Hidden Venice invites you to uncover the city’s lesser-known treasures. Explore serene canals, hidden squares, and centuries of local history away from the tourist path.
Hidden Venice
Bella Venezia, twice the size of NYC’s Central Park, attracts over 27 million tourists annually. Most visit St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge before moving on. For in-depth insights, we rely on Jill Weinreich, a resident since 1996.
Wake Up Early to Hit the Square
Set an early alarm, enjoy St. Mark’s Square in solitude before the crowds. In the early morning, the area appears eerily empty, with only neighborhood street sweepers performing their morning rounds. Stop at a little coffee shop with residents on their way to work for a cappuccino
and brioche to start your day off well. When it’s too crowded in the afternoon, you can take a nap.
Book an After-Hours Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
You must see the magnificent mosaics that adorn the interior of St. Mark’s Basilica. But schedule an after-hours visit with Walks of Italy rather than wasting time standing in line all day. You and a group of 14 will have exclusive access to the Basilica after the public leaves. A knowledgeable guide shares its history.
Visit the Church of San Sebastiano
The Church of San Sebastiano is a shrine to Paolo Veronese’s work and is located in the Dorsoduro sestiere (district) close to the western end of the Zattere promenade. Along with Titian and Tintoretto, Veronese was a member of the trio of outstanding Venetian painters that began the Golden Age of Venetian painting in the 16th century. The interior of the building has been gradually being restored since 2007 by the American nonprofit Save Hidden Venice Inc., bringing the artist’s enchanted creations back to life after being coated in dust for centuries. While restoration is still proceeding, the results thus far have been astounding, so be ready for exquisite visual pleasure.
Dine in Campo dell’Angelo Raffaele
Visit the Church of San Sebastiano when Pane Vino e San Daniele in Campo dell’Angelo Raffaele is nearby for lunch and then return afterward. The osteria in Dorsoduro is off the usual path and boasts a sunny patio and a warm, wood-walled dining area. The Sardinian chef and proprietor serves substantial classics like Gragnano spaghetti with asparagus carbonara, lamb with wild cardoons, and rabbit with wild fennel.
Experience Venice from the Water
The best way to see Venice is by boat since Venetians were born to be on the sea. That may entail a 30-minute gondola ride for some people, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, why not go one step further and train in authentic Venetian rowing aboard a boat from Row Venice? Nothing compares to making your way through San Marco’s tranquil, twisting canals away from the masses. Depending on the course, you might learn how to parallel park your hand-built vehicle in front of one or more wine bars (a very important skill in our opinion).
View the City from Above
Any Italian city will tell you to climb as high as you can to discover the best views. The Scala Contarini del Bovolo, which was recently renovated, is one of many possibilities in Venice, including the bell towers in St. Mark’s Square and on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. The Scala is a hidden architectural wonder in the San Marco neighborhood. It contains a historic spiral staircase that leads to stunning views for climbers.
Visit the World’s Oldest Jewish Ghetto
The Jewish Ghetto in Venice celebrated its 500th anniversary on March 29, established in 1516 by Doge Leonardo Loredan’s order. Investigate the Cannaregio neighborhood for an afternoon to discover the background of Venice’s Jewish population.Five synagogues, as well as a Jewish museum, are accessible through guided tours.
Get in Touch with Local Artisans
Join Luisella Romeo’s craft tour to explore Venice’s authentic side, meeting artisans or designing your own experience.
Feel free to ask her anything about Venetian art history; she is also very knowledgeable about it.
See the Scuola Grande di San Marco
The grand Scuola Grande di San Marco, one of six influential confraternities, is in Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Castello. Pietro Lombardo and his sons Tullio and Antonio crafted the exquisite façade in the fifteenth century. Members met on the ground and first floors within the hospital’s entrance until Napoleon’s 1797 suppression of Venetian scuole. Visitors can explore the open-air Sala Capitolare, once the scuola’s meeting space, now housing a rare medical equipment collection.
Grab a meal at Osteria alla Frasca
It’s like strolling onto a stage when you stumble upon Osteria alla Frasca in the Cannaregio neighborhood. Most find this hidden gem accidentally due to its offbeat location in Venice.Nestled in a quaint corner, this small space boasts a modest dining area
and an adjoining kitchen, creating an exceptionally cozy ambiance.Notably, as you observe the mainly local clientele, it becomes apparent that the food is authentically Venetian. Moreover, the majority of patrons favor dining al fresco, and their experience is enhanced by the gentle illumination of tealights. The menu is a celebration of Venetian specialties, featuring variations tailored to the freshest market ingredients. Be sure to indulge in the grilled squid with arugula (agliata di calimaro) as a delightful appetizer, followed by the city’s renowned whipped cod (baccala mantecato) for an exquisite culinary experience.
Preserve Your Memories
While exploring each canal and piazza in Venice, beauty reveals itself at every turn.For preserving these memories, contemplate a professional photoshoot with Flytographer. Their local photographers, well-versed in Venice, will assist you in selecting ideal settings for your best photos.
