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There really isn't any other city in the world like Venice, Italy. It has been seducing people for well over a thousand years. Some of its fans have included composer Richard Wagner, poet Lord Byron, conductor Igor Stravinsky, writer Dorothy Parker and actress Angelina Jolie. Here are eight things you must experience when visiting Venice:

1. Head Straight to Piazza San Marco. You will know you are there if there are as many pigeons as there are people! Napoleon called this square "the most beautiful drawing room in all of Europe" and he was probably right. Make sure to have a shockingly expensive cup of coffee or glass of wine at one of the many establishments around the square. In the summer and early fall there are professional musicians playing and it creates one of the most romantic atmospheres around.
2. Take Time to See the Basilica San Marco. The focal point of the square is the exquisite Byzantine-style church for which the square is named. While there has been a church of sorts on this spot since 828, the current structure was built in the 11th century. Think all churches look the same? Not in this case. Go inside. It is worth it. Supposedly, in the 800's the Venetians knew that if they wanted their republic to be one of distinction, they needed to adopt a patron saint. So a group of local merchants sailed to the port of Alexandria, Egypt and stole the remains of St. Mark, and scurried them off to Venice. Unfortunately, no one knows exactly where the bones are now, but they aren't the real reason to investigate the interior anyway. The best reason is because the interior is breathtakingly beautiful. Gaze up at the multi-domed ceiling. It is completely covered with bright mosaics containing gold. These mosaics cover approximately 8,500 square meters of the surface of the Basilica, and there are even mosaics on the pavement protected by heavy carpets. Make sure to see the "Pala d'oro" which is one of the richest and most precious alters ever created. It is saturated with more than 3,000 precious stones, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, etc., and inlaid in gold. There is always a long line to get into the Basilica so consider going first thing in the morning to beat the crowds.
3. Visit the Doges Palace. It is worthwhile to pay for a tour of the Doges Palace. The "doge" was the term used for the ruler of Venice. This city was one of the first republics in the world and the doge was something between a really important mayor and a prime minister. The tour includes a glimpse of some priceless artworks by Tintoretto, Titian, Bellini and Veronese. Tours will take visitors across the Bridge of Sighs, which connected the palace to the local prison and its cells, one of which housed Casanova for a period of time. The Great Council Hall displays the largest oil painting in the world (Tintoretto's "Paradise"). Climb the Golden Staircase -- physical proof of just how wealthy the Venetian Republic was -- and see the Doge's private apartment.
4. Hire a Gondola. It may seem corny, but hiring a gondola and gliding through ancient canals can be an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Splurge and pretend you are an European royal or a glamorous courtesan. Granted it may cost you a minimum of $100 (some things are just recession proof), but when else will a good-looking Italian serenade you with O' Solo Mio with such bravado?
5. Go Up in the Bell Tower and Catch a Bird's Eye View of Venice. Called the Campanile, it has dominated Piazza San Marco since 1549. In 1902, the Campanile collapsed and the only casualty was the caretaker's cat. It was reconstructed by 1912. From the top you can see all of Venice's six neighborhoods, as well as the adjacent islands in the lagoon.
6. Stroll through the Rialto Fish Market. For over 1,000 years Venetians have shopped for their fish and produce on the Rialto. Get there early because fresh fish is delivered at dawn and vendors start their hawking of goods by 8 a.m. The Rialto gives you a sneak peak at real Italian life and every kind of seafood that the region has to offer.
7. Go to Harry's Bar and Have a Bellini. Oh, you must. Yes, it's overpriced, but let's face it, it is an experience you can only really have in Venice. A concoction of white peach puree and prosecco, it was imbibed regularly by the likes of Ernest Hemingway. Created in the 1930's by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry's Bar, it was named because of its pink color which reminded Cipriani of a painting by 15th-century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini. On a hot day it is divine! And lastly. . .
8. Just Ride Around on the Vaporetto. The most enchanting part of Venice is best seen by boat. Seeing all of the grand palazzos of yesteryear by water is a romantic form of time-travel.

If this has just whetted your appetite, have no fear, there are loads of other interesting and colorful things to see and do in Venice. Consider this just the start.

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