Venice is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in 2023. Located in northeastern Italy, this city is world-famous for its canals, gondolas (those iconic Venetian boats), baroque architecture, historic landmarks, and the many bridges that connect the city across the water.
However, beyond the traditional tourist hotspots, there are also plenty of unique places and activities that are well worth exploring. In this article, we’ll introduce you to these spots, which will help you discover another side of this absolutely one-of-a-kind city and experience it off the beaten path.
1 - San Michele Island
San Michele Island is a spot that remains relatively unknown to the general public but is fascinating to visit. It’s a small island located in the Venetian lagoon that serves as the city’s main cemetery. It’s often nicknamed the "Island of the Dead!" Here, you can wander among tombs and funerary monuments from various eras, all while enjoying peaceful gardens and unique views of Venice.
2 - The Marciana Library
The Marciana Library is a historic library located right on St. Mark's Square. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of manuscripts, ancient books, and historical documents. It is the largest library in Venice and one of the largest in all of Italy!
Address: P.za San Marco, 7
3 - The Fish Market
The Fish Market, or Pescaria, is an unconventional place to visit if you're interested in gastronomy and seafood. Located near the Rialto Bridge, this covered market, housed in a neo-Gothic loggia, is the largest fish market in Venice.
You can buy all sorts of fresh fish, seafood, crustaceans, and shellfish here. The atmosphere is one-of-a-kind, and even if you aren't planning on buying any fish, we highly recommend taking a stroll through!
Address: Calle Prima de la Donzella, 306
4 - Murano Island
Murano Island is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and colorful houses. This island in the Venetian lagoon is home to many glassblowing workshops that produce unique works of art. You can visit these workshops to watch the artisans at work, or head to the Murano Glass Museum to learn more about the history of this traditional craft.
5 - The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)
The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most famous bridges in Venice, yet few people know why it was originally built or how it got its name.
It was designed to connect the Doge's Palace to the Venetian prisons. Prisoners, including the famous Casanova, were led across this bridge to be judged, which is where the name "Bridge of Sighs" comes from. Traditionally, it is said that prisoners would sigh with sadness as they crossed the bridge while awaiting their sentence. Another theory suggests that prisoners would sigh as they caught one last glimpse of the outside world before being locked away in the dungeons of the Serenissima.
Address: P.za San Marco, 1
6 - Contarini del Bovolo Palace
The Contarini del Bovolo Palace is a 15th-century palace located near St. Mark's Square. This palace is best known for its external spiral staircase: the famous Scala Contarini del Bovolo. You can admire it from the outside, complete with its distinctive arches!
Address: Scala Contarini del Bovolo, 4303
7 - The Palazzo Mocenigo Museum
Palazzo Mocenigo is a unique museum that focuses on the history of perfume and fashion in Venice, two themes that play a huge role in Italian culture! In this museum, you can admire period costumes you won't find anywhere else, along with accessories and very rare perfumes. It’s the perfect spot for anyone interested in fashion and beauty in general!
Address: Santa Croce, 1992
8 - The Venice Ghetto
This area is the city's historic Jewish quarter and the very first place in the world to be recognized as a ghetto. In the early 16th century, the senators of the Venetian Republic decided to separate the Jewish population from the rest of the city by grouping them into this district. As a fun fact, it is estimated that only about 30 people live in the old Venice Ghetto today, compared to the 450 members who resided there back in the day.
This neighborhood is unusual because of the height of its buildings! They are the tallest residential buildings in the city for a good reason: the Jewish population wasn't allowed to build outside the quarter, and since they didn't have legal permission to expand the area, they simply built upwards!
To get there, the main square is Campo del Ghetto Nuovo.
What about you? What unique activities would you like to share? Don't hesitate to add your comments :)
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