Five Fantastic Venice Experiences Most People Miss Out On
Venice is a great destination. Every year, around 30 million people visit this iconic city. They go to experience St Mark’s Square, ride a Gondola and see the famous Rialto Bridge. If you go to Venice you will find the main tourist attractions very crowded. Of course, you should still visit those sights.
But, you really should not leave Venice without experiencing something a little different. There is another side of this frenetic city that most visitors do not take the time to enjoy. Venice has a hidden, quirky and interesting side that you really should dip into. Here are just a few ideas.
Enjoy a musical interlude
Venice has a beautiful opera house, the Teatro La Fenice. A night spent in this magical place is simply unforgettable. Venice Opera Tickets are very easy to get hold of online. So, it is easy to plan ahead and make sure that you do not miss out on this fantastic experience.
If you do not want to attend a full performance, you could enjoy dinner at the Avanspettacolo Theatre Restaurant. They offer opera evenings, which feature performances of famous opera arias. Or you could enjoy a Baroque Concert performed by Collegium Ducale at the Palazzo Delle Prigion.
See Venice from above
Venice looks even more spectacular when viewed from above. To see it, you could join the queue to climb the St Mark’s Bell Tower. Or, you could head off to the Scala Contarini del Bovolo and climb up this stunning spiraling tower instead. It is a much more interesting building and the views from the hidden terrace really are fantastic.
Take a stroll
Venice is a real labyrinth and the streets are narrow, so sometimes your online phone maps will not work reliably. So, exploring can be a bit tricky. But, you really should try to do so. Once you get away from the busy tourist’s spots, Venice is even more interesting and beautiful.
Probably the easiest approach is to book yourself a walking tour. There are guides based in the city who will happily take you off the beaten track. If you want to enjoy a stroll without a guide, just follow the river. It is impossible to get lost and there is plenty to see, do and enjoy along the riverfront.
Enjoy real Viennese cuisine
Grabbing a pizza or sandwich is OK if you are in a rush. But, it is really worth taking time away from visiting the sights to find a genuine Venetian osteria to eat in. These simple restaurants still serve traditional Viennese dishes that are made from scratch, using fresh local ingredients.
If you are a passionate foodie, consider booking yourself a cooking lesson while you are in the city. Or, you could choose to eat in someone’s home rather than sticking just to cafes and restaurants.
Do a little shopping on the Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Venice is not a famous shopping destination. The shops there are mostly small. No chain stores here, so, if you want something unique you can find it in Venice. Head for the Abbot Kinney Boulevard. There you will find the best selection of boutiques and independent retailers selling high-quality, food, trinkets, clothes and more.
For me the biggest joy of traveling is meeting new people and learning about their culture. Something you cannot really do if you only take the time to visit the most famous sights. So, hopefully, the above suggestions will encourage you to get off the beaten track a bit.
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