1. Doge's Palace

The Doge's Palace, right on the edge of the lagoon, is the most important historic building in Venice. For over a thousand years, this was the seat of power of the Republic of Venice. The republic may have disappeared into modern Italy, but the Doge's Palace still stands as a fascinating museum.

• Address: Piazza San Marco 1, 30124 Venice
• Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-11:00 PM

2. St Mark's Basilica

A religious site for over a millennium, St Mark's Basilica is one of the finest churches in Italy. You'll be dazzled by the gold decor inside, including incredible ceiling mosaics. This building is a stunning example of the luxury and wealth that prevailed in the Republic of Venice.

• Address: Piazza San Marco 328, 30100 Venice
• Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-5:15 PM. Opening times vary on Sundays and holy days.

3. Home of Marco Polo

Many famous people have lived in Venice over the centuries, but perhaps the most important of all was Marco Polo. A visit to Marco Polo's home is a must for history buffs. You'll see the building in which the explorer lived before he set out to become the first European to reach China.

• Address: Corte Seconda del Milion 5852, 30121 Venice

4. Leonardo da Vinci Museum

He may have been from a town 250 miles away, but Leonardo da Vinci left his mark on Venice. He worked here as a military architect and engineer, and his brilliant plans kept the city safe from naval attacks. The Leonardo da Vinci Museum celebrates his legacy.

• Address: Scoletta di San Rocco, Campo San Rocco 3052, 30125 Venice
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:45 PM

5. Vivaldi's Church

The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Visitazione is a bit of a mouthful, but most locals know it as Vivaldi's Church. It was here that one of Italy's finest composers wrote his most famous works, inspired by the beautiful frescoes all around him.

• Address: Riva degli Schiavoni, 30122 Venice
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:30 AM-1:00 PM and 2:00 PM-6:00 PM; Closed Mondays

6. La Fenice Opera House

La Fenice is one of Venice's finest opera houses, where the annual New Year's Concert takes place. It was destroyed by an arsonist in 1996 but painstakingly rebuilt in a Baroque style. Today, it is just as grand as it ever was, with a gorgeous, ornate interior.

• Address: Campo San Fantin 1965, 30124 Venice
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-11:00 PM. Opening hours may vary due to performances.

7. Rialto Bridge

This landmark is one of the most famous bridges in the world. There are dozens of ways to admire the Rialto: from the shore, by walking across it, or by taking a gondola ride under it. Whatever you choose, no trip to Venice would be complete without it.

• Address: Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venice