Let me guess. You are seeking some off-the-beaten-path locations in Venice and do not intend to enter any typical tourist traps in Venice. So, if you’re nodding in agreement as you read it, you’ve come to the right page. Apart from several well-known sights, Venice is also home to plenty of hidden gems. 

During my solo trip to Venice, I dug deep into what the city stands for instead of just seeing the tourist hotspots. And I ended up with some of the best-hidden gems in the city. Thus, in this blog post, I tailored my side of the unique experience in Venice. 

Here are seven hidden gems you must visit on your solo travel to Venice to make your trip not-so-ordinary. 

1. Cross the Bride of Fists

Apart from water, you’ll notice one thing in abundance in Venice, i.e., its bridges. To me, bridges in Venice are like threads that effortlessly weave the entire city together. While Venice has over 300 bridges, only a few, such as the Rialto Bridge (yes, Venice’s signature spot) and the Accademia Bridge, are visited by tourists.

As you’re looking for underrated things to do in Venice, I recommend crossing the Ponte dei Pugni, also known as the “Bridge of Fists,” at least once. It is one of the lesser-known bridges near the Campo San Bernaba area in the Dorsoduro district.

Although the bridge’s architecture may not appear unique, the history sets this place apart from the rest. During the 16th century, Venetian citizens were divided into two groups: the Castellani and the Nicolotti. They used fistfights on the bridge to knock their opponent into the canal. This public activity took place between September and December. 

Along with the captivating history of the location, the floating barge and the view of San Barnaba (especially at sunset) from the bridge will capture your attention. If you enjoy fresh produce, stop by the barge to buy some on your way back.

A quirky fact: The bridge was featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. 

2. Visit the Tintoretto’s Home

Tintoretto’s home lies in the most beautiful district of Venice – Cannaregio. It is one of the unique places in Venice you should visit on your solo hunt for hidden gems. 

Tintoretto, also known as Jacopo Robusti, was the greatest Renaissance painter of his era. And seeing where he spent his entire life creating masterpieces is an adventure, isn’t it?

You will notice how well it has retained its character as soon as you enter the house. It’s a feeling that can only be felt by entering the house. A few steps into the house, you will notice a statue of Hercules, which boldly displays the Italian painter’s talent.

After exploring the painter’s home, pay a visit to the Church of Madonna dell’Orto (another rare gem of the city). The church is the hub of the artworks of Tintoretto. Furthermore, the painter was buried in this church.

Fact: The Tintoretto’s Home rents out its first floor to tourists. However, it is somewhat expensive.

3. Climb up the bell tower of the Palladian Church

Craving for a view without interruption? Head to the campanile (Italian bell tower) of the Palladian Church. It is undoubtedly the best place I stumbled upon on my solo venture to the city. 

This campanile stands 63 meters tall on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. In 1791, the campanile was rebuilt a third time. Its beauty is intact to this day. The colour scheme and the angel with gold leaf at the top add to the allure of the tower.

You can take a lift (5 Euros) to the top from the back of San Giorgio Maggiore’s church, where you will find an alternate Venice. The views of Venice from here are unrivalled! You get to see the real sight of the city on water. In addition, you will see St. Mark’s Campanile, the Doge’s Palace, the islands, and so on. 

4. Discover the birthplace of Venice – Torcello

Torcello is a small, uninhabited island in the lagoon’s extreme north. It may be small, but it is worth a visit even if you do not intend to stay overnight. Take a day trip to the island and learn about its history and stories, as it was once home to 20,000 people.

It is said Venice began on this island. Now, it is still debatable whether it’s a myth or a reality. Whatever it is, to me, the island is the perfect little escape from the chaotic and crowded centre of Venice. 

You get to see the Byzantine-style Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and views of the neighbouring island Burano from the 11th-century old bell tower. You also get a glimpse of a bridge without parapets – Ponte Del Diavolo. To get to the island of Torcello, take line 12 of the water bus.  

A Tip: Single ticket for the water bus costs around €7.50 and is only valid for 75 minutes. Therefore, I highly recommend buying the day tickets, especially if you’re travelling to Venice on a budget.

5. Explore Libreria Acqua Alta

Bookworms or not, Libreria Acqua Alta must be on your list of things to do in Venice. That said, yes, it might not be that much of a hidden place, but it’s a gem of a place in Venice. 

The interior of this place (not like any typical library) is as unique as its name. Libreria Acqua Alta means “high water bookshop.” It was named this because of its proximity to a canal and possible flooding (high water). As a result, books are kept in bathtubs, canoes, and even gondolas.

Furthermore, every nook and cranny of this library is worth sharing on social media platforms. So don’t forget to take pictures. And do not forget to climb the staircase made of old books at the back. The view of the canals from there is surreal!

The library is open from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day of the week.

6. Savour at Cantina Do Mori

A classic place in Venice to taste the classic food – Cicchetti (finger foods with wine), Cantina Do Mori is one of the hidden gems in Venice. If you love old, rustic places with antique interiors, this is an ideal location in the backstreets. It’s the oldest wine bar (1462) in Venice, with an astounding collection of wines.

Although you don’t have proper seating, the vibe and atmosphere make up for it. I thoroughly enjoyed stuffing my mouth with classic Venetian delicacies. Don’t forget to try their tramezzini (crustless sandwiches), fried artichoke hearts, and eggplant parmigiana. 

The plus point of visiting this location is the opportunity to socialise with the locals over wine and food. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the Rialto Bridge. This restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. A meal here will cost you between €5 and €15.

7. Get curious at Corte Bressana

Do you have a curious mind? If so, go to Venice’s Corte Bressana, a haunted courtyard. The story surrounding this location is nothing short of a horror film (no joke!).

According to the story, the bell ringer of St. Mark’s Square made a deal to sell his skeleton to a scientist in exchange for money. He died soon after, and people feel his soul is still in Corte Bressana, begging for money to buy back his skeleton. 

What’s fascinating about this story is that the bell ringer’s skeleton is on display at the Natural History Museum of Venice.

That said, many ghost tours take place in the city. If you’re up for a spooky adventure, you should book yourself one and discover the hidden trails in the city.

Are you intrigued about going on a solo trip to Venice?

I am sure reading about all these unusual and not-so-common places in the city makes you want to pack your bags and leave for the ultimate solo trip to Venice. Because writing about these places surely compelled me to rediscover the city. 

Check out my blog to explore Venice like a true Italian. And if you know about such hidden places in Venice, drop them in the comments below. I will add it to my itinerary!

Until next time, happy travelling!