Best things to see in Venice?

Question

Maybe some things that are off the beaten path, or not the typical tourist attractions would be nice.

Answer 1

Usually I'm not just copying and pasting.The fact is that today I'm in a terrible hurry but I would like helping you in someway.
This is a great website to find hided things in Venice.
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Italy/Veneto/Venice-140867/Off_the_Beaten_Path-Venice-TG-C-1.html#tips
I guess you'll be lost in reading all of the tips therein reported.
From my side I want add some personal suggestions that might be not described in the website here above:
1.- one day make a sacrifice and get up early in the morning
(around 6 am is perfect). The town is just empty,all yours. You can see the locals starting their working day, the boats delivering goods,the ducks entering the bars and hundreds of other things that a few tourists have seen.
2.- Then take a vaporetto and go to Cannaregio, in the north of the city. Look for the church of Madonna dell'Orto. Its walls are completely full of freizes by Tintoretto.In that area give also a look to the Jewish getto and to St.Rocco.
3.- Visit Murano island (for glasses) but beware of people that offers you a "free" boat ride to there. They're paid salespeople and you'll pay the double for the half...!!
When there visit the Museo Vetrario (Glass Museum).
Prices of their gift shops are reasonable,
4.-. Wherever you are and whichever is the season look for a
"Gelateria Artigianale". These are the only ice cream shops that are producing without using colorants or chemical but just fruits and natural flavours. Don't forget to look for the label with above writing ;if you don't see it look for another one.
When you've found it taste an ice cream and enjoy it.
5.- Go to Lido di Venezia - you need to take the ferry (vaporetto) but in 10 minutes trip you'll be away from the bustle of the city.
6.- Take a vaporetto at St.Mark's square and after 3 stops you'll be to the gardens (Giardini). Mix with local families at the playground. Then take a walk in the Biennale gardens and go back to the Arsenale to visit the Maritime Museum.

I would go on by hours but now I must leave.

Enjoy Venice.

Answer 2

Not easy because Venice is basically one big tourist theme park, but you can easily get off the beaten track by turning into virtually any side passage, then just wander the narrow back streets and look at the lovely old houses. Make sure you take a good street map with you though, because the alleys are so twisty, it's easy to lose your way and believe it or not, there are a LOT of locals who don't speak a word of English! I wish I could remember the name of the gardens over to the east - they are well worth a wander and not as crowded as elsewhere. Check your map - they are quite large.

Watch out for dog poo by the way - all Venetians seem to have little dogs, and not one of them cleans up after their animal - they just wait for aqua alta (high water) to wash the stuff into the canal! (I know - eurrrgh)

But do the tourist stuff too. It's an amazing place and no matter how much you've read about it or seen on TV or heard from friends, nothing will prepare you for the first sight of the city when you get to the wharf. Or for the weirdness of watching the water suddenly emerge from the pavement beneath you and lap over your shoes (and sometimes reach your ankles). Take suitable waterproof boots by the way, or you'll have trench foot by the time you leave!

Answer 3

I would suggest getting the three day vaporette pass that allows you to hop on and off for three days to all the islands.
Break your day down so that you can make the most of Venice.
Take two days to explore the six sessitere and the third day to Explore Murano and Burano and Torcello
These three will take all day to finish.
So my suggestions are make a list of the Must see and want to see and create an iternary that you can follow ( not strictly) but to help you so that you aren't all over the place.
Other spots are San Michelle Island this is a beautiful spot that is so off the beaten path. It's a cemetary unlike any you will ever see! Also check out San Maggiore which gives you a great view of San Mark's!

Answer 4

Venezia is all beautifull, any meter you will do will be wonderfull!!!!!