Venice is like no other, this romantic city will take your breath away.  A city built on water!  Your first magnificent sight when arriving by plane or train is the Grand Canal.  You have a couple of options, a vaporetto (water bus) or a private water taxi to take you through the canal to your hotel.  The waterway is lined with historic palaces, churches and museums.  The Rialto Bridge is always a stopping point with its busy produce and fish market.  The Santa Maria della Grazie is a great Baroque church and a focal point on the way.  Once you've settled at your hotel you have a lot of sights to see.  Piazza San Marco with the historic Basilica, filled with artwork and treasures. The Doges' Palace, home to Venetian rulers and a prison that was connected by the Bridge of Sighs.  In the evenings you can sit in the Piazza San Marco with a glass of prosecco and listen to classical music.  The whole city is a museum, but there are a few you must see.  The Accademia, a huge selection of Venetian paintings spanning five centuries.  Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, a Gothic church holding masterpieces by Titan and Giovanni Bellini.  Peggy Guggenheim's collection of modern art.  You might want to venture to the other Venetian islands like Murano, famous for it's glass making.  And, Burano with it's brightly colored homes and lace and linen shops.

Venice is known for it's fresh fish and seafood dishes.  A note of warning, when it comes to restaurants stay away from the tourist traps, the cuisine is lacking and at very high prices.  It's always good to get a locals recommendation.  I have listed just a few that won't disappoint.

Private water taxi dock at Hotel Metropole

The Rialto Bridge

Oh, those canals!

Hotels

Hotel Metropole great location, a 5 minute walk from Piazza San Marco.  Once inside it's like being in a Venetian Palazzo. Wonderful restaurant, and a charming bar and lounge. They have a private water taxi dock, which is rare.

Hotel Flora charming garden setting, a great way to start the day with breakfast among the greenery.

Hotel Cipriani for a big splurge, and views of the lagoon, this hotel is very luxurious.

Restaurants & Cafes

Da Fiore classical Venetian, local fish.

Quadri fairly new and located in Piazza San Marco, located on the top floor, the bottom floor is a cafe during the day. Modern Italian dishes.

Osteria Boccadoro typical Venetian cuisine away from the tourist trail.

Antiche Carampane one of the oldest trattoria's in Venice, near the Rialto Bridge.

Sights & Museums

Harry's Bar - famous Bellini cocktail
Teatro La Fenice Opera House
Scuola Grande di San Rocco Art Museum