Lucy
What’s in this article
It’s here! The guide you’ve been waiting for
I’m thrilled to share the news I’ve been waiting to tell you: the new guide “Venice Like a Local: An insider’s guide to experiencing Venice beyond the crowds” is out now!
Why this “Venice like a local” guide is different
After years of wandering through Venice’s calli and campi, I’ve gathered all the secrets that only true Venetians know. This isn’t just another tourist guide that takes you to the same crowded spots, it’s your passport to discovering real Venice.
What you’ll find inside “Venice like a local”
Authentic bacari – Real osterie where you can eat cicchetti at Venetian prices (from €1.50!), not tourist prices;
Neighborhoods revealed – Secret itineraries through Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro away from the crowds
Hidden treasures – Free museums, churches with unknown masterpieces, accessible inner courtyards
Getting around like a pro – How to use vaporetti and ferries like a real Venetian
Lagoon islands – Murano, Burano and Torcello beyond the tourist traps
The art of living Venice
This guide will teach you how to do the “giro dei bacari”(Bacaro tour) while ordering like a local, how to join Venetian festivals as the residents see them, and how to recognize authentic Murano glass from imitations.
The details
- 189 pages of insider advice and stories
- Over 50 addresses of real places with updated prices
- Venetian glossary to speak with locals
- Annual calendar of real events
Get your copy here!
This guide is for anyone who wants to experience Venice authentically, respecting the city and its people. Because Venice isn’t just a postcard to visit, it’s a world to live.
Stop following the crowds. Start living Venice.
For a limited time you can read it for free in digital format with Kindle Unlimited subscription!
Happy reading and happy travels!
P.S.: Also perfect as a gift for those who travel with awareness!
If you’re planning a trip to Italy check out my step-by-step guide to plan your perfect trip to Italy!
F.A.Q. about Venice
The most authentic Venetian neighborhoods are Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, and Castello. Cannaregio is particularly beloved by locals as it’s the largest and most populous district, home to the historic Jewish Ghetto and Venice’s train station. Here you’ll find traditional bacari (wine bars) along Fondamenta della Misericordia and encounter locals going about their daily routines. Dorsoduro offers a more artistic and elegant atmosphere with the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and peaceful Campo Santa Margherita. Castello, being the largest sestiere, provides the most genuine local experience with hidden gardens, Via Garibaldi where locals shop and dine, and fewer tourist crowds
To eat like a local, skip the tourist restaurants near St. Mark’s Square and head to bacari, traditional Venetian wine bars that serve cicchetti (small plates similar to Spanish tapas). The authentic Venetian way is to stand at the bar with an “ombra” (small glass of local wine) paired with cicchetti like polpette (fried meatballs), sarde in saor (sardines with onions and pine nuts), or baccalà (creamed salt cod). Popular local spots include Al Timon in Cannaregio, Bar All’Arco near Rialto, and Osteria alla Frasca. The traditional bacaro tour happens during aperitivo time (5-7 PM), hopping from one bacaro to another.
Locals primarily use the vaporetto (water bus) system rather than expensive gondola rides. The vaporetto is Venice’s main public transportation, operated by ACTV, with Line 1 along the Grand Canal being particularly scenic and useful for tourists. For a truly local experience, take a traghetto, a public gondola ferry that crosses the Grand Canal for just a couple of euros. Locals also walk extensively through the city’s intricate network of calli (streets) and bridges. To save money and travel like a Venetian, purchase daily or multi-day vaporetto passes and use the AVM Venezia app for trip planning.
The optimal times for fewer crowds are early morning (6-8 AM) and late evening. Early risers can experience the Rialto Market coming to life around 7:30 AM and enjoy empty streets and peaceful canals. For seasonal planning, mid-November offers the most authentic experience with minimal crowds and locals reclaiming their city. Mid-March to early April provides the sweet spot of mild weather before Easter crowds arrive. Winter months, particularly January, offer the quietest experience, though some attractions may have limited hours. Dawn and dusk provide magical lighting for photography and the most peaceful atmosphere for exploration.
Shop where locals do at the Rialto Market for fresh produce, seafood, and seasonal specialties like castraure (Sant’Erasmo artichoke buds). For authentic Venetian crafts, visit workshops like Ca’ Macana for traditional mask-making classes, or find local glass artisans for genuine Murano glass pieces. Avoid mass-produced items from China by seeking out shops like Casin dei Nobili for quality masks and Livy Wine (established 1420) for local Veneto region wines. Local markets include the Venice Farmer’s Market at Santa Marta on Mondays and various neighborhood markets where you can find artisan cheeses, local honey, and regional specialties. Look for independent shops in quiet neighborhoods rather than tourist-heavy areas near major attractions.
