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Venice is easily recognizable when it comes to European destinations. Even a novice traveler could easily recognize the Italian city by looking at the outline.
The capital of the Veneto region, made up of over 100 islands connected by a network canals, is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet.
Venice is known for its canals and gondolas. But there are also many hidden gems that you might not be able to capture in your Instagram photos . There are also plenty of other things to do and see in Venice, which the guidebooks sometimes overlook.
Canals in Venice
Six Hidden Highlights: Other things to do in Venice
Avoiding tourist traps is something that we all try to do when visiting a new place, but it can be difficult if you don’t have some professional travel tips.
We were fortunate to chat with Mose a local Walks guide to get his insight on what to do and where to see if you are looking for a ‘non-touristy plan’ when visiting the Floating Capital.
Here are some of the best, from the Liberty Villas of Lido down to the Venice food tours.
1.Visit the Artisti Artigiani del Chiostro
Giudecca Island in Venice
The Artisti Artigiani is a must-see when visiting Venice if you love art.
The Convents of Cosma e Damiano’s old Cloister, which is located on the Island of Giudecca hosts the studios and workshops of many artists who specialize in a variety of crafts. It provides a unique view into the Venetian arts scene and the extraordinary talent of the artists who live there.
Mose, a Walks Guide to Mose, tells us that it’s an interesting place to explore. It can also be used as a reason to visit the Giudecca Island which is full [of] interesting sights!”
It doesn’t matter if you are looking for something more detailed or a quick browse, a visit at the Artisti Artigiani del Chiostro is sure to be a worthwhile one during your stay in Venice.
2. Alberoni Sand Beach is a great place to spend time.
It’s worth visiting Venice in the summer months. The small town of Alberoni is located at the southern tip of Lido Island.
It is a popular spot for locals who prefer to avoid the crowds. The beach is often quite tranquil and provides a welcome escape from the more crowded areas of the Italian capital.
According to Mose, the Oasi WWF naturalistic lodge can be a great spot to see wild animals. Macondo (pictured above) is a great spot for a refreshing drink.
3. Take a look at the Liberty Villas in Lido
The Lido Islands are just the beginning.
After a day of blissful sun on the sands, take some time to explore the island’s central residential areas before you pack your bags and leave.
Why? You might be interested in the many forms of architecture that can be found throughout Venice. Here you will find amazing examples of Stile Freedom architecture.
You can’t leave the island without exploring the area and admiring the Art Nouveau era architectural design.
4. The M9 Museum in Mestre allows you to go back in time
The M9 museum is the best way to explore Italy’s rich history.
The museum opened in December 2018 and is located in central Mestre, the city on the mainland next to the lagoon. The museum’s distinctive exterior was designed by Sauerbruch Hutton in Berlin. It then opens up to a wide variety of interactive installations that document the evolution of Italy.
Mose says, “The museum contains a bar and a restaurant, and it’s situated in a newly renovated area of the city which is surprisingly pleasant and enjoyable to explore!”
The permanent exhibition focuses on the history of the 20th Century. English explanations can be found in each section. For more information, visit m9museum.it/en/welcome-m9
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5. The Naval History Museum lets you go nastier
We have another treasure for history buffs: the Naval History Museum.
Mose explains that the Naval Museum is the most visited museum in the city. However, the power of the Republic was always about the sea.
With this in mind, it is only natural that a visit at the Naval Museum should be a high-ranking item on your Venetian itinerary.
Located in Venice ‘s Castello district, close to the Venetian Arsenal. Mose encourages visitors make the most of their experience by advising that you can “enter the padiglione delle navi section of the Arsenal [which is] the old shipyard of Republic!”
6. Shop like a local at Rialto Fish Market
We all want to avoid the “tourist traps” in our food. Many of us are lured into overpriced restaurants that serve not-so-fresh food.
Rialto Fisch Market or the neighborhood of Cannaregio offer great foodie experiences.
You can also avoid bland menus and get a more authentic experience by taking a local-led a href=”https://italso.com/venice-food-tour//”>food tour! Take a local-led food tour to find out where locals eat.
Venice’s cuisine is often underrated. This is simply because people don’t look in the right places.
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It doesn’t matter if history or architecture is your thing, or if food and culture are more your style, it is always an enriching experience to go off-the-beaten-path in Venice. So what are you waiting? !
