Venice is a northeastern Italian city that is made up of 118 islands and islets, and separated by canals and linked by bridges. The Venetian Lagoon on which the city lies stretches between the mouths of River Po and River Piave. Both cynics and Romantics agree that Venice is one of the most beautiful cities on earth and is renowned world over for its architectural marvels and artwork.

If you are yet to visit the city, then you have missed out on one of the most epic adventures you can ever have. If you are planning to visit the city, below are a few things you need to know about it.

1. Names used in reference to the city

Due its beauty and allure, Venice has been referred with different names including the ones listed below:

• La Dominante
• Serenissima
• Queen of the Adriatic
• City of Water
• City of Masks
• City of Bridges
• The Floating City
• City of Canals among others.

2. The city is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site

For an entire city to be recognized as a world heritage site there must be something special about it. Perhaps it is because of its beauty, or maybe because of its position as the birthplace of Renaissance or it might be because of its ancient buildings and history that this city is a world heritage site...you need to know why by visiting it.

3. Getting lost is the norm

Even with a GPRS enabled smartphone, you will still get lost in Venice. But that is the beauty of the city...you will get to explore the unbeaten path, see and do things that were not in your itinerary and test your geography acumen by finding your way back.

4. Forget the water taxis - they are pricey

If you thought a city can be expensive, then Venice is as expensive as they come. Do not attempt a ride on the water taxi unless you have a sizeable travel budget. If crossing the Grand Canal using a ferry costs €3, imagine what it will cost you to travel using the water taxis?

5. It is cheap to eat and drink in a cafe as you watch the goings on than to sit at the cafe

In Italy, you will wonder why so many people eat and drink coffee at the corner cafe - well, it is simple...you will be charged more for staying in the cafe than for taking some food in the cafe. If you want to see the Venetian way of life, buy some coffee and some Italian cake and watch the passersby go about their business for hours.

Venice is an alluring city. It is ideal for adventure, romance, exploration and even unwinding. If you are planning a vacation, then you better head to Venice - the city is unrivaled.