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and stalls can be spotted on the bridge itself, hawking touristy stuff. The areas around the bridge include a marketplace bustling with activity, and a church right in the centre of the marketplace, the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, the city's oldest church. The church was founded on the very same day as Venice.

With such an artistic background, it goes without saying that Venice boasts its own impressive art galleries as well. The Gallerie dell'Accademia plays host to the city's most crucial art collection, showcasing the evolution of Venetian art from the 14th to the 18th century. Some of the key art are Carpaccio's Crucifixion and Apotheosis and Paolo Veneziano's Madonna and Child with Two Donors. Art enthusiasts would no doubt find themselves to be like a kid in a candy store.

Food and wine are much favoured in Venice, naturally, given the peaceful and romantic setting of the city, so it's not hard to find atmospheric restaurants with exquisite cuisine.

Because Venice is such a tourist attraction, be prepared for expensive restaurants. If you wish for more affordable food, you'll have to do a little digging around. Restaurants in Venice serve quite an international fare. If you feel like splurging, then head to the city's northwest to Canneregio, where you'll find moderately priced restaurants that serve traditional fish, like Anice Stellato. The Italians love ambience and in Venice, the atmosphere is the best. In restaurants like Giorgione, you can even get to catch its owner belting his heart out in the evenings. Some of these dining places even have open courtyards where you can dine in the most romantic way.

Drinking is favoured in Venice, and locals frequent bacaros, an equivalent of a pub, for a drink or two. One of the best places is located near the Rialto markets, called Marc.
If you're into a more lively night life, then head to the fondamenta Misericordia, where you can find late-night restaurants and music bars catered to the young, or the young at heart. Some of the restaurants turn into a nightspot when the night deepens, and a handful have futuristic interior designs that blend in with their historic shell, which makes quite an interesting sight.

Venice is known to be an active retail centre, so shopaholics will find it appealing when it comes to shopping, especially for luxury goods. The main shopping areas are the Mercerie and the Frezzeria. For big-name fashion houses, head to the west of the Piazza San Marco, to XXII Marxo. You'll be able to find brands like Prada, Valentino, Fendi and Ferragamo. In areas around Rialto and San Polo offer quirkier stuff, like hand-crafted items or some unique boutiques, so you could say Venice caters to all shoppers.

Learn more about this author, Leona Ash.
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