Everyone flocks to Venice, Italy for the gondolas and grand bridges, but on my many trips, I discovered a quieter side – hidden courtyards, secret dining spots, and lesser-known gems which revealed a more intimate take on this romantic city…
1. Burano Island – Venice’s Most Colourful Secret Gem
Just 4.3 miles northeast of Venice, I stayed at the quirky, welcoming B&B Carmen Garden on Burano, a peaceful, laid-back island that felt like a watercolor brought to life. Cobbled lanes were lined with brightly painted houses, cheerful boats bobbed in the canals, and locals chatted across windows strung with laundry.
I was fascinated by the island’s lace-making, especially when a local woman welcomed me into her family workshop and proudly shared pieces and stories passed down for generations. Between café-hopping and people-watching, I stopped at Burano’s delightfully crooked Campanile beside San Martino Church, its dramatic tilt caused by the sinking lagoon — a charming quirk locals called their “little Leaning Tower!”
At a Quick Glance: Visiting Burano Island
- Location: 45-minute vaporetto ride from central Venice
- Known For: Brightly coloured houses, lace-making and glass-blowing traditions, and a peaceful local vibe
- My Must-Dos: The lace shops, strolling along the canals, drinking an espresso at a waterfront café, seeing the leaning tower
- My Top Tip: Visit in the early morning if you can or even late in the afternoon to avoid the noisy tour groups.
2. A Traditional Sailor’s Supper
Instead of a restaurant, I booked A Traditional Sailor’s Supper — a private dining night out at Massimo’s grand Venetian home, where the enchanting garden became our dining room. Massimo, a charismatic host proud of his long line of sailor ancestors, filled the evening with unforgettable stories as we shared a three-course feast of family recipes passed down through generations.
My vegetarian plate was a citrus-bright Risotto al Limone topped with parsley, followed by the star of the night — a decadent pistachio-laden Torta Veneziana dusted with sugar. Paired with crisp Soave Classico, full of green apple and almond notes, it was less a dinner and more a magical Venetian memory!
At a Glance: A Traditional Sailor’s Supper
- Host: Massimo, a proud Venetian sailor with deep family roots in maritime tradition
- Setting: A traditional large house
- What’s Served: A home-style dinner featuring traditional Venetian dishes
- Experience Type: Cultural dining experience with storytelling, history, and a strong local feel
- My Highlights: Fresh local cuisine cooked the Venetian way and meeting other travellers
- Duration: Approximately 2.5–3 hours
- My Top Tip: Dress smart casual
- Book It: Available on Tripadvisor
3. The Island of Sant’Andrea
I researched before my trip that back in the 16th century, Venice was so wealthy it needed serious protection from pirates and rival powers — so the imposing Forte di Sant’Andrea was built on a small island at the lagoon’s entrance to guard the city.
When I visited one afternoon, the (mostly) intact fortress sat half-hidden in wild greenery, giving it an eerie, forgotten feel. I found a quiet corner with sweeping lagoon views, unpacked a picnic, and loved how peaceful it was — a rare, crowd-free spot where I could just sit back and watch boats drift by!
At a Glance: The Island of Sant’Andrea
- Location: Venetian Lagoon, near the island of Vignole
- Historical Significance: Home to the 16th-century Forte di Sant’Andrea, a Renaissance military fortress designed by architect Michele Sanmicheli
- Current Status: Partially restored; the façade and central tower have been stabilized
- Access: Accessible by private boat tours
- Experience: Ideal for history fans and those seeking a tranquil escape from Venice’s bustling tourist spots
4. Libreria Acqua Alta
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Venice, I stumbled across one of the most memorable spots of my trip — a bookshop that had turned frequent flooding into part of its charm.
The friendly owners explained how they’d adapted by stacking books in bathtubs, waterproof bins, and even old gondolas, and I wandered through narrow passages piled high with everything from rare volumes to glossy guides, all scented with musty pages and a salty sea breeze!
In the courtyard, I climbed a staircase made entirely of water-damaged books, admired a gondola parked right in the middle of the store, and scratched the ears of a lazy shop cat nestled among the travel memoirs — a quirky little escape that felt worlds away from the city crowds!
At a Glance: Libreria Acqua Alta
- Location: Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa, Castello district, Venice
- Name Meaning: “Library of High Water” (named after Venice’s seasonal flooding)
- What Makes It Unique: Books stored in bathtubs, gondolas, and waterproof bins
- Atmosphere: Cosy, quirky and full of character
- What You’ll Find: New and second-hand books (Italian & English), vintage maps, postcards, and a resident cat
- My Top Tip: Climb the staircase in the courtyard for a unique photo (and canal view)
- Website
5. A Secret Wine Tour – Sipping Like a Local
One of my favorite Venice experiences was joining a “Local Secrets” Wine Walking Tour, which led us through quiet alleyways and hidden bridges into the heart of bacaro culture — Venice’s traditional wine bars.
At each stop we sipped local wines in tiny ombre glasses, a tradition dating back to when vendors sold wine in the shade of St. Mark’s, and paired them with cicchetti — fried bites, seafood skewers, polenta with cheese, and open sandwiches piled with seasonal veggies. We even tried fizzy spritzes, and by the end I felt less like a visitor and more like I’d slipped into the city’s rhythm.
At a Glance: Secret Wine Tour of Venice
- Experience Name: Local Secrets of Venice: Wine & Cicchetti Walking Tour
- Led By: Local food and wine expert
- Atmosphere: Casual, social, off the tourist trail
- Duration: ~2.5–3 hours
- My Top Tip: Make sure you go hungry and ask for wine pairing tips at each stop!
- Where to Book
6. Listen to Vivaldi – A Goosebump-Inducing Baroque Experience
Experiencing Vivaldi in Venice gave me genuine goosebumps — I booked a seat at a Venice Baroque Orchestra concert inside the 17th-century Church of San Vidal, a candlelit, high-ceilinged space with perfect acoustics right on the edge of the Grand Canal.
Hearing The Four Seasons played so passionately in the city where Vivaldi was born felt electric, and arriving at sunset with golden light spilling across the ancient stones made the whole evening especially unforgettable!
At a Glance: Listening to Vivaldi in Venice
- Where: Church of San Vidal, near Campo Santo Stefano
- What You’ll Hear: Baroque masterpieces, including Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
- Atmosphere: Intimate, candlelit, and acoustically wonderful!
- Duration: ~1 hour
- My Top Tip: Arrive early for good seats and also to soak up the vibes of the old church before the music starts
- Tickets: Book online or at the door (but they do sell out in peak season)
7. The Waterside Bars
One of my favorite Venice rituals was grabbing a drink and simply watching the boats glide by, and I found some gorgeous waterside bars for just that. From my base at the elegant 4-star Palazzo Veneziano, I loved El Chioschetto on the Zattere — just a humble kiosk with a couple of seats but knockout Giudecca Canal views perfect for the ’gram.
Vincent Bar was another highlight, where I sipped prosecco while the sky melted into one of the prettiest sunsets of my trip. For something more hidden, Taverna al Remer felt like a secret — tucked in a quiet courtyard with a cozy canal-side jetty and a laid-back happy hour.
Osteria Bancogiro, right by the Rialto Bridge, gave me front-row seats to the Grand Canal in motion, while my final splurge was at L’Ombra del Leone inside Ca’ Giustinian, where surprisingly affordable drinks came with jaw-dropping terrace views of the Chiesa della Salute and Punta della Dogana
At a Glance: Venice’s Best Waterside Bars
- El Chioschetto: Relaxed kiosk bar on the Zattere with canal views
- Vincent Bar: Great prosecco and great place to watch the sunset
- Taverna del Campiello Remer: Hidden gem with canal-side jetty and happy hour
- Osteria Bancogiro: Lively vibe with a terrace near Rialto Bridge
- L’Ombra del Leone: Gorgeous terrace views without the splurge
- My Top Tip: Head to these places around golden hour for the best light and atmosphere (and fewer crowds!)
8. Corte del Volto Santo – A Peaceful Square Steeped in Mystery
I stumbled across Corte del Volto Santo entirely by accident, and I’m so glad I did! Hidden away from Venice’s chaos, this quiet little courtyard felt instantly calming.
Later I learned it dated back to 1360, when it housed the Confraternita dei Lucchesi—wealthy silk merchants who had fled political upheaval in Lucca. Its claim to fame is the mysterious “Volto Santo,” a weathered stone carving of a bearded face set into the wall.
No one knows exactly where it came from, but Venetian folklore whispers it may even be a depiction of Christ. With its ghostly old face staring out and its layers of history, the courtyard carried an intriguing, haunting charm that stuck with me!
At a Glance: Corte del Volto Santo
- Location: Hidden courtyard in the San Polo district
- Historical Significance: Former site of the Confraternita dei Lucchesi (est. 1360)
- Named After: “Volto Santo” (Holy Face) crucifix from Lucca
- Vibe: Quiet, atmospheric, and filled with an understated beauty
- Why It’s Special: A mysterious secret corner away from the crowds
- My Top Tip: Bring a coffee and just sit for a few minutes – it made a tranquil respite from the city!
9. Ca’Zappa – A Curious Slice of the Netherlands in the Venetian Lagoon!
I stumbled across Ca’ Zappa, a striking red-brick villa on a tiny private island in the lagoon, and what instantly caught my eye was how Dutch it looked—more like a house in The Netherlands than in Venice! I later learned it was designed in the 1920s by a Dutch architect, Mario Malvezzi, who gave it gabled roofs, a bold red-and-white façade, long windows, and even a watchtower.
On a guided tour, I wandered through its slightly overgrown gardens, climbed the tower for sweeping lagoon views, and admired interiors with painted vaulted ceilings, ornate fireplaces inscribed with Venetian proverbs, and richly themed rooms. I especially loved hearing how both Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dalí once stayed overnight—an eccentric twist that made the villa feel even more enigmatic and unforgettable!
At a Glance: Ca’Zappa
- Location: In the Venetian Lagoon, near Chioggia (accessible by boat)
- Built By: Mario Malvezzi, between 1923–1928
- Why It’s Unique: It’s a rare Dutch-style home located in the Italian lagoon
- Famous Visitors: Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dalí
- How to Visit: Book a guided tour (private access only); best explored by boat
- My Top Tip: Climb the tower for gorgeous panoramic views and bring a camera – the light was magical there!
My Final Thoughts
Unearthing hidden gems beyond the tourist trail definitely gave me a more intimate side of Venice – less cruise ships, more character, and a wonderful sense of experiencing the city like a local rather than just a passing visitor!
My Practical Tips for Exploring Venice
- ️Best Time to Visit: I found late April to June and September to early October ideal – fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and that golden light perfect for photos. I always skip peak summer – it’s hot, humid, packed with tourists and huge cruise ships, and not everywhere has air con!
- Getting Around: I personally think Venice is best explored on foot and by vaporetto (water buses). For scenic canal rides, the No. 1 line along the Grand Canal is great value. I’ve also hired private traghetto and boat taxis but these were more expensive.
- ️Where to Stay: I preferred the areas of Cannaregio where I stayed in the gorgeous Hotel Giorgione, Dorsoduro where I booked into the intimate and romantic Hotel Moresco, or Castello where I based myself in the wow-inducing 4-star Ruzzini Palace Hotel, as they were quiet and atmospheric but still close to all the action!
