Venice Photos -- National Geographic's Ultimate City Guides

The Grand Canal
Photograph by Jim Richardson
A gondola—the city’s romantic transportation icon—cruises the famous Grand Canal.
Piazza San Marco
Photograph by Theo Westenberger
Piazza San Marco, Venice’s famous landmark, is delightfully quiet in the early morning.
Unmasked Carnevale Participants
Photograph by Jim Richardson
Not all Carnevale participants hide behind mysterious masks.
Rialto Bridge
Photograph by Jim Richardson
Even on a rainy night, there’s much to see from the Rialto bridge.
Grand Canal at Night
Photograph by Jim Richardson
A serene calm falls over the Grand Canal as evening settles in.
Gondoliers
Photograph by Jim Richardson
Gondoliers sporting classic stripes and hats participate in a parade marking the beginning of Carnevale.
Laundry on Burano Island
Photograph by Jim Richardson
Laundry hangs out to dry on Burano, one of the islands in the Venetian lagoon.
Marie’s Parade
Photograph by Jim Richardson
Marie’s Parade starts from San Pietro di Castello Church and wends its way toward St. Mark’s Square.
Gondola
Photograph by Jim Richardson
A gondola slices through the water on the canals of Venice, a city practically free of cars.
Gondola Tour
Photograph by Jim Richardson
A gondolier begins a tour. Gondola rides are an expensive yet beautifully memorable way to experience Venice.