When it comes to exploring a city like Venice, you might have a dozen locations and ideas scribbled on your itinerary. Because this Northern Italian location is the stuff of myth and legend, it’s a common destination for holidaymakers. The area has a population of just over 260,000—but will play host to some five million tourists each year, who flock to the city for festivals like the Venice Carnival.

Depending on when you travel to Venice, you may very well find it overrun with tourists. This can make it difficult to really explore the canals and hidden gems, if not outright impossible. To help you through a busy tourist season, we’ve created a list of secret places that you can find in Venice.

First up, we’re exploring two of the city’s greatest treasures—both of which are hidden right in plain sight.

Casino di Venezia

The Casino di Venezia has a very long history stretching back to the 1600s. The former palace is currently one of Europe’s most luxurious locations thanks to its closely renovated halls. But not many people schedule a trip there during their time in Venice. That’s because most people today prefer to play casino games online. Thanks to the power of random number generators and online guides, players can learn more about a roulette board layout and the rules of the game, and then get started playing with a virtual croupier. It’s both convenient and accessible. 

So, is it really worth it to visit a real-life casino when it’s just as easy to play online? In the case of the Casino di Venezia, it absolutely is. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time as soon you step foot inside.

Scuola Grande di San Marco

Let’s keep with the same theme: gems hidden in plain sight. In this case, we’re talking about the Scuola Grande di San Marco. Not many will plan a trip to this location because it’s a local hospital. However, there’s a semi-hidden staircase at the food of the Scuola, founded back in 1261, that takes visitors into a free Museum of Medicine. 

The museum’s design is stunning enough to warrant a visit. However, there are also ancient texts and medical artifacts that will keep you engaged for hours. If you like, you can take a virtual tour to explore the museum first.

Cannaregio

Rather than recommend a single location, let’s focus on one of Venice’s lesser-known regions: Cannaregio. This area has a great ambiance once you step away from the busy train station. So, while it might seem touristy, you simply have to move onto a less busy canal. Keep a lookout for Jewish restaurants and other locations, as this area has tons of unique history. Similarly, you can also take a cultural tour that will bring you straight to Cannaregio’s quietest canals.

Burano

Let’s shift our focus onto another region in Venice. Burano is actually a small island located in Venice’s northern lagoon. Similar to Cannaregio, it will allow you to step outside the hustle and bustle of tourists to experience the slower pace of life that locals are used to. However, you’ll need to take a short water taxi to get ‘out of town’. After you do, you’ll be treated to a colorful neighborhood with some of the best seafood eateries in the city.

Libreria Aqua Alta

Some people truly enjoy hunting for their souvenirs. If that’s the case, then you should absolutely plan a trip to Libreria Aqua Alta. This ‘bookstore’ is more like an eclectic mix of antiques and old tomes. Books are organized and stacked amongst canoes and barrels and tons of other ancient pieces. Around the back, there’s even a staircase created from books—which unfortunately aren’t for sale.

Ponte de Chiodo

You won’t be at a loss for picturesque bridges during your stay in Venice. However, you may notice that the vast majority (all aside from two) have guard rails. That’s not the case with the Ponte de Chiodo, which represents a formerly popular way of building bridges in Venice. This location can be found in Cannaregio, mentioned above, and is located in the heart of its peaceful canals, populated by locals.