Take the vaporetto (public water bus) from Venice's historic centre and you'll soon be sitting on a sunbed between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. This sandy spit is where everyone escapes the city's hustle and bustle and is a godsend during the hot, Italian summers. Here you'll find restaurants, shops and ice cream stores to make a day kicking back in the sand even more blissful.

The idyllic neighbouring islands of Murano and Burano are must-visits when travelling to Venice. Take a day trip to Murano to see glass making demonstrations in one of the island's factories, visit the Museo del Vetro displaying pretty pieces from as far back as the Egyptian times, and spot the 12th century Byzantine mosaics in the Bascila dei Santa Maria e San Donato. The colourful town of Burano has to be seen to be believed – its vividly painted houses sit on the water and are one of the prettiest landmarks in the Veneto region.

There's plenty to do when the sun sets in the lagoon city. Join the locals in a post-work aperitivo in some of the city's trendy cafés and bars or catch a cocktail in the historical Il Caffe Rosso in the Campo Santo Margherita area. The young and young at heart head to popular drinking spots Al Merca or Bancogiro. If you're looking for something a little different the Prosciutteria Dok Dall'Ava is a tasty dinner stop with a twist, turning into a modern club on the terrace come evening.

Just off the Grand Canal and close to the Rialto Bridge lies a colourful open market where you can shop with locals for fresh fruits and vegetables. Sample 'cicchetti' or bite-sized appetisers from the stalls and eateries nearby and wash them down with some local wine. Traditional dishes include goose cooked in its own fat, meatballs in rich and tangy tomato sauce, cured hams, spider crab and mantis shrimps.

The city's contributions to art, history and architecture speaks for itself, but one thing you have to see to believe is the spectacular Peggy Guggenheim Collection of 20th century artwork. The third most visited museum in the city is tucked away in the 18th century Grand Canal palazzo and pays homage to some of the world's most prolific artists including Picasso. Other popular galleries include Punta della Dogana,Guidecca 795 Art Gallery and Bugno Art Gallery, where you'll stumble upon many international talents.

A trip to Venice is not complete without shopping for traditional souvenirs. Venetian masks, vintage lace, Murano glass and gondolier hats are great gifts to take home from the city and there's a souvenir stall on almost every corner. Signor Blum is situated in the heart of Venice and sells a colourful collection of wooden handicrafts. Bookworms can head to Acqua Libreria's original book shop and for everything else potter down to Piazza San Marco, a popular square home to a wide selection of stalls selling everything from postcards to shirts.