Taking a gondola ride is a must-do when you're visiting a city that rises directly from a network of canals. A relaxing journey on one of these light, flat-bottomed boats will help you admire the ...

you'll be dropped off at the Venezia Santa Lucia train station, where you can take a vaporetto to your accommodations. Driving is not an option here – even the police use boats to get around.

Books are piled on boats, bathtubs, and whatever can float. There is a giant gondola welcoming visitors at the entrance of the shop, and also a staircase made of old books opening onto a small canal.