13 Secret Places Off the Beaten Path to Discover!

Ah Venice! One of the most romantic cities! Year after year, couples from all over the world come there to seal their love. This city in Italy is located on the Adriatic Sea. Surrounded by canals and rich in a unique atmosphere, it is incomparable to Rome or Naples… But if you are here, perhaps you already know it. Are you looking for ideas for visiting it again? You are in the right place! In this article, I will not share with you the must-see things to see in the Serenissima. On the contrary, we linger here on all the secret and unusual places in Venice. On the way to a stay in Venice off the beaten track!

1. Torcello Island

This small island, located near that of Burano, is easily accessible by boat from the center of Venice. Unlike islands more popular with tourists, this one is little frequented. In reality, the island of Torcello was once one of the richest and most inhabited in the region. However, it lost its population due to water becoming muddy and the epidemics that followed. It's not very happy, but it explains why there are only 14 permanent residents left in Torcello today. But, rest assured, today, this island remains pleasant to visit, particularly for its Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral which is a superb religious monument.

2. The Rialto market

The Rialto market is frequented largely by the Venetian population. Tourists rarely know about this site, which is nevertheless worth the detour. Do you want my advice? If you go to Saint Mark's Square early in the morning to avoid the crowds, turn towards the Calle Prima de la Donzella, where this superb covered market awaits you. Fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, flowers: you can do some shopping there, but above all soak up thelocal atmosphere. This market is open Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will give you a good opportunity to share with locals.

3. Visit Venice by night off the beaten track

Venice is certainly a magnificent city, but it is enhanced by the lights that illuminate the city after dark. So, I invite you to stroll through its streets at night in order to discover another side of Venice. Its canals are adorned with an even more romantic atmosphere. Its architectural treasures are illuminated. The highlight of this visit? It is undoubtedly the Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice lit up with a thousand lights.

For the more romantic, you can also opt for a night gondola ride. A great way to visit its canals differently and discover a calmer and more authentic atmosphere than usual. Of course, this visit will be more enjoyable if you visit Venice during the summer.

4. The Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Who says Italy, says religious monuments! And during a stay in Venice, you may see many churches and basilicas, but there is undoubtedly one that will go unnoticed by you. Indeed, theChurch of Santa Maria dei Miracoli is a small, secret church located in the north of the city. Dating from the 15th century, its painted facade and imposing dome often catch the eye of people passing by. But you still have to get there!

This monument was built following a legend. At the time, a painting of the Virgin located on the corner of a house was considered miraculous by the residents of the neighborhood. They went there to ask for graces to overcome illnesses and fill their pain. A construction worthy of these miracles was then proposed, and this is how the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli came into being. History does not say if the church is also miraculous… It's up to you to test!

5. The Contarini del Bovolo Palace

This little palace which has existed since the 14th century is particularly known for its spiral staircase and its arches which give the impression that it is on the verge of collapsing. It would have been built near Saint Mark's Square on the orders of a powerful family of the time: the Contarini. And although Shakespeare never spoke of them, you should know that this family had an important role in the life of Venice, counting among it several doges, generals and ambassadors.

6. Discover a Venetian casino

During the 18th century, the Venetians were very fond of casinos. There were 18 around St. Mark's Square. Just that! In general, these were private and secret places, where dice and cards were played. Betting places, certainly, but above all meeting places.

Today, only one of these Venetian casinos remains intact: the Venier casino.

It now belongs to the Alliance Française de Venise and is used for cultural events. Who could imagine such wealth inside this building? The decoration is careful and will immediately immerse you in the atmosphere of the time.

You will also find secret rooms there, such as the famous “juda” which is an opening in the ground allowing you to observe everyone present at the door. The goal? Being able to escape in case an enemy comes.

7. Eat in an authentic Italian restaurant

It is undoubtedly here that the problem lies in Venice. If you came to feast on Italian dishes, it turns out that restaurants in the city center are often touristy and quite expensive. But there are still a few gems among the restaurants in Venice. You still have to know how to find them!

In the Carampane district, find for example the famous Tratorria Antiche Carampane. It is located near the stalls of the Rialto market, mentioned above. Enough to discover two secret places in Venice in one! This restaurant clearly announces the color: “No pizza, no lasagna, no turistico menu”. You will instead be entitled to a authentic family cooking composed mainly of fish dishes, straight from the daily market. It is also closed on Sundays and Mondays, when the market is closed.

8. The Aqua Alta di Frizzo Luigi bookstore

This bookstore in the center of Venice has the particularity of present his books on boats, gondolas and in bathtubs. Just another way to protect yourself from rising water levels. Indeed, Aqua Alta are a frequent phenomenon in Venice. It is linked to a peak in tides which generally occurs between mid-October and mid-April. This unusual bookstore is also frequented by many cats. A visit to make if you pass nearby!

9. The narrowest alley in the city

Are you looking for an unusual site in Venice? So, don't miss out on this street which is 53cm wide! Difficult to sneak in, but it is at least worth a look. There Varisco Calette will have something to make you laugh and will undoubtedly allow you to take the most original photo of your stay in Italy.

10. Kayak the canals

The gondola in Venice is a bit too déjà vu, isn't it? So, for this trip, opt for a different activity: a romantic kayak trip. After having received some safety instructions (traffic is heavy on the waters in Venice), embark on the canals of the Serenissima. Sneak among the gondolas who will watch you jealously! This activity will allow you toget amazing views of the city andwalk the streets that no other traveler will ever have trodden. The price is a little more expensive than the gondola and the proposal may not seem as chic, but at least you'll have something play sports!

11. Discover a supermarket in a theater

Among the things to absolutely see in Venice, and the ones you only see in Venice besides, there is a supermarket. Yes, you will find in the Cannaregio district a Spar supermarket which was built in the heart of a former theater. No, you are not dreaming! Frescoes on the wall, exposed beams and lighting left as is, you can dream of your unfinished artistic life while weighing your fruits and vegetables. This supermarket located on Calle de le Pignate definitely worth a look.

12. The Chiodo Bridge

Do you want to dive into the heart of Venice in an unusual way? So, for the more daring, you can opt for the visit to an unusual bridge. You should know that originally, bridges were built without any protective barrier in Venice. This stone bridge has therefore remained like this, and is the last to be able to offer you a little dip in the canals at the slightest awkwardness. It is located at the end of Fondamenta San Felice.

13. Visit the Haunted Palace of Venice

Do you dream of discovering a place off the beaten track in Italy? So, I advise you to go past the Ca'Dario Palace which is reputed to be haunted. As proof, the director Woody Allen canceled his acquisition when he came to visit. This palace is closed to visits because recently, a buyer finally decided to ignore the rumors and renovate it. But, if you dream of a thrilling visit, you can always approach it at night and wait for the legend to perhaps become reality…

You now have in mind many ideas for unusual activities and off the beaten track in Venice. You will see, even if this city is very well known to visitors, it actually has some mysteries. For a visit with children, discover our must-sees in Venice as a family. I hope this article has helped you organize your stay in Italy looking for unusual places!