Venice Guide: A Little Off-The-Beaten Path

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  • Venice

  • Couples Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • Food & Wine

  • Italy

  • Sightseeing

  • Relaxation

  • Hidden Gems

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Fora’s Take

Some go to Venice with low expectations. Maybe all they’ve heard about the “City of Canals” was that it is overcrowded, too touristy and the food? Not great. We’re here to tell you differently. While everyone has their own experience, Venice is still one of the best stops in Italy. Sometimes it’s a good idea to do things a little differently, so check out this guide that takes you off the beaten path, guaranteeing the discovery of Venice's hidden gems, but also including the must-do’s and places to see — because sometimes the “touristy spots” are there for a reason.

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Where to stay in Venice

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Things to do in Venice

Four persons in striped shirts sitting on a bench.

Ask anyone who’s been to Venice what to do while you’re there, and chances are they'll say to “get lost”. There’s a reason everyone says that: wandering down charming little streets, checking out the shops and stopping for an aperitivo along the way is one of the best ways to see Venice. It’s also so small that you can truly only be “lost” for so long.

Rialto Farmers Market

Wake up early one morning and check out the Rialto farmers market. If you’re there early enough, you can avoid the crowds and take your time exploring. Do note that this is closed on Sundays. Otherwise, opening hours are from 7:30-3:00.

Burano

Take a ride on a vaporetto to the colorful island of Burano, known for its colorful houses and lace making.

Explore the Cannaregio District

This area is where you will find the authentic Venetian experience. Tour the Jewish Museum, one of the oldest in the world. Stop by a traditional Bacari, a Venetian wine bar, where you can enjoy an aperitivo and cicchetti and just enjoy the local scene.

Places to eat & drink in Venice

A white plate with pasta.

Osteria Al Squero — this little gem is known for their cicchetti, an Italian tapa. There’s a huge variety to choose from, and priced so well you can try as many as your stomach can handle. Get a plate of cicchetti, a spritz or Prosecco, and sit outside by the wall where you can watch gondolas being repaired.

Lineadombra - Located in the Dorsoduro area, this is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the views while dining on the water. This fine-dining restaurant is popular for their seafood, but don’t miss out on the local dishes as well.

Al Grill - One of the top-rated restaurants in Venice, known for their steak and reasonable prices. Recommendation: make a reservation — they book up quickly!

Osteria ai Promessi Sposi — A local gem, known for its traditional dishes, seafood and homemade pasta. Reservations are also recommended for this one.

Ristorante Florida - Hear us out. Is it a major tourist spot? Yes. But sometimes it’s worth it to sit right next to the famous Rialto Bridge and drink a glass of Prosecco in the city you’ve always dreamt of visiting. The pizza may not exactly be life-changing, but it is absolutely delightful to take in the scenes and soak in the essence of Venice.

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Cindy La’s guide, Exploring Italy: Positano, Florence, Venice.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Venice.