At a glance: This Gothic governor’s palace overlooking the Grand Canal is a treasure trove of art and architecture, as well as a symbol of the Floating City’s wealth and power.

Why go? Marvel at masterpieces by Titian and Tintoretto, cross the Bridge of Sighs, and visit the attic prison during a tour.

At a glance: Venice’s crown jewel, this cathedral is full of spectacular art and architectural details. Its glittering Byzantine mosaics have earned it the nickname “The Golden Church."

Why go? Admire the building's unique architecture, which blends Gothic, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Renaissance elements, including soaring domes and opulent, mosaic-covered interiors.

At a glance: One of the most famous squares in Italy, St. Mark's Square is the geographic and cultural heart of Venice and home to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Why go? Crowded with café tables and lined with elaborate palaces, this elegant square epitomizes the splendor and charm Venice is known for.

At a glance: In a city full of canals, the Grand Canal is the undisputed queen. Venice’s main waterway is lined with dazzling palaces and crowded with gondolas and boats.

Why go? See Venice’s most notable palaces and churches as you float down its main throughfare to St. Mark’s Square.

At a glance: The tallest point in Venice, St Mark’s Bell Tower rises more than 300 feet (99 meters) above the city’s main square.

Why go? Stand at the top of the tower where Galileo tested his telescope in 1609, and take in sweeping views of the city and the surrounding lagoon.

At a glance: Venice’s 18th-century opera house is one of the most prestigious performance venues in Italy and boasts sumptuous gilded and frescoed interiors.

Why go? Enjoy a performance of classical music or ballet while surrounded by 19th-century opulence, or learn about the theater’s impressive history on a guided tour.

At a glance: Guggenheim's legendary Venetian residence on the Grand Canal houses modern art masterpieces that offer a contemporary contrast to Venice's famous Gothic and baroque art and architecture.

Why go? See world-class artwork including pieces by Picasso, Kandinsky, Dalí, and Pollock, and admire the building—an unfinished 18th-century palace.

At a glance: The largest of Venice’s six districts (sestieri), Cannaregio is home to the Jewish ghetto and the art-filled churches of Madonna dell'Orto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

Why go? Learn about the historic ghetto, admire masterpieces in the churches, and enjoy a traditional meal at the restaurants on the Fondamenta de la Misericordia.

At a glance: Set on its own island across the lagoon from St. Mark’s Square, this 16th-century Benedictine abbey is home to two masterpieces by Tintoretto.

Why go? Ride the ferry across the Grand Canal to admire Tintoretto's paintings and climb the bell tower, which offers views that rival those of St. Mark’s—without the long line.

At a glance: Known in Venice as I Frari, this modest Gothic church houses Renaissance masterpieces, including Titian’s 16th-century "Assumption of the Virgin."

Why go? Admire notable works by Titian, Bellini, and Donatello. Afterwards, wander through the surrounding San Polo district.

At a glance: One of six Venetian districts (sestieri), art-rich Dorsoduro is home to the Gallerie dell’Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the Ca' Rezzonico museum.

Why go? Take the Accademia Bridge across the Grand Canal to admire masterpieces by artists ranging from Titian to Picasso, and see the waterfront basicila of Santa Maria della Salute.

At a glance: This 15th-century palace belongs to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, one of Venice's historic confraternities, and contains some of Tintoretto's most significant works.

Why go? Admire Tintoretto's "Christ before Pilate," as well as works by Giorgione and other artists, and learn about the history of the city's Scuole Grande (Great Schools).

At a glance: This imposing 16th-century palace on the Grand Canal was restored in 2016 and reopened as a luxury shopping center.

Why go? The shops' designer duds come with a hefty price tag, but the building's rooftop is considered one of the most scenic in Venice, and the panoramic views are free.

At a glance: One of Venice’s quirkiest spots, this second-hand bookshop has books stacked in bathtubs, gondolas, and even up the courtyard wall.

Why go? Book lovers and photographers will delight in this uniquely picturesque basement bookshop, where cats and books seem to get equal shelf space.

At a glance: Spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is one of Venice's most popular sights.

Why go? The bridge is a great place to take photographs, offering a bird's-eye view of the Grand Canal and gondola traffic.

At a glance: Known as “La Salute,” this baroque church sits on the Grand Canal and is known for its intricate facade and towering dome.

Why go? Climb the church steps, which rise directly from the water, to admire the building's mosaic floor and paintings by Tintoretto and Titian.

At a glance: The historic center of Venice, this area is made up of hundreds of islands separated by canals and calle (lanes) and is divided into six districts.

Why go? Visit the district of San Marco to see many of the Floating City's most famous sights, then taste and walk your way through adjacent neighborhoods.

At a glance: A highlight of St. Mark’s Square, the Torre dell'Orologio is famous for its intricate clock, which has marked time for Venetians and visitors for more than 500 years.

Why go? Tour the inside of the tower to see the clock's workings and the ornate statues that emerge from the clock twice a year.

At a glance: Among the most photographed sights in Venice, the 17th-century Bridge of Sighs spans the Rio di Palazzo canal between the Doge’s Palace and the New Prisons.

Why go? Admire the view from this bridge that prisoners once crossed on their way from the Doge’s interrogation rooms to their prison cells.

At a glance: Ca' Rezzonico, a magnificent example of Venetian baroque and rococo architecture, is home to the Museum of 18th Century Venice.

Why go? Explore the gilded halls of this palace and its museum to experience the extravagant excesses of Venetian life at the height of the city's wealth.

At a glance: Named for the Venetian word for "snail," this 15th-century spiral staircase climbs the facade of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

Why go? Tucked in a quiet side street, this architectural gem offers views of the city without the crowds of St. Mark's Square.

At a glance: Once the largest shipyard in the world, Venice’s massive Arsenale complex now houses a naval museum, a ships pavilion, and exhibition spaces.

Why go? Learn about Venice's historic maritime strength at this sprawling complex, which could once produce a full galley in a single day.

At a glance: Established in 1097, the Rialto Market is where Venetians have shopped for fresh food for almost a millennium.

Why go? Shop like a local and peruse stalls of seafood, fruit, vegetables, and more at this postcard-perfect market, set at the foot of the Rialto Bridge.

At a glance: Set in a historic Venetian palace, these intimate opera performances are staged in a different room for each act, earning them the name “traveling opera."

Why go? This unique opera experience brings you into the story by seating you only feet from the performers.

At a glance: Venice’s historic customs warehouse is now a compelling exhibition space, hosting shows by prominent international artists.

Why go? Punta della Dogana was renovated in 2009 by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Visit the imposing building to see shows by artists such as British contemporary sculptor Damien Hirst.

At a glance: The Gallerie dell'Accademia houses a lavish art collection including Leonardo da Vinci’s "Vitruvian Man."

Why go? See more than 800 paintings dating from the 14th to the 18th century, including works by Bellini, Titian, Mantegna, and Leonardo da Vinci.

At a glance: Located in a neoclassical building on St. Mark's Square, Museo Correr is Venice's premier history and culture museum.

Why go? Learn about the city’s birth and evolution through the museum's vast collection of sculptures, paintings, books, musical instruments, and other artifacts.

At a glance: The oldest Jewish ghetto in Italy (and the origin of the term "ghetto"), this neighborhood houses historic buildings and the Jewish Museum, and is still the center of Jewish life in Venice.

Why go? See the area's 16th-century synagogues, visit kosher restaurants, and learn about the history of Italy’s oldest Jewish community.

At a glance: This turquoise bay is home to the clutch of islands that make up much of Venice, including the islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello.

Why go? See Venice’s historic center, then head to the outlying islands for a quiet atmosphere and to browse crafts such as blown glass and lace.

At a glance: Venice’s playground, this long sandbar is home to the Venice Casino, stylish hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. It also hosts the annual Venice Film Festival.

Why go? During the day, relax on the beach or enjoy a round of golf. At night, explore the island’s chic restaurants, nightclubs, and casino.