Piazza San Marco

Vibrant, buzzing Piazza San Marco is Venice's uncontested heart. First-timers have to start their exploring here, and many return visitors come to ride the elevator up San Marco Basilica's clock tower (campanile) for a great city perspective. Art aficionados stop by the Correr Museum whose first floor is dedicated to sculptor Antonio Canova, and whose other treasures include works by Bellini, Carpaccio and Lotto. The Doge's Palace and Biblioteca Marciana complete this square's incredible offerings. If you book a "Secret Itineraries” tour at the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), you can skip the lines. The beautiful main hall in the Biblioteca Marciana is decorated by Tintoretto and Schiavone, and it hosts important temporary exhibitions.