In In his preface to Italian Hours, Henry James writes "Venice has been painted and described many thousands of times, and of all the cities of the world is the easiest to visit without going there".

There's no doubt that there are few mysteries left to a city like Venice, a place that defeats change and holds on tight to its traditions and sense of eternity. It's a city that, for centuries, has lived under the spotlight of the world's elite, its very soul documented in all forms.

Nothing changes, nothing is undiscovered, and yet there always seems to be more to say, more to see. Every visit to the floating city is a surprise, or the pleasant confirmation that, despite the crowds and the tourist attractions, there simply isn't another place like it.

The elusive nature of Venice means that a lot of its charm rests in the details - in the crumbly palazzi and quiet alleys; aspects that would be hard to include in a list of prescriptions. So make sure to walk, get lost, see the city at night and dawn, when it's emptied of people: the details will come to you.

As for the rest - where to stay, eat, drink, shop, go - we've got you covered. All you need to do is show up hungry - for beauty, food, and romance.

Room with a view: Our favourite hotels in Venice, Italy