Venice may be known for its gondolas, Piazza San Marco, and the Rialto Bridge, but the real magic of the city lies beyond the tourist crowds. If you’re looking for authentic, local, and non-touristy things to do in Venice, you’re in the right place.
This guide goes deep into Venice’s hidden corners—places locals love, secret spots most tourists miss, and activities that reveal the real soul of the city. Whether you’re visiting Venice for the first time or returning for a deeper experience, these tips will help you explore like a true Venetian.
1. Explore the Jewish Ghetto in Cannaregio
Did you know the word “ghetto” originated in Venice? The Ghetto Vecchio and Ghetto Nuovo are fascinating neighborhoods rich in history and culture. Visit the Jewish Museum, explore the beautiful synagogues, and enjoy kosher Venetian dishes.
📝 Tip: Try a traditional “fritelle” (fried pastry) during Carnival from one of the kosher bakeries.
2. Wander the Streets of Castello
Just a few bridges away from the tourist chaos is Castello, Venice’s largest and most residential sestiere. Here you’ll find clothes drying in the sun, kids playing soccer, and locals chatting over spritz in quiet squares.
📝 Tip: Stop at Via Garibaldi, a lively street with authentic trattorias and local markets. Visit early for the freshest produce and fish.
3. Visit the Squero San Trovaso (Gondola Workshop)
Near Zattere in Dorsoduro, you’ll find the Squero di San Trovaso, one of the last traditional gondola workshops. Watch craftsmen at work repairing gondolas in this rare peek into a centuries-old trade.
📝 Tip: Grab a spritz from Osteria Al Squero just across the canal. Sit on the ledge and enjoy the view of the workshop.
4. Discover Venice’s Secret Gardens
Venice has over 500 private gardens, but only a few are open to the public. One of the best hidden green spaces is Giardini Reali (Royal Gardens) near Piazza San Marco, recently restored to their original 19th-century glory.
Other quiet gardens include:
- Palazzo Nani Bernardo (sometimes open during events)
- Giardino di Ca’ Morosini
- Giardini della Biennale in Castello
5. Ride a Vaporetto to Sant’Erasmo (Venice’s Countryside)
Known as the “garden of Venice,” Sant’Erasmo is a peaceful, agricultural island where most of Venice’s fresh vegetables come from. Rent a bike, tour a vineyard, or just enjoy a picnic with locals.
📝 Tip: Visit Orto di Venezia, a vineyard producing white wine right on the island.
6. Hunt for Hidden Art at Ca’ Pesaro
Most tourists flock to the Doge’s Palace, but Ca’ Pesaro offers an incredible collection of modern art, featuring Klimt, Chagall, and Kandinsky—with almost no crowds.
📝 Tip: The building itself is a Baroque masterpiece. Check out the marble work and lagoon views.
7. Take a Workshop with a Local Artisan
Support Venice’s struggling artisan scene by taking a workshop in mask-making, bookbinding, or glassworking.
Top choices: have a look here
📝 Tip: These make meaningful souvenirs and help preserve traditional crafts.
8. Climb the Scala Contarini del Bovolo
This stunning spiral staircase is tucked away in a small courtyard near Campo Manin. Few tourists know about it, but the view from the top is one of the best in Venice.
📝 Tip: Go right before sunset for golden-hour photography without the crowds.
9. Visit a Local Remiera (Rowing Club)
Want to meet Venetians and learn about voga alla veneta—the traditional standing rowing style used for gondolas? Visit a local remiera or rowing club. Some even offer trial lessons.
📝 Tip: Ask about the Regata Storica or other local rowing events if you’re visiting in summer.
10. Get Lost in Venice’s Cemeteries
For peaceful walks and reflection, visit San Michele Island, Venice’s cemetery island. Poets like Ezra Pound and Igor Stravinsky are buried here among cypress trees and rose bushes.
📝 Tip: Take the vaporetto and stroll for an hour. It’s beautifully haunting.
11. Try a Food Tour Through Cannaregio
Skip the overpriced tourist menus. Join a cicchetti and wine tour through the bacari of Cannaregio for a taste of authentic Venice.
📝 Tip: Go with a local guide to discover secret spots and learn how to order like a Venetian.
12. Relax at Lido di Venezia (Off-Season)
In summer, Lido is full of beachgoers. But in spring or autumn, it’s a peaceful escape with Belle Époque charm. Rent a bike, visit the Grand Hotel des Bains, and enjoy an espresso in a quiet cafe.
📝 Tip: Pack a picnic and bike toward Alberoni for wild beaches and sand dunes.
13. Explore Murano Beyond the Glass Shops
Murano is more than touristy glass stores. Visit the Glass Museum, watch real artisans at work, and stroll the quiet canals off the main strip.
📝 Tip: Check out Wave Murano Glass for modern, authentic pieces and small-group workshops.
14. See a Movie at Venice’s Oldest Cinema
The Cinema Giorgione in Cannaregio is a retro-cool art house cinema often overlooked by tourists.
📝 Tip: Look for international films with Italian subtitles. Or go for the ambiance alone.
15. Attend a Local Festa or Sagra
If your visit coincides with a festa (neighborhood party) or sagra (food fair), don’t miss it. Think grilled fish, local wine, music, and community vibes.
📝 Tip: June and July are great months for sagre in San Pietro di Castello or the Redentore in Giudecca.
16. Visit a Free Art Exhibit at Palazzo Grimani
Palazzo Grimani often hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary or classic art, often free with registration. It’s also a treasure in itself—check the frescoes and ancient Roman sculptures.
📝 Tip: Combine this with a stroll through the quiet Santa Maria Formosa area.
17. Watch the Sunrise from Punta della Dogana
Most tourists miss sunrise in Venice, and it’s arguably the most magical time to see the city. Head to Punta della Dogana, between the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal, for a peaceful, panoramic view.
📝 Tip: Bring coffee in a thermos and enjoy the silence. It’s unforgettable.
Final Tips for Exploring Venice Off the Beaten Path
- Wake up early: Venice is magical before 8:00 a.m., when the streets are still empty.
- Avoid Google Maps over-reliance: Let yourself get lost—it’s part of the charm.
- Use Vaporetto Line 1: For a scenic, cheap “Grand Canal cruise” experience.
- Pack water shoes: For high tide or spontaneous canal walks.
- Support local businesses: Buy artisan goods, dine at family-run spots, and book directly.
Why Avoiding the Crowds Matters
Venice is fragile. Mass tourism puts pressure on its delicate infrastructure and way of life. By stepping off the tourist path, you not only discover the real Venice—you help protect it. Traveling responsibly means choosing slow experiences, supporting the local economy, and respecting the rhythm of the city.
Final Thoughts
Venice rewards curiosity. The more you wander, the more it opens up to you—revealing its secrets one quiet calle at a time. So skip the souvenirs, ditch the checklists, and let the city surprise you.
Next time someone asks what to do in Venice, tell them: “Get lost. But do it the Venetian way.”
Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly local secrets, and follow us on Instagram @tourleadervenice for daily tips, photos, and stories from the real Venice.
