Experiences to Try in Venice: Live the City Like a Local
Experiences in Venice: Beyond the Usual Landmarks
Venice is not only about bridges and palaces: it is a city to experience. Days unfold between calli, campos and canals, filled with the aroma of fresh coffee and the echo of footsteps on water. Here, experiences matter more than ticking boxes on a checklist. Whether you want to relax in a historic café, sail through the lagoon, or taste the local cuisine, you will find a rhythm that mirrors the heartbeat of the city. Here is a selection of authentic experiences to transform your stay into unforgettable memories.
Coffee (or Hot Chocolate) at Caffè Florian
Entering Caffè Florian in St. Mark’s Square means stepping back in time. Founded in 1720, it is one of the oldest cafés in the world still in operation. Among gilded stuccoes, mirrors, and velvet chairs, sipping an espresso, hot chocolate, or afternoon tea becomes a ritual halfway between art and conviviality. On sunny days, sit outside: live music and the reflections of the Basilica will do the rest.
Walking in Boots During High Water
Acqua alta (high tide) is part of Venice’s identity. When it happens, the city adapts: raised walkways, rubber boots, and patience. Walking in boots through flooded streets may surprise you, but it shows the deep bond between the city and its lagoon. It is an experience to live with respect, following local instructions: more than an inconvenience, it is a way to understand an amphibious city that turns the tide into everyday life.
Bacaro Tour: Cicchetti, Spritz, and Historic Taverns
The bacaro is a traditional Venetian tavern: simple atmosphere, wooden counter, glasses ready, and cicchetti on display. Cicchetti are small bites – from cod mousse to fried meatballs, from sardines in saor to marinated vegetables – to enjoy with a glass of wine or with the most famous aperitif born in Veneto, the Aperol Spritz (Prosecco, Aperol, a splash of soda, and a slice of orange). Doing a Bacaro Tour means hopping from one tavern to another, discovering historic venues like Al Timon, Paradiso Perduto, or Taverna Al Remer, where tradition meets creativity and live music.
Gondola Ride… or Gondola Traghetto
A gondola ride is a timeless classic, perfect for a special occasion or to admire palaces and corners invisible from the bridges. But to move like Venetians, there is the gondola traghetto, which allows you to cross the Grand Canal where there are no bridges. It is an essential, practical, and inexpensive service. Main stazi (stations) are Dogana, Santa Maria del Giglio, San Tomà, Riva del Vin, Riva del Carbon, and Santa Sofia. Step on board, stand like the locals (if you dare), and in just a few minutes you will be on the other side.
A Gianduiotto at Da Nico with a View of the Giudecca
On the Zattere promenade, the historic gelateria Da Nico is famous for its gianduiotto: a block of gianduia ice cream drowned in fresh whipped cream. Eating it while sitting on the stone wall overlooking the Giudecca Canal and the Church of the Redentore is a small Venetian ritual: simple, authentic, and with a view that changes with the light of day.
Climbing the Scala Contarini del Bovolo
The Scala Contarini del Bovolo is one of the city’s most distinctive architectures. Its external spiral staircase in brick and Istrian stone leads to a belvedere offering a panoramic view of rooftops, bell towers, and hidden courtyards. It is especially magical at sunset, when the bricks glow red and the city looks like a theater set.
By Vaporetto to Murano and Burano
The most Venetian way to move around is by vaporetto. The islands are unmissable: Murano, with its glass furnaces and demonstrations of glassblowing; Burano, famous for its colorful houses and lace. Sailing across the lagoon is an experience in itself: the landscape changes, sandbanks emerge, light reflects on the water, and every landing tells a different story.
Rialto Market: Flavors and Daily Life
The Rialto Market is the city’s gastronomic heart. Between stalls of fresh fish, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and lagoon products, you can feel the rhythm of everyday Venice. Go early in the morning to see crates being unloaded and hear vendors bargaining: it is a timeless scene that connects you with the city’s real soul.
An Evening Cooking Venetian Dishes
Want to take a bit of Venice home on your plate? Join a cooking class dedicated to local recipes: sardines in saor, bigoli in sauce, cod mousse, or cuttlefish risotto. The evening ends at the table, sharing the dishes with fellow participants: a convivial and fun way to learn flavors and stories of the lagoon.
The experiences to try in Venice are endless, each telling a different side of the city. From a toast with a Spritz to the islands of the lagoon, every moment becomes an unforgettable memory. And by staying at the Albergo Marin, thanks to its strategic location close to the station and the historic heart of Venice, you can set out each day to discover new emotions and live the city in all its authenticity. Our qualified staff is always at your disposal to recommend the most authentic experiences and help you plan tailored itineraries.
