Here’s our Anti-Tourist Guide to Venice to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local
Ditch the typical sightseeing spots and discover what it’s really like to live in Italy’s floating city. With its picturesque views and UNESCO World Heritage charm, Venice will leave you speechless any time of year. Each month offers something different, and even in winter, the city is just as captivating. The warm yellow lights and mysterious atmosphere of the colder months create a magical, less touristy experience. Follow this anti-tourist guide to Venice to experience the city’s vibrant, historic soul through our three carefully chosen hidden gems.
Before, let’s quickly answer the most important questions about traveling to Venice so you can make the most of your visit!
How many days should I save to visit Venice?
Tricky question! You could really spend weeks discovering all the art, canals, and museums in Venice, like in many European cities. However, if you are backpacking or Interrailing and your travel time is limited, three to four days would be enough to visit all must-see spots.
Moving on to our next question…
When’s the best time to visit Venice?
As mentioned before, no matter the time of year, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience in Venice. And if you’re backpacking or interrailing nearby, I’d always recommend adding it to your itinerary.
Summer speaks for itself: Italy is a classic summer favorite for a reason. Sip as many Aperol Spritzes as you can (this cult drink was born here!), and you’ll easily find plenty of bars serving them for less than €3.
Spring and autumn are also wonderful times to visit. Fewer tourists, milder temperatures, but still plenty of sunshine make exploring the city on foot far more relaxing. It’s the perfect season for a slower, more leisurely trip.
And now, for one of my best-kept travel secrets: visit Venice in winter. You’ll find cheaper accommodation and experience a raw, authentic side of the city. I recommend staying at Anda Hostel to make your trip even better. There’s something truly magical about Venice in the colder months: the mist over the canals, the gentle rocking of the gondolas, and the quiet streets make it feel like you’ve stepped straight into a fairytale.
Now that that’s covered, let me introduce our three hidden gems…
Breathtaking frescos at Santa Maria di Nazareth Church
Honestly, I’d stop by every church in Italy. Nine times out of ten, the frescoes leave me absolutely speechless. The same goes for this one. You can admire and take in all this incredible art completely for free. This church is especially stunning and conveniently located near Stazione di Venezia, making it a perfect quick stop. In fact, it’s often overlooked by many tourists which makes it even better, as you’ll get to enjoy it without the crowds. Photos online truly don’t do it justice; you have to see its beauty with your own eyes.
A little background to satisfy your curiosity: construction of the church began in the mid-17th century and was completed around 1680–1700. The magnificent design is by Baldassare Longhena, and its exterior showcases the elegant Venetian Late Baroque style.
The unexpected anti-tourist gem of Venice: Despar Teatro Italia
I never expected grocery shopping to be this much fun, but the moment you step into this supermarket, you’ll understand why! I didn’t even know where to look first. Beyond all the usual supermarket items, they also offer rare, luxurious, and unique products. The selection is truly beyond imagination.
But the real star of the show is the architecture and interior design. I could wander around for hours, just gazing up at the ceiling. Honestly, it feels more like a museum than a place where people buy their everyday necessities. And the best part? Entry is free and which is exactly why you have to check it out.
The fresh produce, meat, and cheese selection also make it the perfect spot to pick up everything you need for a generous picnic. To be honest, I almost didn’t want to share this place, it’s that good. But it’s simply too special to keep to myself.
Stunning views at Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
As someone who loves to travel, I’ve made it my mission to find the best viewpoints in every city I visit and that’s exactly why this special place had to be included. The external multi-arched spiral staircase, known as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, may be the main attraction (and yes, you’ll definitely want to snap a few photos for your Instagram story up there), but I actually fell in love with the entire palace.
It’s quite small, but that’s what makes it feel so intimate. You can truly sense the weight of history here: the first part of the building dates back more than 700 years. The palace also hosts different exhibitions, and I highly recommend getting a ticket that includes both the staircase and the exhibitions; in my opinion, it’s absolutely worth the price. All the other landmarks connected to this site (find out more here) are also well worth a visit.
Honorable Mention for further anti-tourist museums all over Venice
If you’re lucky enough to spend the first Sunday of the month in Venice, you’re in for a nice surprise. That day grants free entry to all museums subsidized by the government. Otherwise, be sure to book your tickets in advance and check whether you’re eligible for any discounts.
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