Venice is one of the world’s most iconic cities and its attractions are visited by 20 million people every year. Yet if you know where to look, there are some lesser known sights that are well worth seeking out. Here are top Venice hidden gems to inspire your wanderlust as you walk around the city.
Best Hidden Gems in Venice, Italy That Are Worth a Visit
While Venice may be known for St Mark’s Square, canals and gondolas, there is so much more to this incredible floating city. From hidden alleyways to underground passageways, there are countless ways to explore Venice off the beaten path. If you’re looking for a unique travel experience, check out these hidden gems in Venice.
7. Torcello Island, Venetian Lagoon
Torcello is a small island in the Venetian Lagoon that features an unspoiled, rustic landscape. It has an important history as one of the first settled islands in the lagoon over a thousand years ago, even preceding Venice itself.
Some of Torcello’s churches, like the striking Santa Fosca, date back to the 7th century AD. Yet despite this long history and its picturesque canals, Torcello receives just a tiny fraction of visitors compared to Venice.
This isolation means its historic cathedral, mosaics, and sleepy ambience remain wonderfully preserved. Torcello offers a rare glimpse into what the city of Venice and its islands might have felt like before becoming a major commercial and political power.
6. Scuola Grande di San Marco
Scuola Grande di San Marco is is less famous and crowded than other major Venetian landmarks like St Mark’s Basilica or the Rialto Bridge. However, its façade and interior decorations are very impressive, mixing Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance elements.
Originally built as a meeting hall for one of Venice’s scuole grandi (great guilds), it contains many notable artworks. These include ceiling decorations and sculptures as well as large paintings by famous Venetian artists like Tintoretto. His enormous oil painting “The Crucifixion” is seen as one of his finest works there.
Construction began in the late 15th century and took over a century to complete. After Napoleon suppressed the Venetian confraternities in the early 19th century, the Scuola Grande was used for a variety of purposes. Currently it serves as the main seat of Venice’s civic museum and cultural institute.
5. San Francesco della Vigna
This Roman Catholic church in the Castello district of Venice was built on the site of a former vineyard. Designed by Jacopo Sansovino, it features an elegant Renaissance facade by Palladio.
The church’s bell tower is one of the tallest in Venice, at 69 meters high. Inside the church, you’ll find the Enthroned Madonna and Saints, painted by Bellini in 1507, in the Cappella Santa.
4. Campo San Maurizio
A picturesque square in the San Marco district, Campo San Maurizio is known for its basilica of the same name. This Neoclassical church now houses the Museo della Musica, focusing on Baroque music.
Five times a year, an antiques market is held in the square. With the rather long-winded name of Mercatino dell’Antiquariato Campo San Maurizio, thisb Venice flea market is a charming place to browse for various goods such as pocket watches and old postcards. The dates can be found on the antique market’s website.
3. Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
This elegant Venetian palace has an incredible external staircase, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Meaning “of the snail” this spiral walkway dates from the 15th century.
Fans of Orson Welles will recognize this ornate stairwell, as it features in his 1952 film Othello.
Address: Scala Contarini del Bovolo, 4303, 30124 Venice
2. Gelatoteca SuSo
It would be rude to come to Venice and not eat a gelato. Our favorite place is Gelatoteca SuSo on Calle della Bissa.
It’s a short walk from the Rialto Bridge, but tucked away on a quiet backstreet. Not only is the lady working there really friendly, but their artisanal gelato are out of this world.
This Venice gelateria sources the best ingredients without artificial colorants. They make their own cones and have some amazing flavours such as chocolate mixed with mango sorbet.
Address: Sotoportego de la Bissa, 5453, 30124 Venice
1. Dorsoduro Area
One of the six sestiere, or districts of Venice, Dorsoduro gives you a taste of local life. With the recent opening of new luxury hotels it will no doubt rise in popularity. Crossing over the Ponte dell’Academia you come across some charming independent souvenir shops along Piscina Former.
The waterside Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the best cultural attractions in Venice. The museum focuses on modern European and American art. The nearby Gallerie dell’Accademia boasts an important collection of 19th century art spread over 3 buildings.
There are several interesting churches in Dorsoduro, including the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and San Sebastiano. The latter has some impressive floor length paintings by Paolo Veronese.
If you fancy a gelato, Nico at Fondamenta Zattere al Ponte Longo, on the waterfront is a great place for a chocolate hazelnut Gianduiotto.
