Venice is built on 117 small islands and has some 150 canals and 409 bridges. Only 3 bridges cross the Grande Canale which is the main canal snaking its way through the city like an upside down 'S'!
The City is divided into 6 areas : Castello, San Marco, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, San Polo and Santa Croce.
I visited Venice in March 2002 for a weekend after getting a flight with Ryanair for just £24!
It's a fascinating city with all the canals and bridges. It's easy to get yourself lost and get away from the main walkways and tourists but always easy to find yourself back in San Marco Square or the Rialto.
It is an expensive city but defiantely worth the visit and it can be seen in a day visit if you so wish.
I then visited a 2nd time in Jan 2007, this time only £18 for a return flight-this time just for a day-1st flight out, last one back, meant we got 9 hours there-plenty to see it.