Where to Escape the Tourist Crowds

San Pantalon

Church concealing a vast ceiling painting that spans the heavens above.

The breathtaking ceiling, with its vibrant celestial scene and mesmerizing sense of depth, is sure to leave you in awe.

Da Vinci Interactive Museum

Museum featuring reproductions of Leonardo's masterpieces, with a focus on interactivity.

Get hands-on with Leonardo's mechanical inventions and be inspired by his sophisticated genius.

Campo Santa Margherita

The city's liveliest square, buzzing with local energy and offering a great starting place for a night out.

Relax and people-watch in this vibrant square and later get the party started!

San Nicolo dei Mendicoli

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.

San Sebastiano

Votive plague church adorned with vibrant paintings by Veronese, who is also buried here.

This was the three-decade 'workplace' of one of Venice's greatest painters. His dramatic works and the overall sense of peaceful harmony inside will captivate you.

Arsenale

Historic shipyard powering Venice's former naval supremacy.

Perfect for boys of all ages, yet everyone will be amazed by the history of the complex and fascinated by the giant sculpture depicting six pairs of hands.

Naval History Museum

Museum of Venice’s naval history, housed in the former Granary of the Serenissima Republic.

Overall, the museum is fascinating for children and essential for naval warfare enthusiasts. After all, how often do you get the chance to board a military submarine?

Giardini della Biennale

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.

Parco delle Rimembranze

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.

Santi Giovanni e Paolo

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.

Scuola di San Marco

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.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Often called a 'Renaissance jewelry box' for its exquisite polychrome marble panels, supposedly crafted from leftover marbles from St. Mark's Basilica.

Madonna dell'Orto

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.

Palazzo Mocenigo

Museum that acts as a time machine to the daily life of Venetian nobility at the height of the Republic.

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

Santi Maria e Donato

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.

Palazzo Fortuny

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.

Zattere

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.

Ghetto Ebraico

The term “ghetto” originated right here, in the area where Jews were compelled to live in the 16th century. Even today, echoes of this incredible past are still palpable.