It's safe to say that every Venetian tourist visits San Marco. We chose to avoid it between 10am and 6pm, and came back around 7pm on the second day in order to go to the top of the Campanile (bell tower) and get views of the city near sunset. Contrary to other bell towers I've climbed, this one has an elevator!

Though there were quite a few people in the tower, with patience and a tad bit of pushiness we were all able to get good photos, and really enjoyed the stunning views. We were especially glad we'd waited for sunset, as the lighting was gorgeous.

We left the Campanile just before 8pm, and were glad to have done so when we heard the bells ring! We can't be certain, but we're nearly convinced that it was impossible for everyone to have left the tower before the bells rang, so I'd recommend not being in the tower on the hour unless you have serious ear protection.

Most tourists to Venice, especially the day trippers, head straight to Piazza San Marco, the unquestionable heart of the city nicknamed the "most beautiful drawing room of Europe" by Napoleon. On one side of the square stands the majestic Basilica San Marco, a Byzantine and Romanesque wonder. Next to the Basilica, towards the water, is the pink-and-white gothic Palazzo Ducale. The other 3 sides of the square are occupied by arcaded building housing cafes such as the famous Cafes Florian & Quadri, and jewelry, lace and glass shops. Across the Basilica, in the middle of the square, is the Campanile, the red brick bell tower from which the view is said to go as far as the Alps.

Spend a few hours in Piazza San Marco. Despite the long line, try to visit the Basilica. Do not miss the Palazzo Ducale. Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes if you can afford it. Feed the pigeons. Walk out to Riva degli Schiavoni, the promenade along the Grand Canal, enjoy the view across the water of San Giorgio Island and the Salute church. Stop to admire the Ponte de Sispori (Bridge of Sighs).

But do not forget, there is much more to Venice than Piazza San Marco. And outside of the San Marco siesteri and the Rialto area, Venice can be very quiet and peaceful.

Piazza San Marco is definitely the heart of Venice. In fact Napoleon called it "the most beautiful drawing room of Europe", which sums it up nicely.

Most likely you will find it by following the "Piazza San Marco" signs tacked on to the sides of buildings. Maybe, however, you will be like us-try to follow the signs, get lost, give up, then stumbled upon it!

(Venice can be like that at time, just when you are about to give up, it gives you a reprieve.)

Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale which lie inside Piazza San Marcos are two of Venices most historic sites. The Bastilica is beautifully ornate and the aritechure and detail are not to be missed. You will be drawn in by the domes and arches, an impressive sight that oversees the square.

You will see the Campanile as well, the bell tower that replaced the one that collapsed in 1902. It took 10 years to rebuild but now draws thousands of visitors daily. Climb to the top to see an outstanding view of the city. Some say on a clear day you can see the Alps...

Piazza San Marco is also the location which holds the yearly Carnival parade. Hundreds of people wearing bright, decorative masks stream into the piazza for this event. Muscians, acrobats and mimes all turn out to perform in what is turning into one of Italy's largest parties.

There are many cafes in this area as well, where you can sit and drink (expensive) lattes and watch other tourists feed the pigeons that hover in the square.

Chances are if you are in Venice, you will visit Piazza San Marco. Enjoy it while you are there-and don't forget to bring your camera!