I am more and more convinced of it. I’ve been to Venice multiple times, since I was a child; I have guided friends through its streets and squares; I have visited during overcrowded Carnevale and in chilly January. But it was just during the last visit that I realized that there are no hidden gems in Venice, because all of Venice is a gem.
The problem with Venice that everybody wants to see the most famous attractions: Rialto Bridge, Saint Mark Square, and few others. In doing so, the pleasure of simply walking around and actually appreciating the gem that is Venice in its entirety, is lost.
How did we reach this illumination? In the most spontaneous and unexpected way: we arrived in Venice at 4 PM in the afternoon. Slowly, the herds of tourists left, the light became warm and golden, we slowed down and appreciated the details of this magical city.
Check out our favourite Venice gems and be inspired to discover new ones – or read about our Italian travels here.
However, if you plan to arrive in Venice earlier, consider going on a day trip to Burano and Murano!
Appreciate Venetian architecture
If you think of Florence or Rome, it is immediate how different the architecture is in Venice. I love how the influence from Byzantine, Gothic and Islamic styles mix together into Venetian Gothic style. Doesn’t it make you think both of dramatic churches from the Middle Ages, and also of Moorish mosques or fortresses?
While one of the most magnificent examples of this architectural style is Ca’ d’Oro, the Golden House, these elements are present everywhere. The iconic arches are called “ogee” or “inflected arches”.
The Teatro Italia is located on Strada Nuova, the street that leads from the train station to Rialto bridge, in Cannaregio. Built in 1915, its function changed multiple times, from theatre, to cinema, to university offices. Nowadays it’s a supermarket, but they are doing their best to preserve the art in the interior.
If you are interested in Italian art and architecture, check out this 2-week itinerary in Italy, full of landmarks and underrated highlights.
Discover art exhibitions
Watch out for posters and advertisements: art exhibitions are everywhere in Venice. In particular, the Venice Biennale is always worth a stop. Founded in 1895, it is now one of the most famous cultural organizations in the world. The programs include dance, theatre, music, and cinema; on uneven years, art exhibitions, and on uneven years architecture exhibitions.
Besides the official exhibitions at Arsenale and Giardini, there are plenty of collateral events of the Biennale di Venezia. During our spontaneous walk along Strada Nova, we stumbled across the exhibitions of a few nations: we got to admire unusual works of art inside amazing historical buildings – free of charge.
Needless to mention that most churches in Venice feature some masterpieces inside – literally, hidden gems. Sneak a peek even in the ones with simple facades.
Really see the canals
Anybody can take a traditional photo from above a bridge. But when people leave, that’s when you achieve the unusual perspectives, or spot a moment of the real life of the locals.
Keep in mind that pictures don’t portray a very important aspect of Venice canals: very often, they are very smelly.
Enjoy the best view in Venice
We were lucky enough to learn about Fondaco dei Tedeschi the day before we travelled there, as this is the only destination of a spontaneous walk that actually requires booking.
Let me explain: Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a luxury mall right by the Canal Grande, next to Rialto (here is the map, and you pronounce it FON-da-co dei Te-DE-skee). It takes its name from the German merchants that used this fascinating building to store and trade goods from the East, ever since the 13th century. More recently, it served as a post office, until Benetton group bought it in 2008 and incorporated the shopping centre in the original Renaissance structure.
Obviously, this caused a huge scandal and debate, but in our opinion, they did an excellent work. The inner courtyard left us wide-mouthed at the 3 levels of galleries covered by a steel-glass ceiling. The café in the centre, surrounded by stands of exotic perfumes and expensive scarves, gives the feeling of a luxury bazaar, just like I imagine it could have been a few centuries ago. The ancient clock on the wall looks stunning, and from the balconies are showcased silks and textiles from the Rubelli archive.
Anyway, we were not there for the shopping. From the last floor, it is possible to access a rooftop terrace with one of the best views of Venice: red-tiled rooftops, Rialto Bridge, the Canal Grande and its gorgeous palazzi, and in the distance Saint Mark and the Campanile.
But remember be efficient and to book in advance at this link! Only 70 people are allowed on the terrace, in slots of 15 minutes (opening hours: from 9.45 to 19.15, it must be memorable for sunset!). When we learned about this place, the following day had available spots all day. When we arrived in Venice in the early afternoon, only the 5.15 slot was available, and it was almost full. By 5.10, more than 10 people were turned away.
Admire the buildings
As soon as you don’t have to rush anywhere, and there isn’t a wall of crowd in front of you, you will be able to slow down and discover the hidden gems: the details of Venice.
Did you notice that this building is red, but the side to the alley is yellow?
Can you imagine who lives behind that door?
Street artists will climb on rooftops to paint their art. Did you know that also Banksi painted in Venice?
How can such a large tree grow in a city made of islands?
where water fairies chat about the rushing humans above…
Besides the gondolas, did you notice the flags hanging from balconies and windows? Locals feel a very strong connection to the history and traditions of Venice.
Don’t you want to be friends with the owners of that rooftop terrace?
Have you noticed unusual architectural elements lit up in the evening?
Dinner in Venice
I don’t need to tell you that you should turn away from the main streets in order to find good restaurants in Venice. Follow your nose, as Gandalf says!
You may find a family-run “Osteria” with cute outdoor tables for a romantic candlelight dinner; if you’re on a budget, choose a couple of “cicchetti” – traditional bites made of a slice fo bread with a topping of cured ham, vegetables or fish – and a drink.
Especially with your loved one, Venice is perfect for a romantic getaway.
In case your accommodation is not in Venice, don’t worry: trains and buses run until very late, and Venice is very safe. We were staying in Mestre, right by the station, so we got to enjoy Venice by night without any rush.
Absolutely! We were so satisfied with this peaceful afternoon in Venice. We recommend you also enjoy a few hours to get lost in the city – even though it’s an island, so that’s quite impossible! – and discover all the gems of Venice, hidden in plain sight.
Do you know any hidden gems in Venice? Let us know in the comments! Cheers!
