Venice is a beautiful and unique city with many famous landmarks and tourist attractions. However, there are also many hidden gems to discover off the beaten path. Here are some suggestions for exploring Venice beyond the usual tourist spots:
- Visit the island of Burano: This charming island is known for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition. It’s a great place to stroll around, enjoy a gelato, and take in the beautiful scenery.
- Explore the Cannaregio district: This is one of the most authentic and least touristy areas of Venice. It’s a great place to wander around and discover hidden gems like the Jewish Ghetto and the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli.
- Check out the Palazzo Mocenigo: This museum is dedicated to Venetian fashion and perfume. It’s a fascinating place to learn about the history of Venetian style and fragrance, and the building itself is beautiful.
- Go to the rooftop of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi: This historic building has been turned into a luxury shopping center, but the best part is the rooftop terrace. From there, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Grand Canal and the city skyline.
- Visit the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore: This beautiful church is located on an island across from St. Mark’s Square. It’s less crowded than other famous churches in Venice, and it offers a spectacular view of the city from its bell tower.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Venice has so much to offer, and exploring the city’s hidden corners can be a rewarding and memorable experience.
Venice orientation walk away from the tourists
If you want to explore Venice away from the crowds of tourists, here’s an orientation walk you can take:
- Start your walk at the Rialto Bridge. While this is a popular spot, you can quickly get away from the crowds by walking along the quieter streets nearby. From the bridge, head towards the Rialto Market.
- Explore the Rialto Market. This is a great place to see locals shopping for fresh produce and seafood. Wander through the market stalls and admire the colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, and fish.
- From the Rialto Market, head towards the Campo Santa Maria Formosa. This is a beautiful square with a large church and a few cafes. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- From the Campo Santa Maria Formosa, continue towards the Fondamenta Nove. This is a waterfront promenade that offers beautiful views of the lagoon and the islands of Murano and Burano. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll away from the tourist crowds.
- Follow the Fondamenta Nove until you reach the Church of Madonna dell’Orto. This beautiful church is dedicated to Saint Christopher, and it features stunning works of art by Tintoretto and other Venetian masters.
- From the Church of Madonna dell’Orto, head towards the Cannaregio district. This is a residential area that offers a glimpse into everyday life in Venice. Explore the narrow streets and alleys, and stop at a local cafe or restaurant for a bite to eat.
- End your walk at the Jewish Ghetto. This historic neighborhood was home to Venice’s Jewish community for centuries, and it’s a fascinating place to explore. Visit the Jewish Museum and the synagogues, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of this unique part of Venice.
By taking this orientation walk, you can experience a different side of Venice and discover some of the city’s hidden gems away from the tourist crowds.
Venice the less crowded areas
Venice can be very crowded, especially during peak tourist season. However, there are plenty of less crowded areas to explore in the city. Here are some suggestions:
- Castello District: This is the largest of Venice’s six sestieri (districts) and is located in the eastern part of the city. It’s less crowded than other areas and is a great place to explore local life. You can visit the Arsenal, which was once the heart of Venice’s naval power, or the gardens of the Biennale Art Exhibition.
- Dorsoduro District: Located in the southern part of the city, Dorsoduro is known for its university, art galleries, and museums. It’s less crowded than other areas and is a great place to explore. You can visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Accademia Gallery, or take a stroll along the Zattere promenade.
- San Polo District: This is a residential area located between the Rialto Bridge and the Frari Church. It’s less crowded than other areas and is a great place to explore local life. You can visit the Rialto Market or take a stroll along the Grand Canal.
- Giudecca Island: Located across the canal from Dorsoduro, Giudecca is a quiet island that’s less crowded than other areas. You can visit the Church of the Redeemer, the gardens of the Cini Foundation, or take a stroll along the waterfront promenade.
- Lido di Venezia: This is a long strip of land that separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. It’s less crowded than other areas and is a great place to escape the crowds. You can go to the beach, take a bike ride, or visit the Venetian Film Festival.
By exploring these less crowded areas of Venice, you can experience a different side of the city and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
