9 best alternative things to do in Venice: spritz, views, and kayak tours
Venice tours in Italy usually take in the Canal Grande, a ride in a gondola, the iconic Rialto Bridge, and St. Mark’s Square. Of course, these are all things that need ticking off on your bucket list. But there’s much more to Venice than old buildings and black boats. Here are some of the other things you should try as alternatives to the usual excursions.
1. Try the real Venetian spritz
In Venice, Italy, you have the equivalent of a martini in the spritz, and the Venetians believe there’s only one way to make it – their way. Originally, it started out as watered down wine by the Austrian nobles occupying Venice. However, the Venetians spiced it up by adding a liqueur. Campari, Aperol, or Cynar is added to white wine and seltzer. Served up with olives it’s a must-try drink at one of the canal-front bars.
2. Skyline Roof Top Bar for amazing views of Venice
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The Hilton Molino Stucky Hotel in Venice welcomes non-guests, so head on up to the eighth floor to the Skyline Roof Top Bar. If you go along later in the day, enjoy a cocktail while the sunset presents an amazing view of Venice.
3. You tasted Italy’s food – learn how to cook it
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Everywhere in Venice, Italian cuisine just keeps coming. But why leave it at that? Take your vacation memories home with you by learning how to cook in Venice. The Acquolina Cooking School offers lessons in the preparation of authentic Venetian dishes. Afterward, you get to taste the delicious menu items.
4. Kayak Venice, Italy
After you’ve been on the Canal Grande, taken a ride on a gondola or ridden on a water taxi, that’s not the end of your boating adventures. Go eco-friendly and explore the city in a kayak. Real Venetian Kayak offers group and private tours, and even a night kayak experience. Paddle around the waterways least explored by tourists. The tours bring a unique sea-level perspective you won’t forget.
5. Watch a football match at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo
The Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo is not the biggest stadium in Italy, but if you love football and enjoy the fervor of home crowds, take in a match. The Italian ambiance is very special. You’ll find the stadium at Fondamenta S.Elena, 5 Sant’Elena Island and can get there by river bus from near St. Marks. Make sure you have your passport as you need it to enter the stadium.
6. Listen to music & crawl the bars in Campo Santa Margarita
Venice seems to close up early, but that’s not always true. Head for Campo Santa Margarita in Dorsoduro for a livelier night experience. Alternatively, go to Fondamenta della Misericordia in Cannaregio. These are the areas where the students hang out. Often, there’s live music and bars that stay open until the wee hours of the night.
7. Coffee at sunrise with the locals
Get out at sunrise and miss the crowds by arriving at the Caffe Florian in the Piazza San Marco very early. People enjoyed this place since the 1700s for some early morning brew. Casanova, Dickens, and Hemingway all enjoyed the place and you will too. As only about one-third of visitors to Venice actually overnight in the town, you’ll experience what the real Venice is like before the crowds and the prices increase.
8. Go jogging or picnic in Parco delle Rimembranze
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When you go jogging in this green space in Venice, you’ll find a beautiful park. A long path that crosses the gardens is ideal for fitness buffs. You don’t have to run, as it’s a lovely spot for a stroll far away from the bustle of town. You could make a half day of it by stopping off at the Rialto Market to make up a picnic basket. From the top of the small hill, nice views of Venice make for a different panorama.
9. Enjoy some lively Latin Jazz at the Jazz Club in Dorsoduro
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The Jazz Club is the kind of place where you drink some wine and listen to local artists. The music’s more lively than soulful on Tuesdays and Fridays and will get you toe-tapping in your chair. The club has live concerts every day except Thursdays and Sundays which start at 9.00 PM. They serve cocktails and light meals as well and your first drink’s included in the price.
