Canal Grande. George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin loved this hotel so much, they got married here in 2014.

5. Frittelle alla Veneziana

Ken Scicluna/Corbis
Ken Scicluna/Corbis

A visit to the lagoon would not be complete without snacking on some frittelle alla veneziana, small donuts covered in powdered sugar.

6. Beautiful Architecture

Image by Jevgenija Pigozne
Image by Jevgenija Pigozne

Venice was ranked no. 9 on our list of the world’s best cities for arts and culture lovers. With its plethora of cultural festivals, beautiful architecture, and legacy as an inspiration to the likes of Shakespeare and Thomas Mann, it’s easy to see why.

7. Travel Via the Canals

Courtesy Aman Canal Grande Venice
Courtesy Aman Canal Grande Venice

Venice is best seen from the water, as many locals say. Gondola rides can be pricey, so try taking one of the many vaporetti (water buses) or water taxis to your next destination instead.

8. Seafood Galore

Image by Mikkel Vang
Image by Mikkel Vang

Hello, dinner! A tangle of seafood at Da Celeste on Pellestrina, one of Venice’s outer islands, looks divine.

9. Incredible Views

Courtesy Belmond Hotel Cipriani
Courtesy Belmond Hotel Cipriani

If you want an escape from the main island, catch a water taxi to the Belmond Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca, where you’ll find an Olympic-size pool and amazing views.

10. A Spirited City

Henk Meijer/Alamy
Henk Meijer/Alamy

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a city more romantic, beautiful, and lively at night than Venice. Take a walk along the Rialto Bridge to see what we mean.

11. View From the Water

Courtesy Aman Canal Grande Venice
Courtesy Aman Canal Grande Venice

A nighttime boat ride is the perfect way to experience the true beauty of Venice. Pictured here: the view of Aman Canal Grande from the water.

12. Venetian Sunsets

Image by Mikkel Vang
Image by Mikkel Vang

End your night with a Venetian Spritz and this gorgeous sunset view.