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Venice is a wonderful city, no doubt about it. However, during the last decades it has become a kind of “Disneyland on the sea,” with million of tourists visiting it every year.
So, what is the best way to enjoy a unique experience in Venice? Fortunately there are a lot of amazing places that are off the beaten path.
Check out this gallery of insider tips to find out how to spend a great time in this Italian gem!
(Photo by Rebe Adelaida on Unsplash)
In 2017, 26 million people visited the city, which is home to only 56,000 residents. The population is dramatically decreasing due to the high prices of housing. Souvenir shops are replacing bakeries, hairdressers, and bookstores, making it difficult to live there.
Venice is a unique place, that's why it's so often visited. Where else can you find a city built on a lagoon? The water mirrors the beautiful images of the typical Venetian architecture, and at night the light shows are simply astonishing. So, you should still visit the city, just visit it like a local. (Photo: Annie Spratt/Unsplash)
Venice is an archipelago of 118 islands connected by more than 400 bridges. There is a core group of islands, considered the historic center, which rise up on both sides of the Grand Canal.
Now click on to find out tips about what to do in the historic center and the surrounding islands of Venice. (Photo: Andreas NextVoyagePL/Unsplash)
This charming place was founded in the 16th century as the first ghetto in the world, when the Venetian Republic forced Jews to live separated from the rest of the city. Nowadays it’s still the center of Jewish life in the city.
It’s the perfect place to have a "spritz" (a local alcoholic drink) with residents. The street is located in Castello, one of the less touristy neighborhoods in the city.
Visitors used to stop on Rialto bridge to take photos, but this amazing market also really deserves a visit. It’s a good place to buy fresh fish and fruit.
What about enjoying a view of Venice from the water, while getting some exercise at the same time? On the island of Certosa, you can rent a kayak and take a tour with a local guide.
Visitors look at this legendary bridge from the outside, but you can actually visit Doge Palace and cross the bridge—as prisoners did in the past. (Photo: Benjamin Dickerhof/Unsplash)
Crowds disappear after dinner, so at night you can enjoy a different, quieter, and more magical Venice. (Photo: Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash)
The surface of the island is entirely occupied by an ancient monastery, later used as a lazaretto (a hospital for people with infectious diseases). In the 18th century, the structure turned into an Armenian monastery with a charming ancient library. It's open to visits once a day.
Avoid tourist cafés if you don’t want to needlessly spend your money. In Piazza San Marco, a coffee can cost up to 12€ (around US$14). The normal price for a coffee in Venice is around 1-1.50€ (about US$1.15-1.75).
The optimal months to visit Venice are April, May, September, and October, when the temperatures are cooler. (Photo: Luca Bravo/Unsplash)
This meal, prepared with stewed cuttlefish and polenta, is simply delightful.
See also: "Italian" food that would make a real Italian cringe.
Taking a ride on a gondola is unreasonably expensive. Instead, take the water bus nº 1 (7€ - about US$8.25) and enjoy its scenic route. (Photo by Aleksandar Popovski on Unsplash)
The lagoon is polluted, and swimming there is dangerous due to the marine traffic. Go to Lido island instead to swim in the Adriatic.
Full of bars and cafés, this place is surrounded by a magic atmosphere. Here you can have a drink while sitting on a boat!
Visions of Venice: Discover the magical city
The city behind the film festival
TRAVEL Venice film festival
Venice is a wonderful city, no doubt about it. However, during the last decades it has become a kind of “Disneyland on the sea,” with million of tourists visiting it every year.
So, what is the best way to enjoy a unique experience in Venice? Fortunately there are a lot of amazing places that are off the beaten path.
Check out this gallery of insider tips to find out how to spend a great time in this Italian gem!
(Photo by Rebe Adelaida on Unsplash)