VENICE: 13 places TOURISTS DON'T KNOW | Venice hidden gems

TL;DR

This video provides a list of off-the-beaten-path activities in Venice, offering viewers local tips to experience the city like a resident.

Transcript

Ciao guys! i'm Giulia from Italy by Italians. If you're looking for off-the-beaten-path tips for your trip in Venice, you're in the right place! In this video I'm gonna show you the top 13 non-touristy things to do in Venice. The purpose of Italy by Italians is to show you the real Italy with our local tips. If you love Italy subscribe to our chann... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏰 San Giorgio Island, located in front of St. Mark Square, offers a peaceful escape from the crowds with stunning views from the San Giorgio Basilica bell tower. The island is home to a monastery designed by Palladio.
• 📚 Acqua Alta bookshop is a must-visit for book lovers, offering a unique selection of books displayed in gondolas and bathtubs. You can even sit on a gondola in front of the bookshop for free.
• 🚤 To experience gondolas like a local, take a gondola-traghetto across the Grand Canal. It only costs 2 euros and provides a quick and authentic experience.
• ⚓️ Squero San Trovaso is an ancient shipyard specializing in the restoration of gondolas. Take a guided tour to learn about the traditional gondola-building techniques and enjoy some delicious cicchetti at a nearby restaurant.
• ⛪️ Inside St. Mark's Basilica, you can visit St. Mark's museum, which houses the original statues of the four horses and provides access to terraces with breathtaking views of St. Mark Square and the clock tower.
• 💦 San Zaccaria Church is not only known for its impressive artwork by Tintoretto but also for its small crypt, which is constantly flooded with water due to its low underground location.
• 🏰 Contarini Palace boasts a majestic staircase called "bobolo" that was added by the wealthy Contarini family to make their hidden palace more noticeable. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Venice from the top.
• 🛣 Calle Varisco is the narrowest street in Venice, measuring only 53 centimeters wide. While challenging to find on Google Maps, asking locals for directions will lead you there.
• 🍻 Bacaros in the Fondamenta Cannaregio area offer traditional Venice aperitivo with cicchetti and a variety of drinks, including the iconic Spritz cocktail.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of the San Giorgio Basilica in Venice?

The San Giorgio Basilica offers a privileged view of St. Mark Square from its bell tower, and it was designed by the renowned architect Palladio during the 16th century. The basilica is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Q: What makes Acqua Alta Bookshop unique?

Acqua Alta Bookshop is known as one of the most beautiful bookshops globally, with books displayed in gondolas and bathtubs. The shop also features a staircase made entirely of books and is inhabited by friendly cats.

Q: How can one experience a gondola ride like a local in Venice?

To have a local experience, take a gondola-traghetto, a ferry gondola used for crossing the Grand Canal. This short journey costs only 2 euros, and it provides a glimpse into the daily life of Venetians.

Q: What can visitors expect at Squero San Trovaso?

Squero San Trovaso is a peculiar shipyard where small boat restorations, including gondolas, take place. Visitors can join a guided tour to learn about the techniques involved in gondola building. Nearby, there is a small restaurant serving excellent cicchetti.

Q: What can be found inside the St. Mark's Basilica in Venice?

Inside St. Mark's Basilica, visitors can explore St. Mark's Museum. The museum displays original statues of the four horses, which date back almost two millennia. Additionally, the museum provides access to the terraces with panoramic views of St. Mark Square, the bell tower, and the Doge Palace.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• San Giorgio Island: Visit the small island for an exceptional view of St. Mark Square, including a climb to the San Giorgio Basilica bell tower and exploration of the monastery designed by Palladio.

• Acqua Alta Bookshop: Discover a unique bookstore filled with books displayed in gondolas and bathtubs, along with a staircase made entirely of books. The shop is also home to several cats.

• Gondola-Traghetto: Experience a gondola ride like a local by taking a gondola-traghetto, which is used as a ferry to cross the Grand Canal.

• Squero San Trovaso: Explore the Squero shipyard, one of the oldest in Venice, where small boat restorations take place. Enjoy a guided tour and sample delicious cicchetti at a nearby restaurant.