Venice

Hire a boat and zip across the lagoon to the island of Murano, and explore some of the world’s most remarkable handicrafts. Marvel at the renowned Venetian mouth-blown glass chandeliers and decorative pieces at Ars Cenedese Murano. For a modern spin on this ancient art form, browse Marina e Susanna Sent for contemporary glass jewelry and object d’art. Continue onto the quaint island of Burano. Photogenic brightly colored homes line the narrow streets of this fishing village known for the art of lacemaking.

The scuola (confraternity) in the Dorsoduro was formed by a group of lay women in the 13th century to stitch scapulars for the Carmelite brothers. These humble works were performed in lavish surroundings by Giambattista Tiepolo and Baldassare Longhena with gold-leafed stairways, intricate woodwork and painted ceilings.

For panoramic city views without the crowds, climb the skyward-reaching bell tower at San Giorgio Maggiore. The 16th century Benedictine church designed by Andrea Palladio in the classical renaissance style is the centerpiece of the eponymous island a the tip of Giudecca Island. Wander inside the massive church and spy two important paintings by Tintoretto.

Once the home of Mariano Fortuny, the renowned Spanish interior and fashion designer, the 13th century Gothic-Venetian palace has found new life as a museum. Tucked away among the alleyways of the San Marco District, this one-of-a-kind collection features the artist’s sumptuous silk gowns, rich textiles, fascinating photographs, and paintings.

Palazzo Venier dei Leoni was the former private residence of art collector Peggy Guggenheim, and it now serves as a museum displaying masterpieces of 20th century art. Works by Max Ernst, Joan Miro, and Constantin Brancusi are just a few pieces from Guggenheim’s personal collection that fill the palace’s former library, where she received her guests. Admire work by Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti and Andy Goldsworthy in the canal-gazing sculpture garden.

Steps from the Rialto Bridge locals can be found filling their shopping baskets year round, at the Rialto Market. Crate-laden boats wait to be unloaded, while nearby fishermen display their fresh, Adriatic catch at the Pescaria, and farmers arrange their vegetables at the Erbaria. Open Monday through Saturday, near the fabled Rialto Bridge, the market has witnessed the sale of everything from silk to scallops since 1097. Follow the lead of the gondoliers on break and duck into one of the intimate bacari in the area for the day’s cicchetti and a glass of regional wine.

Steeped in history, yet still entirely in step with the times, one of Europe’s oldest cafes in continuous operation opened its doors near San Marco Square in 1720. Cafe Florian has long been a place for artists from Cassanova to Charles Dickens to Andy Warhol for gathering over house-made pastries with an espresso or an aperitif.

Japanese architect Tadao Ando reinvigorated a palazzo and neglected 17th century customs house as two extraordinary 21st century temples of contemporary art. The first exhibition was held as part of the 2009 Venice Art Biennale, and the permanent works from François Pinault’s private collection.