Venice is among the world’s most iconic cities and its sights are visited by 20 million individuals yearly. But if you recognize the place to look, there are some lesser recognized sights which might be properly value in search of out. Listed here are the highest hidden gems in Venice to encourage your wanderlust as you stroll across the metropolis.
Finest Hidden Gems in Venice, Italy You Must Go to
Whereas Venice could also be recognized for St Mark’s Sq., canals and gondolas, there’s a lot extra to this unimaginable floating metropolis. From hidden alleyways to underground passageways, there are numerous methods to discover Venice off the overwhelmed path. When you’re on the lookout for a singular journey expertise, try these hidden gems in Venice.
1. Libreria Acqua Alta
This unimaginable Venice guide store is tucked away on Calle Longa S. Maria Formosa. The identify interprets because the library of excessive water and lots of the books are saved in gondolas.
There are lots of classic books within the courtyard and inside the shop. It’s one of the vital Instagrammable locations in Venice.
The realm of Venice through which Acqua Alta is situated, Castello, is definitely the biggest in Venice. There are another fascinating Venice sights just like the Naval Historical past Museum, contained in the Arsenale.
2. All’Arco Cicchetti
We advocate stopping for cicchetti at the most effective secret bars in Rome – All’Arco. This unpretentious Venice bacaro bar within the quiet space of San Polo is so named as a result of it’s situated below a historic arch on a quiet again road.
Cicchetti are Venetian tapas and those listed here are among the many finest you will discover. The tramezzini, aka Venice small bites, differ every day relying on what’s contemporary and seasonal.
Attempt the calamari, shrimp or the anchovies with Gorgonzola if they’re accessible. Wash them down with a refreshing Aperol spritz or a glass of wine. You possibly can both stand on the counter or sit at one of many tables outdoors.
3. The Flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria
The crypt of San Zaccaria Church is one in all Venice’s most atmospheric hidden gems, situated only a quick stroll from St. Mark’s Sq.. Relationship again to the Tenth-Eleventh century, it’s the oldest surviving a part of the church and homes the tombs of eight early Venetian doges (metropolis leaders).
What makes this crypt extraordinary is that it’s completely flooded on account of Venice’s rising water ranges, creating an eerie, otherworldly ambiance the place the water acts as a mirror pool, making the columns seem twice their precise size. Guests can entry the crypt for a small payment (round €1.50) by a door marked “please shut door behind you” within the chapel of San Tarasio. Throughout excessive tide (acqua alta), the crypt could also be fully flooded and viewable solely from the staircase.
4. Torcello Island, Venetian Lagoon
Torcello is a small island within the Venetian Lagoon that options an unspoiled, rustic panorama. It has an vital historical past as one of many first settled islands within the lagoon over a thousand years in the past, even previous Venice itself.
A few of Torcello’s church buildings, just like the placing Santa Fosca, date again to the seventh century AD. But regardless of this lengthy historical past and its picturesque canals, Torcello receives only a tiny fraction of holiday makers in comparison with Venice.
This isolation means its historic cathedral, mosaics, and sleepy atmosphere stay splendidly preserved. Torcello gives a uncommon glimpse into what the town of Venice and its islands may need felt like earlier than changing into a significant industrial and political energy.
5. Scuola Grande di San Marco
Scuola Grande di San Marco is is much less well-known and crowded than different main Venetian landmarks like St Mark’s Basilica or the Rialto Bridge. Nevertheless, its façade and inside decorations are very spectacular, mixing Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance elements.
Originally built as a meeting hall for one of Venice’s scuole grandi (great guilds), it contains many notable artworks. These include ceiling decorations and sculptures as well as large paintings by famous Venetian artists like Tintoretto. His enormous oil painting “The Crucifixion” is seen as one of his finest works there.
Construction began in the late 15th century and took over a century to complete. After Napoleon suppressed the Venetian confraternities in the early 19th century, the Scuola Grande was used for a variety of purposes. Currently it serves as the main seat of Venice’s civic museum and cultural institute.
6. San Francesco della Vigna
This Roman Catholic church in the Castello district of Venice was built on the site of a former vineyard. Designed by Jacopo Sansovino, it features an elegant Renaissance facade by Palladio.
The church’s bell tower is one of the tallest in Venice, at 69 meters high. Inside the church, you’ll find the Enthroned Madonna and Saints, painted by Bellini in 1507, in the Cappella Santa.
7. Campo San Maurizio
A picturesque square in the San Marco district, Campo San Maurizio is known for its basilica of the same name. This Neoclassical church now houses the Museo della Musica, focusing on Baroque music.
Five times a year, an antiques market is held in the square. With the rather long-winded name of Mercatino dell’Antiquariato Campo San Maurizio, thisb Venice flea market is a charming place to browse for various goods such as pocket watches and old postcards. The dates can be found on the antique market’s website.
8. Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
This elegant Venetian palace has an incredible external staircase, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Meaning “of the snail” this spiral walkway dates from the 15th century.
Fans of Orson Welles will recognize this ornate stairwell, as it features in his 1952 film Othello.
9. Gelatoteca SuSo
It would be rude to come to Venice and not eat a gelato. Our favorite place is Gelatoteca SuSo on Calle della Bissa.
It’s a short walk from the Rialto Bridge, but tucked away on a quiet backstreet. Not only is the lady working there really friendly, but their artisanal gelato are out of this world.
This Venice gelateria sources the best ingredients without artificial colorants. They make their own cones and have some amazing flavours such as chocolate mixed with mango sorbet.
10. Dorsoduro Area
One of the six sestiere, or districts of Venice, Dorsoduro gives you a taste of local life. With the recent opening of new luxury hotels it will no doubt rise in popularity. Crossing over the Ponte dell’Academia you come across some charming independent souvenir shops along Piscina Former.
The waterside Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the best cultural attractions in Venice. The museum focuses on modern European and American art. The nearby Gallerie dell’Accademia boasts an important collection of 19th century art spread over 3 buildings.
There are several interesting churches in Dorsoduro, including the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and San Sebastiano. If you fancy a gelato, Nico at Fondamenta Zattere al Ponte Longo, on the waterfront is a great place for a chocolate hazelnut Gianduiotto.
11. San Giorgio Maggiore
Another Venice secret is the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, known for its 16th century church painted by Monet. Built in the Palladian style in 1566, this picturesque Venice landmark now houses the Giorgio Cini Foundation.
Another interesting attraction is the Borges Labyrinth. Opened in June 2021, this boxwood maze is a tribute to Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges. This special place makes a great day trip from Venice.
12. Ca’Macana
One of the nicknames of Venice is the City of Masks. Popular during Venice Carnival, the papier maché masks enabled the wearer to hide their social status and identity. This 800 year old tradition is alive and well in Venice today.
Also in the narrow streets of Dorsoduro, you’ll find the secret Venice mask shop famous for having created the masks for the Stanley Kubrick film Eyes Wide Shut. Theaters such as the Vienna Opera House also use their masks regularly.
There are quite a few mask shops in the area but Ca’Macana stands out for the quality of its hand made creations. Each mask is unique, and they never make the same design twice. Ca’Macana run one and two hour mask-making courses for groups and corporates which are a lot of fun.
13. Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour
The Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries: Skip the Line Tour certainly qualifies as one of the best hidden gems in Venice. Although the Doge’s Palace itself is famous, many visitors to Venice don’t realize that there are special rooms that you can only see on this tour.
You’ll find it fascinating to explore rooms such as the Chamber of the Secret Chancellery. Here you will see the cabinets that used to contain top-secret documents. They are adorned with the coats-of-arms of the chancellors from 1268 onwards.
The Chamber of the Inquisitors has a ceiling decorated with paintings by Tintoretto, while the Chamber of the Three Head Magistrates has a secret passageway leading to the Chamber of the Council of Ten. However, the highlight of the Doge’s Palace tour for us is the visit to the two cells where Casanova was imprisoned.
14. GLAM at Palazzo Venart
Venice has been somewhat lacking in world-class restaurants but that has changed with the arrival of GLAM at Palazzo Venart. Tucked away down an unassuming pathway, this hidden Venice restaurant is not to be missed.
Housed inside a stunning Venetian palace, now a 5 star luxury hotel, the delicious food is as refined as the surroundings at Ristorante Glam. This is the first Venice restaurant of Italy’s youngest two Michelin starred chef Enrico Bartolini. Since 2017, Enrico Bartolini and resident chef Donato Ascani have held a Michelin start at GLAM too.
There’s a charming patio for dining al fresco, as well as a stylish interior dining room. Enjoy a classic risotto and typical Venetian dishes before strolling in the hotel’s garden overlooking the Grand Canal.
15. Enrica Rocca Cookery School
If you’re looking for something a bit different to do in Venice, consider a cooking class. Enrica Rocca knows Venice like the back of her hand and is a skilled cook. When not catering for the most luxurious corporate and private events, she runs cookery classes from her colourful home.
You’ll visit Rialto Food Market with her before rustling up some delicious dishes with real Italian flair. From antipasti to cicchetti and meatballs, there’s lots to learn in a fun and friendly environment. You can also learn how to make tiramisu, which was invented in the Veneto region.
Then you’ll tuck into a delicious meal, accompanied by generous servings of Enrica’s very own Prosecco wine. Enrica’s two daughters also teach you Italian cooking skills in Notting Hill, London.
16. Ponte de Chiodo – The Bridge with No Parapet
Feeling adventurous? If so then a walk over a bridge with no parapet could be right up your street.
There used to be quite a few of these bridges. However these days there are only two left out of over 400 bridges in Venice.
Ponte de Chiodo is located in the quiet Cannaregio area. You can easily get photos on the bridge without the usual Venice crowds. The word chiodo means Nail and the bridge takes its name from the Nail family who used to own it.
Ponte del Diavolo is the other bridge with no parapet on the nearby island of Torcello.
17. VizioVirtù Cioccolatieri
VizioVirtu Cioccolatieri is an amazing place for art creations such as mini masks and spoons, all made from the finest chocolate.
This spacious Venice chocolate shop is located close to where famous spice merchant Marco Polo used to live. Since 2005, owner Mariangela Penzo uses chocolate combined with spices and fruit to great effect. Try their Goldoni hot chocolate drink, with no milk or sugar.
18. Venice Rooftop Panoramic View
Venice has a spectacular luxury department store, housed in a 13th century building that was the headquarters of the city’s German merchants. T Fondaco dei Tedeschi has secured many exclusive collaborations with leading Italian luxury brands.
This elegant Venice building part of the DFS luxury retail group and their first European store. It has been sympathetically redesigned by award-winning architect Rem Koolhaas to respect the original features.
One of the best secret gems of Venice is the panoramic view of Venice canal from the top floor rooftop terrace. The viewpoint can be accessed by pre-booking with the in-store concierge.
19. Scuola Grande di San Rocco
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, located in the San Polo district, is one of Venice’s most magnificent yet often overlooked treasures. Founded in 1478 as a charitable confraternity dedicated to Saint Roch, this building houses one of the most impressive collection of Tintoretto paintings in the world.
For over 20 years (1564-1587), Tintoretto dedicated himself to decorating the Scuola with more than 50 spectacular canvases depicting scenes from the New and Old Testaments. His masterpiece, “The Crucifixion,” is considered one of his greatest works. The building itself is remarkable, featuring a grand staircase, a magnificent Chapter Room, and the Sala dell’Albergo with its ornate wooden panels carved by Francesco Pianta in the 17th century.
Admission costs around €10, and visitors are provided with mirrors to better view the intricate ceiling paintings without straining their necks. As this site isn’t as well-known as many other historical attractions in Venice, it’s rarely crowded, allowing visitors to appreciate the extraordinary art in relative peace.
20. Cannaregio District
The Cannaregio district in northern Venice offers one of the most authentic experiences of local Venetian life. Less touristy than central areas, it features picturesque canals, local shops, traditional osterias, and hidden courtyards. The main street, Strada Nova, is lined with shops and restaurants, while the back alleys reveal the everyday life of Venetians.
Located just minutes from busy St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, Cannaregio is best experienced early in the morning or in the evening when locals are out and about. Notable attractions in the area include the Church of Madonna dell’Orto (containing works by Tintoretto) and the Jewish Ghetto.
21. Ca’ Rezzonico (Museum of 18th Century Venice)
Located along the Grand Canal in Dorsoduro, Ca’ Rezzonico is a stunning Venetian palace that now houses the Museum of 18th Century Venice. Despite its magnificent frescoes, furnishings, and paintings that provide a glimpse into Venetian aristocratic life during the city’s twilight years as a republic, the museum attracts far fewer visitors than the more famous galleries.
In Conclusion: Venice Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful Italian city to explore, look no further than the Queen of the Adriatic. While it can often be crowded and touristy, there are still plenty of hidden gems to be found during a trip to Venice.
We hope our guide has helped give you a few ideas about how to find the real Venice without the crowds. Be sure to check out our other Italy travel articles for more tips on what to see and do while you’re in the country. Enjoy!
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