Things to do in Venice

In Venice, each district is called a sestiere, split into six areas. The city has been organized this way since the 12th century, and today looks mostly the same as it did in the 1700s. Piazza San Marco is the most recognizable quarter with easy access to the Grand Canal, but hop in a gondola and you can arrive in areas where true Venetians eat, drink, and shop. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.

Cannaregio

This is where many locals live. It shares the same side of the Grand Canal as San Marco, and it is where you can explore the beautiful synagogues and Jewish Museum of Venice in the Venice Ghetto. Take guided tours to learn more of the area’s cultural history with a local historian.

Dorsoduro

This is the largest of the sestieri, and where you’ll find the Peggy Guggenheim and Accademia museums along with lively squares including Campo Santa Margherita. Find low-key restaurants, a gondola boatyard, and other sights on a walking tour to secret art spots.

Castello

Situated just east of Piazza San Marco, expect to find less crowds as you duck into a bacari (bar) for a glass of Prosecco and light tapas, which is called cicchetti here.

Each sestiere has its own personality when it comes to dining, but no matter where you are, you can fulfill cravings for an Italian coffee or pastry from a pasticceria. One common place locals love is the Rialto Market. Here, you can watch fishmongers toss fresh seafood in the air, or shop for fresh ingredients on your way to a cooking class. Street food is a popular choice here, and a local-led food tour could help in the decision-making process.

A day trip to the Prosecco region is a relaxing way to get out of the action and into the hills for bubbles in a vineyard and a meal at a local osteria. Most day trips can take about eight hours, and a private tour ensures round-trip transportation.