Each step you take in Venice can lead you to a new discovery, a new magic moment. The city is a living, breathing history book, with a surprise waiting around every corner.
But while the grandeur of Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and the Doge's Palace are undeniably worth your attention, there's so much more to Venice than its well-trodden tourist routes.
Hidden among the city's labyrinthine calli, behind unassuming facades, and on the less frequented islands of the lagoon, are gems that most visitors never get the chance to experience.
These are the places where you'll really get a sense of the city's soul, its history, and its people.
So, ready to embark on this off the beaten track journey?
Let's dive in!
Venice Hidden Gems: The Lesser Known Attractions of the Lagoon
Venice isn't just about gondolas and grand canals.
It's a cluster of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. Some of these islands, beyond the main group, harbour unique attractions that often get overlooked by most tourists.
From secluded gardens to majestic palaces, each of these lesser-known sites offers a different glimpse into Venice's rich tapestry of history and culture.
Let's discover 20 hidden gems in Venice.
20. Palazzo Grimani
Located in the Castello district, Palazzo Grimani di Santa Maria Formosa is a stunning Renaissance palace that houses a museum dedicated to classical antiquities.
Visitors can explore the palace's ornate rooms and admire its collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. A ticket is required for entry.
19. Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Cannaregio district, the Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli is a beautiful church that is often overlooked by visitors.
The church's façade is decorated with colorful marble and intricate carvings, and its interior is filled with stunning artwork and frescoes. Admission is free.
18. Palazzo Mocenigo
Located in the Santa Croce district, Palazzo Mocenigo is a museum dedicated to the history of Venetian fashion and perfume.
Visitors can explore the palace's ornate rooms and learn about the city's rich textile and perfume-making traditions. Please note that a ticket is required for entry.
17. Isola di San Michele
Located just a short boat ride from Venice, the Isola di San Michele is a peaceful island cemetery that is the final resting place of many famous Venetians, including composer Igor Stravinsky and poet Ezra Pound.
Visitors can explore the island's beautiful gardens and admire its stunning funerary art. Admission is free.
16. Ca' Dario
One of the most interesting unknown attractions of the city is located on the Grand Canal.
Ca' Dario is a beautiful Gothic palace that is rumored to be cursed. Despite its dark reputation, the palace's ornate façade and beautiful courtyard are well worth a visit.
Visitors can also enjoy views of the Grand Canal from the palace's terrace.
15. Museo Diocesano
Located in the Dorsoduro district, the Pinacoteca Manfrediana has become the Museo Diocesano of the city (Diocesan Museum).
It contains a marvelous collection of 65 paintings of Italian art and copies of paintings now housed in the major European museums. The pinacotheque is called "Manfrediana" from the name of its creator, Federico Manfredini.
A ticket of 8 euros is required for entry and it includes access to the Sacristy of the Basilica della Salute.
14. Giardino della Fondazione Querini Stampalia
Located near the Santa Maria Formosa church, in the Castello district, the Giardino della Fondazione Querini Stampalia is a beautiful garden that is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Venice.
The garden has been projected and imagined by the great architect Carlo Scarpa and it is one of the most beautiful gardens in the city.
Visitors can explore the garden's winding paths and admire the juxtaposition of old elements and new.
You can purchase the entrance ticket to the palace and have access to the splendid garden included.
13. Church of San Zaccaria
Located near St. Mark's Square, the Chiesa di San Zaccaria is a beautiful church that is often overlooked by visitors.
The church's interior is filled with stunning artwork and frescoes, including works by Giovanni Bellini and Tintoretto.
Admission is free.
12. Palazzo Fortuny
Located in the San Marco district, Palazzo Fortuny is a Gothic palace that houses a museum dedicated to the life and work of Mariano Fortuny, a famous Venetian artist and designer.
Visitors can explore the palace's ornate rooms and admire Fortuny's intricate textiles and fashion designs.
A ticket is required for entry. Find more info in our article.
11. Museo del Merletto di Burano
Located on the island of Burano, the Museo del Merletto di Burano is a museum dedicated to the history of Venetian lace-making.
Visitors can learn about the intricate techniques used to create lace and admire examples of this beautiful craft.
A ticket is required for entry but the visit is totally worth it.
10. Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Located in the San Polo district, the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is a stunning Gothic church that is home to many famous works of art, including Donatello's wooden sculpture of St. John the Baptist.
9. Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Located on the Grand Canal, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a museum dedicated to modern art.
Even though it can't be considered a proper hidden gem, it's certainly a museum that truly deserves your attention.
Visitors can explore the museum's collection of paintings and sculptures, including works by Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso. A ticket is required for entry.
8. Fondazione Cini
Located on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Fondazione Cini is a cultural center housed in a former monastery.
Visitors can explore the foundation's collection of art and artifacts, including works by Giovanni Bellini and Tintoretto.
A ticket is required for entry but it gives you access to some of the most beautiful places in the city, like the famous Borges Labyrinth. Check out our guide here.
7. Scuola Dalmata dei Santi Giorgio e Trifone
Located in the Castello district, the Scuola Dalmata dei Santi Giorgio e Trifone (or Scuola di S.Giorgio degli Schiavoni) is a beautiful church that is often overlooked by visitors.
The church's interior is filled with stunning artwork and frescoes, including works by Francesco Bassano and Tintoretto.
6. Museo Storico Navale di Venezia
Located in the Castello district, the Museo Storico Navale di Venezia is a museum dedicated to the history of the Venetian navy.
You can explore the museum's collection of ships, weapons, and naval artifacts, as well as the stunning views of the lagoon from the museum's terrace.
A ticket is required for entry.
5. Ca' Pesaro
Located on the Grand Canal, Ca' Pesaro is a beautiful Baroque palace that houses a modern art museum.
Visitors can explore the museum's collection of paintings and sculptures, including works by Klimt, Chagall, and Rodin. A ticket is required for entry.
However, inside Ca' Pesaro you can also visit the beautiful Oriental Art Museum, collecting pieces of art from Japan, China and Korea.
4. Oratorio dei Crociferi
Located in Campo dei Gesuiti, in the Cannaregio district, the Oratorio dei Crociferi is a beautiful church that is often overlooked by people visiting this area.
The church's interior is filled with stunning artwork and frescoes, including works by Jacopo Palma il Giovane.
3. Palazzo Rezzonico
Located on the Grand Canal, Palazzo Rezzonico is an elegant Baroque palace that houses a museum dedicated to the art and culture of 18th-century Venice.
Visitors can explore the palace's ornate rooms and admire its collection of paintings, decorative arts, and furniture. A ticket is required for entry.
2. Ca' Zenobio
Located in the Dorsoduro district, Ca' Zenobio is a stunning Baroque palace that is home to a beautiful garden and a collection of art and artifacts.
It is a project created at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries by Antonio Gaspari (a pupil of the better-known architect Baldassarre Longhena). Currently still owned by the Armenians, the palace is often partially rented out to be a venue for exhibitions, concerts or receptions.
A ticket is required for visit.
1. Chiesa di San Sebastiano
Located in the Dorsoduro district, the Chiesa di San Sebastiano is a beautiful church that is home to many of Paolo Veronese's most famous works.
Visitors can admire Veronese's stunning frescoes and paintings, as well as the church's beautiful marble decoration.
Which hidden gems are you going to discover?
Venice is a city full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
From stunning palaces and museums to peaceful gardens and churches, there is something for every kind of traveler.
So go ahead and explore the lesser-known sights of Venice, and you might just discover a new favorite spot.
