Every city break in Venice should start with a visit to St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), which is the true heart of the city. This impressive square, surrounded by historic buildings, is the perfect place to experience the atmosphere of Venice. Children are sure to delight in the pigeons that flock to the square in large numbers, while adults can admire the architecture and enjoy a coffee in one of the historic cafes.

Dominating the square is St. Mark's Basilica, a true gem of Byzantine architecture. Its golden mosaics and richly decorated interiors delight visitors of all ages. Note the exquisite details of the facade and dome. The basilica is open to visitors daily, but be sure to dress appropriately - shoulders and knees should be covered.

Right next to the basilica rises the majestic St. Mark's Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco). A climb to the top of this 98.6-meter tower is a must-do for any tourist. From the top, you get a breathtaking view of all of Venice, the lagoons and - on a clear day - even the Alps. It's the perfect place for a family photo with the city skyline in the background. Tickets to the tower cost about 10 euros for adults (as of 2023), but the view is worth every cent.

Another amazing monument near the square is the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale), which for centuries was the seat of Venice's rulers. Its Gothic façade with its distinctive pink and white patterns is one of the city's most recognizable sights. The palace's interiors are equally impressive - halls decorated with frescoes by Renaissance masters, gilded ceilings and monumental staircases will impress any visitor. Children may find the mysterious dungeons and stories about the prisoners who were held here particularly interesting.

Inextricably linked to the Doge's Palace is the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), which connects the palace to the former prison. Legend has it that the bridge owes its name to the sighs of convicts who gazed out its windows for the last time at the beauty of Venice. Despite its grim history, the bridge is today one of the most romantic places in the city and often appears on postcards.

St. Mark's Square and the surrounding monuments are the essence of a Venetian city break. It is a place where history meets the present, and every step brings new discoveries. Keep in mind that the square can get very crowded during the summer season, so consider a visit in the early morning or evening, when the atmosphere is especially magical.

No city break in Venice is complete without an exploration of its famous canals and bridges. The Canal Grande, the city's main 'street', is not only a thoroughfare, but also a gallery of Venice's most beautiful palaces. A vaporetto (Venetian water streetcar) cruise on Line 1 is the perfect way to admire these architectural wonders. Tickets for the vaporetto can be purchased at ACTV kiosks or online, with prices starting at around €7.50 for a 75-minute ticket (as of 2023).

The Rialto Bridge, the oldest and most famous bridge over the Canal Grande, is a true icon of Venice. Its distinctive arch and marble structure attract crowds of tourists. The bridge offers a spectacular view of the canal and the bustling waterfront. It's the perfect place for a family photo, but keep in mind that it can get very crowded in high season. Early morning is the best time to quietly admire the bridge and take photos without crowds in the background.

For those who want to feel the true atmosphere of Venice's canals, a gondola ride is a must. Although it is quite an expensive attraction (prices start at around 80 euros for a 30-minute cruise), the experience is unforgettable. Gondoliers often tell interesting stories about the buildings they pass, which can be especially interesting for children. It's worth negotiating the price and determining the route before the cruise begins.

Venice is not only the main canals - it is worth getting lost in the maze of smaller calli (streets) and rio (canals), where you can discover hidden gems of the city. A stroll through neighborhoods such as Cannaregio or Dorsoduro will give you a glimpse into the daily life of Venetians away from the tourist hustle and bustle. It's also a great opportunity to find authentic restaurants serving local specialties, such as spaghetti al nero di seppia (pasta with cuttlefish ink) or fritelle (Venetian doughnuts).

The Academy Bridge (Ponte dell'Accademia) is another point of interest. It connects the San Marco district with Dorsoduro and offers one of the most beautiful views of the Canal Grande. Nearby is the Gallerie dell'Accademia, an art museum that may be of interest to older children and adults interested in Italian painting.

For families with children, an interesting alternative to the traditional gondola can be a cruise on the traghetto, a simple boat that ferries passengers from one side of the Canal Grande to the other. This is not only a cheaper option (about 2 euros per person), but also an authentic Venetian experience enjoyed mainly by locals.

An evening stroll along the illuminated canals is a magical end to a day in Venice. The reflections of the lights in the water create a unique atmosphere, and the city takes on a completely different character. This is the perfect time to enjoy a Venetian aperitivo in one of the many waterside bars.

Venice's canals and bridges are not just tourist attractions - they are living testimony to the city's history and culture. During your city break, take time to explore them, both from the water and from land. Every turn of the canal can bring new and fascinating discoveries that will make your short stay in Venice truly unforgettable.

City break in Venice is not only about visiting the most famous monuments. It is also a great opportunity to discover lesser-known but equally fascinating places that will give you a better idea of the true character of the city. One such hidden treasure is the Ghetto di Venezia, the oldest Jewish ghetto in Europe. Founded in 1516, today it is a vibrant neighborhood, full of history and culture. Be sure to visit the Museo Ebraico (Jewish Museum) and see the beautiful synagogues that testify to Venice's rich Jewish heritage.

For lovers of art and architecture, the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo should be a must-see. This lesser-known palace is famous for its unique exterior spiral staircase, which resembles a snail's shell (hence the name 'bovolo', which in Venetian dialect just means snail). Climbing to the top of the staircase offers a beautiful view of the rooftops of Venice and is a great alternative to the crowded St. Mark's bell tower. An entrance ticket costs about €7 (as of 2023), making this attraction affordable for families.

If you're looking for a quieter place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Campo San Salvador is an ideal option. Less crowded than St. Mark's Square, this charming square offers the opportunity to relax in one of the cozy cafes and admire the daily life of Venetians. It's also a great place to take souvenir photos without the crowds of tourists in the background.

For families with children, a visit to the island of Murano, famous for its glass production, may be an interesting option. A short vaporetto cruise from the center of Venice will take you to a world of colorful glass works of art. The opportunity to watch master glassmakers at work is a fascinating experience for young and old. Many workshops offer free demonstrations, though be aware that souvenirs are often expected to be purchased.

Venice is also a paradise for lovers of fine dining. Instead of dining at restaurants near the main attractions, delve into less touristy neighborhoods such as Cannaregio or Castello, where you'll find authentic bacari - small bars serving cicchetti, Venetian snacks. This is not only a way to sample local specialties, but also to experience true Venetian food and drink culture.

For those who want to see Venice from a different perspective, a guided tour of the city's lesser-known corners is recommended. Companies such as Free Walking tours of Venice offer fascinating tours that allow you to discover hidden treasures and learn fascinating stories you won't read about in guidebooks. This is a great option for families who want to combine education with entertainment.

Finally, it's worth mentioning Santa Maria della Salute, one of Venice's most distinctive churches. While not an unknown site, it is often overlooked by tourists rushing to more popular attractions. Its majestic dome dominates the entrance to the Canal Grande, and the interior is resplendent with Baroque splendor. Admission to the church is free, making it an attractive option for frugal travelers.

A city break in Venice isn't just about ticking off points on a list of the most popular attractions. Above all, it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's unique atmosphere, discover its secrets and enjoy the moment. Remember that sometimes the best memories are made just when you get off the beaten track and allow yourself to be spontaneous. Venice, with its rich history, culture and architecture, has much to offer every visitor, regardless of age or interests. When planning your short stay, leave some room for unexpected discoveries - they often become the most valuable souvenirs of your trip.