Hidden Gems for Venice

Find great things to do in Venice

The city with 180 canals and 450 bridges. Welcome to Venice! Spend your afternoon wandering from palace to piazza, strolling through the narrow streets and exploring museums. In our travel guide you will find great things to do in Venice.

1. Hidden Gem Venice: Fondaco Dei Tedeschi

An old space with a new face. Fondaco dei Tedeschi is one of the largest buildings on the Grand Canal. The 16th-century trading hall overlooks the Rialto Bridge, hosts art exhibits and boasts a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. The building has found new life as a luxury department store, which re-opened in 2016. Fondaco dei Tedeschi offers an exceptional range of coveted luxury products from both Italian and international brands. Even if the products are outside of your budget, everyone can enjoy a little bit of window shopping in this fantastic venue and take in the spectacular rooftop view.

Fondaco dei Tedeschi / © Instagram: eplusqmineum

2. Hidden Gem Venice: Gelato di Natura

This place is heaven! Make sure to come here hungry, as you will want to try more than just two flavors. Gelato di Natura only uses the best ingredients of controlled origins. The colors and aromas of these flavours are exclusively from mother nature. Gelato di Natura also offers lots of vegan options like fruit flavors and dark chocolate.

Gelato di Natura / © Instagram: stefanie_koeppen

3. Hidden Gem Venice: Burano

The picturesque island in the northern Venetian Lagoon is famous for its brightly colored houses and handmade lace. Lots of fishermen used to live on the island. According to locals, they chose to paint their houses in different colors so that they could see them from far away while fishing. Burano makes a great day trip but it is also worth staying a night. The island’s main street, Via Galuppi, is lined with pastry and souvenir shops, stores, bars, and restaurants. Wander around and explore the smaller and more peaceful streets of Burano.

Burano / © Instagram: mariguerri

4. Hidden Gem Venice: Osteria Al Squero

After a stroll along the canals, re-energize with a little snack in Osteria Al Squero (right across from the city’s oldest functioning gondola workshop). Here you will find an endless and excellent selection of traditional crostini, which cost about 1,50€ each. How about a combination of tuna and olive? Or artichoke with blue cheese? There are only a few seats inside but most of the people decide to sit outside anyways. Simply enjoy your wine, talk to friends and watch the boats passing by.