Ahh, lovely Venice! The capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, is a perennial favourite with many travellers, and its star continues to rise with spectacular popularity—and with good reason!
In my opinion, this almost otherworldly magical place provides some of Europe’s most beautiful city scenery, if not the world!
However, the city is more than just bridges, gondolas, and Casanova’s fabled home. On my visit, I discovered some interesting off-the-beaten-track gems, which I want to share with you.
1. Burano Island
Dubbed one of the most colourful places in the world and yet still a reasonably under-the-radar thing to do in Venice, I love that Burano is an island in Venice that time forgot!
The brightly coloured houses whose reflections glimmer in the waters of the Venetian lagoon but the intricate tradition of lace-making sets this island apart from the others, like Murano (of glass-making fame!).
When I stepped off the boat and onto the shore, I was greeted by elderly ladies who were drawing me into their shops to show me their beautiful lace goods.
Along with wonderful, scenic places to eat or have an espresso, the island has its own leaning tower that can be explored. I thought this little island was like Italy’s own Little Italy!
2. The Secret Supper Club
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience, I suggest this! The Secret Supper Club is a private dining experience with various events and collaborations that heighten the experience.
The space curation, atmosphere, and interior design all combined to form a complete and wholesome dinner experience that I won’t forget in a hurry—it was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!
3. The island of Sant’Andrea
Given Venice’s history as an Italian trade centre, its glorious wealth needed to be protected. Hence, the fortification built at Sant’Andrea in the 17th century, at the height of Venice’s glory and fame thanks to the Renaissance and voyages of Exploration, which brought great wealth to the Italian state.
It is possible to visit the fort and explore the area, and I loved how tranquil it was here. I have to say, though, that the rest of the island is unkempt and overgrown.
However, it has beautiful viewing spots, so I would recommend having a picnic and bringing some nibbles and bubbles to escape the crowds and watch the world go by!
4. Libreria Acqua Alta
Bibliophiles rejoice! I personally think this unknown Venice hidden gem is a bookshop with a difference, due to the location hazard that comes from setting up shop in the city of canals, the store is resigned to constant flooding and has come up with an ingenious solution to stem the tide – they keep the books in bathtubs and boats and was there for it!
The title translates as “Library of High Water” and the store truly is a library of everything a book lover could want, cramped atmosphere, stacks of books ranging from philosophy to pedagogy along with maps, magazines and manuals.
Even non-book lovers will find an element of solace here, just like the stray cats who take refuge from the rising tide among the stacks of books! Just so cute!
5. A Secret Wine tour
Venice has contributed its traditions, the ombra and the spritz, to the Italian gastronomic experience. Normally consumed at breakfast, the ombra is a tiny glass of wine, either red or white, meant to be knocked back, while the spritz is an aperitivo of white wine, Campari, and a shot of seltzer.
I would recommend immersing yourself like a local to fully appreciate the local tradition. Tour specialists Urban Adventures organise tours of local wine cellars for a real Venetian oenophile experience- a word to the wise, engage in a healthy dose of chicchetti (Venetian tapas) to avoid the slump. I was also pleased to hear that Prosecco is made in the hills of the Veneto region and flows freely in Venetian glasses!
6. Listen to Vivaldi
Even if you are not a classical music fiend, experiencing Vivaldi in Venice can be a goosebump-inducing moment, the Venice Baroque Orchestra and the orchestra of La Fenice, both perform to exceptional standards.
The Teatro Malibran shares the Fenice’s programmes and also has its chamber music season, with performances by the Societa Veneziana dei Concerti.
If you can coordinate your visit with one of the city’s many open-air performances, it would definitely be worth taking the time to attend. You will not regret it! I promise!
7. The waterside bars
Water, water everywhere so where to get a drink? I thought the best places to take a load off from all that sightseeing and enjoy the world slip-float-by are the waterside bars.
Al Chioschetto on the Zattere, one of the few straight, wide waterways in Venice, the atmosphere is pretty much unrivalled except for the party boat cruises that leave from the bars docks on summer evenings.
Failing that, try Vincent Bar, which is the perfect place to watch a Venetian sunset with a glass of prosecco. Taverna del Campiello Remer is a tougher spot to find, but it’s worth hunting for this cosy little bacaro, a little red-bricked nook set in the exquisite setting of the tiny square right on the Grand Canal.
8. Corte del Volto Santo
It is no secret that Venice has awed many a visitor with her open beauty but it is the discerning tourist that discovers the more private corners of her beauty, her corte. Corte del Volto Santo is one such place and fully deserves a place on my hidden gems list!
It’s a hidden square with a rich history which began with the migration of the Lucchesi people to the area in the 14th century.
9. Ca’Zappa
This stunning Dutch villa seems out of place among the glossy Venetian buildings but it sits alone and is unique in the south of the lagoon.
Conclusion
Notice how I didn’t mention a gondola once! I would say don’t be sucked into the traditional tourist route and step off the beaten track for a more elevated experience of Venice!
