Getting Lost in Venice
I have always loved the unknown corners of Venice. Those forgotten canals and half-hidden alleys seem to have an irresistible pull; however much I might try to resist, I am inexplicably drawn to explore.
It is on these unexpected detours that I have discovered some of the loveliest yet mostly forgotten corners of Venice. Join me on a visual journey down the alleyways of Venice.
Before I get to the photos I'd like to make a suggestion; if you are visiting Venice then do yourself a favor by wandering off the well worn main thoroughfares. Get lost in the maze of alleys and follow those little canals. I can promise you discoveries you'll not forget and memories to last a lifetime.
Often times, you'll be alone too—just you and the beauty of Venice. The masses follow the same tired routes, where all they really see are the heads of the tourists in front of them.
Last but not least, if you need a hotel in Venice, you'll find the most highly rated ones here.
Ready to get lost in Venice? Let's go!
Crumbling houses seem to be sinking into the canal as you watch. Crumbling they may be, but sometimes these houses are among the most picturesque sights in Venice. They seem to capture the very essence of the city.
Walk from the train station towards the Rialto Bridge, and you are swept along in a tide of humanity. Suddenly, on your left as you cross a small bridge, you'll spot a sign in Hebrew pointing the way to the Sinagoga (synagogue in English), which is located in the Venice Ghetto. Follow the signs, and soon you are a world away from the Venice most tourists see. You can find out more about this wonderful corner of Venice here.
Everybody knows about Burano and Murano, but there's another secret little island, just a bridge away from Venice, that nobody ever visits. This photo was taken in July, and, apart from a few locals, there was not a single tourist.
Sometimes, you'll take a turn away from the crowds, and barely five minutes later, you'll come across something exceptional—somewhere like the Contarini del Bovolo.
A spiral staircase leads you up and around a medieval tower, out upon a wide terrace, to finally gaze upon a view that leaves you gasping. That's if the climb up the staircase hasn't left you gasping for air already.
You can read more about the Contarini del Bovolo here.
The Venice water buses are great for seeing the Grand Canal, but if you want to see the backroads of Venice from the water, then the best way is by gondola.
The Trattoria Vedova in Cannaregio, which I include in my Venice and Veneto restaurant guide, they offer really great local dishes and fresh seafood at prices that are amazing for Venice. Their meatballs are legendary too, reputed to be the best in Venice. I have to admit that they are good... but my mother's meatballs are better.
In the Castello neighborhood of Venice, there is a rather unusual three-sided building and a book store unlike any other. Rumor has it that this was once the Red Light District of Venice. Is that true? Find out the answer to that, and enter into that very strange book store, in our Castello guide.
Another almost silent canal. The only sound is the gentle lapping of water and the occasional clatter of dishes being washed somewhere. Sometimes, on the wind, you'll catch a few seconds of a gondolier far away singing a song that brings tears to your eyes.
Washday in Venice means hanging out your washing wherever you can. You aren't allowed to hang it out front, over the public walkways, so it hangs out over the back canals or next to your gondola :-)
Please Book with Us... Maria here, if you enjoy my site I'd love your support.
Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) via the link below or with any of the hotel links on the website.
You'll get the best deal available and the income I receive helps me to remain independent and to keep bringing you more of beautiful Italy.
Click to Begin
You'll Enjoy These...
Which are the best three and four star hotels in Venice Italy? These are my picks. I include only hotels which I can recommend with confidence.
Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
Ever considered visiting Venice Italy? Here is the final temptation you need. Tell me you don't want to pack after seeing this!
Visiting Venice? Want to explore a little of the wonderful Veneto region in which Venice is located? Then our Veneto and Venice itinerary is just what you need.
The ItalyMammaMia Blog shares news, beautiful Italian places, recipes and travel advice. We've videos and essential information for planning your next trip to Italy.
Gondolas inside and out, piles of books, cats everywhere and a fire escape that involves jumping into a canal. This is the Acqua Alta Bookshop
The best tours of Venice Italy, selected by an insider. Walking tours, gondola trips, St. Mark’s Basilica and even a creepy ghost tour. We have it all!
Legend has it the Bridge of Sighs was named because it offered prisoners their last view of Venice before execution. I like the legend of eternal love better...
Venice Carnival masks are famous throughout the world and the Carnival itself was recently voted as one of the world’s top five carnivals. See more..
Easter in Venice is wonderful, there's a special feeling in the air and Easter is still celebrated in the traditional way. Be a part of it - click for more.
San Giacomo in Venice is a little known church—just the type of place I love and one of the most beautiful churches in Venice Italy.
Castello in Venice is a get away from the theme park feel of St. Marks Square. In some ways this is small town Italy, old ladies gossiping in the squares and...
Our guide to Venice Treviso Airport and all you need to know to find the cheapest flights to Venice.
Looking for the best books about Venice Italy? Whether it is food, travel or history we may just have the answer for you..
Venice is not only the Bridge of Sighs and St Marks Square. There is a whole lot more. Join me, Maria, exploring the Venetian wonders few ever discover.
St Marks Square is the most beautiful piazza in the entire world - any Venetian will tell you so. Sparkling with light and color. Join me in discovering...
As haunted buildings in Venice go Ca Dario is hard to beat. The number of people who have died shortly after owning this building is shocking.
There's so much to see in Venice Italy that you can become overwhelmed. Before you despair, here is the list of the 6 sights you absolutely must see...
A guide to the climate in Venice Italy, advice on the best time to visit Venice and when not to visit, detailed weather forecasts and much more.
Venetian art is world famous and Venice has inspired artists for centuries. I have longed to be able to offer contemporary art that continues that tradition...
Why visit Venice and the Veneto? This is the Italy of the imagination...except it's real. This is the Italy you've seen in the movies....but you're the star.
The Metropole Hotel in Venice has a perfect location and it is billed as one of the most romantic hotels in Venice. Is this really the case?
Looking for a flight to Venice or Verona? Our guide is essential reading. From anywhere in Europe or the USA we have your best options.
These 6 places to see near Venice are truly awesome. If you're visiting Venice you seriously DO NOT want to miss out on seeing them.
Looking for a good value hotel in Venice? We discovered a fantastic one this summer; great value and right by the Rialto Bridge
More Travel Tips:
- Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
- Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda help you to book accommodation in advance
- Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
- Book your car. At least a month before is best. Use Discover Car Hire.
- Cash Back on Flights: Great deals & money back with WayAway
- Get peace of mind when traveling. Get insured with VisitorsCoverage.com
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.