Venice Beyond Gondola Rides: The City’s Best Kept Secrets

• Written by Sambriddhi Sharma

  Reviewed by Anjali Sharma

• favorite0Like

  favoriteBe the First to Like

  • Copy Link Copied! Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp

  Share

When you think of Venice, what comes to mind? Gliding through the Grand Canal on a romantic gondola ride or passing under the Rialto Bridge as sunlight dances on the water. Beautiful! Isn’t it? But that is just the postcard version.

Beyond the crowds lies a quieter, deeper soul, a place of whispered stories, forgotten corners, and timeless beauty.

If you are searching for hidden gems in Venice or simply want to explore non-touristy things to do in Venice, this guide will help you experience the floating city like a true insider.

Torcello – The Island Where Venice Was Born

A visit to Torcello feels like stepping back in time. Once the thriving heart of the Venetian Lagoon, this island is now home to only a handful of residents. You can wander through its grassy footpaths to reach the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the oldest churches in the lagoon, famous for its dazzling Byzantine mosaics.

Want to see something more magical? Climb the campanile (bell tower) for a sweeping view of the lagoon, one that feels untouched for centuries. Torcello is quiet, haunting, and humbling, offering an actual Venice off-the-beaten-path experience for travellers who crave authenticity and calm.

Sant’Erasmo – Venice’s Secret Garden

Known as the vegetable garden of Venice, Sant’Erasmo is the city’s agricultural heart. Local farmers grow artichokes, asparagus, and grapes here, supplying Venice’s markets and trattorias. The island is peaceful and lush, making it perfect for cycling or enjoying a leisurely picnic by the water.

You can also visit the Orto di Venezia vineyard for a wine-tasting session surrounded by vines and sea breezes. It is one of the most refreshing places to see in Venice when you want to escape the crowds without leaving the city’s magic behind.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo – Venice’s Hidden Spiral Tower

Tucked away in a quiet courtyard near Campo Manin, Scala Contarini del Bovolo is one of those hidden spots that most tourists walk right past. Its name, Bovolo, means snail, and once you see its spiralling staircase wrapping around a cylindrical tower, you will understand why.

Climbing to the top rewards you with one of the best panoramic views of Venice’s rooftops and church domes. It is an architectural gem, elegant, photogenic, and a must-visit for anyone looking for unique things to do in Venice that combine beauty and solitude.

Libreria Acqua Alta – The Floating Bookstore

Imagine a bookstore where books are stacked in bathtubs, boats, and even a full-sized gondola to protect them from floods, that is Libreria Acqua Alta. Every corner is a treasure: vintage maps, antique novels, and cats lounging between bookshelves.

At the back is a staircase made entirely of old books that leads to a terrace overlooking a quiet canal, a perfect spot for photos. This quirky little shop embodies Venice’s creative spirit and resilience, making it one of the most unforgettable places to go in Venice.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco – A Hidden Art Sanctuary

If you love art but prefer to skip crowded museums, head to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, one of Venice’s true masterpieces. Here, you will find the most extensive collection of works by Tintoretto, whose dramatic paintings cover every wall and ceiling.

Unlike larger galleries, this intimate space allows you to admire the art in silence, just you, the light filtering through the stained glass, and the brilliance of Venetian Renaissance artistry. It is one of the most rewarding secret places in Venice for art lovers.

Madonna dell’Orto – The Artist’s Church

In the Cannaregio district, far from the tourist trails, lies Madonna dell’Orto, a serene church with Gothic charm and breathtaking interiors. This is Tintoretto’s final resting place, and his paintings here are some of his finest.

The quiet atmosphere adds a spiritual calm that is hard to find elsewhere in Venice. The church’s red-brick façade, lush garden, and reflections in the canal make it one of the most photogenic hidden gems in Venice.

Bacari Hopping – A True Venetian Experience

When evening falls, do what locals do: go bacari hopping. Bacari are traditional Venetian wine bars, each serving small plates called cicchetti alongside local wine. It’s a social ritual, and a delicious way to explore non-touristy things to do in Venice.

Head to Osteria Al Squero in Dorsoduro, where you can enjoy your spritz while watching gondoliers repair their boats across the canal. Or try Cantine del Vino già Schiavi, a local favourite for over a century.

Forget fancy restaurants, this is the authentic taste of Venice.

Important: Any injury, loss or damage to property, caused under the influence of alcohol, will not be covered by your international travel insurance. So, don’t forget to be responsible while you have the time of your life.

Venice After Dusk – The City of Reflections

After the crowds disappear, Venice transforms. Wander through San Marco, Venice, when it is empty, or stroll along the Grand Canal, Venice, under moonlight; it is a surreal, almost cinematic experience.

If you are up for something unique, join a night ghost walk through the city’s narrow alleys and bridges. Stories of lost lovers and secret tunnels bring a mystical side to Venice that few ever witness.

Where to Stay in Venice?

To truly enjoy this version of Venice, where life moves at the rhythm of the lagoon, the best place to stay is away from the central tourist districts. Boutique stays in Cannaregio or Dorsoduro offer peace, local charm, and stunning canal views without the chaos of San Marco.

Supporting small family-run guesthouses also means supporting the city’s fragile community, a key step toward preserving Venice’s authenticity.

But here is something most travellers overlook: getting lost in the hidden corners of Venice is wonderful only when you travel with peace of mind.

That is why having a reliable travel and health insurance plan is non-negotiable when exploring offbeat destinations. With travel insurance policy like Explore from Care Insurance, you can travel stress-free knowing you are protected. It covers medical emergencies abroad, lost baggage, trip cancellations, and even unexpected delays, making it perfect for those venturing beyond the usual gondola rides into Venice’s hidden spots.

Rediscovering Venice’s True Magic

Venice doesn’t need to be rushed through in a day of sightseeing. Its beauty lies not just in the iconic gondola ride or grand piazzas, but in the hidden corners that whisper history, art, and poetry.

From the wildflowers of Torcello to the spiral tower of Bovolo, from the book-laden canals of Acqua Alta to quiet churches filled with masterpieces, these are the hidden spots of Venice that remind you why this city is like no other.

So next time you visit, take it slow. Let the lagoon guide you. Because the Venice that stays in your heart isn’t the one on postcards, it’s the one that lets you slow down, listen, and feel.

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.