Most unique city I've experienced

Grand Canal
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I was only able to experience Venice for one day, but if I had to do it over again I would have spent more. If you have a choice between Venice and Florence, I would certainly recommend Venice. It was very cold in December, so if you are travelling in Winter make sure you pack very war,m clothes. There was no "Sewer Smell" that I heard so  much about but supposedly that only occurs in the very hot summer months. Venice is very beautiful, but it is also very confusing. Make sure you have a good map and know your directions or you can easily find yourself at a dead end or on the wrong side of town. THe streets are sometimes only a few feet wide, it is amazing. There are great little shops, restaurants etc. throughout the city. I think a good plan of action is to get out in the late AM and just wander around, you never know what you'll find. Of course, check out St. Marks, and take a water taxi. You won't be dissappointed.