Venice

Venice is as surreal as they come. The city is a complex network of over 100 small islands dominated by Renaissance-era development, divided by dozens of major and minor canals, and connected by more than 400 foot bridges. No cars, no car horns, no scooters or motorcycles - just boats and all kinds of boats: classic gondolas, handy traghettos, bulky vaporettos, gorgeous wooden runabouts, functional topettas, adventurous kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and modern motor boats.

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Minus aquatic transportation, the bulk of Venice is entirely walkable. Not in an intuitive, straightforward way mind you, but in a you're-golden-if-you-like-mazes kind of way. Once you have seen and done the must-sees and must-do's on your list, allow yourself to just get lost in the back alleys of Venice. Wander in and out the different Venetian neighborhoods. You'll see more of the city as its been for hundreds of years, happen upon bars and restaurants that the locals prefer, and experience a more authentic Venice.

 

As busy as the obvious tourist areas can get, it is also terribly easy to drift off center and enjoy an uncluttered, unbranded and unexpected Venice.