Once I brought a visiting foreign friend to Venice. Upon reaching the first canal my friend stops on the bank and alternately stares at a woman in the window across the canal and at the water. Then he turns toward me and exclaims: "There are people living in here, Venice is not a movie set !".

Yes. Venice might be sinking, it might be crowded, it might be expensive, but it's not a movie set. It's a real city, although I agree that calli campielli and buildings bring a fantastic atmosphere.

So, go for it: feel free to experience the city like an ordinary tourist or a movie star ... maybe my friend wasn't that wrong.