Hidden Gems in Venice: A Guide to the City’s Best-Kept Secrets

My love affair with Venice started over 10 years ago, on a harsh winter day. It was my first trip after the sudden passing of my grandma which hit me like a train. After a time in which I felt suffocated with grief, I needed a warm pair of arms to hold me tight and tell me that it’s all going to be ok. Venice did just that. I remember roaming the streets of the city aimlessly, discovering some incredible hidden gems in Venice. 

However, on this particular trip, I was caught too deeply into my feelings to pay much attention. The blustering wind and the cold temperatures shared a solidarity with my internal struggle, and offered me the peace I was looking for in this ghost town. Yes, Venice was empty! I got lost on purpose on the narrow labyrinth of alleyways opening up for bridges over even narrower canals. The dimmed lights breaking through the thick fog at night, the casual gondolier inviting me into his gondola for a ride in exchange for a kiss, the grandness of San Marco basilica where I cried my heart out whilst lighting a candle, made me become an advocate for Venice.

A lone gondolier rowing his two clients on an empty canal. The houses alongside the canal are all different, some very simple, some with decorations and bright facades.

However, our relationship changed when I returned to the city for my 30th birthday. It was summer and I felt how the soul of Venice simply disappeared. It was the city now that was suffocated, not with grief but with rude tourists who flooded its once empty alleys. That feeling of peace I once experienced was gone. Now, the city felt just a giant scam, with expensive hotels, overpriced restaurants, and those never ending chaotic and loud crowds that ruined the experience. I won’t be back, I thought to myself.

But I did return, last year, on a random cold weekend in November. And I rediscovered the same Venice that held to her beating heart, that once mended my soul and wiped my tears away. My Venice, the city I fell in love with over 10 years ago. The sole purpose of this trip was to explore, take photos, discover the hidden corners of Venice, and eat good food. And that is exactly what I did!  

Cannaregio

A canal in Cannargio. A man is driving his small boat to cross under a small bridge. The houses along the canal all have bright colours and green shutters around the windows.

I knew I wanted to roam around Cannaregio and get off the beaten path in Venice, as this is the less touristy area of the city. The more north you go, the less tourists you meet. This is where you can see how people actually live, at least the ones who are still left in Venice. Unfortunately, due to the rising number of Airbnbs the locals were forced out of Venice and now there are very few people who still live here. Which is such a shame, as the locals are part of the identity of a city, they are the soul of Venice. Without locals, Venice is beautiful but has no soul.

A lone canal with small boats anchored near the walls. Underneath some windows there is laundry drying.

Cannaregio was exactly as I expected it to be – empty of touristic crowds. Unlike other districts in Venice that can get very busy, to the point where you can’t walk down the street, Cannaregio has a much more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. I wandered through the streets and alleys taking photos of the beautiful Baroque and Renaissance architecture of the buildings and palaces. The northern part of Cannaregio is the quietest. The canals here have large sidewalks which in the evening get busy with tables and chairs, to enjoy al fresco dinners at the restaurants in the area. This part of Cannaregio is actually a great place to taste the local Venetian cuisine, alongside the locals, away from the tourist traps around Piazza San Marco.  

The Jewish Area  

The main square in the Jewish Ghetto, with taller buildings than in other places in Venice, painted in bright colours. In the middle of the square there is a water fountain.

One of the highlights of Cannaregio is the old Jewish area, which is often overlooked by tourists as they usually march from the train station straight to Rialto and San Marco. The Ghetto Ebraico is small but a great place to observe the life of the local community still living here. It is actually the first “ghetto” in Europe.

This area was given by the government of Venice to the Jewish community in 1516, when they saw an opportunity in raising more tax revenue. Initially this islet was completely walled up and guarded, people being allowed to be outside only between dawn and sunset. At that time, Jews were subject to various restrictions and limitations.

Laundry in front of a window with green shutters.

The Jewish Museum is a fascinating and informative place to learn about the history of the Jewish community in Venice. They organise guided tours of the Ghetto at certain times, which are included in the price of the museum ticket. You can find out more information and the exact times on the museum’s website by clicking here.

Even if the Jewish area is so small, there are five synagogues here, two open to the public for visiting. The heart of the area is Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, a beautiful, colourful square, home to the museum, two synagogues, art galleries and kosher restaurants where you can try typical dishes of Roman Judaic cuisine with Venetian cuisine influences.

San Francesco della Vigna Church

The church seen between white and red columns.

San Francesco della Vigna Church is another hidden gem in Venice, and in order to see it, you have to get off the beaten path and wander away from the popular areas. This is one of the two Franciscan churches in Venice, special because of its pretty cloister surrounded by columns. The church was built in the 16th century by Jacopo Sansavino on the place where it is believed that Saint Mark’s boat shipwrecked in Venice.  The site of the church was originally a vineyard.

The red and white columns were added in the 19th century to support a gallery that connects the church to the former Monastery delle Pizzochere.

The church also has a bell tower, the third highest after the Campanille in San Marco Square and the Romanesque Frari at Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Church.

Scuola Grande della Misericordia

A close-up of a wall in the palace, with frescoes and a commemorative plaque on it with writing in Latin

The Misericordia is one of the seven “Grand Schools” of Venice, built by Doge Gritti as an institution for the wealthy dignitaries in the Venetian society. The architect of the palace was Jacopo Sansovino who designed it in a Renaissance style influenced by Roman classicism.

The interiors of the palace were decorated with frescoes attributed to the School of Paolo Veronese, by famous artists such as Domenico Tintoretto, Pellegrini, Zanchi, and Veronese himself.  

The palace is used today as an exhibition space, after it was restored in 2017. I visited it during the Biennale of Venezia, when an art show was taking place here. The frescoes on the walls are incredible, and I really wished that the exhibition I was seeing didn’t cover part of them.

Fondaco dei Tedeschi

The view from the rooftop of Fondaco dei Tedeschi, just before sunset, with the warm light reflecting on the buildings alongside the Grand Canal.

Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a luxury shopping mall inside a historical palace, a stone’s throw away from Rialto Bridge. The palace, built in a Renaissance style, used to be the former headquarters of the German merchants. Back when Venice used to be an important trading centre for goods, each group of merchants had its own “fondaco”, which was a market with living quarters for the community.

In 1508 the façade of Fondaco dei Tedeschi was painted by Titian and Giorgione but unfortunately due to the humid climate of the lagoon, most of the work was destroyed. The fragments which were able to be saved are now shown in Ca D’Oro Palace. During the last century, the building has been used by the Italian Post but after 2008 it has been transformed into a high end shopping centre. And it is a very impressive mall!

A panoramic view of the interior of the palace, with arches on each floor. Each second arch has a portrait of a Venetian noble in it.

But I am not mentioning Fondaco dei Tedeschi for its shopping experience, but for its romantic rooftop terrace from which you can enjoy a glorious view of the Canale Grande and the rooftops of Venice. During my last visit to Venice I noticed that now you need to book a time slot to get to the terrace, so make sure you do, by clicking here. The best time to go is just before sunset, when the golden light of the sun embraces the palaces along the Grand Canal.

Spar Teatro Italia

The entrance to the supermarket. In the photo you can see the stairs going upstairs, which are closed off with a red cordon.

Whilst I know there is a food market inside what was previously a church in England, I had no idea that in Venice a supermarket has taken over an old theatre. Spar Teatro Itaila is a project that saved the historical palace, once a majestic theatre, from disrepair, and repurposed it into a supermarket.

The palace of the former theatre was firstly built in the 20th century, in an Art Nouveau Neo Gothic style. Imagine admiring frescoes whilst you shop! Photography is not allowed inside the supermarket, which has adapted its lights in order to protect the murals.  

Campo San Giovanni e Paolo

A photo showing the two churches connected to each other. One church is white, with many decorations on the facade, whilst the other one is brown, built in a medieval style

Campo San Giovanni e Paolo is a pretty unique square in Venice because of its two churches united together by a wall. Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo dates back to the early 14th century and is one of the largest churches in Venice. But that’s not all – after the 15th century, this was the place where the funerals of the Doges of Venice took place. 25 of them have their final resting places inside this magnificent building.

Right next door you’ll find the church of San Lazzaro dei Mendicanti, which has a fascinating history of its own. Today, it serves as the Civic hospital of Venice, but in the past it was dedicated to treating lepers. It was also used to help homeless and beggars, as well as hosting poor girls and encouraging them to take part in their music school.

A fascinating fact is that the father of the famous composer Antonio Vivaldi was a teacher at the San Lazzaro dei Mendicanti music school, teaching here between 1689 and 1693.

The church inside the hospital can be visited on certain days, for a small fee. The walls are decorated with works of famous artists such as Veronese, Tintoretto, Salviati, and Guercino.

Rosa Salva

A tray with breakfast, from Rosa Salva: two cups of coffee with foam on top, a pastry with crushed pistachio on top, a croissant filled with salami and grilled courgette, a roll filled with cheese and two small round pizzette with ham and melted cheese

Rosa Salva is one of Venice’s oldest cafe and gelato shops, opened in 1876. Their original location is in Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, even though during the past few years they have expanded and opened new cafes around Venice. The interior of this café is tiny, with a bar and a window displaying delicious pastries which you can enjoy for breakfast. They have a large terrace in front, if you want to sit down rather than drink your coffee the Italian way – at the bar.

I had breakfast here on several occasions and it was always delicious. They serve a large selection of sweet pastries, as well as paninis. Their pistachio gelato is a must – I didn’t really find good gelato in Venice, which was quite disappointing. Except for Rosa Salva, their gelato was creamy, tasty, and full of flavour.  

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

A view of the palace with its round tower where the stairs are.

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a small Venetian palace tucked away on a hidden alley, close to San Marco and Rialto. Bovolo” means “snail” in the Venetian dialect, and it refers to the palace’s unique exterior spiral staircase, which resembles the shape of a snail shell. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind sight that you won’t find anywhere else in Venice!

And that’s just the beginning of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo’s charm. The palace itself is a masterpiece of Gothic, Byzantine and Renaissance architecture, with intricate arches, columns, and balustrades. It is six floors and 28 metres high, constructed from red and white bricks. The arcade at the top provides beautiful views over the city of Venice.

The best part of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is that it’s still relatively unknown among tourists.

Ponte de Chiodo

A small bridge with no railing. In front of it there is anchored a red boat.

There are hundreds of bridges in Venice. So what makes Ponte de Chiodo a hidden gem in Venice? It’s easy, it is the only ancient bridge left in the city that has no parapets or railings. Initially, when Venice was first built, all the bridges were like this, made either of wood or stone. However, as the years passed, they were added protection so that people don’t fall in the water underneath. Except for Ponte Chiodo!

The bridge is private as it belongs to a now B&B, but you can photograph it from the bridge parallel to it.

Sotoportego de la Corte Nova

A wide angle photo of the under passage, in which you can see the paintings on the walls, the wooden ceiling, as well as the orange step on the ground.

As I was wandering around the city I stumbled upon this gorgeous under passage, which is a true hidden gem in Venice. This is not just an under passage connecting Calle Zorzi to the Corte Nova, but a votive chapel as well, and it dates from the 17th century. As legend has it, back in 1630, when the plague devastated Venice, a resident of Corte Nova painted the image of Virgin Mary on a slab. Because of this, it was believed that the plague was stopped by this miracle image, and nobody inside the Corte Nova got the plague. Even to this day, locals avoid stepping on the now orange slab, to avoid back luck.

In the late 17th century, the under passage was decorated with wooden panels and four votive paintings showing Venice during the plague. The miracle didn’t stop at the plague though, and the residents recall being protected also by the cholera outbreak in 1917-1918, and the WWI bombings.

San Giacomo di Rialto Church

A photo of the church and the small square in front of it. The clock on the church is massive but it doesn't show the correct time. In the middle of the square there is a small fountain.

Venice is home to many churches, each with its own story. Just behind Rialto Bridge you will find the oldest church in Venice, San Giacomo di Rialto, believed to date from the year 421. This modest church is loved by the Venetians because of its inaccurate clock. Ever since the 15th century.

Because of the market in Rialto, the church became a very popular place for money exchanges in the 17th century. This is where the “bill of exchange” system was introduced. The bill of exchange was a game-changer for Venetian merchants. It allowed them to receive goods from Flanders, sell them, and then use the profits to pay off the bill of exchange back in Venice, likely in the local currency. But that’s not all – bills of exchange also served as a way to handle foreign exchange transactions, making them a vital tool for traders looking to do business with partners from all over the world.

Casino of Venezia

The outside of the casino in Venice. There is a square fountain in front of it.

Tucked away just off Strada Nova is the Casino de Venezia, which is famed for being not just a beautiful palace, but also the oldest casino in the world, dating from 1638. If you are interested in gambling, you probably won’t be very impressed by this small casino. However, if you are looking for Renaissance architecture and beautiful views over the Grand Canal, then add the Casino on your Venice itinerary. The casino is more about the classic Venetian charm than a Las Vegas gambling empire.

Another interesting fact about the casino is that this is the place where the famous composer Richard Wagner died of a heart attack, in 1883.

The Leaning Towers of Venice

A photo of a canal with buildings on both sides. In the far end you can see a tower with a clock and bells that is not strait, but leaning towards the water.

Whilst Pisa is famous for its leaning tower, Venice should be known for the amount of leaning bell towers it has: three, without counting the one in Burano. If you are looking towards a tower and think it may be leaning, you are right, it does.

The three leaning towers of Venice are: San Pietro di Castello, Santo Stefano, and San Giorgio dei Greci.

Campo Santa Margherita

A small restaurant in the square, by night. There are two large umbrellas in front, and small metal tables and chairs.

If you think Venice is expensive – which it is, come to Campo Santa Margherita. This is also known as the student area of the city, the place where you will find quite a few cheap eats in Venice as well. At night, the piazza gets busy with young adults partying away on cheap Aperols from the nearby bars.

During my first trip to Venice I stayed at a cheap hotel in Campo Santa Margherita and loved the buzz of the area.

The Flooded Crypt Of San Zaccaria

An impressive white church with statues decorating the roof and columns decorating the facade.

If you’re looking for a truly unique and off-the-beaten-path experience in Venice, you must visit the flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria Church. This hidden gem is not on most tourists’ radar, and it is a very unusual attraction in Venice.

The church is very close to San Marco Square and it was initially built in a Gothic style, with Renaissance elements added later on.

Located beneath the beautiful San Zaccaria Church, the crypt has been flooded for centuries, creating an eerie and otherworldly atmosphere that is truly unlike anything else you’ll find in Venice. The crypt is the resting place of eight of the Doges of Venice, whose tombs appear to be floating on top of the water.

Whilst the crypt may be an eerie place to visit, the truth is that many of the buildings in Venice have flooded basements, but nobody except the owners see them.  

Squero di San Trovaso

Gondolas on the side, on the pavement on this boat yard. The main building is made of wood, that is now black.

I have also loved experiencing the local life of a city, see how locals go about their day to day life. And even if this might be a bit difficult in Venice, it’s not impossible. I consider Squero di San Trovaso to be a unique place in Venice, where you can actually learn about the most important craft in the city: building and repairing gondolas.

This traditional boat yard dates back to the 17th century and is one of the few remaining spots where visitors can witness the ancient craft of gondola building and repair. The entire process is done by hand, using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations of craftsmen.

And whilst this is a working atelier, they do offer 30 minute long guided tours, to show tourists how gondolas are being built, their history, and the culture surrounding them. You will have to email in advance to arrange a visit.

Street Art

A drawing of a girl on a wall in Venice. She is wearing a green hat on which is written

You may think that Venice is not a city where street art thrives. And you may be right, but there are a few places in the city which have been skillfully decorated with art. The biggest art pieces that I’ve seen in Venice were on Salizada San Francesco.

Did you know there is even a Banksy in Venice? It represents a migrant child wearing a lifejacket and holding a pink flare. You will find it in Dorsoduro, best seen from the Ponte Santa Margarita.

Traghetto

And talking about gondolas, I can’t omit mentioning the traghetto. You don’t have to spend 100 euros to have the gondola experience for half an hour, especially if you are visiting Venice on your own. The traghetto is a large gondola that crosses the Grand Canal in several places where there are no bridges, for a few of 2 euros. They leave once they are full, so there is no real schedule, just show up and get on. They only accept cash, so make sure you have some spare change.

See the Sunrise in Venice

The sun rising in Venice. On the right hand side you can see the darkness going away, pushed by the light coming from the left. In the main frame you can see gondolas one next to each other anchored at the shore. In the far end there is a small island with a tall tower.

I promise you, waking up early to see the sunrise in Venice is so worth it! Firstly, you will have the city all to yourself. Can you imagine Rialto Bridge empty, without anyone on it? On your way to San Marco you will get to see the city walking up: coffee shops openings, cleaners sweeping last night’s party rubbish, men preparing their gondolas for the day.

The best place to watch the sunrise from is the Riva degli Schiavoni promenade, just in front of the doge’s Palace. On a clear day, the sun rises on the left hand side, climbing fast over the gondolas anchored next to the shore which create a wonderful background. Don’t forget to return to Piazza San Marco once the sun is up in the sky, to see the warm light shooing away the darkness off the buildings. If you visit in winter, as I did, the chances are you will have the entire square to yourself as well.

Bonus: Libreria Acqua Alta

The interior of the library, with a large gondola filled with books in the middle.

Libreria Acqua Alta is not a hidden gem in Venice anymore. But, if you haven’t been to Venice before or you haven’t read anything about it yet, you will probably want to visit it. Just prepare for large crowds and Instagrammers queuing for a long time to take that perfect shot in the courtyard, on top of the now very popular stack of books.

This is a unique book shop where you can find all sorts of books, both in Italian and in English. The uniqueness of the bookshop comes from its interior, where you will find an entire gondola stacked to the brim with books. There are floor to ceiling shelves filled with books, on both walls of the tiny room. At the far end you will find the small yard decorated with even more books, and a staircase made from old encyclopaedias. On a busy day, the queue to take photos will stretch all the way to the front of the book shop. Back in 2010 there were barely any tourists here. Now, it’s a way too popular place, mostly because of Instagram.

If you include Libreria Acqua Alta to your Venice itinerary, make sure to say hi to the resident black cat, who likes to sleep camouflaged between the books.

Conclusion

A photo of Rialto Bridge just before sunrise. There is nobody around. The restaurant near the bridge still has its lights on in the lamps attached to the tables. There are also red flowers in pots for each table.

The opinions about Venice are divided. Some people love it, some people hate it. I have a complicated relationship with the city. Either way, if you are willing to step away from the touristic path, you will find so many incredible hidden gems in Venice that are worth exploring. I hope that my article has helped you pick at least a couple for your next trip to the city of love.

For more articles about Venice check out my suggestions below:

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112 thoughts on “Hidden Gems in Venice: A Guide to the City’s Best-Kept Secrets

  1. Amanda says:

    Ahh, I absolutely LOVE Venice. I’ve only been there once, and it was one of my earliest international travels. Since I was a first timer, we did all the things first timers do when in Venice. I have really wanted to experience it again and see it more in depth and I love your suggestions here. I’ve saved for my next visit.

  2. Unta says:

    You have an emotional bond with the city, you chose a wonderful city to give you comfort. I’m glad that you were able to experience a city in a different way too.

  3. Hannah says:

    I admit, I’m not too keen on going to Venice, but your post is making me curious, especially beyond the canals. The food at Rosa Salva looks delicious too!

  4. D says:

    Oh Venice! I share you love for this truly unique city. It has been over 20 years since I visited, yet still I sigh when I say its name. Thanks for sharing all these great tips.

  5. Andrea Capone says:

    Thank you for sharing your story. I’d love to visit Venice, but maybe not in the summer. It seems like you were able to have more appreciation when it was less crowded. This was really helpful! I can’t wait to see the amazing architecture and eat all the delicious food.

  6. Monidipa Dutta says:

    Venice is one of my favourite places and your guide to Venice is an absolute delight to read! I love how you went beyond the typical tourist attractions and uncovered some of the city’s lesser-known treasures.

  7. Dipika Singh says:

    Venice is an architectural and engineering marvel, with lovely monuments to see and behold the beauty of life. Thank you for sharing these hidden gems with us.

  8. vidya says:

    Venice is one of the places on my bucket list that I know I will visit sometime soon.. (well, soon is relative!) but will return to your blog when I plan for it.. Street art always fascinates me no matter where I go and of course, bookstores too, so thanks for those two inclusions in your hidden gems list in this post

  9. Renata says:

    Oh yes, Venice definitely doesn’t get old. I’m there every other year for the Biennale di Arte and I still keep exploring and finding new spots. This city is just magic!

  10. Lyosha says:

    Venice is a gem and is one of the most desired places to visit. However, people normally stick to the most well-known landmarks, losing half (if not more) of the initial charm of the city to the crowd and seeing way too many times sights.

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