| Some 118 islands make up this hopelessly romantic | | | | been carefully reconstructed after it fell down in the |
| Italian travel Mecca and there are plenty of attractions | | | | early part of the 20th century. Visible from some |
| that price-wise are beyond the majority of backpacker | | | | hostels in Venice, this impressive 15th century feature |
| in their hostels in Venice. That said there are also a | | | | is a must see. |
| great many fantastic sights visitors can go and see for | | | | Rialto Bridge |
| free. | | | | One of three bridges over Venice's Grand Canal |
| Basilica di San Marco | | | | around which lucky travelers can find some of the |
| Located on the Piazza San Marco, this visually stunning | | | | best placed Venice hostels. The bridge may be free, |
| cathedral is an unforgettable sight housing an incredibly | | | | but the expensive flanking shops and restaurants most |
| detailed and well kept collection of ancient mosaics. | | | | certainly are not. |
| Although well worth the wait, backpackers should | | | | Bridge of Sighs |
| expect to queue for up to five hours on the busiest | | | | This romantic hidden treasure is famed for its stone |
| days! | | | | barred windows. Historically however, the bridge is so |
| Venice Carnival | | | | named because prisoners were said to sigh at their |
| Taking place in the ten days running up to Lent, the | | | | last sight of Venice before being put in the cells of the |
| carnival is packed full of locals dressed in unusual | | | | connecting prison, now an exclusive hotel. |
| period costumes and concludes in a masked ball. | | | | Arsenale |
| Private palaces are also opened to the public offering | | | | This huge dockyard is located in the Castello district of |
| a rare glimpse into Venetian antiquity. | | | | Venice and has been used since the 8th century. |
| Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo | | | | Regimented pillars hark back to the once proud |
| A huge gothic church heralding from the 14th century, it | | | | maritime state's cultural past. |
| also serves as the final resting place for many of the | | | | Campanile di San Marco |
| city's Doges - ancient rulers of the former independent | | | | An impressive 325-foot tower visible from hotels and |
| state. | | | | hostels in Venice, the Campanile becomes ever-more |
| Frari | | | | impressive the closer you get to it. |
| Its exterior may not be particularly impressive, but the | | | | Ponte della Paglia |
| interior of the affectionately known Frari church more | | | | This popular tourist destination connects the impressive |
| than makes up for it. In particular, the Titian altar piece | | | | Doges Palace and the Palazzo dei Prigioni, but is also |
| is a beautiful example of extravagant Venetian design. | | | | the best place from which to photograph the Bridge of |
| Torre dell'Orologio | | | | Sighs. |
| The impressive Saint Mark Square clock tower has | | | | |