Ultimate Guide to Venice's Hidden Gems

Celebrated for it's incredible architecture, rich culture, intriguing history, and romantic canals, Venice is a great destination for those interested in history and traditional design. But aside from the major attractions and tourist hot-spots, there’s a whole world of hidden gems to uncover here.

With a range of unique attractions, hotels and restaurants, Venice is the perfect spot to visit for travelers looking to seek out some hidden gems, for a truly one-of-a-kind visit.

Best Hidden Gem Hotels in Venice

Known for its rich culture and history, as well as its iconic architectural styles and signature canals, Venice has plenty of great views and design choices when it comes to it’s best hotels. That said, there are plenty of small boutique hotels and hidden gems that many tourists overlook in favor of staying at a name-brand hotel. From renovated 16th-century palaces, to idyllic spots dotted around an island, there’s a unique, hidden-gem experience for anyone looking for the perfect spot to stay in Venice.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere with traditional yet timeless design choices, or are simply looking for a unique, modern stay that takes you out of the hustle and bustle of the city, Venice’s diverse hotel scene ensures you’ll find the perfect spot to retreat to. Let’s take a look at some of the city’s best hidden-gem hotels.

Palazzo Experimental, Dorsoduro, Venice

Il Palazzo Experimental is a stunning boutique hotel that is a true hidden gem in Venice. Designed by one of the world’s best hotel designers, Dorothée Meilichzon, this hotel is just as impressive visually as it is convenient. Located in the Dorsoduro district, it sits just 1.1 miles from Mark's Square and Basilica and within a 20-minute walk of Rialto Bridge. This quieter location provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Housed in a traditional building, this stunning hotel is both beautiful from the outside and the inside and features a stunning back garden that looks out over the canal. There’s a great selection of on-site amenities, including free Wi-Fi throughout, a wine bar, a buffet breakfast served every morning, and the outstanding on-site restaurant, Restorante Adriatica, which presents modern, seasonal Italian dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

Each of the 32 contemporary rooms is flooded with natural light and features great amenities including a desk, flat-screen TV, coffee machines, and radios. Whether you’re hoping to stay in a single, double, or even a luxurious suite, there’s a guarantee that you’ll be impressed with your choice, thanks to the stunning decor which features a contrasting combination of light and bold color tones, and bespoke, chic furnishings. Some rooms also offer stunning views of the  Canale della Giudecca, and others overlook the hotel’s gardens.

Al Ponte Antico, Cannaregio, Venice

Facing Venice’s Grand Canal and boasting stunning views of the Rialto Bridge, Al Ponte Antico is a stunning 14th-century palace that now stands as a boutique hotel in an almost unbeatable location. Just a 10-minute walk from San Marco Square and with St. Mark’s Basilica, and a selection of gorgeous wine bars right on the doorstep, why stay anywhere else?

The ornate decor and original wooden ceilings of the lounge area are a true touch of elegance, and welcome you to the property as though you have just stepped back in time. You can still enjoy modern-day services though, with free Wi-Fi throughout the property, a daily breakfast buffet (featuring homemade pastries and other mouthwatering delicacies), great hospitality, and a stunning shared terrace area with beautiful panoramic views

Each room is decorated in the style of Louis XV and boasts elegant furnishings and touches, including chandeliers, tapestries, carpets, and regal yet comfortable couches. Again, their design blends seamlessly with modern living, thanks to the air conditioning, satellite flat-screen TVs, and minibars. If you’re looking for a truly unique stay here, we recommend the Junior Suite, which features a beautiful beamed ceiling, a separate living space with arches, and a gorgeous private patio that looks out over the Grand Canal.

Venissa Wine Resort, Burano, Venice

Located in the Mazzorbo Islands in Nothern Venice, this stunning (yet tiny) boutique resort is accessible via Waterbus, which can take you to the center of Venice in just a 40-minute ride. This makes it a perfect choice if you’re hunting for somewhere outside the city, untouched and unheard of by most tourists.

The renovated Venissa Wine Resort is surrounded by its landscape of orchards and vineyards, not only are the views amazing, but the service here is unparalleled. With free Wi-Fi throughout, scenic wine tours, and the Michelin-starred Restorante Venissa serving delicious meals, there’s plenty to be enjoyed here. Guests can enjoy homemade cakes, yogurt, and hot drinks, alongside cold cuts and cheeses for breakfast, and also purchase wine produced at the resort to take home.

Each of the five rooms at the hotel is equally as sophisticated as the service. They have exposed-beam ceilings, parquet floors, and modern furnishings. Rooms also come with a desk, a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning.

Casa Burano, Burano, Venice

Burano is a small, colorful island that many visitors take a day trip to. These days, though, it's a perfect retreat for those wanting a calm spot away from the hustle and bustle of Venice. Casa Burano is a unique type of stay in that it’s actually located in five design-centered residences across the island, each with its own unique style and character.

Casa Burano is design-centered and was created in collaboration with local designers and firms including Morso, Panto, Arclinea, and FortanaArte to create distinct looks at each of the properties with local designer furnishings and modern aesthetics. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout, and even a shared lounge spot to relax at.

Each en-suite stay boasts a flat-screen satellite TV, air-conditioning and heating, a minibar, free Wi-Fi, and ergonomic mattresses.

Ca Maria Adele, Dorsoduro, Venice

Located in the quiet neighborhood of Dorsoduro, this 16th-century palace overlooks Santa Maria della Salute Basilica and boasts stunning views of the Grand Canal. There’s plenty to do right on the doorstep, with Peggy Guggenheim Museum just 656 feet away, and Accademia Bridge within a five-minute walk.

Created by Alessio and Nicola Campa, this hotel boasts colorful interiors that mix Arabian and African furnishings with traditional Venetian decor, to create an intimate and romantic ambiance that makes it one of Venice’s most romantic boutique hotels. Guests can choose their a la carte breakfast on an evening, and even note where they’d like to be served it (in their bedroom, on the rooftop terrace, or in the lounge) - helping you to create your picture-perfect getaway.

With 12 luxuriously decorated rooms, this hotel is indeed small but boasts stunning decorations that exude an ambiance of grandiosity. Each room boasts a luxurious king-size bed, an LCD satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi. There are deluxe rooms, suites, and unique and eclectic concept rooms for those looking for something truly unusual (think extravagant chandeliers, daring color palettes, and minibars with complimentary soft drinks!)

Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Venice

Italy is world-famous for its outstanding dining scene and mouthwatering traditional dishes, and of course, Venice is no different. There’s a diverse array of options here, but of course, if you’re looking for hidden gems, it’s only right to include some of the best of the best when it comes to traditional Italian dining that most travelers may overlook.

From rooftop terraces and fine dining experiences to tiny wine bars and restaurants that are tucked away down side streets and by small canals, there’s a huge array of hidden gems in Venice's dining scene that simply aren’t to be missed.

Trattoria Antiche Carampane, San Polo, Venice

Owned by the Bortoluzzi family, this gorgeous restaurant is hidden among the streets of San Polo and serves up an array of traditional culinary delights that have stood the test of time. With a passion for fresh ingredients, the classic Venetian fare is of high quality here and attracts many celebrities and opulent individuals who are in the know of its existence.

Some of the best dishes include the fresh catch of the day, baccalà mantecato (creamed salt cod), and the delicious seafood platters. Reservations are essential when looking to dine here.

Terrazza Danieli, Castello, Venice

Many tourists like to stay at ground level when dining in a new city, and as such, they miss out on some of the best dining options available. Situated on the top of the iconic Hotel Danieli is the outstanding Terrazza Danieli, which boasts a menu that showcases recipes that date back to the 19th century.

Not only does it boast some truly outstanding views for anyone who ventures up here, overlooking the Grand Canal, Punta della Dogana, Giudecca, and San Giorgio Maggiore, but also some of the most unmissable food in the city. We truly recommend 1909’s Dandolo risotto with sea urchin, sole, and fresh tomatoes.

Vero - Venetian Roots, Castello, Venice

Vero, meaning ‘true’ in Italian, also means ‘Venetian roots’ to chef Luigi Lionetti. Located at the upscale Ca’ di Dio hotel on the Riva degli Schiavoni this upscale restaurant is run by Michelin-star chef Lionetti and utilizes products from across Italy to create decadent tasting menus.

Lagoon fish, vegetables, and herbs from the island of Sant’Erasmo are coupled with the likes of delectable Sicilian prawns, aged parmesan, and Campanian olive oil to create a cacophony of tastes and textures that celebrate the Mediterranean across each plate.

Enoteca Al Volto, San Marco, Venice

A charming little wine bar that has tempted locals and visitors alike since its establishment back in 1936, this gorgeous spot serves of tasty classic bar snack and hearty Venetian cuisine. Located near Rialto Bridge, this establishment takes you back in time thanks to its unusual decor of vintage wine labels that cover the ceiling.

The prices here are incredibly reasonable, and the portions are rather generous too, so this is certainly the place to be if you’re looking to get the most for your money. Diners can enjoy classic dishes, such as spaghetti and clams, a great selection of house wines, and impeccable service. Reservations are essential if you plan on dining here.

La Zucca, Santa Croce, Venice

This tiny dining room is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there, hence the need to include it on this list of Venice’s best hidden gem restaurants. La Zucca (meaning “the pumpkin”) is a small spot by the canal that offers not only a gorgeous romantic setting reminiscent of a movie but also one of Venice’s most unique and intriguing menus.

Vegetables are the star of the show here, making it a great choice for any vegetarians, but there are plenty of specialties that take pride of place on the daily rotating menu of specials (including the decadent roasted rabbit with chestnuts!). Many of the fan-favorite dishes are completely vegetable-based though, and as such, the restaurant's signature dish, the pumpkin and ricotta flan is truly one of the most unmissable menu items. Reservations are essential if you would like to dine here.

Best Hidden Gems in Venice

Venice is home to many stunning attractions, so many in fact, that some go under the radar with most tourists. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and indulge in some lesser-known history attractions, then here are a few to add to your itinerary!

From the oldest casino in the world to unique architectural marvels, there’s something for every kind of visitor to discover in Venice.

San Zaccaria’s Flooded Crypt, Castello, Venice

Many tourists aren’t aware of this, but many of the buildings in Venice have flooded basements. No one but the owners usually see this, however when it comes to the flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria Church in the area of Castello, it’s a whole other story.

This unusual attraction isn’t something that many tourists are even aware exists, making it a truly unique hidden gem in Venice. This gothic-style church sits near San Marco Square and boasts a range of Renaissance elements that were added at a later date, making it a true marvel for those interested in architecture and history.

The flooded crypt beneath this church has a somewhat eerie, otherworldly ambiance that feels almost like you’ve stepped right out of Venice and into an action-thriller movie! The resting place of the Doges of Venice, their tombs appear to float atop the water, making them a truly spectacular sight.

Fondaco dei Tedeschi, Venice

If you’re looking for an unusual shopping experience that most tourists overlook in favor of boutiques and modern outlets, then look no further than Fondaco dei Tedesch. This luxurious shopping mall is located inside a historical, Renaissance-style palace.

Not only is it one of the most unique malls you’ll ever visit, but it also boasts a stunning, romantic rooftop terrace that boasts sweeping views of the Canale Grande and the rest of the city. You’ll need to book a timeslot in advance, as even though fewer tourists know it is here, it does get popular around sunset!

Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Castello, Venice

Campo San Giovanni e Paolo is one of Venice’s most unique squares, thank to the two churches here, which are joined together by a wall. The Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo  is one of Venice’s largest churches, and dates all the way back to the early 14th century.

Adjoining this spectacular building is the church of San Lazzaro dei Mendicanti. Today it serves as the Civic hospital of Venice, but was once used for treating patients with leprosy, as well as helping the homeless. It boasted a music school, and would host poor girls and encourage them to take part in music classes. One of the teachers was actually the father of the famous composer Antonio Vivaldi, who worked here between 1689 and 1693!

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, San Marco, Venice

“Bovolo”, meaning “snail” in the Venetian dialect, refers to the unique exterior of this tiny little palace, thanks to its intriguing, one-of-a-kind exterior spiral staircase (reminiscent of a snail’s shell!) This gorgeous spot is tucked away down an alley, and while it’s truly beautiful, not many people know that it’s here.

A true masterpiece of Gothic, Byzantine, and Renaissance architecture, it’s a striking sight to behold for those interested in architectural history, or a unique blend of architectural styles. Its six floors are constructed from red and white bricks, and boast an assortment of intricate arches and artistic columns. 

Head up the stairs and to the arcade at the top for stunning views across the city.

Casino of Venezia, Cannaregio, Venice

Hidden away just off Strada Nova is the beautiful Casino de Venezia. Not only is it located inside a truly beautiful palace, but it is also the oldest Casino in the world - Dating all the way back to 1638! 

This stunning piece of architecture and history simply exudes Venetian charm, and while it isn't as grand as the Casinos in Las Vegas, it's a stunning peek into history. Worry not if you'd like to see this and don't gamble though, you can simply take a look around, or even join a tour!