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Venice is synonymous with gondolas, canals and art – and has long since ceased to be an insider’s tip. But if you step away from the crowds of tourists, you’ll discover a city full of quiet wonders, surprising places and culinary delights. With these ten insider tips, you can experience Venice at its quietest and most authentic – with style, enjoyment and a touch of mindfulness.
12.06.2025
Eliza
Contents:
Venice Insider Tip 1: Sunset on the Fondamenta delle Zattere
Venice Insider Tip 2: A book lover’s paradise with cats at the Libreria Acqua Alta
Venice Insider Tip 3: Everyday life and architecture at Campo Santa Maria Formosa
Venice Insider Tip 4: Peace and nature at the Monastery of San Francesco della Vigna
Venice insider tip 5: Traditional gondola-building at the Squero di San Trovaso
Venice Insider Tip 6: A hidden green oasis in the Giardino delle Vergini
Venice insider tip 7: Stunning views from the Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore
Venice insider tip 8: An evening stroll along the creative hotspot Rio della Misericordia
Venice insider tip 9: Gothic masterpiece in the Church of Madonna dell’Orto
Venice insider tip 10: An oasis of tranquillity and Slow Food on the island of Mazzorba
Photo: Evening atmosphere on the Fondamenta delle Zattere – the sun is reflected in the water, whilst walkers enjoy the peaceful promenade with a view of Giudecca.
The Fondamenta delle Zattere promenade in the charming Dorsoduro district is one of the few sights in Venice, Italy, where you can watch the sunset directly over the water. Off the beaten track, the wide promenade invites you to take a leisurely stroll, read a book or simply enjoy the sweeping view of the island of Giudecca and the gently shimmering light of the lagoon. Locals relax in small bars, couples stroll hand in hand, and students from the nearby art college sip coffee on the steps of the promenade. An insider’s tip: Caffè La Piscina, with its homemade cakes and fine cappuccino. Those wishing to stay a little longer will find an elegant home with a special atmosphere at the stylish Hotel Salute Palace.
Photo: The entrance to Libreria Acqua Alta – tall stacks of books, narrow aisles and charming chaos – a unique place for explorers and book lovers.
A place straight out of a fairy tale: the Libreria Acqua Alta is one of the most original bookshops in Europe. Old encyclopaedias, comics, art books and novels are piled high in bathtubs, gondolas and along the walls. A few cats wander leisurely amongst them. In the courtyard, there is a staircase made of old books, from which you can enjoy a picturesque view of the canal. Admission is free, and photography is allowed – and encouraged. Just a few steps away is the Hotel Ca’ Gottardi, which impresses with its Venetian charm, sustainable approach and peaceful location. Ideal for anyone who loves to browse, read and discover.
Photo: A scene from everyday life in Campo Santa Maria Formosa: a spacious square with a church, cafés and Venetians chatting.
Campo Santa Maria Formosa is one of Venice’s largest and most beautiful squares – and yet it is comparatively quiet. This is where you’ll find authentic Venetian life: children playing football, older Venetians sitting on wooden benches in the shade and chatting about their day, whilst the occasional passer-by strolls by. The square is lively yet relaxed – a place you’ll rarely find in a guidebook. The church of the same name impresses with its simple elegance and is one of the city’s oldest religious buildings. At the edge of the square, small cafés and the fine restaurant Alle Testiere entice visitors with fresh, local cuisine – including fish dishes, vegetables from the lagoon and vegetarian options.
Photo: The tranquil cloister garden of San Francesco della Vigna, with its lavender, fig tree and cypresses, invites you to relax.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you’ll find it in the lush monastery garden of San Francesco della Vigna in the Castello district. This spot is a real hidden gem amongst Venice’s sights, tucked away from the tourist crowds. Amidst ancient walls and well-tended plants such as rosemary, lavender, fig trees and flowering climbing roses, you can sense a special sense of tranquillity. The site is part of an active Franciscan monastery and is open to visitors. Depending on the time of day, you can meditate here, read or simply enjoy the silence. Occasionally, small concerts, talks or readings take place – always in keeping with the peaceful atmosphere. The Hotel Heureka, just a few steps away, offers a harmonious place to stay: artistic, elegant and with a garden that ranks among the most beautiful in the city.
Photo: Traditional craftsmanship – a view of the historic San Trovaso gondola workshop, showing a gondola under construction and the workshops along the canal.
In a city full of gondolas, it’s fascinating to see where they’re made. The small gondola workshop, Squero di San Trovaso, is one of the last of its kind. The craftsmen here still work as they did centuries ago – with wood, varnish and great attention to detail. Visitors can get a glimpse of the craft from the opposite bank of the canal. Right next door is the Cantine del Vino Già Schiavi – a quaint bacaro bar with a wide selection of cicchetti – small open sandwiches and nibbles – including creative vegetarian options. Perfect for a quick bite to eat. Anyone who loves authentic Venice shouldn’t miss this place.
Photo: The Hotel Indigo Venice, near the Giardini delle Vergini, is not only attractive and peaceful, but also places great emphasis on regional cuisine and art.
Right in the heart of the Biennale grounds lies the Giardino delle Vergini – a public garden that is hardly known even amongst Venetians. It is definitely one of Venice’s hidden gems, inviting you to linger a while. The garden is lush with vegetation, featuring shady trees, quiet benches and the sound of splashing fountains. It’s ideal for a break from the hustle and bustle of the alleyways and canals. The spot is at its most beautiful in spring and autumn in particular. Art lovers will occasionally find small installations here as part of the Biennale. The nearby Hotel Indigo Venice is not only aesthetically pleasing and peaceful, but also places great emphasis on regional cuisine and art – a lovely combination for discerning travellers who wish to explore Venice off the beaten track.
Photo: A sweeping view across the lagoon – the view from the campanile on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, looking out over St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace.
The small island of San Giorgio Maggiore lies directly opposite St Mark’s Square, but is far less visited. It is definitely one of Venice’s most impressive sights and well worth a visit. The crossing by vaporetto takes just a few minutes, and before you know it you’re standing in front of Palladio’s impressive church. The climb up the campanile is well worth it: from here, a unique view over the lagoon unfolds, free from crowds. The changing art exhibitions in the monastery wing are also a hidden gem. Those looking for something special will feel right at home at the Hotel Antiche Figure – a charming, family-run boutique hotel right on the Grand Canal, with elegant rooms, a central location and views of the water.
Photo: An evening scene on the Rio della Misericordia, with fairy lights, music and a glass of wine.
The Rio della Misericordia winds its way through the creative heart of Venice. In Cannaregio, artists, students and locals come together in small bars and galleries. In the evening, the area comes to life: live music, fairy lights, laughter. The Vino Vero Bar is particularly popular – known for its carefully selected natural wines from biodynamic vineyards. Creative versions of the so-called ‘cicchetti’ are served here – vegan options are also available on request. Here you can experience modern Venice, which nevertheless remains deeply rooted in its traditions. Anyone wishing to spend the night in this creative atmosphere should check into Combo Venezia – a blend of hostel and design hotel – social, young and inspiring.
Photo: The Gothic façade of the Church of the Madonna dell’Orto – serene and striking in the soft light of a quiet afternoon.
The Church of Madonna dell’Orto is a Gothic masterpiece and houses works by Tintoretto, who lived nearby and is also buried here. The church owes its name to a statue of the Virgin Mary that was once placed in a nearby vegetable garden – after it had been rejected by a patron. The statue was soon regarded as miraculous and brought fame to the church. It is situated somewhat off the beaten track in an almost village-like part of Cannaregio. The square in front of the church is peaceful, sometimes deserted, and invites you to pause for a moment. Walks along the adjacent canals reveal a Venice free from the hustle and bustle. Those wishing to stay overnight will find stylish accommodation with Venetian flair at the nearby Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente, featuring tastefully furnished rooms and a pleasant tranquillity – ideal for relaxing days away from the crowds.
Photo: In the centre of the small island of Mazzorbo stands the Venissa restaurant – a place for mindful dining, renowned for its ‘cucina ambientale’.
The island of Mazzorbo lies right next to the colourful island of Burano, but is much quieter and largely untouched by tourism. Instead of colourful houses and crowds, what awaits you here is a green, unhurried Venice with old vines, vegetable gardens and narrow paths where you’ll often find yourself all on your own. At the heart of this small island stands the Venissa restaurant – a must-visit for those seeking mindful dining, renowned for its ‘cucina ambientale’: seasonal cuisine made with ingredients from its own garden and the lagoon – entirely in keeping with the Slow Food philosophy. The accompanying white wine, made from the almost extinct Dorona grape, is grown right on the island – a true rarity. Those seeking something special can also stay overnight at the adjoining Venissa Wine Resort – stylish, peaceful and nestled in a landscape that reveals Venice’s rural side.
Conclusion: Those who explore Venice thoughtfully will discover much more than just the classic sights. Amidst gardens, hidden squares and creative corners, the quiet magic of the lagoon city unfolds – away from the tourist crowds. These insider tips invite you to discover Venice with all your senses and simply go with the flow.
© Swiss Bankers 2026
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