Venice

Venice is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon, laced together by canals instead of streets, and it remains one of the strangest and most beautiful cities anywhere. There are no cars — you walk everywhere or travel by boat, which changes the whole rhythm of the place. The vaporetto (water bus) is the practical way to get around; gondolas are lovely but touristy and expensive, worth it mainly for the experience rather than transport.

St. Mark's Square, the Basilica, and the Doge's Palace are the obvious anchors, but the city rewards wandering into quieter neighborhoods like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro, away from the day-trip crowds that flood the center between late morning and early evening. Staying overnight, rather than just visiting for the day, makes an enormous difference — the city empties out and feels almost eerie after dark.

Acqua alta, seasonal flooding, affects parts of the city in autumn and winter. Crowding and cruise ship traffic have become serious issues, and the city now charges day-trippers an entry fee at peak times.

The nearby islands — Murano for glass, Burano for lace and colorful houses — make easy, worthwhile half-day trips.