Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world, yet for its residents it remains, above all, a place shaped by simple habits, slow rhythms, and small everyday gestures. Experiencing Venice like a local means looking beyond the most photographed landmarks and embracing the city in a more authentic, respectful, and sustainable way, while also helping to reduce the impact of overtourism.

Here are some practical tips to explore a more genuine side of Venice—a little further away from the spotlight, but much closer to the hearts of those who call it home.

1. Walk Everywhere (and Take Your Time)

In Venice, walking is simply part of daily life. Getting around on foot is not only the easiest way to navigate the maze of calli and campielli, but also the most authentic one. Let go of strict itineraries and allow yourself the luxury of getting lost: it’s often off the main routes that you’ll stumble upon quiet, unexpected corners.

A true “local tip” is to wander through the less famous districts such as Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, or Sant’Elena, where our Hotel Indigo Venice is located. The ideal time is early morning or late afternoon, when the city is quieter and back in the hands of its residents.

2. Experience the Campi, not just the Famous Squares

Piazza San Marco is an undeniably must-see, but locals definitely prefer the campi: the true gathering places of everyday life. Campo Santa Margherita, Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio, or Campo dei Gesuiti are lively spots where students, families, and longtime residents naturally come together.

Sitting on a bench, watching daily life unfold, or having a drink at a local bar is a simple way to feel part of the city, leaving behind the crowd of its most iconic spots.

3. Choose Mindfully Where You Eat

Venetian cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition and seasonality. Those who truly know the city tend to avoid restaurants displaying tourist menus and instead seek out osterie and bacari favored by locals.

Try an ombra (a small glass of wine) paired with simple cicchetti (local tapas), choosing places that use local ingredients and don’t cater mass tourism. Another helpful tip is to have lunch just before or after peak hours, which also contributes to a more balanced flow of visitors.

You’ll find plenty of inspiration in our articles dedicated to Venice Itinerary: Discovering Bacari and Street Food.

4. Respect the City’s Rhythm

Venice is not an amusement park, but a living city. Venetians shop at local markets, commute by vaporetto, and chat with neighbours on their doorsteps. Try to avoid behaviors that disrupt daily life, such as sitting on monument steps or eating in areas where it’s not permitted.

Small gestures of consideration go a long way in keeping Venice welcoming for those who live here and for those who come to discover it.

5. Discover a Quiet, Cultural Venice

Beyond its most famous museums, Venice is home to less well-known churches, cultural foundations, artisan workshops, and independent bookshops. Visiting these places supports local culture and helps distribute tourism more evenly across the city.

Choosing to visit major attractions at quieter times, such as early in the morning or during the low season, is not only a conscious decision, but also a smart one.

Experiencing Venice like a local doesn’t mean giving up its wonders, but discovering them through a different lens: attentive, unhurried, and more respectful. A way of traveling that goes beyond ticking boxes on a list, and that focuses on making the experience more authentic while helping to preserve the unique soul of this extraordinary, yet fragile, city.