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16 Quiet Spots to Escape the Crowds

Without Crowds

If you steer clear of the typical tourist hotspots and venture off the beaten path, you’ll uncover fantastic, lesser-known spots that offer a more peaceful, authentic Venetian experience.

Some are truly hidden gems!


1

San Pantalon

San Pantalon : The church is renowned for its vast ceiling painting
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Behind the unassuming facade lies a breathtaking ceiling, alive with a vibrant celestial scene and a mesmerizing sense of depth.

Explore San Pantalon

2

Da Vinci Interactive Museum

Da Vinci Interactive Museum : The room with flying machines
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Get hands-on with Leonardo’s mechanical inventions and be inspired by his genius at this interactive museum, which also features high-res digital reproductions of his masterpieces.

Explore Da Vinci Interactive Museum

3

San Nicolo dei Mendicoli

San Nicolo dei Mendicoli : Gold leaf decorates not just frames but even the arches of stone columns — a lavish expense for a modest community
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Veneto-Byzantine church with a history of aiding the less fortunate.

It's a beautiful and tranquil church, nestled away from the crowds in a characterful part of Dorsoduro.

Explore San Nicolo dei Mendicoli

4

San Sebastiano

San Sebastiano : The bright interior is adorned with works by Veronese
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This was the three-decade 'workplace' of one of Venice’s greatest painters. His dramatic works, combined with the church’s serene atmosphere, create a captivating sense of peaceful harmony.

Explore San Sebastiano

5

Arsenale

Arsenale : The main waterway entrance
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This historic shipyard fueled Venice’s naval power for centuries and now offers an unforgettable adventure for boys of all ages — though everyone will be captivated by the site’s rich history and the giant sculpture of six pairs of hands.

Explore Arsenale

6

Naval History Museum

Naval History Museum : Inside the former oar joinery of the adjacent Arsenale, the Ships Pavilion displays one of its star exhibits: the Scalè Reale — a boat built in the early 19th century to transport high-ranking guests
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Set sail through history in this fascinating five-floor museum packed with naval exhibits, model fleets, weaponry, and uniforms — plus a full ships pavilion in the legendary Arsenal.

Explore Naval History Museum

7

Giardini della Biennale

Giardini della Biennale : The Giardini are the perfect place to relax end enjoy spectacular views over the entire San Marco basin.
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Napoleon's creation of the park marked Venice's first public green space, now a peaceful retreat offering sweeping lagoon views and serving as the heart of the Biennale art exhibition.

Explore Giardini della Biennale

8

Parco delle Rimembranze

Parco delle Rimembranze : The park is characterized by its unique umbrella pine trees, which offer a shaded retreat in the midst of a bustling urban setting
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Tranquil park with shaded pine trees, a playground and stunning views over the San Marco basin.

Escape the city's narrow streets and crowds to open, green expanses and witness one of the best sunsets.

Explore Parco delle Rimembranze

9

Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Santi Giovanni e Paolo : The main altar
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The largest church in Venice, serving as the final resting place for 25 Doges.

It's ok to feel small inside this Gothic giant. The upside is that there's so much to explore in what feels like an endless space. Admire masterpieces by Bellini, Lorenzetti, Lombardo and Veronese.

Explore Santi Giovanni e Paolo

10

Scuola di San Marco

Scuola di San Marco : The facade features many marble statues of angels, warriors, and other fantastical creatures
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Medical museum housed in a grand confraternity building dedicated to the patron saint of Venice.

In addition to experiencing the grand interior, you'll be impressed by the evolution of medicine since ancient times.

Explore Scuola di San Marco

11

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Santa Maria dei Miracoli : The narrow, tall nave has a raised altar so that everyone can see the venerated painting of the Virgin
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Often called a 'Renaissance jewelry box' for its exquisite polychrome marble panels, supposedly crafted from leftover marbles from St. Mark's Basilica.

Explore Santa Maria dei Miracoli

12

Madonna dell'Orto

Madonna dell'Orto : The 'Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple' was initially created as two vertical halves, a fact easily noticeable at the bottom, particularly in the child's dress
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Gothic church adorned with 10 impressive paintings by Tintoretto, who is also buried within.

This graceful church, containing two of Tintoretto's best works, is a must-see when exploring Cannaregio.

Explore Madonna dell'Orto

13

Palazzo Mocenigo

Palazzo Mocenigo : To evoke daily life as it was back then, rooms contain mannequins wearing ancient garments and accessories
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Museum that transports you into the everyday world of Venetian nobility during the Republic’s golden age.

Be instantly transported to a bygone era with richly detailed decor, lavish historic garments and an interactive fragrance exhibition.

Explore Palazzo Mocenigo

14

Santi Maria e Donato

Santi Maria e Donato : The entire church floor unfolds as one uninterrupted mosaic
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Old church with magnificent Byzantine mosaics and a dragon myth.

You'll be welcomed by an elegant exterior and then mesmerized by the mosaics inside. Kids will ask countless questions about the fabled dragon.

Explore Santi Maria e Donato

15

Palazzo Fortuny

Palazzo Fortuny : The Winter Garden is remarkable for its unexpected painting cycle on the wall, meticulously crafted by Fortuny over 25 years
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In the warm and inviting ambiance of Mariano Fortuny's former residence, the array of art is beyond words. With each display suggesting that the artistic work is still unfolding, you'll feel as though the artist could step into the room at any given moment, ready to continue his creative journey.

Explore Palazzo Fortuny

16

Zattere

Zattere : Zattere is a favorite spot for the local 'ritual' of La Passeggiata (the promenade)
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Sun-bathed waterfront on the south of Dorsoduro.

The promenade is such a soothing spot, perfect for enjoying the local atmosphere. Watch the sunset while sipping an aperitivo and prepare for the evening.

Explore Zattere

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