Think you’ve seen Venice? Stay a little longer. The real magic might be waiting just around the next corner. A hallmark of our annual small group Grand Tour of Italy is an extended stay in magical Venice. We are always trying to show our travellers more of what is on offer in each destination.
Venice is a city that rewards those who slow down. The first visit is always unforgettable, of course: but return or stay for a few more days, leave the familiar sights behind and something wonderful happens. You begin to discover a different Venice — one that feels less like a destination and more like a place you’ve been lucky enough to stumble upon.
It happens when you turn down a narrow lane simply because it looks inviting, cross a little bridge with no idea what lies on the other side, or find yourself beside a quiet canal where the only sounds are water lapping against the steps and the distant hum of everyday life. Suddenly, you’re not ticking off the sights, you’re experiencing Venice.
Wander where everyday Venetian life unfolds
EXPLORE THE NEIGHBOURHOODS ‘SESTIERI’ BEYOND ST MARK’S SQAURE
CANNAREGIO: For the pleasure of getting lost
One morning, set off towards Cannaregio with no particular plan. Away from the well-trodden routes, the streets seemed to exhale. Washing fluttered between old buildings, small boats bobbed outside doorways, and locals paused at café counters for their morning coffee. It is the sort of place where you will want to put your map away and simply keep walking.
The historic Jewish Ghetto is well worth a visit, too. Step into its quiet squares and look up at the unusually tall buildings, which tell a story of a community that has shaped Venice for centuries. Afterwards, wander along the canals of Fondamenta della Misericordia, where wine bars and neighbourhood restaurants come alive towards evening. It’s an ideal place to settle in for an aperitivo and watch the city go about its business.
Cannaregio Local Tip: A unique souvenir. Venice historically in the 1500s was one of the main centres of publishing for all of Europe. You can still view these age old techniques visiting the workshop of Gianni Basso who together with his son Stefano use 18th and 19th century presses to create hand printed paper stationery, custom invitations and historic map reprints.
CASTELLO: A slower, more intimate Venice
Castello is a place to go – when you don’t have a particular destination in mind. Beyond the busier streets near St Mark’s, the city gradually becomes more residential. Little squares open unexpectedly between narrow lanes, boats are tied up outside homes, and the grand tourist spectacle gives way to something quieter and more personal.
Make your way towards the Arsenale, the historic shipbuilding complex that helped make Venice a maritime powerhouse. At its height of the 1700s the Arsenale could astonishingly produce one Venetian Galley a day. The surrounding area has a fascinating atmosphere, with imposing old walls, waterways and museums giving you a glimpse into the city’s seafaring past. If time allows, continue east towards the greener reaches of Sant’Elena, where you can enjoy a long waterfront stroll and see a side of Venice that many visitors never reach.
Castello Local Tip: The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is worth a visit for its stunning external spiral arched staircase leading to one of the most spectacular views of the city. The small loggia takes in the rooftops of Venice including St Marks Basilica and its Belltower. Advance bookings are recommended and try an early visit to avoid the crowds.
DORSODURO: Art, wine and the joy of lingering
Dorsoduro, probably our favourite of the Venetian Sestieri, has a lovely way of making you forget about the time. There are beautiful canals, elegant architecture and art-filled corners, but it’s the little discoveries between the major sights that make this neighbourhood special. You might come across one of the many artisan workshops, pause to watch a boat being worked on in the historic boatyard Squero di San Trovaso, or find a tiny bar that seems made for an unhurried glass of wine.
I particularly love the idea of wandering along the Zattere waterfront, where the views stretch across the Giudecca Canal. Find a waterside spot, order a coffee or an aperitivo, and watch the boats pass. No reservations, no timetable, nowhere else you need to be. Sometimes that is the greatest luxury of all.
Dorsoduro Local Tip: Osteria Al Squero – Always a fantastic spot for a canal-side spritz, glass of wine and some venetian Cicchetti. It is tiny so try early lunch during the day to avoid long queues at aperitivo time in the evening. The early lunch time also allows you to admire the historic boat yard across the canal.
SAN POLO: Historic, authentic and quintessential Venetian cuisine
San Polo is one of Venice’s oldest and most characterful districts, where narrow lanes, quiet canals and lively squares offer a glimpse of everyday Venetian life. At its heart is the famous Rialto Market, where locals have shopped for centuries for fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and colourful produce from the Venetian lagoon. Arrive in the morning to soak up the atmosphere, watch fishmongers at work and discover the ingredients that inspire Venetian cuisine.
GIUDECCA: Venice from a different perspective
For one of my favourite ways to appreciate Venice, I’d hop on a vaporetto across to Giudecca. The journey itself is part of the pleasure, as the city gradually opens up across the water.
From the island’s waterfront, look back towards Venice. The domes, church towers and historic palaces form a beautiful skyline, but from here you can take it all in without the crowds pressing around you. Giudecca has its own quieter rhythm, with local neighbourhoods, peaceful waterfront walks and places to sit and watch the changing light over the lagoon.
Stay until late afternoon if you can. As the light softens and the buildings take on a warm golden glow, you may find yourself wondering why you never made time for this side of Venice before.
FOLLOW THE CICCHETTI TRAIL
Discover that an evening out doesn’t have to involve a formal restaurant booking or a carefully planned itinerary. Instead, follow the local tradition of cicchetti — small Venetian bites enjoyed with a glass of wine in a traditional wine bar, known as a bacaro. Think of them as Venice’s answer to tapas, but with their own distinctive character. You might find crostini topped with creamy salt cod, sardines with sweet-and-sour onions, little meatballs, fresh seafood or other seasonal specialities arranged along the counter.
My advice? Choose a bar that catches your eye, point to something delicious, order a small glass of wine and enjoy it standing alongside the locals. Then, when you’re ready, wander on to the next place. In Cannaregio, the canal-side bars along Fondamenta della Misericordia and Fondamenta degli Ormesini are particularly inviting for an evening of grazing and people-watching.
There’s no need to find the perfect place or follow a list of must-visit bars. Half the fun is discovering somewhere unexpected, tasting something new and letting one little stop lead to another.
EXPERIENCE VENICE DIFFERENTLY
Stay a little longer. Wander a little further. Eat where the locals eat, take the vaporetto to a different neighbourhood and give yourself time to simply enjoy the rhythm of the city.
Fall in love with Venice all over again — or discover its magic for the very first time. Our Grand Tour of Italy is a wonderful small-group journey through Italy’s iconic destinations, from Rome and Pompeii to Sorrento and Florence, culminating in the timeless beauty of Venice.
“We had wonderful days exploring this amazing city – thoroughly enjoyable & a highlight of the tour.” – G. & W. Pottenger (NSW)
As you leave our tour, why not stay a little longer in Venice and discover another side of this captivating city? Wander beyond the familiar sights, savour local cicchetti and embrace the rhythm of Venetian life. At Vita Italian Tours, we can create a Tailor Made Venetian experience that takes you beyond the tourist trail and lets you experience Venice in a way few visitors do.
Contact us and start planning your adventure to Venice today.
