Above: Gondoliers enjoying some free time on the Riva Degli Schiavoni waterfront

Discovering the Real Venice

How to Escape the Crowds and Find Authentic Magic

As a travel advisor, I’ve heard it all — “Venice is too crowded,” “It’s overrun with tourists,” “You can’t move in St. Mark’s Square.” So, on my first trip to Venice, I was determined to put in the work to experience it differently. My husband and I rose early, wandered beyond the postcard-perfect spots, and let the city reveal itself at its own pace. What I discovered was pure magic — a Venice that still feels intimate, authentic, and alive. And with a bit of planning and flexibility, you can experience that version too. Following you will find some of my best tips on a visit to Venice that will leave you wanting to return!

Step Away from St. Mark’s and Wander

Start your Venetian adventure early in the morning, before the city fully wakes. The soft light reflects off the canals, and the sound of oars dipping into water replaces the chatter of crowds. Venice rewards those who wander — and who don’t mind getting a little lost.

Follow the smaller alleyways leading away from St. Mark’s Square, cross a few narrow bridges, and suddenly you’ll find yourself in a peaceful campo where locals sip espresso and greet each other by name. You will witness the gondoliers enjoying each other’s company before the daily gondola rides begin. This is the Venice Venetians know.

Below: St. Mark’s Square early in the morning

Book Early Morning Tours 

Venice rewards travelers who start with a smart plan. Working with a travel advisor can make all the difference — they can arrange guided tours that start early in the day before cruise ships dock and day-trippers arrive. You’ll experience places like the Doge’s Palace or St. Mark’s Basilica in calm, golden light rather than under the glare of selfie sticks.

Below: The Doge’s Palace Early Access Tour lets you experience the grandeur of the palace before it opens to the public.

Walk to the Jewish Ghetto — One of Venice’s Quietest Corners

One of our favorite and most meaningful walks in Venice was to the Jewish Ghetto in the Cannaregio district. Established in 1516, it’s the oldest ghetto in the world — a poignant, beautiful area filled with history, art, and resilience. Stop by the synagogues or explore small artisan shops tucked into old courtyards. It’s an area that tells stories without needing to speak loudly. Grab a gelato, find a quiet street, and just soak it all in.

Below: The Cannareggio Disctrict is quiet and beautiful. You’ll find quaint bookshops, napping cats, and canals and walkways that make you want to linger and take it all in. 

Explore the Arsenale District

Continue your exploration to the Arsenale, the historic shipyard that once made Venice the naval power of the world. This district is so different from the areas surrounding St. Mark’s Square. Today, the district blends history and creativity, especially during the Venice Biennale when art installations transform the old warehouses. Even outside the festival, it’s a fascinating area to stroll — and often blissfully uncrowded. We walked for periods of time with only the company of each other and the occasional cat.

Below: The monuments at the Arsenale, the window into local Venetian life, and the quiet canals and streets make this end of the island worth the walk.

Take a Day Trip to Burano or Murano

When you’re ready for a change of pace, book a guided tour to Burano or Murano. Burano bursts with color and charm, while Murano is famous for its centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Both are easily reached by boat and offer a glimpse into the lagoon’s quieter side — where local life still follows the tide.

Below: A half-day trip to colorful Burano Island is so worthwhile!

Ride a Gondola — But at the Right Time

A gondola ride is quintessential Venice — but timing is everything. Instead of going at midday when canals are congested, book during off-peak hours like early morning or around sunset. You’ll glide through quiet back canals, hear the gentle lap of water, and see the city at its most romantic.

Below:  Finding a gondola route away from the busiest part of Venice will reward you with a peaceful glide through the fascinating history of this one of a kind city.

Be Flexible — and Stay Long Enough to Let Venice Breathe

Venice isn’t meant to be rushed. The city reveals its true charm slowly — in the rhythm of the vaporetti, in the echo of footsteps on wet stone, in the warmth of a local trattoria tucked away from tourist routes.

Give yourself enough days — at least three or four — to absorb the city. Allow time to change plans, follow your curiosity, and simply be in Venice.

The Real Venice Awaits

Venice doesn’t need to be a checklist of landmarks. It’s a city best experienced through wandering, pausing, and noticing — the light reflecting on water, the hum of conversation, the scent of espresso drifting through an alleyway. And if you do it right – lots of gelato!

With a little planning, flexibility, and curiosity, you can discover a Venice that few travelers ever see — one that feels timeless, local, and deeply real.

Below (L to R): The Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, and St. Mark’s Square are phenomenal and do NOT miss them—just don’t forget that the real Venice is so much more!

Ready to Discover the Real Venice?

Let me help you design a Venetian itinerary that goes beyond the crowds and into the heart of this remarkable city. From early-morning tours to hidden neighborhoods and serene lagoon islands, I’ll help you experience the Venice that most visitors never find.