What do you need to see in Venice? Of course, the big attractions are a must, but I’m sharing 10 ideas and secret gems that will turn a day in Venice into something really special. From local spots to quirky traditions, good luck charms, and perfect photo ops, there’s plenty to discover.

I’m Helen, traveling Europe in my van and on all kinds of adventures. First tip: stay at the camper site in San Giuliano for €8 and grab a return ticket to Venice by boat for €1—they run hourly. Not only is it cheap, but it’s also a perfect way to see locals using the canals in their daily life.

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Prefer to see the chaos in action?

Landing at a local ferry stop instead of a tourist hub lets you explore the quieter streets where real Venetians live. Here, you can shop at local stores at local prices, like a wine shop where you bring empty bottles to fill up with wine.

While exploring, I found a secondhand store with something unexpected—a mink coat for €350. Venice is full of surprises like that.

If you want some good luck, check out the “hooks of fortune” sprinkled around the city. Locals touch them for luck, though they have a dark history: centuries ago, the hooks were used to display the body parts of executed criminals as a warning.

Hydration is important—Venice has fountains with fresh, drinkable water all over the city, so refill your bottles (unless, of course, they’re already full of wine!).

San Zaccaria Church is a fascinating spot. A church has stood here since the 9th century, with the current one dating to the 15th century. Pilgrims once flocked here to see relics, including a piece of the True Cross, though much was lost to fire. My favorite part? The crypt. Flooded with canal water, it creates a beautiful mirror effect reflecting the entire space.

For book lovers and Instagrammers, the Libreria Acqua Alta is a must-see. The shop cleverly stores books in boats and bathtubs to protect them from flooding. The result is a visually stunning spot and a favorite Instagram destination.

Photography tips: for the perfect shot of the Bridge of Sighs, head to the canal end of St. Mark’s Square where the gondolas dock. Instead of the usual crowds, stay at water level behind the bridge for a unique perspective. The bridge itself has a haunting story: prisoners crossed it and glimpsed their last view of Venice.

Not all columns survive Venice perfectly. Near St. Mark’s Square, a third column that once stood beside the winged lion of St. Mark and St. Theodore has been lost—it fell off a boat centuries ago. The area was once used for public executions and gambling.

The nearby St. Mark’s Basilica is stunning and rich in history. Behind it, a small statue dating to 300 AD depicts four Roman emperors. Stolen from Constantinople in the 13th century, it even has a foot that was broken off and later found in Istanbul.

Venice is also home to countless artists working in their windows—you can watch them create, admire their skill, and even buy their work. Museums are everywhere, and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum is an absolute must for art lovers.

While exploring back streets, make sure to cross all the bridges. There are hundreds, each unique and intricately decorated. Viewing a bridge from another bridge offers the best perspective, showing off the canals and gondolas. Speaking of gondolas, you might even catch a traffic jam of these iconic boats—watch and appreciate the incredible skill it takes to maneuver them through tiny canals.

And finally, enjoy the food. Venice has incredible local cuisine, and small bites, or cicchetti, are perfect for sampling along with a refreshing spritz. Watch out for seagulls—they’re huge and will happily steal a cannoli if you’re not careful!

Take your time, soak up the atmosphere, and let Venice work its magic.