The Peggy Guggenheim Collection and other Venice, Italy Things to Do Tips

An amazing collection of modern art that Guggenheim amassed when she resolved to buy a picture a day. Featured are works of art by Picasso, Max Ernst (her former husband), Paul Klee, Jackson Pollock, Marc Chagell, etc... Situated in a beautiful palazzo on the Grand Canal, its a great way to spend a rainy afternoon or get away from the hussle and bussle.

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Address: Fondamenta Venier dei Leoni, Dorsoduro 708
Directions: Dorsoduro area; just east of the Gallerie dell'Academia
Website: www.guggenheim-venice.it

You will be hard pressed to spend a day in Venice without crossing the Rialto bridge at least once. It is one of the city's most famous landmarks and dates from 1588. A magnet for tourists and romantics. Also a great photo op point. Check out the open-air markets in the area.

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Address: San Polo
Directions: There are signs everywhere in Venice pointing the way to the Rialto bridge or just follow the hordes of tourists.

Home to Titian's famous "Assumption of the Virgin" canvas; Donatello's statue of John the Baptist and the tombs of doges and Canova. Give yourself plenty of time to absorb the beauty of Frari. It doesn't look like much from the outside but you can't judge a book by its cover.

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Address: Campo die Frari, San Polo
Directions: San Polo, between the train station and the Rialto bridge
Other Contact: admission 2 Euros

When one thinks of Venice, gondolas immediately come to mind. Sure it is cliche and a tourist trap but it is one of the best ways to see Venice. You can find gondoliers everywhere in Venice and a gondola can hold up to six people. The price set is for the ride itself so the more people you have, the cheaper the ride is. A little known fact is that you can haggle with the gondoliers. if you don't like the price, say no thanks and walk away - within seconds another gondolier will run up to you with another offer. Keep doing this ritual until you get a price you are happy with. You can choose between a Grand Canal tour or a small canal tour. I recommend the small canal as it is quieter. The Grand Canal is very busy and can also have very choppy water. Pick your gondolier also for his personality, he should be informative about the history of Venice and of the gondola. Remember you are paying a lot of money for this trip so your gondolier should deliver. And oh by the way...they do not sing for you, even if you try to bribe them. It only happens in Vegas. But you can pay to have singers and/or musicians accompany you for that extra romantic touch.

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Address: Gondoliers are located everywhere in Venice

A wonderful baroque church at the southern end of the Grand Canal. Built in 1630 after the plague, it contains art works by Titian and Tintoretto.

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Address: Campo della Salute
Directions: Dorsoduro

A quaint little island a short boat ride from Venice, Murano is home to the world-famous Venetian glass. If you want to escape the crowds of Venice for a few hours head to Murano. There are plenty of glass factories to check out and most will have a free glass-blowing demostration. Of course, they will encourage you to visit their showrooms after the demostration. The prices are reasonable in the on-site stores and are a better deal than in Venice. Most glass stores do offer shipping if you don't want to lug breakable glass around with you. There are also plenty of good restaurants and cafes on the island.

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Address: North of Venice
Directions: Take the 41 or 42 vaporetto lines from the Fondamente Nuove