Venice’s Unhidden Gems: 5 Places You Need to Visit
You know about the gondolas, the canals, and the “secret” (is it a secret if it’s all over TikTok?) photo spots, but are there parts of Venice that haven’t been found yet? Yes. And we found them.
As both a seasoned traveler and someone who is chronically online, I know that the travel recommendations I see on TikTok are going to be both overpriced and overcrowded. And that’s not for me. As someone who HATES crowds, my favorite thing to do in a new place is find small, local, quiet spots that help me experience the true way of life in a city.
After spending a week in Venice, I’ve made the definitive list of Venice’s hidden gems—that you won't find on TikTok. Some of these were stumbled upon, some were recommendations from expert Tour Directors, and some were sent to me by our wonderful travelers!
This isn’t a guide to the Venice you’ve seen on postcards or in your feed. This is Venice…unhidden.
Teatro Italia
An old-school, fresco-filled theater turned grocery store—all the vibes without the theatrics.
I came here for groceries, I stayed for the ceiling. Teatro Italia is a former 1910s theatre turned into a supermarket. It’s part of a larger chain now, sure, but somehow no one told the chandeliers that. They’re still hanging proudly over the pasta aisle like it’s opening night. There are frescoes on the ceiling, stained glass above the checkout lanes, and people casually inspecting tomatoes as if the building isn’t having a full-on architectural moment. The deli is literally on the stage…that must be some good mortadella.
Studio M Venezia
Home to the kind of jewelry that’ll have everyone asking “omg where did you get that?!”
This jewelry shop is a mashup of Venetian tradition and modern design. Studio M is a craft-your-own jewelry bar with traditionally made Murano glass charms. You can make necklaces, earrings, and bracelets and choose from tons of shapes, sizes, and colors of glass charms. The jewelry is amazing, but even more amazing are the women who work in the shop. Sarah (she was working during our visit) gave us the best recommendations and was amazing to talk to while we were picking out charms and customizing our jewelry.
Moro Café
The best coffee shop you walked by 1,000 times and didn’t realize it was there.
This one’s personal.
Morro Café is what I would describe as a coffee shop straight out of a fairytale. From the outside, it almost looks like a museum with a garden; but once you go inside, you’ll find the most delicious pastries and large floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the beautiful garden. We sat outside and enjoyed the fresh air and floral oasis while sipping on cappuccinos. To make this place even more perfect, there’s a flower shop right outside with colorful, fresh flowers for sale (also a cute photo spot).
Ristorante ai Barbacani
Where you will eat your heart out and get the most ICONIC “I’m in Venice” photo.
If you were asked to imagine the perfect Italian restaurant, with a cozy atmosphere and incredible views of the Venetian canals, you would probably see Ristorante ai Barbacani. This is one of the best restaurants in Venice—go to for the views and stay for the incredible food and friendly service.
For the iconic table right on the water, you’ll need to make reservations ahead of time, especially for dinner. We went for lunch (right when it opened) and were the only people there, so we were able to sit at the best table in the place without a reservation. This hidden gem is a little out of the way and a major upgrade from other, more touristy spots.
Pro tip: Get the tiramisu. Even if you’re full (you have a second stomach for a reason).
Sullaluna
Books and wine and quiet.
Sullaluna is the kind of place you find by accident and then build the rest of your day around, which is exactly what we did. We were exploring the Jewish Quarter of Venice (as Sarah, our friend at M Venezia recommended) when we stumbled upon Sullaluna and fell in love. It’s a bookshop and wine bar, need I say more? There are shelves of indie titles (some in English), natural wines you’ve never heard of (but are so amazing), and seating right on a canal. We ordered small bites and sat outside to enjoy the most peaceful breeze. This is one of those points in our trip when we just looked around were are so in awe that a place like this exists.
The best things to do in Venice, for me, weren’t the checklist items—they were the unexpected places that lead to good times with good people. Each of these hidden gem spots has a memory associated with them that will stick with me (plus the 1,000 photos that will live forever on my Insta). If you're headed to Venice, I hope you leave room in your itinerary for a little aimlessness—maybe you can discover your own hidden gems (and check out ours too).
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