Venice, one of the world's most romantic cities, has a well-earned reputation as also being one of the world's most expensive. While that may certainly be true for the city's hotels and restaurants, Venice offers a number of wonderful attractions that can be enjoyed for free.
Explore St. Mark's Square. The center of Venice is one of Europe's loveliest and best known squares. It dates from the ninth century and is home to St. Mark's Basilica, the church's dramatic campanile (tower) and the Doge's Palace, the seat of Venetian government for centuries. Today, the square is also home to a collection of outdoor cafes, shops and art galleries. No one visits Venice without passing through St. Mark's Square.
Tour St. Mark's Basilica. St. Mark's Basilica is the centerpiece of St. Mark's Square. The ninth-century Byzantine structure was consecrated as a Catholic church in 1094. The church is known for its art and mosaic designs as well as the two bronze horses that sit about the entrance.
Cross the Bridge of Sighs. The Bridge of Sighs, one of hundreds of bridges in Venice, connects the Doge's Palace with Venice's prison. It got its name from Lord Byron, a frequent Venice visitor, because the view from the bridge is the last glimpse prisoners would have of the city before being locked up. The Bridge of Sighs, an enclosed bridge made of limestone, is best viewed from the adjacent "Ponte della Paglia."
Examine the Rialto Market. The local food market sets up early every morning near the Rialto Bridge. It's a flurry of activity, with vendors calling to shoppers and chefs and housewives carefully weighing their purchases. You'll see fruits and vegetables from all over eastern Italy. It's a wonderful sight.
View art and architecture at the Ca d'Oro. The Ca d'Oro (Golden House), located along Venice's Grand Canal, was built in the fifteenth century. An excellent example of Venetian Gothic architecture, the "palazzo" for centuries remained the ancestral home of one wealthy Venetian family. Today, the house belongs to the state and is open to the public as an art gallery, featuring works by Venetian artists.
