Best Venice Hidden Gem Attractions

THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Venice

Best Venice Hidden Gem Attractions

Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
117 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
…
Showing results 1-30 of 117

What travellers are saying

  • Christian M
    Copenhagen, Denmark6,223 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We’re lucky enough to be staying in the heart of the Cannaregio district, and we couldn’t be happier to be in such a calm and beautiful area just a 2-kilometer walk from St. Mark’s Square.

    The restaurants and bars are cozier and more affordable—we imagine this must be what experiencing Venice in the old days would have felt like.

    Both day and night, the neighborhood is a great place to stay and an excellent photo spot.
    Written 7 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cindy T
    Pinellas Park, FL243 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The photos do not do this justice. It is just stunning in person. I was there on a very rainy day, which worked out great because I took my time. First floor is very simple, second floor is jaw dropping. There is an admission fee to get in which I did not see listed anywhere in my research, but it was reasonable and worth it.
    At the back of the second floor is a table covered in mirrors. I realized those are for tourists to use to get a better view of the ceiling without getting a sore neck!!
    Written 21 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ksufan88
    Wichita, KS7,034 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Immediately after we entered this church and paid our admission, there was a stand containing brochures in multiple languages that highlighted the the top 20+ things to see within the church. It was helpful to have it along as we walked around to make sure that we didn’t miss anything. It also gave us the name or artist of each artwork. Several pieces also had signs in both Italian and English with additional information.
    Written 4 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lucian M
    Constanta, Romania2,644 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    While we arrived on the small island of San Giorgio Maggiore, we also entered the church of the abbey with the same name. Access for visitors is free.
    Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore is owned by the order of Benedictine monks. Its church was built between 1566 and 1610. Reconstruction and development work of the abbey extended in the centuries that followed. There is also a bell tower that I didn't know I could climb in. I missed a beautiful view of the city.
    The interior of the church is decorated with paintings by Tintoretto in particular. Interestingly, Benedictine monks kept strict control over how the interior of the church was decorated and did not allow it to be left out of the hands of wealthy families in Venice, as is the case in many of the city's churches. Only two such cases are known here: the chapel to the right of the great altar belongs to the Bollani family, and the altar to the left of the sanctuary belongs to the Morosini family – by the way, one of the most beautiful palaces with a façade on the Grand Canal belongs to this family.
    Written 27 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christian M
    Copenhagen, Denmark6,223 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    After you’ve had your fill of the major sights—St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal—where throngs of tourists and overpriced souvenirs dominate, it’s time to head over to the Dorsoduro district.

    Here, the streets are cozier, the crowds thinner, the osterias better, and the prices lower… naturally, as this is where the locals prefer to spend their time.

    The only downside is that you might regret not staying here instead. We certainly did, and we’re based in Cannaregio, which isn’t bad at all. But Dorsoduro stands out with its authentic, local vibe.
    Written 8 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ksufan88
    Wichita, KS7,034 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum closes at 5pm in the winter season and we arrived shortly before 4pm. We managed to see all 3 floors of the museum in an hour, but we had to rush ourselves through it. The top floor is not decorated as grandly as the lower two floors but the artwork is much better.
    Written 22 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sammi B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very helpful and passionate staff. They know their products and their value well. Followed up with us after our visit with more details in a timely fashion.
    Written 22 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Billy
    Canterbury, UK95 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very fortunate that our hotel only about 200 metres from the Palazzo.

    Great experience, very enjoyable. Loved the setting and moving rooms between acts and nice to receive complimentary Prosecco in the interval.

    We booked the tickets for La Traviata whilst in England , and they emailed to confirm and further email to confirm that we would be attending whilst in Venice, very professional.

    Besides the great performance, it was a delight to be in this building the palazzo barbarigo-minotto.

    Highly recommend this experience.
    Written 10 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • upstatenyc
    NYC77 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I enjoyed visiting the Jewish Ghetto even though it was a reminder of how Jews have been treated throughout history. However, the big Palestinian flag hanging from someone's apt window that greeted us at the entrance of the Ghetto was a reminder Jews are still not safe. If the Italian government wanted Jews to feel comfortable in modern-day Italy they would realize that the only reason a person would display this flag at the entrance of the Jewish Ghetto was to anger and intimidate Jewish visitors. That said I enjoyed the tour we took and made sure to buy a lot of souvenirs to bring back to NYC.
    Written 7 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lanie101
    Fallon, NV176 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Appreciated that our tickets were honored two days after original booking. It was POURING when we arrived in Venice and by the time we got checked into the hotel and to the Scala, they were closing. We tried again the next day and they closed early that day. We had time available on the 3rd day and they were gracious enough to honor our tickets. While we didn't spend more than about 30 minutes there, the views when we got to the top were wonderful.
    Written 24 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MangiaMuse
    Portland, ME71 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had the good fortune to stay on Campo Santa Margherita, and LOVED it. Such a sweet, lively square, and in Venice, the only noise is people enjoying life and suitcases rolling on the bricks. SO much better to be here than in San Marco, and it's close to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari church with the gorgeous Titian altarpiece. We'll be back
    Written 2 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pavlin
    Ljubljana, Slovenia11 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum is fun, and it's really cool that you can actually touch and play with the various contraptions that Da Vinci came up with. My only complaint (if we can call it that) is that it seems a bit small and put together in a bit of a hurry. Otherwise, a fun experience!
    Written 25 November 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CityScrolls
    Venice, Italy149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Venetian Arsenal is the historic shipyard that once powered the city’s naval supremacy. For centuries, Venice controlled the eastern Mediterranean, and the Arsenale's success was driven by defense spending in response to the perceived threat from the Ottoman Empire.

    Covering approximately 15% of Venice, the shipyards employed a remarkable workforce of 16,000, capable of constructing a galley in just a few hours using an advanced assembly line process.

    The location on the map marks the main historic gate, but don’t be disappointed if you can’t get inside, as this section of the Arsenal is closed to tourists since it remains a military base.

    However, entry to the northern section is free of charge and open year-round, providing visitors with valuable insight into the entire complex. The easiest way to reach it is by taking the water bus (#4.x or #5.x) to the stop 'Bacini - Arsenale Nord'.

    Here, you can explore ancient sheds and docks, read informative panels, and enjoy refreshments at Tesa 105 while spotting the 46-meter (150 ft) military submarine Enrico Dandolo (S 513) alongside the impressive 1885 hydraulic Gru Armstrong crane.

    Be sure to venture eastward as well, passing the older defenses (Torre dell'Arsenale) to reach the two large docks used for shipbuilding. Above the first dock, you'll find Lorenzo Quinn's monumental sculpture, 'Building Bridges,' which features six giant pairs of hands joined together atop the dock. This impressive work of art symbolizes six universal values of humanity: friendship, faith, help, love, hope, and wisdom.
    Written 3 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Arsen E
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    San Lazzaro degli Armeni is a small island near Venice, Italy, known for its deep Armenian cultural and historical significance. The island is home to a monastery founded in the early 18th century by Mekhitar of Sebaste, an Armenian Catholic monk. The Mekhitarist fathers have preserved Armenian heritage, manuscripts, and art for centuries, making the monastery a vital center of Armenian studies. Visitors are often captivated by the rich history, peaceful atmosphere, and rare collections of ancient books and artifacts. It’s a unique destination, offering insight into the Armenian diaspora’s resilience and cultural contributions.
    Written 7 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hotel A
    38 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brought an art history group and Sam at the church was BRILLIANT It's the perfect place to explore all the different sculptural styles with a stunning Bellini too. Allow a good hour to see it properly
    Written 31 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
All Venice HotelsVenice Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Venice
All things to do in Venice
Day Trips in Venice
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire