Get to know Venice like a local

Whether you are visiting for the day or staying a week, having some recommendations from the people that live and breath this incredible city can bring a whole new level of experience. From the ideal ‘green’ space to rest your exploring legs, to interacting with the local fish sellers going about their daily tasks, we aim to give you an insight into the real Venice…

An alternative museum

There are numerous grand museums which are all covered in the bigger tours but one of my favorites as an alternative is the Ca' Pesaro. Facing the Canal Grande, this 16th century palace provides you with the chance to see what could be described as three collections in one, and the building itself is striking as its Baroque marble façade glistens off the water. Start on the third floor where you will find yourself surrounded by porcelain creations in the Museum of Oriental Art.

If time permits, it’s always worth checking out what surprises are in the temporary exhibition on the second floor before completing your visit downstairs in the International Gallery of Modern Art. This gallery was completely redesigned to bring a thematic and chronological tour of the artwork from the last two hundred years on display, from the likes of Kandinsky and Moore to De Pisis and Morandi as well as some masterpieces from Chagall and Gustav Klimt. The new itinerary is really informative and carries with it a sense of Venice throughout.

Touring the Venetian canals

It may be one of the most popular tours in the city, but taking the vaporetto along the Canal Grande to Piazza San Marco is certainly worth it. Another trip I’d suggest, however, is via taxi boat. This can take you out into the Laguna, through Canal Salso, and on whatever route is preferred. This is something we would be delighted to arrange for you at whatever time is appropriate, and it can make the ideal morning jaunt or a blissful sunset ride.Talking of getting around the city of Venice, did you know that the house numbers are not in a continuous order? Don’t be surprised when you’re given directions related to the desired location’s proximity to nearby amenities, attractions, shops or churches.

Mix with the market sellers

There is not much more traditional in Venice than the Erbaria fish market. The three squares on the San Polo side of the Rialto Bridge bring together a bustling scene that varies depending on the time of day you are there. Early in the day you will see the local vendors selling the freshest of produce, fruit and vegetables as well as the ‘straight from the Laguna’ fish. Wander around and see how normal life in a city famed for its tourism conducts itself. As the sun starts to set the vibe of this condensed area changes. Young local professionals take over with their dinner plans – often in the form of local tapas known as cicchetti – being accompanied by drinks and music until the night comes to a close. A fun place to be, and certainly an experience of real Venetian life.

Glass to blow the mind

With so much to see and do throughout Venice, one experience that can sometimes be missed is a trip to observe the master glaziers at work. On the nearby island of Murano, well known for its furnaces, you can watch how they blow the glass to create the most intricate of shapes, designs and characters. These make wonderfully original souvenirs and gifts – complete with the famous Murano glass stamp – to take home, although I’d recommend that you avoid selecting the truly delicate works of art for obvious packing challenges.

The green retreat from the water

For someone new to Venice it can sometimes feel like there is little green space in which to roam, but the locals know otherwise. One such example sits in the district of Castello, to the east of the city, named Parco delle Rimembranze, although Venetians often refer to it as ‘Giardini di San Elena’. As well as the grassy areas, the pine groves have several benches and tables to make outside snacking more comfortable and there is an abundance of shade from the trees to avoid the afternoon sun. The park is bordered to the south and west by water and provides an alternative way to spend a relaxing couple of hours. It’s common to see local children playing on the merry-go-round, people walking their dogs and more senior members of the city enjoying a game cards with friends.

There’s no getting away from it, Venice is an extraordinary city that feels like worlds away for the majority of the millions of tourists it welcomes each year. We certainly hope that with these tips, as well as the advice we give you at the hotel, you’ll be able to take full advantage of both the famous, and the lesser known delights that are all around.