Venice is often regarded as a tourist`s haven due a large number of places to visit that are concentrated here. Some places that are frequented by travelers in large numbers include:

Piazza San Marco:A large public square, Piazza San Marco hosts a large number of tourist attractions and is the main meeting place in Venice. Also, known as St. Mark`s Square, the place greets you with the two well known columns, one is crowned with Saint Theodore and the other is topped with the lion of St. Mark`s.

St. Mark`s Basilica:This cathedral is home to the tomb of St. Mark`s and houses the reliquary of St. Mark. The construction of present Basilica began at the end of 11th century. This magnificent masterpiece is an architectural wonder, representing the Romanesque or Byzantine styles of architecture.

Campanile:The tallest structure in Venice, Campanile was visited by Galileo in the 17th century. The reworking of Campanile began in 1902 and was rebuilt in 1912. Get a scintillating view of St Mark`s, Piazza and the Doge`s Palace as you reach the top of Campanile.

Doge`s Palace or Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace):The doges or dukes ruled Venice till the 18th century with the Ducal Palace serving as the seat of government. The palace is a great display of the historic grandeur and might of Venice as the major power and mercantile center of the Mediterranean. The palace got built in the 10th century, and was rebuilt in the 14th century.

Museo Correr:Museo Correr lies in the Napoleon wing of the Piazza San Marco. This museum is home to a large collection of art and artifacts from Venice of medieval and renaissance times. The ticket to the museum also includes entrance to the Doge`s Palace. Museo Correr is open all through the year.

This `city of love` is visited by travelers all the year for varied purpose. However, touring Venice does not come cheap and even the accommodation in the city is expensive. Book in advance during the carnival or film festival else you might have to make your bookings in the nearby areas.

San Marco:San Marco has a large concentration of hotels that offer best guest services and are of great historical significance. The Westin Europa, the Hotel Gritti Palace, Grand Canal, and the Hotel Monaco are amongst the best in the region.

Lido:A favorite amongst the celebrities, the Westin Excelsior has played host to numerous international stars during the Venice Film Festival. Moderately priced affordable options include the likes of the Albergo Quattro Fontane. This comfortable hotel is hot amongst the travelers during the film festival and the summer time.

Dorsoduro: Dorsoduro is primarily a residential colony that houses few of the quiet and charming retreats, away from the hustle and bustle of the city main. If you`re looking to stay near the city`s main attractions, Pensione Seguso� and Pensione La Calcina should be your ideal choice.

A valid passport is required by the nationals of Britain, Australia, Canada and USA for more than 3 months of stay. EU nationals holding a valid ID card do not require a passport to enter Venice.

Nationals of EU countries do not require a visa for stay of unlimited duration. Nationals of Canada, USA and Australia do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days.

June through September, with mild and pleasant temperatures, are the best months to travel to Venice. Also, the Venice Carnival, which usually happens in February, is the Time when rooms in Venice hotels are jam packed.

Being close to the Adriatic Sea, Venice has a moderate temperature with rains throughout the year. Winters are foggy and wet, whereas summers are quite humid. October through early January is the time for floods in Venice. Spring and summer (March to June) are warm and sunny, hence the favorite amongst tourists.

Currency:Being a member of the European Union, Italy converted to Euro in 2002. Foreign currencies and travelers` checks can be exchanged at banks, railway stations and airports.

Language:Venetian is the native language of almost 2 million people in Italy. It is referred to as a dialect of Italian.