Venice Hidden Gems: 12 Unique Things to Do in the City

Venice is not only about crowded gondolas. It has many other attractions as well that are hidden from tourists and help them discover things that bring out the character of the actual city.

Off the beaten path, from magnificent, concealed courtyards to secret artisan workshops, Venice experiences are nothing more than genuine, branded themes that few tourists get to see. 

Venice Hidden Gems: Beyond the Tourist Trail

This city has pretty much been declared a must-see city for every single traveler, yet very few people know anything about it.

Real life is sustained all under the veil of hidden spots from where your touring operators are not able to pull you, in-hushed-away-from-packed-main-street-hidden-churches with Renaissance frescoes, a tiny bar with just enough room for two for a spritz and cicchetti, and calm lagoon islands with tranquility suspended.

This does not imply you should shun more obvious events like gondola rides or going to the Teatro La Fenice; instead, stay away and explore the very ordinary life of this city by seeking hide-and-seek in twisting alleyways, listening to tales behind closed doors, and pursuing genuine Venetian life. Many novelties will show you how little Venice offers to visitors. 

Access Fee for Day Visitors

Starting in 2025, Venice has expanded its “Contributo di Accesso” — a visitor access fee applied on peak tourist days. Day-trippers entering the historic city center must now pre-book a ticket and carry a QR code. Fines for non-compliance can reach up to €300. Overnight guests are currently exempt, but all travelers should check the latest fee calendar when planning their visit. Booking in advance can reduce the cost and avoid last-minute hassles.

Discover Off-the-Beaten-Path Venice: Hidden Islands and Quiet Corners

Some islands, far away from the bustling Murano and Burano, crisscross the quiet Venetian Lagoon. They are cool and not very well-traveled Islands offering something different: history, nature, and solitude that a traveler needs to counter the overwhelming jostle of the crowd and indulge in authenticity in Venetian life.

Top lesser-known islands to visit:

• Sant’Erasmo: Known as Venice’s “vegetable garden,” this island is a haven for cyclists. Wander quiet rural paths, discover local vineyards, and savor the famous violet artichokes grown here.
  
• Torcello: Once a powerful city rivaling Venice itself, Torcello boasts a breathtaking Byzantine cathedral with stunning mosaics. Its peaceful, sparsely populated atmosphere invites quiet reflection.
  
• San Francesco del Deserto: A secluded Franciscan monastery surrounded by cypress trees. Accessible only by private boat or guided tours, it offers a serene retreat for solitude and natural beauty.
  

These hidden lagoon gems provide a refreshing breath of fresh air and a chance to experience Venice’s slower, more contemplative side.

Emerging Hidden Gems in 2025

Several lesser-known places in Venice are gaining attention in 2025:

• Palazzo Soranzo Cappello Garden – A once-overlooked gem now hosting small public art installations and open-air exhibitions, especially during the Biennale season.
  
• Isola della Certosa – This previously quiet island is undergoing revitalization. Look out for its evolving cultural spaces and waterside food venues.
  
• Ocean Space at San Lorenzo – Housed in a deconsecrated church, this space is now a center for contemporary art and climate-focused exhibitions. A thoughtful detour for curious minds.
  
• Bacan Island – Thanks to flood-control improvements, this tranquil sandbar near Sant’Erasmo is becoming a low-key favorite for sunbathing and relaxed picnics. It remains wild and uncommercial — for now.

Step Inside Hidden Cloisters and Quiet Courtyards

Venice hides its most peaceful places behind high walls and unmarked doors. Discovering these spots feels like unlocking a private side of the city.

Places to discover:

• Church of San Zaccaria
  
  • Features a stunning flooded crypt
    
  • A serene escape from the tourist-heavy St. Mark’s area
    
• Palazzo Soranzo Cappello (during Biennale)
  
  • Houses a hidden garden with sculptures and wild plants
    
  • A refreshing break from stone-paved streets
    
• Random courtyards in San Polo and Dorsoduro
  
  • Look for open gates or quiet corners behind churches.
    
  • You’ll find vines, fountains, and silence
    

Venice’s hidden courtyards offer stillness and surprise in a city full of movement.

Skip the Crowds: Climb San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower for Stunning Views

One should not go to the Sibylline campanile di San Marco, filled as it is with noisy tourists, but should instead venture out toward the quieter yet equally breathtaking Bell Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore.

This is one of those secluded spaces free of tourists where one can absorb the magnificent view of the red rooftops of Venice across the mirror-like lagoon and all the way to the far-off Dolomite mountains on exceptionally clear days.

Why choose San Giorgio Maggiore?

• Elevator access means no exhausting climbs
  
• Far fewer visitors for a peaceful, uninterrupted experience
  
• Ideal spot for photographers seeking unique angles and serene moments
  

For a tranquil way to take in Venice’s iconic skyline, this bell tower is a must-visit off-the-beaten-path attraction.

Explore Venice’s Living Tradition at Squero di San Trovaso

They extend further than mere gondola rides in Venice. Observe how the age-old craft of gondola building has been practiced at Squero di San Trovaso– perhaps one of the best-kept secrets of Venice.

Qualified artisans from the inheritance guilds here still craft these famous boats using the hands-on traditional techniques transmitted through generations.

What to expect:

• Observe live gondola construction in a working workshop
  
• Meet master craftsmen preserving Venetian heritage
  
• Experience a living museum often missed by tourists
  

A visit to this hidden gem enriches your understanding of Venice’s maritime culture and deepens your appreciation for the classic gondola experience.

Discover Renaissance Treasures in a Hidden Venetian Church

Madonna dell’Orto is a calm church hidden in Cannaregio, away from bustling basilicas. It is the site for such masterpieces in the Renaissance by the hand of Tintoretto, arguably the greatest painter of Venice, whose life’s work is buried within these walls.

Why visit?

• View several major Tintoretto artworks up close
  
• Experience a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere far from tourist crowds
  
• Immerse yourself in rich Venetian history and spirituality
  

This hidden gem offers a rare opportunity to appreciate world-class art in tranquil surroundings.

Wander Through Venice’s Whimsical Labyrinthine 

The Libreria Acqua Alta for bookworms and shutterbugs could be a magical destination. This unusual shop is not like any other: books piled high inside bathtubs and gondolas and enclosed in waterproof boxes create a whimsical maze through which to wander.

Highlights include:

• A unique staircase made entirely of old books, offering a picturesque canal view
  
• Resident cats add charm and warmth to the atmosphere
  
• Walls adorned with vintage maps and Venetian curiosities
  

Part bookstore, part museum, Libreria Acqua Alta invites you to get delightfully lost in its enchanting, labyrinthine corners.

Eat Like a Local: Take a Venetian Bacaro Crawl

To really taste Venice, you should skip the tourist restaurants and really get into the culture of bacari in the city.

Bacari are intimate bars where locals enjoy the Venetian version of tapas, for Spaniards. Cicchetti is one of the best ways to taste authentic Venetian flavors and mingle with the locals.

Must-try cicchetti dishes include:

• Sarde in saor: Sweet and sour marinated sardines with onions and raisins
  
• Baccalà mantecato: Creamy whipped salt cod spread
  
• Fried zucchini flowers
  
• Grilled cuttlefish
  
• Spaghetti alle vongole and risotto al nero di seppia (black squid ink risotto)
  
• Sweet treats like bussolai cookies and seasonal artisan gelato
  

Pair your bites with a classic Aperol Spritz, Select Spritz, or a glass of local wine known as an “ombra.”

Try roaming in Cannaregio, Castello, and Dorsoduro, where the true bacari thrive. Need a few inspirations? Take a guided food trip to find the top locations and secret gastronomic treasures.

Local Tip (2025)

Traghetto rides — once a quiet, local ferry option — are becoming crowded as budget-conscious tourists use them as cheap gondola alternatives. Locals suggest trying them early in the morning or outside of peak times to avoid queues and maintain the original spirit of the ride.

Stay in a Historic Palazzo or Restored Monastery for an Authentic Venetian Experience

Memorable Venetian visits also call for ditching the standard hotels for much-historic, steeped-in-history accommodation.

Dwelling in a restored monastery or several other old palazzos for some time has a unique flavor and character that immerses a visitor in the rich cultural heritage of the abode.

Consider these options:

• Converted monasteries: Enjoy peaceful gardens and timeless décor that reflect Venice’s spiritual past.
  
• Boutique palazzi: Sleep beneath frescoed ceilings with stunning canal views and antique furnishings.
  
• Family-run guesthouses: Experience warm Venetian hospitality and local traditions in intimate settings.
  

Choosing these historic stays not only preserves Venice’s architectural treasures but also gives you a one-of-a-kind lodging experience unlike any other.

Experience Venice’s Heartbeat: Attend Local Festivals and Sagre

These are examples of life in Venice beyond the beaten paths. To really feel the local spirit, come during one of the many local celebrations and sagre: seasonal community festivities brimming with food, music, and customs.

Don’t miss:

• Festa del Redentore: Held every July, this spectacular event features dazzling fireworks and communal dinners along the waterfront.
  
• Neighborhood Sagre: Seasonal fairs filled with local food stalls, live music, and traditional games—perfect for mingling with locals.
  
• Carnival of Venice (off the main squares): Skip the crowded piazzas and explore artisan workshops showcasing mask-making and costume craftsmanship.
  

These festivals provide lively, immersive experiences for travelers craving genuine cultural connections.

What’s New in 2025

• Festa di San Giovanni in Bragora (June 21) – A rising favorite among locals, this neighborhood celebration features music, circus performances, and film screenings in a festive, family-friendly setting.
  
• Festa della Sensa and Festa di Sant’Antonio continue to thrive, offering spiritual and historical rituals with fewer tourists and stronger ties to Venice’s roots.
  
• Classical music fans can attend Vivaldi concerts and chamber performances hosted in Venice’s historic churches throughout the spring and summer.

Discover the Haunting Charm of the Arsenale at Twilight

Set in the shadows of Venice’s historic Arsenale, the mighty shipyard powering it during the glorious Venetian Republic comes alive in muted lights under the dusk.

The vast complex takes on the most ethereal yet enticing atmosphere, mingling faint whispers of military history with those of contemporary art.

What awaits you:

• Expansive dockyards framed by imposing gates
  
• Occasional modern art installations add contrast to the ancient setting
  
• A haunting ambiance that’s especially striking at twilight
  

Exploring the Arsenale offers a unique journey into Venice’s past and present—a mysterious, hidden gem far from the usual tourist trail.

Seek Out Venice’s Vibrant Street Art and Secret Sculptures

While much of Venice’s charm resides within its history, a newer type of beauty, modern-day creativity, silently thrives at the very corners of the city.

Be on the lookout for sudden outbursts of street art and some hidden sculptures that unexpectedly inject an element of modernity into your Venetian walking tour.

Look for:

• Cleverly altered street signs by artist Clet Abraham
  
• Underwater-themed portraits by the mysterious Blub
  
• Small, whimsical sculptures tucked into buildings and bridges
  

These artistic surprises inject humor and intrigue into Venice’s labyrinthine alleys, making your walk all the more memorable.

Row Like a Local: Master the Art of Venetian Voga

It goes well beyond the gondola ride because you’ll really learn to row like a true Venetian, with Voga alla Veneta traditional form of rowing that is unique to Venice.

It is an experience that is hands-on but also fun and very immersive, which will give you a completely different view of the waterway around the city.

What you’ll enjoy:

• Standing and rowing forward in a traditional Venetian boat
  
• Expert instruction from local guides, many of whom are former gondoliers
  
• Flexible scheduling with morning lessons or picturesque sunset tours
  
• Optional “Cicchetto Row” upgrade, combining rowing with stops at bacari for delicious Venetian snacks and tapas
  

This experience promotes responsible tourism by helping preserve local traditions, supporting small businesses, and keeping you active while exploring Venice.

Ready to explore Venice beyond the guidebooks?

Start planning your journey with these Venice hidden gems and experience the city like a true local. ✨

Skip the crowds — discover the magic.

Responsible Travel in 2025

With new crowd control measures and a growing focus on preserving the city’s heritage, Venice encourages mindful travel more than ever. Visitors are asked to follow the city’s respectful travel guidelines: no swimming in canals, no littering or sitting on historic monuments, and supporting local artisans and businesses over mass tourism chains. Exploring slowly, visiting off-peak, and choosing authentic experiences over Instagram shots helps protect Venice’s fragile soul — and makes your trip more meaningful.

Hidden Gems vs Tourist Hotspots

Have you discovered any hidden gems in Venice? Share your favorite spots in the comments!

FAQs

Can I visit a Murano glass factory?

Yes. Many are open to the public. Look for certified studios that offer live glassblowing demos. Always ask for a certificate of authenticity to avoid mass-produced imitations.

Do I need to book Venetian rowing lessons in advance?

Yes, especially in peak season. Row Venice and similar groups require reservations. Sessions often fill weeks in advance.

Is Venice walkable for everyone?

While Venice is very walkable, many areas have stairs, bridges, and uneven stones. Wheelchair accessibility can be limited in older buildings and some hidden gems.

What’s the best season to find these hidden spots?

Late spring and early fall are ideal. Fewer crowds, mild weather, and open gardens make it perfect for exploring.

Are there alternatives to expensive gondola rides?

Yes! Try the traghetto, a short gondola ferry across the Grand Canal for just a few euros — a favorite with locals.

Don’t just visit Venice — live it. Bookmark this guide, grab your map, and dive into the hidden gems waiting to be discovered!

Conclusion

To visit uniquely tour the secret corners of Venice and explore the end of it all. All these great activities unveil the less trodden paths of the city and unveil its grand history, but also present the real culture that tourists often ignore.

The Venetian territory also offers surprises from unknown islands and artisan workshops to hard-to-find bell towers and second-hand bookshops. Even better, these excursions off the beaten path give a link to the very soul of this alluring city. So let’s take the opportunity to unveil these treasures for a memorable time in Venice!

✨ Ready to uncover Venice’s best-kept secrets? Start planning your off-the-beaten-path adventure today — and experience the city like a true local!

Admin

Travels skyways helps you plan your perfect journey with expert tips, destination guides, travel hacks, and budget advice. Whether it’s a quick getaway or a dream vacation, we’re here to guide your adventure from start to finish.