Time Out Venice

Think 'Venice, ' and images of gondolas drifting along misty canals and pigeon-feeding visitors dwarfed by the splendor of St. Mark's and its square come unavoidably to mind. If it's Venetian icons visitors are after, this magical city will never disappoint. But for a more rounded experience, the longtime residents and experts who have contributed to the fourth edition of Time Out Venice lead travelers down back streets and into campi and calli where few tourists tread: to hidden churches with hidden artworks; to architectural and sculptural gems in concealed courtyards; and to districts where the everyday life of Venice goes on in time-honored, washing-festooned, market-haggling fashion. And the guide takes readers beyond, out across the lagoon to verdant islands and swimming beaches, as well as to the magnificent cities - Padua, Verona, Vicenza, Treviso - and countryside of the mainland Veneto region.