Old Venice and the lazy mazes of narrow canals are the only map one refers to in Venice.
The impressive clockfaces must be ignored, timetables laid aside – Venice is a city made to meander, to merely watch the day go by.
In fact, describing Venice is almost a futile activity: only those who breathe and live in Venice can understand the music that floats through the city walls.
In some ways, Venice is picture-perfect, the postcard destination, down to the cobblestone streets and hole-in-the-wall pizzerias.
Yet, somewhere beneath the millions of tourists in Venice, there is a world of intrigue and surprise, darker laneways, curious alleys, stray cats and a labyrinth which begs one to be lost in it.
Enjoy the richness of Italian espresso (and you’ll have to, ‘to go’ isn’t in the Italian vocabulary) and marvel at the architecture – almost every building in Venice boasts an ancient history. The city is the crossroads of Europe, overflowing with culture, art, history and elegance.
The key tourist attractions are well known, there is the Basilica di San Marco with its towering domes, and the Palazzo Ducale. Visitors flock to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell’Accademia, with good reason.
But of the hidden gems of Venice include the Ca’Rezzonico, Ca’Pesaro, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and Arsenale, all which offer another layer to the rich tapestry of history offered by Italy.
Of course, Venice continues the trend of the Italian shopping experience, with warm leathers and flowing silks readily available, but the street carts boast amusing trinkets to truly remind you of the everyday in Venice, whether it be a delicate sun umbrella, a Venetian mask, or even a customised gondola captain costume.
The millions are seemingly dispersed throughout the intertwined lanes of Venice; but still, peak seasons between May and September, Carnevale in February, and Easter and Christmas can leave travellers seeking peace.
The districts of Cannaregio, Dorsoduro and Castello are the eye in the storm, constantly quiet while Venice dances with life.
As the Italians put it, andare a spasso… just wander away – the city will be a better friend than your guidebook ever could be and that’s old venice.

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