A slow travelers guide to exploring Venice off the beaten path and away from the hum of typical touristy sights and sounds.

With its historical canals, gondolas, and winding streets, Venice is considered one of the most romantic and most famous cities in the world. But there is so much to see in Venice beyond the grand canal. It may take a lifetime to uncover, so Venice is a place that should not be rushed.

Venice always looks like something out of a fairytale. The Venetian air sends whiffs of salty sea air from the canals combined with detergent from the hanging laundry that sway in the gentle May breeze. No doubt, Venice is one of the most famous cities in the world that shares a lot of controversy and therefore, it has many layers to peel where its glamour will captivate your attention.

Hanna Amy, an avid traveler and photographer, takes us along a lessor, slower pace as she explores Venice for all the sights and sounds beyond the grand canal.

San Giorgio Maggiore island Across from the San Marco Square, Venice ItalyFrom Hanna,

While like Paris, Venice is always a wonderful place to visit no matter the time of year, May is a more optimal time to visit Venice as the high tides have stopped and the peak summer season is not at full capacity, meaning less tourists. You can explore the main landmarks early morning and evenings when the “day” crowds tend to thin out. During the summer the city can fill up with about 30,000 cruise ship visitors per day.  Walking through the maze-like streets reveals some of the most beautiful piazzas filled with arteries, clock towers, churches and little restaurants. One gondola ride away, the Venetian presence unravels between its tucked canals and gothic walls.Famed for its many bridges, decades of art and iconic sites, Venice is surrounded with charming facades, reflection-filled canals that will give your lens vast visual pleasure. Sit in a lazy piazza over strong espresso, allow locals to give historic insight, and breath in the humid sea breeze and experience the city through boat. Don’t forget to island hop. With the sunbaked roses spilling against ancient walls, study the details of hidden corners and allow Venice to show its true self. Witness the unique door knobs which reflect on the vast global trade mecca Venice once was, the street signs that were once carved by tradesmen and symbolic signs above doors that were used for protection. Venice has a mythical aura, that is best discovered when the city winds down.

Capture the beauty of local life in different neighbourhoods

A more commercial and historic part of the city are San Marco and San Polo areas that are the main touristy neighbourhoods that holds major landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge and the Basilica di San Marco. The sun hits the corner of the Doges palazzo at about 6.30am in May that reflects a misty hue of softness. It is best discovered empty to see the symmetry of the architecture, the oldest glass window in Europe and the beauty of the piazza uninterrupted by people. Peek through the bridge of sighs and experience an afternoon aperitivo at the iconic cafe Florian that is the oldest cafe of the city. The morning will give you painting-like empty streets that show traces of culture and history.

The Castello region is just minutes away from St Marco square. This neighbourhood will give you picturesque white laundry hanging from the window sills, plenty of greenery, hidden gardens and a tranquil mindset. Off the beaten track is Cannaregio, that is home to the jewish ghetto, a residential region full of Venetian restaurants and has a strong jazz scene. The area is filled with delicious bakeries and hidden cafes with mouth-watering pastry treats fresh from the oven. While everyone else is lining for Doge´s Palace, take a private photo/cultural tour with a local and learn about the hidden gems from a local standpoint. This was a highlight of my trip and highly recommend it to everyone. Slow down to seek inspiration at antique shops from teapot sets to melted platinum paper weights. Wander through the Peppy Guggenheim Collection, find handcrafted masks at Ca’ Macana in the Dorsoduro region and enjoy the smell of old books in Liberia Acqua Alta. Equally, be inspired by the dramatic allies, street artists and the life on water. Naturally, stop for numerous coffees, antipasto plates and take a boat ride to the islands. Burano is a must see and wander to a island resort for an calming lunch one afternoon. Other nearby islands include Murano and Giudecca Island.

Enjoy a long Lunch in the colorful island of Burano

Famous for stitching intricate lace in the 16th century, the picturesque island of Burano is about 45 minutes away from Venice by boat. Known for its colourful houses families used to distinguish their houses via paint to show off their quarters. According to legend, the houses are bright so fishermen could see the bright colours during fog. Enjoy an amazing seafood lunch outside by the canal (make sure to reserve a table) in Trattoria al Gatto Nero, that is buzzing with people. End the day with a mouth-watering gelato and walk around the splash of colours to put you in a great mood. Take a taxi boat during sunset so you can experience the magic of the lagoon at this hour. Venice may take a lifetime to uncover and there is so much beauty to discover, beyond the grand canal. Unlike any other place in the world, the floating city is a historical feast not only for the eyes but mind and soul.

{Photo and Words by Hanna Kirstiina Amy, Website: www.xoamys.com, Instagram: @xoamysnordic }

Visual Travel Log To Venice Italy

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