Giardinetti Reali

A tranquil oasis right next to the Piazza
Noteworthy for: Every evening, gangs of stray cats congregate in the park to caterwaul.

It sounds grander than it is, but the Giardinetti Reali, or Royal Gardens, still provides welcome respite from the madness of Piazza San Marco. Open all day, every day, the gardens are just around the corner from the famous square; an acre of luscious plants, a few fountains, duck ponds and plenty of benches, ideal for a picnic or a breather.
The gardens were designed by Eugene Beauharnais on the orders of Napoleon in the 19th century, though neither ever got to see the finished creation.

The tourist information centre here (open daily 9am - 6pm) is a good place to regroup and plan your next few hours' sightseeing. There are also some public conveniences situated on the far side.