Venice is one of the ‘Big Three’ cities to visit in Italy. However, if you’re looking for Holidays in Venice but want to do more than take a selfie on the Rialto bridge what is there to see?

Being married to an Italian, I’m often lucky enough to see Venice as an Italian with a bit more local knowledge and understanding of the culture.

Our experiences here from Venice carnival in full costume to eating traditional Venetian baccala’ are all embedded in our memories.

So what can you do if you would like to feel you’ve seen more of the real Venice and not just scratched the surface of the tourist trail?

1. Gondola Factory

At the San Trovaso Squero workshop in Dorsoduro area, you can discover how gondolas are constructed. Most people don’t see this but just take a ride in them!

Both the San Trovaso and Squero Tramontin are workshops where you can learn from the artisans how they create a gondola, with most methods being unchanged for centuries. The makers share with you the secrets of this ancient art and how they calculate the size and structure of the boat depending on each gondolier and their individual weight.

2. Visit Burano Island

Just 45mins from the main Venice island (San Zaccaria stop near St. Mark’s Square) is the beautiful island of Burano. Famous for its sweet lines of brightly coloured houses. These were painted to make their homes more visible from the sea.

Burano is a quaint, working fishing village and special because it’s less disturbed than other areas of Venice as not everyone has time to travel there. It’s so far not spoiled by visitors and the considerate slow tourism contributes to its survival.

It’s also well known for its long history of handmade lace so if you want to take home a really unique souvenir or gift this is a great place to find something.

Being a fishing village the food here is incredibly fresh and delicious. Take the Vaporetto over for a day and enjoy.

3. Dine at a Palace

On another little island, 10 mins by private boat from Venice is San Clemente Island and the San Clemente Palace Kempinski Hotel. This stunning hotel and gardens are accessible only by private boat transfer from a mooring by Piazza San Marco.

If you can afford to stay here, do so! There are sumptuous rooms and incredible views towards Venice. If not head over for dinner, drinks or to use the spa. It’s spectacular and definitely one to impress someone with.

4. Try your hand at mask making

If you would love to know more about the history of the Venetian mask, head to the workshop at Ca’ Macana shop. They have a range of experiences on offer for visitors.

These include learning about how original carnival masks are made, making your own mask, decorating it with rhinestones, feathers and more.

5. Opera

Venice’s Opera House, La Fenice is one of the most famous in Venice and around the world. It’s often the theatre which hosts Opera World premieres and other glamorous events.

Even if you don’t have a ticket for a performance you can visit the Opera house during the day for around €10 and view the beautiful red and gold interior.

6. Murano

Murano glass is known around the world for its superior quality and distinctive designs. Colourful glass chandeliers have graced Venetian palaces and villas from 10th Century.

To visit Murano island which is the only place true handblown Murano glass is made, take a water taxi/bus to the Murano Faro stop.

If you would like to purchase an item to take home remember to be aware of forgeries. Paperweights are the most common items to be faked. This is also a great guide on how to find an authentic item to take home with you.

7. Hunt for Lions

Yes I mean lions! All around Venice if you look carefully you’ll see images of winged lions on buildings and columns. This is the Lion of Saint Mark, the patron Saint of Venice.

Legend has it that when Mark was sailing towards Alexandria of Eqypt he took shelter from a storm in some fishermen’s huts in Venice. There an angel, represented as a winged lion appeared to him in a dream and told him his body would rest in Venice.

Mark continued his trip to Egypt and died in Alexandria. However, the story of his dream was passed down and Venetians felt his remains should return to Venice.

In 828 his remains were stolen in Alexandria of Egypt and welcomed back to Venice. The first basilica dedicated to Saint Mark was then consecrated. From that moment he became the patron Saint of Venice.

So how do you find the winged lions?

Start in Saint Mark’s Square. You will find examples on the clock tower, the basilica, the Doge’s Palace and on pillars. Once you spot some of these you start to see them everywhere even in paintings.

Some of the lions tell you at what point in history they were created. If the book in the lion’s paw is open, Venice was at peace. When the book is closed, Venice was at war.