Venice Travel Guide: Uncover Hidden Gems and Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Trip

by Peter May 18, 2023

written by Peter May 18, 2023

Venice: A Travel Guide to the City of Canals

Movies

Before you embark on your Venetian adventure, immerse yourself in the city’s cinematic charm. Nicolas Roeg’s Don’t Look Now (1973) weaves a haunting tale against the backdrop of Venice’s captivating waterways. Henry James’ The Wings of the Dove (1997) and David Lean’s Summertime (1955) showcase the city’s timeless beauty and architectural splendor. For a heartwarming romantic comedy, don’t miss Bread and Tulips (2000). And for an insider’s perspective, tune into Francesco’s Venice (2004), a documentary by the renowned Venetian architect and writer Francesco da Mosto.

Books

Delve into the literary treasures inspired by Venice. Jan Morris’ Venice offers a comprehensive account of the city’s rich history and culture. Mary McCarthy’s classic Venice Observed provides an engaging exploration of Venetian art and customs. For a historical journey, Thomas Madden’s Venice: A New History traces the city’s evolution from its humble origins to its maritime supremacy. Roger Crowleu’s City of Fortune chronicles the rise and fall of Venice as a naval power. And for a unique perspective on the city’s literary heritage, Ian Littlewood’s Venice: A Literary Companion gathers writings by renowned authors such as Byron, Goethe, and Proust.

Apps

Enhance your Venetian experience with these handy apps. Elizabeth Minchilli’s EAT VENICE will guide you to the city’s culinary gems, while Michela Scibilia’s Tap Venice offers insider recommendations on restaurants. For stunning photography, follow Marco Gaggio (@neumarc) on Instagram, where he captures the city’s canals and architecture with a professional eye.

Blogs

Get an insider’s view of Venice from the local blogging community. Sig. Nonloso’s Venezia Blog provides a lively take on the city, while Erla Zwingle’s I am not making this up: My life in real Venice, and more offers a quirky and entertaining perspective. For a more comprehensive guide, visit David Lown’s A Guide to Venice, which includes walking tours, a history timeline, and links to museums and attractions.

Staple Sites

Plan your trip and explore the city’s highlights with these official websites. The City of Venice’s website provides maps, event calendars, webcams, and organized tours. Venezia Unica offers a robust section for visitors, including a virtual map of museums. For a more local perspective, check out the Detourism project, which provides newsletters, maps, and digital magazines showcasing the city from a local’s point of view.

Gondolas

No visit to Venice is complete without experiencing the iconic gondolas. Gondolavenezia.it offers an in-depth look at the history of these traditional vessels. For a deeper dive, pick up Donna Leon’s Gondola, an illustrated book accompanied by a CD of Venetian carcarole music.

Hidden Gems

Venture beyond the main tourist attractions to discover Venice’s hidden treasures. Explore the Detourism map to find authentic local businesses and organic markets. Follow Venice’s Secrets blog for off-the-beaten-path experiences, such as visiting the secret gardens of Palazzo Zenobio or taking a cooking class with a local chef.

Insider Tips

Purchase a Venezia Unica City Pass for access to public transportation, museums, and other attractions.
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
Visit during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) to avoid crowds.
Take advantage of free walking tours offered by local guides.
Pack comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of exploring on foot.

Peter

Peter is a marketer with a background in business and a passion for writing. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling narratives, Peter has carved out a niche for himself as a versatile contributor to LifeScienceArt.com, where he enjoys sharing his insights and expertise across a wide array of topics. Peter's journey into the world of marketing began with his university education in business. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. His academic pursuits were characterized by a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and strategic planning. This foundation laid the groundwork for his successful career in marketing, where he has applied his knowledge to help businesses grow and thrive in competitive landscapes. Throughout his career, Peter has worked with a diverse range of companies, from startups to large multinational conglomerates, helping them develop and execute effective marketing strategies. His experience spans various industries, including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods, reflecting his adaptability and broad skill set. Peter's ability to blend analytical thinking with creative problem-solving has made him a valuable asset in any organization he works with. Despite his busy professional life, Peter has always made time for his true passion: writing. He finds joy in the written word and believes in its power to inform, inspire, and connect people. This passion has found a perfect outlet in LifeScienceArt.com, where he contributes to all sections of the site. Whether it's penning thought-provoking articles on the latest trends in life sciences, crafting engaging profiles of industry leaders, or writing insightful pieces on art and its intersection with science, Peter brings a unique voice and perspective to his work. One of the aspects Peter cherishes most about his role at LifeScienceArt.com is the opportunity to collaborate with a wonderful cohort of writers. He values the camaraderie and the shared commitment to excellence that characterize the team. Working alongside talented and passionate individuals inspires him to continually hone his craft and push the boundaries of his writing. Outside of his professional pursuits, Peter is an avid reader and a lifelong learner. He enjoys exploring new ideas, delving into diverse genres of literature, and staying abreast of developments in science and art. His curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are reflected in his writing, where he strives to bring fresh insights and a nuanced understanding to his readers. Peter's story is one of dedication, versatility, and a deep-seated love for both marketing and writing. His contributions to LifeScienceArt.com not only enrich the site's content but also underscore the importance of passion and collaboration in creating meaningful and impactful work.